LAKE MARTIN LIVING'S FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS PREVIEW

“That is where we go if we need to talk or plan. The night of the First United Methodist Fire, this place was a madhouse, but we were on it, and we had our equipment ready.”

The municipal court has also been moved to the new building, although that was not always the plan.

“The municipal courts handle tickets, fees, etc., and we couldn’t leave them over at the old courthouse by themselves,” Baird explained. “They needed to be near or with the police department. We wanted to move them over here, but the space allocated for the office was not a big enough space for two people to operate it successfully.

“I reached out to the CJ Coley Courthouse and inquired about moving the municipal court there, but after going round and round with them, it was obvious that they did not want us there. So I got with the clerk of court, the city judge and the police department, and we came over here and figured out how to make it work here,” Baird said.

After careful consideration, it was determined that the council chamber could also be used as a courtroom. The payment window that was previously installed upfront near the police station was relocated to the available office space near the elevators on the main floor.

“We want these women to be protected,” Baird said. “So we made sure that there was a barrier to do business through. They are collecting money owed, signed warrants, whatever needs to be done, and we did not want the public to have direct access to them.

“So now when they have city court, we can use this end of the building, and it will be a quick in and a quick out for everyone involved. Citizens can go straight down the stairwell or elevator to the courtroom, get adjudicated and then come back up, go by the window, pay their fine or whatever and then they are out of the door.

“It made the most sense to just work it out on our own.”

Directly across the way, there is a cafeteria that seats up to 200 people indoors and an additional 50 on the balcony. The cafeteria is donned with glass walls and overlooks the hilly terrain of Alexander City. It is yet another scenic place to escape to, during a strenuous workday or a lengthy court case, for a hot cup of coffee or to get a bit of fresh air.

The new municipal complex is jam-packed with beautiful and relaxing features, all of which were a part of the original Russell Sales Office. But when Alexander City purchased the 85,000-square foot building, the intention was to house all or most employees within one central location. It just so happens that the scenic views came as a perk.

“Everyone loves my office,” Baird said. “I still need to put my touch on it, but the floor-to-ceiling windows always seem to wow people. I’m just fortunate to have a spot that allows me to bring nature into my space like this. I also like being able to see 280.”

Massive Renovations

Facing Page Top Left: The council chamber doubles as the city courtroom; Facing Page Bottom Left: Employees and visitors can relax and enjoy a view while in the cafeteria; Below: Dispatch is working with state-of-the-art equipment.

Lake Martin Living's of TH4July

Events Preview

On this Independence Day, freedom truly rings as towns and cities all over the U.S. begin to open back up and allow people to gather for momentous occasions and holidays. Patrons are eager to get out and partake in July 4 festivities. Some still have not visited with family or friends in more than a year. But this year, that will not be the case. There are tons of events happening in and around Tallapoosa County, and there is positively something for everyone to do on this Independence Day.

Kick-off Saturday, July 3, with the Heart of Waverly BBQ

Kick-off the holiday weekend at the Standard Deluxe for the Heart of Waverly BBQ. There will be music on the outdoor stage and plenty of delicious food, art and garden vendors. Gates will open at 11 a.m., and music begins at 12:30 p.m.

Headlining the concert is the North Mississippi All-Stars, who offer up an ancient yet futuristic sound that they deem modern Mississippi music. While the music stays true to Mississippi Hill country, the brothers thrive on developing a sound and identity that is unique to them.

They will feature songs from their newest album, Up and Rolling, which was inspired by Wyatt McSpadden, a photographer who happened upon the brothers for a photoshoot back in 1996 and ended up spending the whole day with them, capturing it all on film.

Although the brothers had long forgotten about that day, McSpadden had not, and as he sat reminiscing one day, he came across the photos. McSpadden sent the photos to the band, and they were elated at the memories, which sparked the idea for their new album, Up and Rolling. The band believes that both the photos that were taken on the Sunday in 1996 and the new music they have since created capture the communal spirit upon which the band was founded.

The North Mississippi All-Stars are a great way to end the evening, but you’ll want to get there early because the music starts at 12:30 p.m. and the options are endless and eclectic.

B.B. Palmer has honed their skills over the years playing good ol’ American country music, while Cary Hudson’s sound leans more towards an alternative-southern rock. This will undoubtedly be a show to see. And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the ever-present, high-energy sound of Royal Horses will fill the air. But that’s not all. Michelle Malone, singer, songwriter, producer and founder of SBS Records out of Atlanta, will also take the stage on Saturday. Her sound is a combination of bluesy, folk-rock and alternative country, and she is sure to delight the crowds.

In addition to great music, there will be artists, food and garden vendors. Come to hear great music but go home with fresh vegetables right out of the garden and a new piece of artwork.

And of course, there is no forgetting the barbecue. The event is called Heart of Waverly BBQ, after all. Robert Oswalt will be in the Feed Shak, and the Butcher Paper BBQ food trailer will be in the Yard. Make sure to bring cash and your appetite because this barbecue comes from the heart.

Bring the family, chairs and blankets, but leave the dogs at home. Small personal coolers are allowed, but no glass and no outside alcohol will be permitted. Tickets are $50. Visit standarddeluxe. com/shop/allstars to purchase online. Kids 14 and under get in free.

Show Some Love

Facing Page Left: Don red, white and blue and watch or join Russell Lands July 4 for the Boat Parade; Facing Page Right: Celebrate Freedom Fireworks ignite the sky on July 3 from the BRHS lawn.

Celebrate Freedom featuring I AM THEY in Alexander City

Celebrate Freedom has been lighting up downtown Alexander City for 16 years, and this year will not be any different. Gearing up for the 17th year of jaw-dropping fireworks, music and fun, Pastor Rick Levell has been hard at work preparing for the crowds to be the largest this year that they have seen. This Celebration of Freedom begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, on the front lawn of Benjamin Russell High School.

The evening will kick off with a concert by pop worship band I AM THEY, who just recently released their third album Faithful God. Most notably, they are known for songs Scars,

Delivered and I Lift My Eyes; however, this new album has special meaning to the bandmates, as they went through a point of tribulation where uncertainty was the theme. The group didn’t know if there would be a future for them, and through all of these moments, they held steadfast to Hebrews 10:23.

Faithful God was the result of faithful intentions, and so the album is a look at the past and a glimpse into the future of the band. It is a declaration of promises kept and promises yet to come.

After the concert, Pyro Shows of Alabama will light up the sky with a magnificent light show. This group is known for fireworks displays that ignite the senses and special effects that will make onlookers believe they are part of the show. These guys know what they are doing, and it will be magical.

Come early to this free family fun event, and make sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food and drinks will be available on-site, but please leave your pups at home because this one will be explosive.

Patriotism Abounds

Top Left: Enjoy July 4 morning by watching or partcipating in the Dadeville Blue Creek Parade; Top Right: Join thousands at Arti Gras to view and purchase handcrafted works of art.

Dadeville’s Blue Creek Parade

Start the morning of July 4 with Dadeville’s Blue Creek Parade. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. from the north end of Ponder Creek Road. It will be an excellent opportunity for the family to hang out and enjoy the morning as participants throw out beads and candy to parade-goers. Parade participants should plan to arrive early and decorate golf carts, UTVs and convertibles. The parade will take off from Olana Drive and end at Niffer’s on Lake Martin.

Let Freedom Ring at Russell Lands On Lake Martin

Join artisans and patrons from all over the Southeast as they gather on July 2 and 3 for the 10th Annual Arti Gras juried art show on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. An event you will not want to miss, this juried art show features only original and handcrafted pieces of art created and exhibited by local artists. Everything from well-designed, handmade trinkets to whole pieces of furniture will be available for purchase.

Categories for the show include: drawing, furniture, glass, metalwork, painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, wood, mixed media and much more.

Make a day of it and stop in at Catherine’s Market for lunch, then visit the Naturalist’s cabin and the Clock Tower, where the children can apply their hands to the history of timekeeping.

Then on July 4, begin your morning with the Russell Marine 45th Annual 4th of July Boat Parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. Spectators line the shores of Lake Martin as patriotic boats and crew leave Kowaliga Marina and circle past the lighthouse at Children’s Harbor. Registered boats will vie for top honors for the largest flag, tallest flag, most patriotic and best overall boat and crew. So grab the crew, don some red, white and blue and deck out the boat. Or bring a chair and enjoy the

show. Visit russellmarine.net/ events for more information.

Close out the weekend celebration at The AMP on Lake Martin with the largest fireworks display in the Southeast, hosted by Russell Lands. Pick a spot on the soft grassy hillside to enjoy live music and watch the sky ignite in a multitude of mesmerizing colors.

The music starts at 6:30 p.m. Sunday with The Bank Walkers, hailing right here from Alexander City. They are sure to delight as they sound off with a mix of classic rock, folk, Americana favorites and southern jams. Then at 8, the Sweet Tea Trio will take the stage and impress us with their tight three-part harmony. These ladies were born and raised right here in the Deep South, and they take great pride in writing their own lyrics and performing their music.

Currently, they are recording a studio album produced by their manager Kid Rock. Sweet Tea Trio is enthusiastic and brings a little rhinestone energy to an already electric stage. These ladies have performed for the likes of Bon Jovi and Alabama; they are fun to watch and even better to sing along with, so bring your pipes because you will need them. They take the stage both before and after the fireworks, which are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. So come out early and prepare to stay late. The 4th of July this year will most certainly end with a big, big boom on Lake Martin. For tickets and more info, visit www.theamponlakemartin. com.

IT’S TIME FOR OUTDOOR FUN, IS YOUR HEART HEALTHY?

It’s time for outdoor fun, and you don’t want to miss a single moment in the sun.

Make sure your heart is healthy and ready for the season with an appointment at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Russell Medical.

Kevin Sublett, MD, is board-certified in cardiovascular care and offers the latest in prevention, testing, and treatment for keeping your heart healthy.

Our clinic is backed by the knowledge and expertise of UAB Medicine, including: • Advanced ultrasound testing • Nuclear medicine imaging in fully accredited labs • Management of cardiac rhythm disorders • Interventional cardiology care

HEART & VASCULAR CLINIC AT RUSSELL MEDICAL

Make an appointment today by calling (256) 234-2644. 3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 • Alexander City, AL 35010 uabmedicine.org/HeartRussell