Elmore County Living magazine October 2019 by Tallapoosa Publishers

Elmore County Living

Wetumpka leads the fight for survivors

October 2019

Your Business Should Be

HERE!

Advertising GROWS Business So, Advertise with the BEST

Elmore

9 April 201

ving County Li

Coosa Cleaver now open

February

2019

Annual

than blood e runs deeper Tallassee n Lov Talent soars in

Bridal Issue

ECL is the River Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preium coffee table magazine with more in-depth features and more faces from around the area.

Do you want to market your business? Nove

mber

2018

ElmorEelmore Coun

ing t y L i vC o u n t y L i v i n g

Elmore

e Tailrancg i h Fis

fo r M om Fl ow er s

We offer the most competitive rates, along with our award-winning design team, who is committed to producing effective advertising that works for you.

ď Ž

ri st m ic of Ch Th e M ag

County Living

To advertise contact our marketing consultants 2

Marilyn Hawkins 334-202-5108 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

October represents a number of important factors including Halloween, football and the hopeful beginning of cooler weather – but most importantly, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month. Elmore County prides itself on supporting this national campaign, and residents turn out in droves to show off their pink pride. Natacha Graham of B&B Boutique in Wetumpka is a strong advocate for women’s health, especially when it comes to breast cancer and its resulting outcomes. Her mother, a four-time cancer survivor, founded a nonprofit focused on assisting under-insured or uninsured women. Graham – reluctantly at first – carries on the mission in Wetumpka. From B&B’s annual Pink Carpet Gala, with proceeds that help fund the nonprofit, to the City of Wetumpka’s annual Color the Town Pink Walk, the opportunities to advocate for breast cancer awareness are plentiful. Turn to page 24 to read more about the aid available for those in need and the opportunities available to support it. Another strong advocate for Elmore County is Eclectic’s Arthur Smith, this month’s featured mover and shaker. While his day job is managing Kickin’ Chicken, which he now owns with his wife and two business partners, his real passion is ministry. Smith grew up with little handed to him and found books were the answer to finding his way. Read more about Smith's journey on page 28. In Tallasee, the Friends of Tuckabatchee formed to advocate for preserving the area’s history. One way the group has done this is with its original play … and One Fire Still Burns, which chronicles the days of the Muscogee Creek nation in eastern Elmore County. The locally produced drama debuted in 2011 but hasn’t been performed for a couple years. The production will take the stage at Mt. Vernon Theatre on Nov. 1 through 3. Turn to page 14 for details. With November right around the corner, I sat down with Marty Bean, owner of Front Porch Grill in Millbrook. As a community staple for both dining and catering, Front Porch Grill is popular for its Thanksgiving meals. Read more about what makes Front Porch Grill stand apart on page 8. Earlier this month we held Lake Martin Living’s Art Walk, and I want to thank everyone who participated, supported the event and submitted works of art. Elmore County is home to plenty of talented artists, and I am so glad many of you chose to share that with us. While we plan to tweak some details, the contest itself will carry on. If you didn’t submit your art or photography this year, be sure to look out for the details for coming next summer for next year's event. Clarification: In the September issue of Elmore County Living, the Titus Bluegrass Festival article on page 26 said Champs BBQ served food. The food was provided by Woodcraft Cafe at the Sept. 28 event.

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 TIPPY HUNTER tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com KATIE WESSON katie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com JULIE HARBIN julie.harbin@alexcityoutlook.com JOLIE WATERS jolie.waters@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 Marty Edge Marla Ruskin

Mallory Kelley Hunter Nichols Caleb Turrentine Daniel Dye Barry Chrietzberg Arthur Smith Jennifer Gibson Willie Moseley

To subscribe to Elmore County Living, $25 a year for 12 issues, please call Erin Burton at 256-234-4281

Amy Passaretti, Editor

All content, including all stories and photos, are copyright of

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

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

Natacha Graham is an advocate for breast cancer patients, including survivors Carrie Ward, Madge Nelson and Karel Rabren. The group poses in Gold Star Park, the site of the annual Color the Town Pink Walk. Photo by Barry Chrietzberg

In Every Issue EXTRA! EXTRA!

GARDEN TALK

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

DOLLARS & SENSE

OUT & ABOUT

BACK IN THE DAY

COMING UP

ARTSY FARTSY

WHERE TO FIND US

The Front Porch Grill

In Elmore County

Fun for Everyone

Features

Columns

News Briefs

The Plague of Lovebugs

No Time Like the Present

Battles for the Armory

The Art of Storytelling

Distribution List

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

RIVER DAN BAND

... AND ONE FIRE STILL BURNS

GREAT ALABAMA 650

THE FIGHT FOR SURVIVORS

MOVER & SHAKER

Wetumpka Native Tours Country

Historical drama returns to Tallassee

10-day Challenge Down ASRT

Wetumpka Leads the Charge

Eclectic's Arthur Smith

EXTRA! EXTRA! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Happy Pups at Annual Bark in the Park The 14th Annual Bark in the Park, hosted by the Humane Society of Elmore County, was once again a success. Fort Toulouse Fort-Jackson Park provided the perfect backdrop for a day of fun for pet lovers and their animals. Tuskegee Veterinary College was able to microchip 22 dogs on site, and 32 dogs went home with their own unique Pet Picasso paintings. Rev. Bob Henderson of Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka led the Blessing of the Animals, which was followed by a pup parade.

Water Festival engages students in hands-on atmosphere The Alabama Nature Center, in collaboration with the Elmore County and Tallassee school systems, held its annual Water Festival at ANC in Millbrook. The program was specifically designed to address the Alabama Course of Study Objective for science and teach middle school students about the water cycle, the importance of clean water and personal responsibility for water resources in an educational, fun and engaging atmosphere. There were more than 125 sixth-grade public school students from Southside Middle School and more than 800 sixth-grade students from Elmore County schools, including Millbrook, Holtville, Wetumpka and Eclectic. Students were exposed to a variety of activities, including creek hikes, aquatic life roundups and aquatic animal presentations.

Battle of the Bands at ECHS Elmore County High School hosted its 11th Annual Night of Bands at Burt-Haynie Field last month. This year's lineup included all area high school bands from Tallassee, Eclectic, Wetumpka, Holtville and Stanhope Elmore. This event is an opportunity for neighboring high school bands to show off their talent. Every year, each high school band in the area carefully prepares for competition season. Even when high school bands visit other schools for football games, these bands seldom have the opportunity to see one another perform. This also gives band parents, fans and friends the opportunity to come together in support of all of the bands of Elmore County. More than fun, Night of Bands is a fundraiser for the school's band programs with proceeds split between the different high schools in the county. Proceeds from ticket sales and concessions during the event are divided amongst the five band programs, as well.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

College night introduces students to multitude of options Lindsay Jordan, career coach for Elmore County Board of Education, estimated 600 to 700 high school seniors from the county's four public high schools and other schools in the area were given the chance to speak with and learn more about a total of 62 organizations last month. The organizations

set up at the Wetumpka Civic Center included colleges and universities, military recruiters, area businesses and industries, state departments and employment services organizations. About one third of exhibitors were not affiliated with higher education, and several had job openings to fill.

Girl Scouts seeking volunteers for local troops Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama is seeking volunteers to help build the go-getters, innovators, risk takers and leaders of tomorrow. Girl Scouts is a one-ofa-kind leadership development program that pairs girls with strong, caring female role models and mentors who prepare them to take the lead from ages 5 to 18 and into adulthood. Volunteers range from troop roles to role models and give a day, a few weeks or a year. For more information on how to volunteer or become a Girl Scout, visit girlscoutssa.org or call 800-239-6636.

Turner plays his last notes at church in Wetumpka For 63 years, members of First Baptist Church in Wetumpka have watched Joe Allen Turner, 88, sit down at the Zimmer organ and provide music for worship, weddings and funerals. Sept. 29 was Turner’s last Sunday as the church’s organist, a position he’s held since he was 25 years old. He served under six pastors and played a huge role in the Wetumpka community. Turner’s interest in music stems from his mother, and he began taking piano lessons from Margaret Ruffin, who played the church organ from the time he was 7 years old until he graduated high school. At the University of Alabama, Turner took organ classes as electives and had the opportunity to play the organ during church services while in the Army.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Front

Marty Bean

Business Spotlight

Porch Grill

Millbrook restaurant a staple in the community during the holidays Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Kenneth Boone Front Porch Grill takes Thanksgiving orders through the month of November

or the past 16 years, Marty Bean and his wife, Jessie, have welcomed the community of Millbrook with quality customer service, dedication and open minds at The Front Porch Grill. Open seven days a week, Bean serves nearly 400 customers a day and is a staple in the town for off-site catering. “I am here seven days a week; so is Jessie. We’re very present with the business,” said Bean. “Every day is new and exciting.” Bean grew up around food service, as his father was involved in the industry through the military and prison systems. With no formal training, Bean picked up his knack for cooking over the years and credits the basics for his advanced range of cooking styles. “I taught myself and use common sense. I put my twist on anything I make. I’m not going to a copy a recipe. I like the challenge of what each catering job provides,” said Bean. There is no limit to the distance Bean will drive to cater an event, and he has served anywhere from 10 to 15 people up to 400 before. “Our catering has really grown due to our affordability. We’ll even cook things on site so they’re fresh and as good as they can be,” he said. “We don’t have a catering menu per se because we won’t turn anything down. I will do whatever we need to do.” When hurricane Michael hit last year, Bean and his staff

drove back and forth to Dothan each day to feed the electric cooperative employees who were working to restore power. “It’s all about how we treat our customers that makes us stand out,” said Bean. This mentality has led to a long list of repeat customers – two of which even have keys to the restaurant. They let themselves in every morning around 4 a.m. to make coffee and tea and just sit around and chat. “This place reminds me of a hometown place from the ’60s. It’s really a male gossip place – the male version of a hair salon,” Bean said with a wide grin. The restaurant opens at 5:30 a.m. each day, but people are usually lined up by around 5 a.m. Bean said as soon as the staff is ready, they will open the doors. Regulars usually have their chosen drinks waiting for them on their specific tables before they even walk in. “I always tell people we get the same truck that backs up to our place as it does everyone else’s. It’s all about how you season the food and how you treat the people,” said Bean. A lot of senior citizens come through the doors, and Bean offers a special rate for a smaller plate of food to keep things affordable. All ingredients are made in-house, and steaks are cut on site, so the money saved goes into keeping prices low for customers, he said. When the Beans bought the restaurant in 2003, one of the original owners stuck around for a few months to teach them the recipes. She is the creator of some of the traditional menu items, while Bean creates specials as he goes. Even during the holidays, Bean will whip up whatever dish a customer wants. They take customer orders for Thanksgiving, built around a list of staple meats and sides, but he said, there is nothing he won’t cook. “People can order a whole Thanksgiving dinner or just a favorite side. It’s completely customizable,” said Bean. The restaurant typically sees between 50 and 75 Thanksgiving orders each year, and about half of those are entire meals. Customers can begin placing orders Nov. 1, up until Nov. 20 by 11 a.m. All orders must be picked up on Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. – the day before Thanksgiving – as The Front Porch Grill is closed on the holiday to allow employees to spend time with their families. Bean’s dedication and passion for serving the community of Millbrook is evident in his willingness to take on more than most could handle. “The Millbrook community is welcoming in both ways. They embrace us, and we do our best to embrace them,” said Bean. “I know how I got to where I am today, and I am truly blessed.” The Front Porch Grill, located at 106 Deatsville Highway in Millbrook, is open seven days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit thefrontporchgrill.com or call 334-285-7888.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Making Your Lawn Automatically Beautiful Full-Service Irrigation System Installation & Repair Conserve water and save money with our eco-friendly systems, and enjoy an effortlessly beautiful lawn!

Fully Insured All Work Guaranteed We now carry a full line of RainBird and Hunter Irrigation Supplies.

Call us today for your free consultation and estimate.

Tuesday - Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

334-478-3547 8617 US Hwy 231 â&#x20AC;˘ Wetumpka, AL

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

River Dan Band Wetumpka native rocks across the country but will forever call Elmore County home

Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Jennifer Gibson

L Jay Andrews plays the pedal steel during concerts

ocal musician River Dan kicked off his career under the bright lights of L.A., but the Elmore County native is proud to call this area home – and he doesn’t ever intend to leave. The self-taught banjo/guitar player and songwriter from Wetumpka got a later start uncovering his talent in high school but has now been going strong for nearly 15 years. “There ain’t nothing else I’ll ever do. I’ll do this until I die,” said River Dan. While he’s played solo quite a bit and still will on occasion, River Dan said he prefers playing with his five-piece band. Members come from across the South, including other areas of Alabama and Nashville. “I’ll do a solo every now and then, but I don’t enjoy it anymore, especially because I’ve got a smokin’ band. We’re a dang family, and I’ve been playing with some of them for years,” said River Dan. “Even when I play a solo, I do a oneman band gig, so I’m playing tambourine, guitar, kick drum and harmonica – probably why it’s not as fun.” Band associates include Jay Andrews on pedal steel; Marcus Mullins with the fiddle (although River Dan said he

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

River Dan plays with a five-piece band from around the Southeast

could play just about anything); Jimmy Teardrop on guitar; Jason Parker on bass; and Waylon Davis playing drums. Due to their hometown distances, the band doesn’t have the opportunity to practice together often but have all been in the music industry long enough and play ample shows together that it’s not an issue. River Dan will travel across the U.S. to perform and even hopes to take gigs overseas. “I need to travel out farther, but there’s a mental block of not being able to. We’ll go out to Texas, West Virginia, Arkansas and book a few shows there. Wherever they pay us, we’ll go,” he said. Aside from the band’s original songs and rocking some old country covers, the group also performs as a Waylon Jennings Tribute Band. Jennings is River Dan’s absolute favorite artist, and he appreciates all of his songs, so the group performs specific 90-minute tribute shows of nothing but Waylon Jennings’ music. “I like to sing all the old country, but Waylon is my hero,” said River Dan. The reason they started that side gig was from a request by a Huntsville club owner. That show pre-sold 350 tickets at $15 per ticket, so the guys realized they were on to some-

thing big. After shooting a promo video for the tribute group in Nashville, interest in the performance has really soared. River Dan is even doing a show with Billy Joe Shaffer who wrote 80 percent of Jennings’ songs. He said he hopes Shaffer will work with him on an album to record. With two albums out already, River Dan said he has enough songs written for another one but is taking a different approach to recording. With the sales of CDs at a low, it can be hard to justify. “Before I had the mentality that I was recording songs just because I wrote them rather than putting together an album,” said River Dan. “I want to do things with intention. “I’m still writing, but you gotta have a really good one and believe in it. Once you have 10 of those, go record an album,” he said. River Dan now calls a 2,000-acre farm in Titus home with his longtime girlfriend who is a pilot. “Things have just fallen into place. When you love who you work with and what you do, that’s a great thing,” he said. For information on River Dan or where to catch one of his shows, visit the River Dan Facebook page or riverdan.com.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

... and One Fire Still Burns

Actors Chad Priest, Matt Hall, Willie Moseley, Don Bryant and Kay Evans pose during an outdoor rehearsal

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Popular historical drama to take the stage at Tallassee's Mt. Vernon

Story by Willie Moseley Photos by Barry Chrietzberg ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

locally produced drama chronicling the days of the Muscogee Creek nation in eastern Elmore County is slated to take the stage once again in Tallassee. This time around, the play will be performed in the town’s historic Mt. Vernon Theatre, with three performances scheduled for Nov. 1, 2 and 3. … and One Fire Still Burns recounts the 1811 visit of Shawnee warrior Tecumseh to the Muscogee Creek capital of Tuckabatchee, which was located just south of modern-day Tallassee. It is a production presented by the Friends of Tuckabatchee, a nonprofit organization that has produced other local plays and is an ancillary organization to the Talisi Historical Society. “The Muscogee have confirmed that what we are doing is authentic and historically correct,” said Liz Britt, president of the Friends of Tuckabatchee. The original version of the acclaimed drama, which debuted in 2011, was staged outdoors at the historic Patterson Cabin in east Tallassee. While that setting was unique and appropriate, the op-

Scott trader Lachian McLatchy (right) barters fur with Benjamin Hawkins

The original production was staged at the historic Patterson Cabin

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

portunity to present the production at another Tallassee landmark – without the possibility of inclement weather – is a unique prospect. What’s more, the upcoming performances won’t be the first time … and One Fire Still Burns has been presented indoors. In 2014, several hundred Muscogee Creek tribe members from Oklahoma visited east central Alabama to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. The play was initially scheduled at the site of the battle, but a stormfront forced the producers and cast to move the performance to the Tallassee High School Auditorium. “I was concerned about how tribe members would feel about being shown their own heritage by modern-day Tallassee residents,” said director Jeanna Kervin. “But they loved it. That performance also showed us that we could do it indoors.” Revisions to … and One Fire Still Burns will include a Native dance performed by Cherokee nation member Jack Crawford from Knoxville, Tennessee. The Nov. 1 performance will be presented for students from area schools. The 2019 Alabama Bicentennial Commission also has designated the play as an authorized bicentennial event. “We want to preserve and educate,” Kervin said. “We take pride in the fact that we present the history on our soil as historically accurate as possible.” For information, call 334-313-3934 or visit friendsoftuckabatchee.com.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Great Alabama 650

Paddlers endure challenging 10-day race Story by Amy Passaretti & Photos by Hunter Nichols

An aerial view of paddlers along the Cahaba River section of ASRT

ifteen eager paddlers loaded up their gear, mounted their kayaks and commenced on a 10-day journey through 650 miles of Alabama waterways at the northern part of Weiss Lake early last month. Subsequently, only four competitive participants crossed the finish line at Mobile Bay. The Great Alabama 650 launched its inaugural endurance race along the Alabama Scenic River Trail, which passed right through central Alabama, with a celebratory stop in Wetumpka. “It was a gorgeous race, and the little section of Wetumpka we went through was so scenic. It didn’t hit me until after I left that I had just gone through one of the most beautiful sections of rapids,” said Salli O’Donnell, first-place female solo competitor. Each of the paddlers worked their way to Coosa River Adventures in Wetumpka.

There, they were greeted by Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce Director Shellie Whitfield and Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis. During a reception, they were presented with painted paddles designed by Wetumpka High School artists. “Shellie was such a sweet gal. She escorted me up the ramp. I was so honored to see all the people that took their time to come see us paddlers,” said O’Donnell. While O’Donnell led the pack by a solid 20 miles for most of the race, Bobby Johnson eventually pressed passed her to cross the line in first overall and won first-place male solo competitor. “I was bummed to have been beat, but Bobby was a very fast paddler and could go a lot longer with less sleep,” said O’Donnell. The ASRT is the longest river trail in a single state, and entrants came in from across the U.S. and Canada. The race organizers an-

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Bobby Johnson was the first to cross the finish line in Mobile Bay

A group gathers at Weiss Lake to kick off the race

Salli O'Donnell won first place female solo competitor

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Wetumpka High School students painted paddles for each racer

Paddles depicts the scenic Coosa River ticipated a small turnout for the first year and don’t plan to grow to more than 100 boats in the future. “Ours is a very difficult race that requires a lot of navigation and portaging, so it is better suited for a smaller number of racers,” said Laura Gaddy, media manager for ASRT. “The previous record holder completed the trail in 12 days, so we knew it was a tough course and would be a challenge.” The paddlers portaged around 11 dams and encountered some waters as still as glass, which slowed them down and forced them to work harder for their miles.

“I had really expected there to be current the whole time, so that was eye opening. It ended up being a slower race than I anticipated,” said O’Donnell, a Virginia native who recently moved to Florida. Once the paddlers reached Mobile Bay, the water was very choppy and turbulent, but there was never really any inclement weather. While 11 boats launched at Weiss Lake, about six dropped on the first day for a number of reasons. Prattville native Chico Clark was among them. “I’ve always been an avid outdoorsman my entire life and love being in nature. About

Competitors and crew receive instructions before the big day

Race finalists received novelty trophies

Crew members help a paddler out to rest and refresh supplies halfway through reading about this race, I was already game,” said Clark. He started to train harder, prep his gear and food, bought a new kayak and strategized for the race. “I knew it would be a challenge, so I started making plans early,” said Clark. “After several months, it was getting close to race time, and I was beyond excited. I thought I was in good shape.” At the drop off, Clark and his parents realized most people had long, slim racing kayaks that resembled water rockets, and he immediately felt he should have been better prepared. “I came up shy after my first 24 hours. I had only reached around 50 miles and needed 65 per day to stay in,” he said. But he won’t let that deter him from tackling the route again next year. “Honestly, I gained a new challenge in life. I will be getting a faster kayak, putting together a small team and entering more races.

I look forward to doing this event again, and I give props to Greg Wingo and his team that organized it. All of the racers were inspiring, and I look forward to racing with them again,” said Clark. All competitors were outfitted with GPS and trackers, so there were real-time updates on their progress. Johnson and O’Donnell crossed the finish line within six hours of one another, and the last pair, as a tandem team, came in early the following day. “The nice thing is each winner won $7,500. All the finishers came in first in their respective categories,” said Gaddy. The main mission of the ASRT’s Great Alabama 650 was to draw attention to the river trail and to Alabama as a whole, especially for paddlers from across the country that may not know what the state has to offer. “We wanted to elevate Alabama in the eyes of paddlers, as a destination and the general beauty of the state,” said Gaddy.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

The Plague of Lovebugs

F mallory kelley

GARDEN TALK Mallory Kelley is a Regional Extension Agent for Alabama Extension and covers central Alabama for home grounds, gardens and pests.

or Alabamians, lovebugs are not so lovely. These insects are a stubborn, sticky, seasonal problem for drivers, especially when stuck to the fronts of vehicles. I have had clients call to ask if there is anything they can do to repel or kill these plague-like insects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lovebugs get their common name as some often fly while still coupled from mating. These bugs swarm twice a year like clockwork, every May and September,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Xing Ping, an Extension Entomologist for Alabama Extension System. The autumn swarm is usually a larger infestation. Although individual females live for only a few days, adult flight activity lasts for about a month before they disappear. These nuisance insects become more abundant after rain and are concentrated in areas with decaying organic matter, especially in pastures and farms with livestock. Swarming occurs primarily from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Lovebugs do not bite or sting and are not poisonous, but they are a major nuisance to

motorists when smashed on car windshields and headlights. The lovebugs on vehicles will turn acidic within 24 hours when exposed to sunlight. They also can cause damage to car paint and clog radiators. The best solution is to wash the bugs off as soon as possible. There is no easy solution for management of lovebugs. The females lay eggs in moist habitats â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as ditches and swampy areas. Larvae or maggots live on decomposing organic matters in the soil. Organic matter in the soil is music to the ears of a gardener, but it also is an attractant to lovebugs. It is important to remember that in only a few more weeks they should be gone. In the meantime, try to eliminate the areas that are holding moisture around the home, and prune back foliage for better light penetration and air circulation. These insects do not respond to insect repellents containing DEET or citronella, and spraying them with other contact insecticides is really not advised or economical. Just hang in there, the plague will pass soon.

Lovebugs can damage car paint and clog radiators if not cleaned off quickly

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Wetumpka leads the

Natacha Graham (second from left) celebrates with breast cancer survivors Carrie Ward, Madge Nelson and Karel Rabren

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

e fight for survivors

Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Barry Chrietzberg & TPI Staff

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

onnie Bell, mother of Wetumpka’s Natacha Graham, is more than just a statistic: She is a survivor, four times over. Bell was first diagnosed with breast cancer around age 30 and knew her mission in life was to help uninsured, under-insured women receive the quality care they needed when facing unforeseen circumstances, such as breast cancer. Breast and Body Health was formed as a nonprofit organization to provide women with the proper tools to battle the journey of being diagnosed. There are so many that help during the initial diagnosis, but B&B’s mission is designed to assist with what happens after the fact with travel to treatments, co-payments and funding for wigs when patients lose their hair due to chemotherapy, along with other products. Graham knew this was the path chosen for her long before she took a step down the road. Actually, she ran from it for a while until facing the ultimate truth that this was her calling, too. “My mother knows she has a purpose to help as many other women as she can. I tried to move and run from it, but I knew what I had to do,” said Graham, president of Breast & Body Health and owner of B&B Health Boutique in Wetumpka. There are two parts to the B&B business: One is nonprofit and the other is retail. Women come to B&B either with high deductibles or co-pays they can’t afford, and Bell and Graham’s nonprofit picks up the cost. B&B’s retail side was

designed to help offset the costs of products that women need when dealing with cancer and mastectomies. “We have to ask them to pay, but if they can’t, we turn it over to the nonprofit. We don’t turn anyone away. We want to be sure everyone has the products they need,” said Graham. B&B carries mastectomy items, different sized prosthesis, balancers, bras for every size woman, wigs, essential oils, handmade soaps, lotions and more. “We want to provide products these women need after diagnosis to feel as normal as possible,” said Graham. The shop provides a private, safe environment for women to undergo the difficult process of dealing with the aftereffects of surgery or chemotherapy. Every October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Graham dyes her hair pink in honor of the month and hosts the annual Pink Carpet Gala, where funds directly support the nonprofit organization. This year’s gala was held earlier this month at My Place II in Montgomery with speaker Tasha Scott and hosted by Tonya Terry. A second gala was held in Virginia, where Bell first started the organization. As her day job, Graham works with the American Urological Association, so she’s advocating for both men’s health and women’s health on different platforms; however, her interaction with medical directors and ability to work with insurance companies puts Graham in a seat above others. “I have the opportunity to affect legislation and help work with policies. Right now we are advocating the Let Her Decide movement. It’s the breast cancer equality act,” said The City of Wetumpka releases pink balloons at the end of its Color the Town Pink Walk

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Graham. “Did you know insurance companies will pay for Before the walk, there will be a brief presentation by two custom parts of literally every part of the body, except breast speakers: Jackie Butler with the Joy to Life Foundation and implants? This bill would Jenny Dodson, a breast let women decide what the cancer survivor. best avenue is for them.” Butler worked in the Bill H.R. 1370 would fitness industry for 30 open Medicare up to years and has been the covering customer breast bookkeeper at JTL since prosthesis, which it cur2012. She keeps the breast rently does not, limiting a screening work moving women’s options followand is a breast cancer ing a mastectomy. survivor with a mission to “Reconstruction is not keep people healthy. always the best option, Dodson was diagnosed and it could cause bigger with breast cancer in April issues. We help fit people 2016 and a month later the best we can with the began a round of 20 treatprosthesis we have, but ments of chemotherapy. custom prosthesis is ideal,” Her hair started falling said Graham. out, she suffered terrible Graham is not the symptoms and side effects only Wetumpka resident and eventually lost her job. advocating for breast She will be in remission for cancer awareness. The City three years this December of Wetumpka each year and now volunteers at the hosts an annual Color the Montgomery Cancer CenTown Pink Walk. This year, ter. She graduated magna participants are encourcum laude to become a aged to meet in front of the certified registered medical Wetumpka Civic Center assistant. on Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. and As early detection is Clockwise from top left: Breast cancer survivor Jenny Dodson take the riverwalk to Gold key, Ivy Creek Healthcare will speak at this year's city event; Natacha Graham (left) Star Park for a pink balloon and her mother Bonnie Bell (middle) organize the annual Pink is providing free breast release and pink lemonade Carpet Gala (below). exams at its primary care and refreshments. locations for the month of “This city is committed to keep this an ongoing and annu- October. It’s offering free mammograms at Elmore Commual thing. This is the 11th year, and it was initially organized nity Hospital on Oct. 28. Call 334-514-3688 to schedule a free to bring awareness to breast cancer with an organized event mammogram. for the citizens of Wetumpka,” said Valencia Smith, City of For more information about B&B, visit the Breast and Wetumpka’s City Hall assistant and event planner. Body Health Facebook page.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Arthur Smith stands at the podium of St. James Baptist Church where he's preached for 26 years

Mover & Shaker Eclectic's Arthur Smith juggles diverse roles in the community

Story by Amy Passaretti & Photos Courtesy of Arthur Smith

eing the baby boy and No. 9 out of 10 children, Eclectic’s Arthur Smith knew if he was going to achieve anything in life, he had to push himself to do it. A self-taught musician, independent movie maker, pastor and restaurant owner, Smith said through reading everything he could get his hands on and putting in the hard work, he has aspired to make a difference in the community. “It’s been so rewarding meeting people in the area,” said Smith. “Eclectic has been so open and receptive to us.” Smith, along with his wife, Joyce, and her business partners Priscilla and Norbert Bass, bought the Kickin Chicken business in November 2018. They transitioned with the help of its previous owners and opened in January 2019 after renovations and technological upgrades. “We have an active webpage now, kickinchick.com. You can place orders online through that or through our Facebook page, Kickin Chicken Eclectic. We’re

in the process of creating an app where people can order on their mobile phones. We’ve got T-shirts coming in – doing a lot of branding,” said Smith. Small establishments in the community hold a large impact for residents, said Smith, so he and his hard-working staff try to keep things clean and comfortable and prepare the best food possible. “Restaurant business is very similar to ministry. It’s nothing more than meeting people’s needs in love and providing a service,” said the pastor of St. James Family Worship in Wetumpka for the past 26 years. Smith has grown the church from about 30 people to nearly 200 and expanded its budget from $14,000 to $300,000 over 10 years. While his first passion is pastoring, he’s used his artistic skills to shed light on important issues within the Church. As a writer and movie producer, he won an Audience Choice Hollywood’s Screen Actor Guild Award in Atlanta’s Peachtree Village International Film Festival in 2015. “The film is faith-based and focuses on the misuse

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

of Church leaderJoyce Smith ship. Growing up in a and Priscilla dysfunctional family, Bass are part I recognize how that owners of can affect lives,” said Kickin Chicken Smith. He just finished a script called the Purple Journal, for which he hopes to get funding and start filming next year. Originally from Lineville in Clay County, Smith was born and raised in Alabama and also worked with Gov. Bob Riley for three terms. Riley’s son, Rob, has been the St. James Family Worship Church attorney for 24 years. “I took some heat for being black and supporting a Republican, but I know Gov. Riley well and wanted to see him succeed. He’s a great man,” said Smith. While Smith certainly wears a lot of hats throughout the community, he has a dedicated family that helps keep him afloat. “My daughter, Valencia, works for the City of Wetumpka as an event planner. My son just moved back

home and is the minister of music at our Church. He’s been training to manage the restaurant in the future. He’s learned the business well and has it under control,” said Smith. “We have an excellent staff at Kickin Chicken. It’s a sacrifice to be here, in the kitchen 12 hours a day, at least four days a week.” Future plans for the restaurant include adding a deck to offer music and franchising in the years to come. “I don’t know a greater town to put a restaurant in. Eclectic is a wonderful place with wonderful people,” said Smith. “I’m proud of the people God surrounded me with to become who I am. The wonderful people of St. James and the servant-hearted staff of Kickin Chicken are phenomenal. You need to appreciate the people that help you get to where you are. No one is self-made. If you share the glory, you always have a good story.” Smith's first passion is ministering, and he finds joy in providing services people need

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

There's no time like the present

s a financial advisor, I work to help my clients reach their financial goals. In simple terms, my clients invest their money in order for it to grow. They want the best possible return they can receive. It’s important to know what my clients want; however, it’s more important to know why they are investing. Most of my clients invest for a reason. There is an overall long-term objective that they are seeking. That objective can be many different things. For some, it may be saving for a big expense a few years down the road. These expenses could range from a down payment on the purchase of a house or planning for a child’s wedding, to saving for college or even planning a dream vacation. These are all excellent reasons to grow money, but the number one reason most of my clients invest is to plan for retirement. Planning for retirement is the most important investment decision people will make in their lifetimes. Planning for retirement should be a life-long endeavor. The earlier someone starts, the better opportunity he has to reach his goals. There is an old saying: “Failure to plan is planning to fail.” I spend a lot of time talking to young clients about the importance of starting to plan for retirement as soon as they can. Most young people do not have a lot of disposable income, but they have one very important detail on their sides – time. They can start with small amounts and build wealth over the years. Retirement planning is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Consistent, reliable, long-term investing is a proven method to providing clients with the best opportunity of reaching their desired retirement goals. Over the last few years, I have lost several family members that died way before their normal life expectancies. Most of their deaths could be contributed to poor health decisions made during the ages 20 through 50. Similarly, poor

retirement planning could lead someone to fall short of retirement goals. In some cases, it may mean certain individuals may never have the opportunity to retire. Reckless financial decisions made in younger years may determine how people live out their later years. It’s a scary thought to be entering the later years of life with no way to retire. I have some friends who tell me they have no plans to retire. They are not concerned about retirement because they are going to work until they die. That seems sort of depressing to me. Also, it is a very dangerous approach to life. I have several clients who intended to work well into the ages of 60s and early 70s, but an unexpected event changed their plans. It could be a sudden serious health condition, a need to care for a loved one or maybe being forced into early retirement by an employer. All these situations could (and many times do) happen. It is always best to prepare for the unexpected. The American dream is to work hard during the early years of life to save and prepare for the future, with the end goal of relaxing and enjoying the later years. That dream is very attainable. It is up to each individual whether he wants achieve it or not. My advice, if you have not already begun to prepare, start now. What are you waiting for? Marty Edge offers securities through LPL Financial and insurance products through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Contact Marty at 334-351-0195.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Marty edge

DOLLARS & SENSE Marty Edge is a financial advisor with First Financial Services, an affiliate of First Community Bank of Central Alabama.

Tallassee Health and

Wetumpka

Rehabilitation, LLC

Flea Market & Antiques BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE STARTING AT $118/MONTH FOR 6’X10’

334-567-2666 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka, AL Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC

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

We’ll help show you the way to financial security. No map necessary.

Serving Frankie’s Favorites! Tony Edwards*, CLU®, ChFC® Principal tony@wealthmarkfinancial.com

Clay Edwards*, LUTCF® Associate clay@wealthmarkfinancial.com

Contact us to make a plan that lets you focus on being good at life. WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC** 6756 Taylor Circle Montgomery, AL 36117 334-279-1987 wealthmarkfinancial.com

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER Open 7A-7P

*Tony Edwards and Clay Edwards, Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency and wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance and an agent licensed to sell insurance through New York Life Insurance Company and may be licensed to sell insurance through various other independent unaffiliated companies. **WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. SMRU1710429 (Exp.07/30/2020) ©2018 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010

Proud to Offer

Insure. Invest. Retire.

WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC

Cupcakes & Breakfast Sandwiches Salads � Sandwiches � Wraps All Made with Fresh Quality Ingredients

CU PC AK ES! DE SSE RTS !

STEWART’S CO FFEEH OUSE

Also serving fresh and local roasted coffee

IN A HURRY?

Grab-&-Go with self check out CALL US FOR CATERING

617 S. Main Street | Wetumpka, AL | 334-478-4915

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Re-enactors fire the cannon at last year's Battles for the Armory in Tallassee

How the Battles for the Armory saved the carbines

T Sharon fox

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

he Richmond Carbine factory was moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Tallassee, Alabama, in the summer of 1864. Col. Josiah Gorgas, Chief of the Confederate Ordinance Bureau, selected Tallassee because it was an out-ofthe-way, secure location. The factory was situated in the original Tallassee Textile Mill that was built in 1844, now known as the Confederate Armory. In July of 1864, Union Maj. Gen. Lovell H. Rousseau swept across Alabama with 2,500 raiders armed with Spencer Repeating Carbines. The Calvary’s mission was to burn and destroy railroad bridges, buildings and supplies. On July 18, Rousseau sent Maj. Baird, the commander of the 5th Iowa, along with a detachment of the 4th Tennessee Union Cavalry, to Chehaw Station with the task of destroying railroads, bridges and mills along the way. Upon arrival, Baird was met with resistance by a unit of the Tuskegee Home Guard and a skirmish ensued, now known as the Battle of Chehaw Station. A train carrying a battalion of 16- and 17-year-old cadets from the University of Alabama, who had been training in Selma, soon joined the Confeder-

ate forces. The cadets joined the fray using old muzzle-loading muskets and a small cannon. As the battle intensified, a group of mounted militia from Tuskegee clad in brown linen appeared to reinforce the cadets and the home guard. The arrival of the militia prompted Baird to order the withdrawal of his troops. Rousseau reported to Gen. Sherman that about 40 Confederates were dead, while Union losses were small. As a result of the Confederate forces’ actions, the Yankees never reached Tallassee or the Carbine Factory. Maj. Taylor at the Confederate Armory reported that by early 1865, approximately 500 Tallassee Carbines had been produced. In March of 1865, Union Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson advanced to raid Alabama with 13,000 troops. Concerned for the safety of the carbines in Tallassee, orders came to remove the rifles and all manufacturing equipment and ship them to Macon, Georgia. As this was taking place, Wilson’s troops were cutting a devastating swath through central Alabama, beginning in Selma where they encountered Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest – but not before destroying the Selma arsenal

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

and shipbuilding facility. The Union troops then moved on to Montgomery and continued on a route to Columbus, Georgia, with orders to destroy some mills and bridges on the Tallapoosa River. On April 15, Wilson reached Cowles Station, just south of Tallassee along the Western Railroad of Alabama. One account in Virginia Noble Golden’s, A History of Tallassee, states that upon reaching Cowles Station, the officer in charge asked a local black man to guide him to Tallassee. The guide told the commander that they would have to cross the river to the far west side of Cowles Ferry. The comThe Tallassee Confederate mander’s outdated Armory was selected for its map showed Talout-of-the-way location lassee on the east side of the river, so the Union commander, thinking the black man was lying to mislead him, ordered him shot. The Union troops continued up the east side of the Tallapoosa River until they reached the small railroad community of Franklin, Alabama, where they were met by what was reported as a superior force of Confederate militia. In addition, this skirmish delayed Wilson, allowing Forrest’s Cavalry, who were pursuing the Yankees, to arrive on the scene. Wilson and his men chose to retreat and marched on to Columbus, Georgia; and then, continued to Macon. These two battles saved the Tallassee Armory from being destroyed, and that is why the annual Tallassee

re-enactment is coined the Battles for the Armory. It is assumed that the Tallassee carbines were shipped via rail to Macon, Georgia. There are several stories about what happened to the carbines, since only 12 are known to have survived and are in museums at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.; Chickamauga and Columbus, Georgia museums; and in Confederate Memorial Park in Alabama. Some believe that the Union had taken Macon by the time the carbines arrived there, and the Yankees had orders to destroy any ordinance the Confederates could make war with, so they were burned or thrown into the Ocmulgee River. The dozen that survived were likely taken as souvenirs by Union officers. The 22nd Battles for the Armory re-enactment will take place Nov. 9-10, with a battle re-enactment at 2 p.m. each day. Throughout the weekend, visitors are welcome to visit camps, talk with re-enactors and purchase items from both modern and 1860s-styled vendors. A Ladies Tea will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m., and visitors are welcomed in period dress only. Saturday evening at 7 p.m., there will be a period ball, and once again attendees are required to wear period dress. Both events are free to the public, but admission to the battle is $5; children under 5 years old are admitted for free. A free tour of the Tallassee Carbine Factory is available during the weekend by calling 334-201-4756.

A New Novel!

“Until My Time is Done”

“UNTIL MY TIME IS DONE” is the third book in the Dan Weathers Series. This historical novel can stand alone providing the reader with an intriguing story. Like Witherspoon’s other books, this story takes place in Alabama, specifically in the Montgomery and Wetumpka areas during the 1800s. In this novel, Dan now sixty-two, seeks purpose for his late years as he attempts to complete his promise to a dying stranger.

This story is about a man named Dan Weathers,

half-breed American Indian, born in Georgia in Aa1822. LONG Dan had toWAY survive discrimination, the trail-of-

HOME

tears, the Mexican War, and the Civil War. Earlier books about Dan such as Steamboats and Butterflies tells of Dan’s growing up in the southern Appalachian Mountains along the Coosa and Alabama Rivers. A Long Way Home, is about his middle years including his ten years in a prison labor camp. This book is a stand-alone story about Dan in his later years. Age becomes a challenge as Dan struggles with a terminal disease and seeks to overcome depression by seeking purpose and setting goals for his late years. DEL WITHERSPOON is a retired teacher with a special interest in Southern history. He has published other novels from this time period including: A Long Way Home, Steamboats and Butterflies, The Mysterious Journal, and Rivers of Hope. He and his wife, Ruth, live along the Coosa River near Wetumpka, Alabama. They spend their time raising peaches, plums, berries, and enjoying their grandchildren.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

UNTIL MY TIME IS DONE

DEL WITHERSPOON

UNTIL MY TIME IS DONE

By Del Witherspoon

An addition to the “Dan Weathers Series” Del Witherspoon is a retired teacher with a keen interest in the early history of the Southeast. He and his wife, Ruth, live on a small fruit farm along the Coosa River. His books are a must read for those interested in life in the South during the 1800s. Other books include: Rivers of Hope and The Mysterious Journal. His new novel is available at APEX Stores or contact Del at ArnoldDSpoon@aol.com or call 334569-3598.

OUT & ABOUT

Handley vs. ECHS Football Game

Oct. 4, 2019 Elmore County High School, Eclectic 1. Cole Hagler and Lauryn Bolton 2. Autumn Casey and Jeni Nelson 3. Trevon Milner, Jaizell and Jakovin Thrasher and Radic Matthews 4. Mary Catherine Stanfield and Mary Jones 5. Chase Motes, Christen Curlee and Jordan and Chase Howell 6. Kameron Kendrick

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Breast Cancer Awareness Oct. 4, 2019 Tallassee City Hall 1. Glenda Mays 2. Whitney Moon 3. Stephanie and Kayla Robinson 4. Robbie Ellis and Toni McGhar

5. Johnny Hammock 6. Wendy Clayton 7. Andy Coker

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Elmore County Food Pantry Fundraiser

Sept. 28, 2019 Wetumpka 1. Kathy Moseley, Karla Hall and Beth Burnett 2. Shelly and Josie Purter and Emily Burnett 3. Felicia and Zoey Nix 4. David Roberts 5. Shawn Fischer and Doris Bowe

6. Debra and Jeff Andrews

7. Luke Dye and Chandler Wyatt Dunn

6 5

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

19th Annual Titus Bluegrass Festival Sept. 28, 2019 Titus Community Center 1. Cory Maddox, Tyler Johnson and Jeremy Sanford 2. Sadie Lathem and Robin Sanders 3. Mike Ryals 4. Tiffany Trueblood, Scott Lee and Carlyn Manners

5. Glenda and Rodney Steele and Jeff Martin 6. Marilu Sample, Shirley Colquitt, Bobby Fulmer 7. Lita Williams, Wanda Hammonds and Joan Ryals

6 7

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Thornfield Plantation Open House Sept. 5, 2019 Millbrook 1. Ruby and Josh Fortner, Morgan, Wynnleigh and Melissa Peek and Billie and Roland Wynn

2. Asia Davison and Caitlin and Noah Short 3. Carla Baxley and Marie Downs

4. Johnnie Stockman and Alex McCord 5. Morgan Peek, Joel McCord and Rachael Mann

6. Mike Schmitz and Caleb and Anne McCord 7. Penny Nichols, Jan Brown and Jamie Brown

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Wetumpka Chamber Uptown Drawdown Sept. 10, 2019 Wetumpka Civic Center 1. Ron Dickerson, Mary Belmont, Sylvia Connell, Ken Martin and Tommy Paul 2. Lisa McNeil and Ronda Manning 3. Marlayna Brown and Paula, Keith and Todd

Holley

4. Lynn Bertarelli, Shannon Jones, Bella Bertarelli and Alex Bieber 5. JD Hudson, Jonathan Yarboro and Kelly and Tom Macon 6. Tiffany Wood, Tabitha Moore and Jessica Lanier 7. Will and Sarah Sommerville and Tra Cosby 8. Frank Bertarelli, Joan Strickland, Wes Bonner, Randy Hunt and Barry Yates

7 8

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Oct. 19 Farm Fresh: Farm to Table Expo

Visit Blue RIbbon Dairy Farm, 5290 Chana Creek Rd. in Tallassee, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about where food comes from. There will be many farmers available with products to sell and advice to give.

Oct. 19 Artists Market in Prattville

The Prattville Creative Arts Center, 342 Chestnut St., will host an artists market in the art garden next to the Creative Art Center and Gallery from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a great opportunity to pick up locally made holiday gifts while children work on a make-and-take art project. For more information, call 334-595-0850.

Oct. 19 Angel Fest

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church will host its 20th Annual Angel Fest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is held at 5941 Main St., Millbrook, and features a bake sale, silent auction, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s carnival, concessions, music, Boston butts and lots of vendors. Admission is free. For information, call the church office at 334-285-3905.

Oct. 19 Big Day Bird Census

Join Alabama Nature Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s naturalist Carol Alford to identify and count all the birds heard and seen at ANC. The data will be uploaded to a worldwide database to give scientists a snapshot of where birds are in the middle of fall migration. The bird walk will begin at 9:15 a.m. Binoculars will be provided, along with pamphlets illustrating common Alabama birds. Expect to be on the trail for about two hours, and the pace will be slow with frequent stops to search for birds. Admission is $5, and this program is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Oct. 19 Creatures of the Night

Bring the family to Alabama Wildlife Federation for a Halloween-themed evening under the stars. The activities will begin at 3 p.m. and include a slithering snake encounter, creepy crawly insects, an ewwy gooey touch table, flashlight spider search, a night hike and a movie under the stars. There will be plenty of Halloween-themed games, food and activities. Glow sticks will be provided for the night hike. Admission is free. For information, visit alabamawildlife.org.

Oct. 20 Annual Red Hill School Reunion

The Red Hill Historical Preservation Association will host its annual reunion for anyone who has connections to the Old Red Hill School and community. Come out between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for an afternoon of reminiscing, renewing old friendships and making new ones. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 334-541-2474.

Oct. 21 Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce Business Jive After Five

Millbrook Chamber of Commerce, 3390 Main St., will host this inaugural networking event where businesses in the community will be available to show what they have to offer. VIPs only from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and then the event will be free and open to the public from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. There will be door prizes, hot dogs, music and more. Showcase your business with a tabletop exhibit to boost visibility. For more information, call the chamber at 334-285-0085.

Oct. 24 Wetumpka Color the Town Pink Walk

Participants will meet in front of the Wetumpka Civic Center at 2 p.m. where there will be a brief ceremony with two speakers: Jackie Butler from the Joy to Life Foundation, followed by breast cancer survivor Jenny Dodson. The group will then walk the riverwalk to Gold Star Park where they will release pink balloons and enjoy pink lemonade and pink cupcakes. For more information, contact the City of Wetumpka at 334-567-5147.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Building, 408 S. Main St. Local businesses will set up, and Oct. 24 DAC Lunch and Learn: Recent Acquisitions children ages toddler to fourth grade will arrive in costume to work their way through the lines and collect candy and and Discoveries Part II Dixie Art Colony will host its monthly Lunch and Learn at Trinity Hall in Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka, at 12 p.m. In this program, DAC will share and discuss details about more of its most recent acquisition of artwork, photographs and miscellaneous epherma, along with details about future projects. Optional lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., followed by the program.

goods. Each parent is asked to bring a canned food item to donate to the Elmore County Food Pantry. For information, contact the city at 334-567-5147.

Children dress up to collect candy at Elmore County candy walks

Oct. 26 Millbrook Boo Fest

The City of Millbrook will host this Halloween celebration at the Village Green. Kids are encouraged to come in costume and area businesses will provide candy and games in a safe, family-oriented environment from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Please no scary costumes. For more information, contact Chelsea Crawford with the Millbrook Parks and Recreation Department at 334-290-2047.

Oct. 26 6th Annual Candy Run

Come out to Spinner Park, W. 6th St. in Prattville, for a charity run benefiting the Family Support Center. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Three runs will be available depending on level of endurance. Both the 8K and 5K will take runners through historic downtown Prattville, and there will be an optional 1-mile fun run. After the race, enjoy the Spinners Arts & Craft Festival in the park. Tickets for the 8K and 5K will be $25, and the fun run costs $10 to participate.

Oct. 26 AWF Campfire Cooking Class

Participants will learn to start a successful campfire and how to cook on one at 10 a.m. Food will be provided. There will be an animal encounter at 1 p.m. RSVP by calling 334-285-4550.

Oct. 28 Prattville Halloween Candy Walk

The City of Prattville and downtown merchants will host the annual Halloween Candy Walk. Lines will start in front of City Hall on Main Street and at the Fountain at the curve of Main and Court streets. Kids ages toddler through third grade are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of trick-or-treating. This is a free event but a non-perishable food item for the Autauga Interfaith Care Center food pantry is requested.

Oct. 28 Wetumpka Candy Walk

The City of Wetumpka will host its annual candy walk from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. behind the City Administration

Oct. 31 Elmore Community Hospital’s Trick or Treat Spooktacular

Elmore Community Hospital, 500 Hospital Dr. in Wetumpka, will open its doors to the community from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a free trick-or-treating extravaganza throughout each hospital department, along with a carnival in the courtyard and refreshments for sale in the café. The event will be sponsored by the ECH Auxiliary and will provide an opportunity for the community to learn about hospital services.

Nov. 1-2 Renew Our Rivers

Lake Marin Resource Association, Alabama Power Company, Russell Lands On Lake Martin, Advanced Disposal, Wind Creek State Park, Lake Martin Dock Company and TowBoatU.S. Lake Martin will once again join forces to coordinate the annual cleanup of the Lake Martin community. This year’s efforts will focus on the lake’s shorelines and surrounding roadways. Volunteers are encouraged to work independently and deliver bagged trash to Kowaliga Public Ramp, Wind Creek State Park Marina, Union Public Boat Ramp and Real Island Marina. Supplies will be available for volunteers, along with a custom-designer T-shirt featuring artwork from a Stephens Elementary student. Supplies can be picked up starting at 8 a.m. on each day from any of the participating dumpster locations. Trash can be dropped off until noon each day. For more information, contact LMRA President John Thompson at 1942jthompson@gmail.com.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Nov. 2 The Wacky Socks Fun Run

The Stanhope Elmore Diamond Club will host 5K and 10K fun runs to support the Stanhope Elmore baseball program and The Field of Dreams in Prattville. The 5K and 10K both start at 8 a.m., and the 1-mile fun run will begin immediately upon conclusion of the others. Prizes will be given to the top three male and female finishers overall. Prizes also will be given to the top two male and female runners in each age group. Pick up race packets Nov. 1 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mission House, First United Methodist Church in Millbrook, 3350 Edgewood Rd, the same location of the races’ starts. Registration is $30 for the 10K and 5K races and $15 for the 1-mile run.

Nov. 2-3 … and One Fire Still Burns

Friends of Tuckabatchee will present the drama … and One Fire Still Burns at the Mt. Vernon Theatre, 313 Barnett Blvd. in Tallassee. The production will be held Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be $15. For information, contact Liz Britt at 334-313-3934 or visit FriendsofTuckabatchee.com. Turn to page 14 to read more.

Nov. 2 Big Catfish Cookoff

The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce will host this celebration of the Coosa River and Big Fish history. Held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Merchant’s Alley in Wetumpka, teams will compete to cook their tastiest catfish creations. The fee is $200 per team to enter, and the catfish will be provided, along with other necessities for cooking. General admission will be $25 for adults and $12 for kids ages 7 to 12. Kids 6 and under are admitted for free. Guests will cast their votes for crowd favorite and will be treated to a big plate of catfish, hush puppies, baked beans and slaw. There will be live music and local artists on site displaying their works for sale. BYOB alcohol is welcome. For more information, email Shellie Whitfield at swhitfield@wetumpkachamber.org or call her at 334-567-4811.

Nov. 7 8th Annual Small Business Procurement Conference and Matchmaker

This conference, held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama Training Center, 900 Hyundai Blvd., Montgomery, is designed to foster business connections and contracting opportunities with all industries. Attendees will be given the opportunity to showcase their products and services directly to decision makers and small business contracting specialists. Training and educational presentations will be on the agenda. Following lunch with speaker Mike Ward, CEO & President of Project Management & Staffing Group LLC., there will be a matchmaker session. Registration is $25. For information, call Thomas Taylor at 334-229-4848 or email him at ttaylor@alasu.edu.

Nov. 7-9 Charis Crafters Home for the Holidays Craft Show

Charis Crafters will host its annual craft show at the Wetumpka Civic Center from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. There will be handmade and crafted items available for sale. Visit the Charis Crafters Facebook page for more information.

Nov. 10 History of Coosada

The Elmore County Historical Society will host Coosada community leaders at 2:30 p.m. to share stories about the history of Coosada, which is said to be one of the oldest Native American villages in Alabama. The event will be free and open to the public in the Jeanette Barrett Civic Room.

Nov. 11 11th Annual Tribute to Veterans Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Nov. 6-9 Alabama Frontier Days

Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park will host its annual Frontier Days, which will focus on demonstrating frontier life in the Southeast from 1700 to 1820. The event is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission is $8 per adult and $7 per child. The park is located at 2521 Fort Toulouse Rd. in Wetumpka.

Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 U.S. 231 in Wetumpka, will host an event dedicated to the memory of all who served in the U.S. military during the Korean War. The Gallery of Honor will open at 4 p.m. in Trinity Hall and also during the reception after the concert. The gallery will feature 10 storyboards contributed by Dixie Art Colony Foundation,

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

including boards highlighting DAC's Kelly Fitzpatrick's service in WWI, amongst others. Multiple musicians will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. to perform patriotic songs. Those wishing to include items in the gallery must deliver and setup no later than 3:30 p.m. that day. For more information about the gallery, contact Gary Wright at 334-224-7194.

Nov. 15-16 Snore and Explore

Spend the night in Discovery Hall and explore all of Alabama’s habitats from mountains and caves to beaches at the coast. Enjoy fishing, animal encounters and a night hike and sleep amongst the animals in Discovery Hall. Registration is $12 and recommended for ages 6 years old and up.

Nov. 17 4-H Livestock Club

Youth will meet at 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka at 2 p.m. to learn about livestock. You do not have to own livestock to participate. For more information or to register, call the Elmore County Extension Office at 334-567-6301.

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. Visit alabamawildlife.org.

Tallassee Civitan Club

The Civitans meet at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Seton Hall at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. This volunteer organization serves individual and community needs by funding and hosting special events for people with developmental disabilities. A social time at 5:30 p.m. precedes meetings.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

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

Season-Long Events

Eclectic Trade Days

Country Music Jam

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 south of Kowaliga. For 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;

The second Saturday of each month, the City of Eclectic hosts trade days with local vendors from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 145 Main St., next to Town Hall. A booth is $10 to set up on Trade Days. For more information, contact Carmen Winslett at 334-201-0092.

Trivia Night at Coosa Cleaver

Every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., Trivia Factory brings live hosted trivia to Coosa Cleaver’s upstairs 1909 bar. This weekly event is free to play, and gift cards are awarded for top teams each night. Coosa Cleaver is located at 106 Company St. in Wetumpka. For more information, visit CoosaCleaver.com. To have your upcoming event featured in the Elmore County Living’s ‘Coming Up!’ pages, email information to editor@lakemagazine.life by the first of the month.

Our Family Protecting Yours GENE JONES INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. GeneJonesInsurance.com

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Thank You to our advertisers

Elmore County Living

Don't see your ad in this issue of Elmore County Living?

Neither did the thousands of potential customers who read our magazine monthly. To advertise please contact:

Marilyn Hawkins | 334-202-5108 or stop by our office located at 300 Green St., Wetumpka AL 36092 44

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Business & Service Directory COSMETOLOGIST WANTED

Karen’s

Mane Tamers Family Hair Care

8711 U.s. Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL

334-514-1958

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

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

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

Casino Convenience Store ARC Rrealty

Wells Fargo Bank Aldridge Borden Co. Toulouse Marathon

Larry and Diane Liveoak

DID YOU KNOW? You can find

Elmore County Living at

LIVEOAK AGENCY IN MILLBROOK

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Stop by and grab one today!

The Art of Storytelling T Adrian borden

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

The cast of the 1967 movie, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, performs Coffee Break

here is something magical about the history of Tallassee. It begs to be shared. Artists and visionaries flock to the town to hear the stories and to discover new ways to tell the tales of the town. Folks buy up aging historic properties to restore them and, by doing so, bring excitement to Tallassee’s future as well as its rich past – one that dates back some 400 years. The Mt. Vernon Theatre, the House of Seven Gables, Hotel Talisi and the Tallassee Guest House all have charmed individuals or committees into giving them new lives. The community supports these endeavors because at the heart of Tallassee is a living, breathing love of storytelling. One of my favorite annual artsy fartsy Tallassee traditions is the high school’s fall musical. Five years ago, I was asked to direct Grease, as the first full-scale show staged at Tallassee High School in more than 30 years. Over the next four years we produced High School Musical; Bye Bye Birdie; The Music Man; and Guys and Dolls. This year, we will present one of my all-time favorites: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The students get to explore inter-office drama, hijinks and chauvinism that harkens back to that fabulous and nostalgic 1960s Mad Men era. The play is chock-full of fabulous and hilarious numbers like Coffee Break, where the office has run out of coffee – and utter panic ensues. Every actor has a vital role in the office in How to Succeed. Performances will be in the THS Auditorium on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the school at 334-283-2187. One of the best ways to share stories is through the arts. I myself have written several plays about Tallassee’s history (during the Civil War and during World War II). The Friends of Tuckabatchee formed with a de-

sire to share Tallassee’s Indian heritage, pinpointing Tukabahchi, which had once been located on the Tallapoosa River before the removal of the Native Americans. The Friends constructed a story, … and One Fire Still Burns, which told of the Muscogee Creek Indians’ daily lives, humanizing the people from the 1600s and 1700s. The play builds up ultimately to a dramatic visit from Shawnee chief Tecumseh, and his fevered speech under The Great Council Tree. The newly revised … and One Fire Still Burns will be staged at the Mt. Vernon Theatre, 313 Barnett Blvd. in Tallassee on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 2 p.m., as an approved Alabama Bicentennial event. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at FriendsofTuckabatchee.com or by calling Liz Britt at 334-313-3934. As featured in last month’s Elmore County Living, the Dixie Art Colony Foundation preserves and promotes the history and legacy left by the DAC participants. Featured in one of the DAC publications is a fine, detailed art piece that Roberts Blount commissioned Alabama artist John Kelly Fitzpatrick to complete for display in the Bank of Tallassee. With barely a fraction of the four expected pieces complete, Fitzpatrick passed away. His former student, Arthur Stewart, took up the brush and finished the work. The one titled Tukabahchi is a colorful, vibrant painting depicting a group of Native Americans performing what is thought to be a northern dance called Dance of the Lakes. The painting hangs in the Trustmark Bank in downtown Tallassee with the others. Art makes stories, whether fictitious or true, more approachable and tangible for the appreciator. Most would agree that whether a Tallassee native or just someone passing through, it is a place to be remembered.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

A love of nature starts early. Ours did too. Did you know that frogs are an indicator of the health of water systems? At Alabama Power, we’ve been helping manage and protect Alabama’s natural resources for more than a hundred years, partnering with organizations across the state to preserve the health of our river ecosystems. Plus, we work hard to care for wildlife habitats and give endangered species the chance for a future. Because we love nature – and frogs – as much as you do.

AlabamaPower.com/Environment