FYI Newcomer's Guide to Elmore County 2021 by Tallapoosa Publishers

FYI

Newcomer's Guide to Elmore County

2021-2022 Edition Annual publication of The Wetumpka Herald and The Tallassee Tribune 1

2021-22 FYI

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Welcome to Elmore County

elcome to Elmore County, an area rich in history and tradition, offering excellence in public services, financial strength and economic development. We here at Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., the primary local news source in Elmore County, are happy to introduce you to the community through FYI, our annual newcomer’s guide. We hope it will help you settle into the neighborhood, connect with businesses and organizations that serve your needs and assist you in becoming involved in community events in your new hometown. This area offers excellent education systems and healthcare facilities, beautiful parks and endless recreational opportunities, including golf, paddling, fishing, hiking, biking, music festivals and more. You’ll also find a thriving arts society here, from art galleries and organizations to community theater and the arts in local schools. You’ll find information about all these happenings in this useful publication. Several non-profit organizations, like Main Street Wetumpka and area chambers of commerce, offer support for local businesses, and city and county officials promote strong community ties, supplying residents with adequate needs. All of these contacts can be easily found within the pages of this publication. But first, you’ll need to make your landing and get services hooked up in your new home. We’ve got you covered there, too. Turn to page 54 for all the information about utility hookups and city service locations for all your needs. Be sure to hold onto this directory, which includes emergency numbers, law enforcement and local fire department contacts, as well as contacts that will help you become involved with civic organizations and even where to take the pup for grooming or veterinary services. As you begin life in this new community, you’ll want to keep up with what’s happening close to home and across the county, and keeping you informed is our top priority at TPI. We publish two weekly newspapers in the county, each with a focus on the local community. Look for The Wetumpka Herald and The Tallassee Tribune in racks at local merchants. You can find additional digital content and subscribe to e-editions online at thewetumpkaherald.com and tallasseetribune.com, respectively. You can also call 256-234-4281 for a subscription, so you are sure to have the news you need when you need it. You’ll find that community pride runs deep in Elmore County, and before you know it, you’ll be feeling some of that community pride, too. We think it will only take a little bit of getting to know the area, and we hope this convenient resource helps you grow to love your life here.

On the cover

Beautiful Cypress trees grow along a stretch of the Coosa River. Photo by Audra Spears

FYI: A Newcomer's Guide to Elmore County is an annual publication of TPI. It is designed to acquaint newcomers with the towns that comprise Elmore County.

STAFF

Chairman

Kenneth Boone

Publisher Steve Baker

Editor

Brittany Smith

Contributors Kenneth Boone Betsy Iler Audra Spears Jake Arthur Cliff Williams Brianna Wilson Carmen Rodgers Michael Bird Adrian Lee Bush Sharon Fox Amy Passaretti

Distribution Manager Erin Burton

Creative Services Audra Spears Shelley McNeal

Marketing/Advertising Marilyn Hawkins Andy Carr

Digital services Elle Fuller

Steve Baker, Publisher 4

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-4281 www.alexcityoutlook.com

2021-22 FYI

Newcomer's Guide

ForYour Information Table of Contents

20 6

24 Directory

First Responders........................................ 23 Education................................................... 31 Libraries...................................................... 41 Vets/Groomers........................................... 42 Volunteer.................................................... 46 Medical Services........................................ 48 Utility Setup............................................... 54 Local Government..................................... 55 Calendar of Events.................................... 56 Area Churches........................................... 60 Chamber Directory................................... 63 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Newcomer’s Guide

Soak It Up..................................................... 6 Millbrook Goes Green.............................. 12 Curating Community............................... 14 Get your grub on....................................... 18 Must-See Historic Attractions................. 20 Downtown Wetumpka............................. 24 Elmore County Schools............................ 28 Steeped in History.................................... 34 Where to Play............................................ 38 Smalltown Boom....................................... 45 Arts and Culture....................................... 50 5

Soak it up Life is better on the water

STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS, KENNETH BOONE & CLIFF WILLIAMS

2021-22 FYI

Kayaking on the Coosa River is a popular choice among locals and visitors

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

elcome to Elmore County, known as the River Region, and nestled around two of Alabama’s most beautiful lakes. Elmore Country is truly a gem just waiting to be discovered by newcomers like you. With plenty of rivers, lakes and trails to keep everyone busy, there is always something to do in the River Region. Of the two lakes that locals frequent, Lake Jordan is the only one that totally belongs to July 4 boat parade Elmore County, off the shores of Lake connecting Wetumpka Martin in Eclectic to Holtville. Lake Jordan is a whopping 6,800 acres of water and 188 miles of shoreline. From the Jordan Dam overlook, visitors can observe an expansive view of the lake stretching 18 miles toward the horizon, and just below them lies a stretch of powerful rapids deemed the Devil’s Staircase for those who like to get active on the water. Jordan Lake is also used for many sporting and recreational events and professional and amateur fishing tournaments. And for those who are less competitive but love to fish, the lake also provides several favorite spots for the casual fisherman, supporting high densities of sport fish and forage species. According to Outdoor Alabama, the most common sport fish found in Lake Jordan include Alabama spotted bass, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and black and white crappie. If you’re looking for more activities to keep you busy around the lake, check-in with the Lake Jordan Home Owners and Boat Owners. The organization helps plan and organize many of the events around the lake – including the Fourth of July Boat Parade and Santa & Friends Christmas tour – while playing a crucial role in maintaining and preserving the laid-back lifestyle that is Lake Jordan and the lush surrounding areas. 8

Lake Jordan gives way to the Coosa River, which runs through the west side of Elmore County, making its most central appearance in the heart of downtown Wetumpka. The river offers calm waters for those who wish to relax while tubing or fishing and whitewater rapid for the more adventurous kayakers. Just downstream from the Jordan Dam lies Moccasin Gap. If paddlers are looking to experience a day of twists and turns as they rush through the Coosa River rapids, this six-mile stretch is worth every invigorating second. Whether you choose calm and relaxing or extreme and athletic, both are popular choices among locals and visitors. And the plus is, there are several easy-to-access drop-in points for the Coosa located throughout the county. Fishing the Coosa is a little trickier for a newcomer. The water is fast and deep, making it harder to find a special spot to sit and catch a mess hall full of fish; however, the Coosa is home to a robust, naturally reproducing land-locked striped bass population. There are only a handful of such populations found in the nation. So for those lucky enough to find that special spot, it could be a really good day. But the Coosa is not the only river in Elmore County that provides anglers with the potential of catching striped bass or hardcore paddlers with a challenging set of rapids. The Coosa River converges with the Tallapoosa River south of Wetumpka. The Tallapoosa begins to act as the dividing point between Elmore and Montgomery, Macon and Tallapoosa counties. It winds its way through miles and miles of terrain to inevitably create Lake Martin to the north, which then divides Elmore, Coosa and Tallapoosa Counties. The Tallapoosa River offers a multitude of calm places to boat and fish. It also has several opportunities 2021-22 FYI

for those looking to ride lower-level rapids, as well as a tougher set for the more experienced paddlers. While a four-mile whitewater adventure may seem daunting to some, others will happily strike out on the 9-mile trek that carries paddlers through some of the best fishing spots on the Tallapoosa River. These particular spots are known as flats because it is just that – flat. But where the water is flat, the fish will bite with the right bait and gear. Redeye bass, spotted bass and bluegill are plentiful in the flats of the Tallapoosa River. Try using ultralight gear and spinnerbaits to catch these fish. Others like to fish for catfish. But rumor has it, fishing with worms and liver will have the squeelers tugging on a line in no time on the flats of the Tallapoosa River. In the 1920s, Martin Dam was constructed on the Tallapoosa River to create clean energy through hydroelectricity. During the construction process, whole towns were disassembled, relocated and reconstructed above the 491-foot mean sealevel waterline of Alabama’s treasured lake Lake Martin. Lake Martin’s primary function is to protect homes in the Tallapoosa River Basin – and the people who live in them – from floodwaters. The waters also turn four 230-ton turbines that can generate enough electricity to power 45,000 homes; beyond that, the lake’s purpose is recreational. Boasting 41,150 acres more than 880 miles of shoreline, Lake Martin is the perfect place to live, work and play. And what a place to play. Lake Martin draws visitors from across the country that love to boat, fish, swim,

ski, wakeboard, camp, bird watch, site-see, relax, retire and live. Popular islands and attractions include Goat Island, where you can feed and take selfies with the goats: No dogs allowed; Chimney Rock, where the daring plunge into the waters from adventurous heights; and Peanut Pointe, where boaters can pull up to purchase a hot bag of boiling nuts. Lake Martin is also a hot spot for local anglers that want to take on the challenge of fishing in clear and rocky waters. There are two bait shops right off the west side of the lake in Eclectic to get your day started before hitting the edges of the lake to find a variety of fish. Popular species sought by anglers include largemouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, white bass, black crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill and redear sunfish. Part of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s central division, marine patrol officers monitor activities on the lake 24/7 to enhance safety and promote responsible use of the waterway. Three groups of hardworking, dedicated volunteers keep Lake Martin clean and advocate for its welfare: Lake Martin Resource Association, Lake Watch Lake Martin and the Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners. It is the work of these organizations, their membership and volunteers that make Lake Martin a great place to live, work and play. Visit their websites and Facebook pages to find out how you help.

Fishing is a favorite pastime on any body of water in Elmore County.

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

2021-22 FYI

eceda@elmoreeda.com (334) 524-0817 elmoreeda.com

WHERE BUSINESS MEETS PLEASURE

SHOP LOCAL FOR A BETTER WAY OF LIFE 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Millbrook Goes Green

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTO BY BRITTANY SMITH

ecycling may not be a fresh concept, but Millbrook is embracing residents’ latest passion for it and expanding its program to create a greener community. With that comes increased quality of life and a cleaner future. “The City of Millbrook has had a recycling program for about 15 to 18 years with a center on Grandview Road,” Millbrook economic development director Ann Harper said. “It’s a self-drop operation. We haven’t yet evolved into a door-to-door pickup, but we at least offer a nice place where people can come and drop off recyclable items.” With increased use of the center, the city of Millbrook applied for and received a grant early in 2020 from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. This grant allowed the city to expand its recycling program and encourage more people to take advantage of its offerings. “We asked for two things,” Harper said. “We needed to purchase what we call a dump trailer, a trailer that tilts up and one you can tow to collect recyclables from different places. This way we can transport our recyclables more easily.” The other factor of the grant will allow for the purchase of additional receptacles for high-use areas, such as parks and fields. “We’re going to place recycle receptables in all our parks, the golf course, any other public places we can think of to draw attention to our recycle center,” Harper said. The grant will cover the cost of 15 of these cans, and the city will pair the installation of them with an educational campaign to increase awareness for residents. “I’m just amazed how frequently the center is used,” Harper said. “Recycling is definitely something people in our community are doing.” 12

The advantages of recycling are endless and include reducing the solid waste footprint, cleaning up the community and making people more aware of their environment. Harper said city leadership has been supportive of increasing the recycling program to ensure Elmore County leads to a clean future. “A lot more people recycle than what I would have imagined a year ago,” Mayor Al Kelley said. “When the program went down for a little while, we realized how many people really wanted it, so we pursued the grant. It’s a pretty detailed operation we’ve got.” Harper and Kelley feel this grant will also help ramp up the positive message about the importance of recycling. “It’s not only good for our environment but cleans up our city, too,” Harper said. “We hope by putting out these added receptacles and educating the general public about the advantages, people will think twice before leaving a water bottle in the back of a truck for it to get blown out.” Several events, such as the Mardi Gras Festival at Village Green Park and Arbor Day have acted as the launchpad for the new recycling campaign. Harper asked ADEM to bring its recycling trailer on site and offer educational information to the community. “The city staff will join forces with the state staff to promote recycling, and we can use this opportunity to talk about Millbrook’s recycling program, where it is and what items are accepted,” Harper said. As awareness continues to increase about recycling, the hope is that more residents will jump on board. “Once you go once, you see how great it is and how many others are using the system,” Harper said. “It makes you feel better to contribute to the cleanliness of the environment.”

2021-22 FYI

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Curating Community STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH PHOTOS BY BRIANNA WILSON & CARMEN RODGERS

Anna Chappelle and Shellie Whitfield encourage people to stay connected

THE WETUMPKA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce aims to enrich the local community and economy through delivering foresight, management, local services and useful information. “We connect businesses and help create relationships that help our businesses prosper,” Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce director Shellie Whitfield said. “That helps our entire community. It creates higher sales tax revenue, and that helps our community. When our businesses prosper, everyone prospers. “One of the greatest resources that we have is that we know everyone because everyone belongs to the chamber, and we can point anyone in the right direction. We are the resource. Believe it or not, there are a ton of elderly people in our community that do not have a smartphone or access to a computer, but they do have our phone number. We get phone call after phone call with people asking us for help with things, even something as simple as a phone number to Lowe’s. And that makes my heart happy because we can genuinely help people and businesses in the community prosper.” The chamber works hand-in-hand with Main Street Wetumpka, the primary goal of which is to bring economic value to downtown Wetumpka while the chamber’s primary goal is to connect businesses, create 14

relationships and build community. Together the two nonprofit organizations create a welcoming atmosphere where people want to come and enjoy time in the community. “The goal is to have everyone participating so that we can build great connections in the community and create relationships,” Whitfield said. “We always participate in any events that Main Street has going on and vice versa. I believe that is why we’ve prospered because we all work in tandem so well.” Another driving force for the Wetumpka Chamber and Main Street organizations is figuring out how to get the youth involved in the community. “We are really working on getting our youth invested in the chamber world. We want to teach them about entrepreneurship and tourism,” Whitfield said. “The pandemic didn’t hit us like it did in other areas. We actually thrived through the pandemic because we are such a loyal community. “Even before Hometown Takeover aired, our businesses were up 30 percent. Now they are up 500 percent. On average, before COVID-19, we used to see 2,000 people a month. Then that number changed to about 6,000, and now, since the show has aired, we see between 10,000 to 12,000 people a month pass in front of the chamber. It really is remarkable, and since we are obviously a tourism destination, our youth need to be educated on how to thrive in a tourist-centered locale.”

2021-22 FYI

The chamber is partnering with local colleges and all Elmore County chools to train students in tourismcentered programs. “We need to get the young people involved,” said Whitfield. “It really is all about the kids.” There are multiple ways to join the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce. “Either you can call me, and I would bring you the information that is needed, or you can do that online on our website,” Whitfield said. Visit the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce at 116 E Bridge St. or call 334-567-4811 for information. Chamber members award Brown with a check for her favorite charity upon her departure as chamber president

Visit the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce at 3390 Main St. or call 334-285-0085 for more information.

Cunningham assists with handing out trees on Arbor Day in Tallassee

THE GREATER TALLASSEE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MILLBROOK AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce is a group of business owners and operators that work collectively to support businesses in the Millbrook community. The chamber aims to connect local businesses in the community through networking. There are many benefits to business owners that join the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce. “By joining the chamber, businesses can expose their business to other business leaders in the community and get business exposure,” immediate Past President of the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce Jamie Brown said. “With your membership, you receive a valuable ally for your business.” There are multiple ways to join The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce. “We have paper applications in the office, and we have a website that business owners can go to fill out a contact information form that can be delivered directly to us,” Brown said. The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce collaborates throughout the year using its skills, energy and ingenuity to create new and diverse methods to promote local business in the area. “Business networking with other community business owners and having your business exposed on the chamber of commerce website listing raises their reputation within the community by being a chamber member. The Millbrook Chamber of Commerce also hosts ribbon cuttings and grand openings. They also get referrals and recommendations from business leaders,” Brown said. 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

The Greater Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce aims to promote local businesses while developing civic and common interests in Tallassee and surrounding areas. According to the Greater Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce director Jerry Cunningham, there are many reasons to become a member. “It adds credibility to the business, and it’s also a way to network with other businesses and be part of a team and a partnership for the betterment of the community,” he said. The chamber sponsors area ribbon cuttings, grand openings, open houses and groundbreakings. The Greater Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce is active in the community year round. Each year, the chamber holds a banquet for its members and recognizes members’ contributions. “We do community events like The Taste of Tallassee, Trade Day, which we have brought back. We also help with the RiverFest and the parade, and we host events around the holiday as well,” Cunningham said. Not only does the Greater Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce promote businesses in the community but it also aims to enhance the city’s downtown area. “One thing we can do is try to make the area look a little better, especially in downtown Tallassee, so that is one of our big goals now,” Cunningham said. During summer months, the Greater Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce showcases some the area's most well maintained yards with the Yard of the Month award. “That’s been going on for some time now; it’s just a matter of getting the word out and promote it,” Cunningham said. For more information, visit the Greater Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce at 303 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee, or call 334-283-5151. 15

2021-22 FYI

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Restoration 49 is a coffee shop in Tallassee

Get your grub on Support local eateries and market shops WETUMPKA:

Bush’s Diner 7495 US Highway 231 Cara’s Café & Bakery 617 S Main Street Champs Barbecue 10486 US Highway 231 China Garden 621 South Main Street Coaches Corner Bar & Grill 203 Orline Street Copper House Deli 100 East Bridge Street The Coosa Cleaver 106 Company Street Coosa River Craft House 108 South Main Street Donuts D-Lite 4077 Highway 231 El Patron 5791 Highway 231 FIRE Steakhouse 100 River Oaks Drive Frios Gourmet Pops 100 Company Street Georges’ River Market & Butchery 201 Spring Street* Giusseppi’s 2215 US Highway 231 Grumpy Dog 200 East Bridge Street Hog Rock 7585 US Highway 231 Los Mayas 4666 US Highway 231 Must Stop Café 60 Village Loop Nancy’s Thai Market 425 S Main Street* Nick of Thyme 112 Company Street* Our Place Café 809 Company Street 18

Provisions Cheese & Wine Shoppe 101 E Bridge Street* Rancho Grande 915 US Highway 231 River Perk 109 Company Street San Marcos 5311 US Highway 231 Smokin’ S Barbecue 5826 US Highway 231 Thai Town 201 Company Street Woodcraft Café 1086 US Highway 231 Yummy Thai 4053 US Highway 231

ECLECTIC:

Bush’s Grocery 80991 Tallassee Highway* Cotton’s Alabama Barbecue 4485 Kowaliga Road Cozumel 62 Claud Road El Gran Rodeo 58 Kowaliga Road Down Home Bar and Grill 65 Main Street Kickin Chicken 1606 Kowaliga Road Kowaliga Restaurant 295 Kowaliga Marina Road The Pub 2452 Kowaliga Road The Social Lake Martin 2001 Castaway Island Road Wow Catering 35 Kowaliga Road

2021-22 FYI

Front Porch Grill in Millbrook offers county home cooking

Every Friday at the Coosa Cleaver in Wetumpka there is a steak special

Wow Catering in Eclectic offers chef's specials daily

TALLASSEE:

1220 Café 1220 Gilmer Avenue American Deli 430 Gilmer Avenue Acapulco 2867 Gilmer Avenue Blue Ribbon Dairy 5290 Chana Creek Road* Buck’s Café 4570 Chana Creek Road Contraband BBQ 102 N Ann Avenue Cozumel 405 Gilmer Avenue Great Wall 468 Gilmer Avenue Grove Station 19 Sistrunk Street* Larry Melvyn’s Restaurant 2340 Notasulga Road Mae Pop’s Barbecue 3010 Notasulga Road Restoration 49* 101 N Ann Avenue Snackolla 604 N Roosevelt Street

MILLBROOK:

Baan Thai 173 Ashton Plaza Street Catfish House 3011 Cobbs Ford Road China King 3861 AL-14 Chinatown Restaurant 129 Kelley Boulevard El Cerrito Mexican Grill 2330 Cobbs Ford Service Road Fantail Seafood 2060 Downing Street 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Front Porch Grill 106 Deatsville Highway Grits Café 200e Deatsville Highway Habanero’s 3811 AL-14 Joe Mama’s 63 Wisteria Place Millbrook Hibachi Express 5951 Main Street Neighborhood Grill & Catering 3553 AL-14 Plantation House Restaurant & Catering 3240 Grandview Road San Marcos 3599 AL-14 Smokehouse Pit BBQ 2461 Main Street The Rex 3630 Edgewood Road Tia’s Cantina 2534 AL-14

DEATSVILLE:

Anna’s Place 10380 Holtville Road El Patron 65 Lightwood Road Sheila’s Pizza 119 Lightwood Road

*Food retailer and/or market

Must-See Historic Attractions STORY BY SHARON FOX

Parts of the Town of Spectre still stand in Millbrook today

IMPACT CRATER

About 83 million years ago, an asteroid estimated to have been about 1,250-feet struck what is now considered downtown Wetumpka. The only evidence of the impact crater is 5 miles of steep cliffs and rocky, rolling hills surrounding the town. Most of Wetumpka sits inside the crater. The impact was the greatest natural disaster in Alabama history, roughly 175,000 times greater than the nuclear explosion in Hiroshima in 1945. A map of how to see the crater is available at the Elmore County Museum. The Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission is planning a Crater Tour and Lecture in November 2021.

FORT TOULOUSE-JACKSON PARK 2521 W. FORT TOULOUSE RD., WETUMPKA

Fort Toulouse served as an outpost of the French colony of Louisiana in 1717. You will find restored 1814 American Fort Jackson, walking trails, a 1,000-year-old Indian mound and the recreated 1751 Fort Toulouse and Creek Indian Houses. Stop by the welcome center for a guide to begin the tour. Fort Toulouse holds monthly living history programs and one of the most significant living history events in the state, Alabama Frontier Days, in November.

THE BIG FISH HOUSE 401 E. BRIDGE ST., WETUMPKA

The 1874 house, which sits on a hill, overlooks

Beau Robbins traveled from Montana to participate in Alabama Frontier Days

the entire downtown of Wetumpka. It is visible from almost anywhere in the downtown area. Located behind Grumpy Dog, the house is best known as the lovely Victorian home of the Bloom family in the movie Big Fish. The home is privately owned, and tours of the house are not available.

TALLASSEE FALLS MUSEUM 201 BARNETT BLVD, TALLASSEE

Opening in 2013, the museum sits at the edge of Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge. The museum is filled with Native American history, information on the only known Civil War armory still standing, the Tallassee Confederate Armory.

THE TOWN OF SPECTRE CYPRESS LANE, MILLBROOK

A part of the small, rundown town of Spectre on the movie set of Big Fish still stands in the town of Millbrook. The storefronts in the movie were lost in a fire a few years ago; however, some of the homes and the church can still be seen. If you are looking for Jenny’s house, you will only find the front columns. The line of shoes from the movie is still there. Visitors are encouraged to add their shoes to the line.

CHARTERS OF FREEDOM 100 E. COMMERCE ST., WETUMPKA 2021-22 FYI

The Charters of Freedom is a replica of the nation's founding documents

The Tallassee Falls Museum is filled with Native American History

The impact crater that struck Wetumpka 83 million years ago left steep cliffs and rocky, rolling hillssurrounding the town

The only exhibit of its kind in the State of Alabama, a replica of the nation’s founding documents, is displayed on the lawn of the Historic Elmore County Courthouse. The Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are on permanent display for visitors and the community alike to enjoy.

Tallassee, Alabama. An annual living reenactment event takes place on Gibsons’s View Plantation in Tallassee each November. The event is three days long and includes a battle on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, period food, a working blacksmith shop, carriage rides over the plantation, and camping for visitors.

BENJAMIN FITZPATRICK BRIDGE DOWNTOWN TALLASSEE, TALLASSEE

GOLD STAR PARK END OF READY STREET, WETUMPKA

MUSEUM OF BLACK HISTORY 202 LANCASTER ST., WETUMPKA

THE ELMORE COUNTY MUSEUM 112 S. MAIN ST., WETUMPKA

The only one of its kind in the world, the bridge, located in Tallassee, stands 143 feet above water level and curves the entire length of its 1,738 feet. Named after Alabama’s 11th governor, who served from 1840 to 1844, the bridge is the only way to cross the river from West Tallassee to East Tallassee.

Housed in the first county training school for African Americans in Elmore County, the museum exhibits artifacts and historical documents about the community. In addition, you can find the Thread My Needle quilters at the museum every Tuesday morning. Visitors are invited to sit and quilt with them as they share stories.

BATTLES FOR THE ARMORY 19359 RIFLE RANGE RD., TALLASSEE

The last standing Civil War armory is located in

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Located at the end of Ready Street, just off S. Main Street behind the public library, Gold Star Park is filled with things to do for all ages. A riverwalk begins under the Bibb-Graves Bridge. Park visitors will find metal art, a children’s park, birdwatching trails, two resident roosters, along with a group of much loved but grouchy geese.

Housed in the old Wetumpka Post Office since 2006, the museum is filled with artifacts, photographs, maps, documents and an enthusiastic curator with plenty of stories to share. On display is a replica of Alabama’s infamous electric chair, nicknamed Yellow Mama. The beautiful 1800s desk was owned by Alabama Governor and Elmore native, Benjamin Fitzpatrick, who served from 1840 to 1844. Also, see photographs of Wetumpka’s covered bridge, engineered and built by slave turned national bridge-builder Horace King, in 1844. The best part, admission is free. 21

2021-22 FYI

EMERGENCY SERVICES

First Responders

Emerald Mountain 1785 Old Ware Rd., Wetumpka 334-514-4357 Friendship 4544 Friendship Rd., Tallassee 334-283-6463 Holtville/Slapout 5615 Ceasarville Rd., Wetumpka 334-569-2461 Kowaliga 1240 Prospect Rd., Eclectic 334-857-3648 Lightwood 6250 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 334-569-1818

Elmore County Emergency Management Agency Director: Keith Barnett elmorecoema.com | 334-567-6451 LAW ENFORCEMENT Elmore County Sheriff’s Office 8955 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-567-5546 Sheriff: Bill Franklin Coosada Police Administration 5800 Coosada Rd., Coosada 334-285-3700 Chief: Leon Smith Jr. Eclectic Police Department 145 Main St., Eclectic 334-541-2148 Chief: Robert Head Millbrook Police Department 3950 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 334-285-5603 Chief: P.K. Johnson Prattville Police Department 201 Gin Shop Hill Rd., Prattville 334-595-0202 Chief: Mark Thompson Tallassee Police Department 214 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee 334-283-6586 Chief: Matthew Higgins

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Wetumpka Police Department 4950 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-567-5321 Chief: Greg Benton FIRE DEPARTMENTS Elmore County Firefighter’s Association: made up of 20 volunteer and combination fire departments; coverage of seven municipalities with a total population of more than 77,000 from about 475 firefighters elmorecofire.org 334-514-9242 Buyck 125 Laurel Creek Rd., Titus 334-514-0410 Coosada 5830 Coosada Rd., Coosada 334-285-6200 Deatsville 6930 state Route 143, Deatsville 334-285-1821 Eclectic 140 1st Ave., Eclectic 334-541-4425 Elmore 5 Fire Station Rd., Elmore 334-567-3480

Millbrook 3820 Grandview Rd., Milbrook 334-285-6707 Real Island 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality 334-857-3233 Red Hill 5529 Chana Creek Rd., Tallassee 334-541-3855 Redland 4367 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 334-514-6787 Santuck 7645 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 334-567-5144 Seman 15915 Central Plank Rd., Eclectic 334-541-4600 Tallassee 123 N. Ann St., Tallassee 334-283-5660 Titus 5879 Titus Rd., Titus 334-514-1070 Wetumpka 411 S. Main St., Wetumpka 334-567-1333

Provisions carries cheese and wine from more than 20 countries

Downtown Wetumpka STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH & PHOTOS BY JAKE ARTHUR

“W

e can, together.” A simple phrase; yet, highly impactful in the hearts of those who treasure the small town of Wetumpka. A bustling city once again, Wetumpka has so much to offer those new, old and visiting. With her natural beauty, Wetumpka is a community determined to thrive, and an excellent place to put down roots. In 2019, a tornado went through the heart of the small town, leveling a historic church and decimating everything in its path. The community, although totally heartbroken, rallied to build back stronger and, in the process, attracted the attention of HGTV’s Ben and Erin Napier. The Napiers decided Wetumpka would be a great revitalization project, and before the town even knew what was happening, Wetumpka was to become the first town on a new HGTV series titled Home Town Makeover. Fast forward two years in the wake of the tornado and six months after HGTV finished its revitalization plan, and Wetumpka is stronger than ever. The community is growing and once again thriving. And with people coming from all across the nation to visit, there appears to be a bustling, prosperous future ahead for this tight-knit community. So, we welcome you. Whether you are moving in from somewhere unknown to us or a current local, we urge you, step into the magic that is downtown Wetumpka and experience the “We can, together.” A few places to visit when perusing the downtown corridor:

PROVISIONS CHEESE AND WINE SHOPPE

Located centrally on E. Bridge St., in downtown Wetumpka, Provisions Cheese and Wine Shoppe offers over 100 types of cheeses and 200 wines from more than 20 countries. The shop also provides artisanal style gourmet gifts. Owners Kate and Dustin “Lucky” Lawrence purchased the Fain Theater to revive an older building and give back to their small community. They decided to keep the original marquee intact during the renovations because of the rich history that the Fain Theater brought to Wetumpka. “We really had the vision of a small building,” Lawrence said. “But this place just spoke to us. And I told Kate I thought we could find a way to make it work, so we dug in. “We wanted to provide Wetumpka with something unique, and with our European experience, and my world travels, our affinity for cheese and wine, we thought, ‘why not?’” Thus, Provisions was born, and the Lawrences began taking people along on a wondrous food adventure. “Once we decided to do this, our mission became to prioritize fun, invest in the community and give people a place where they choose to be,” Lawrence said. Since opening their doors, April and Jeremy Hunt have joined them as business partners and co-owners, growing the business to include imported chocolates, hand-painted wine bottles, live music, special events and so much more. For more information or to attend an event, visit provisionscheeseandwineshoppe.com or follow them on Facebook. 2021-22 FYI

Nick of Thyme has a tasting bar where shop goers can try out oils and vinegars before purchainsg

Home Sweet Books is an indie bookstore with community in mind

NICK OF THYME, OIL AND VINEGAR

Nestled into a cozy little spot on Company Street, Nick of Thyme, Oil and Vinegar is a specialty shop that keeps in-house three to four high-quality extra virgin olive oils at all times, including infused and fused olive oils. The shop also offers traditional and flavored balsamic vinegars, as well as loose tea, salts, spices, pasta and gift items. “I went on a trip to Sedona about three years ago, and I found a wonderful oil and vinegar shop. I had never experienced anything like it, and I knew it would be a great fit for Wetumpka,” said Nicky Godwin, owner of Nick of Thyme. Godwin came across the available space that is now Nick of Thyme right before the pandemic. “We signed the lease, and then we had to wait it out,” Godwin said. “But that was okay because I used those months to travel to California for training. So during that time, I was also able to sort out how the shop would be laid out.” “We wanted to be able to offer a lot of varieties and flavors to our customers,” Godwin said. “And we are able to offer about 20 varieties of oil and vinegar on our tasting bar.” Godwin enjoys that her customers have the opportunity to come in and peruse her shop while tasting each product. “The tasting bar really gives the customer a chance to determine if an oil, vinegar or balsamic is right for them. They are able to sample it and then go home with the choices that they prefer,” Godwin said. For more information about Nick of Thyme, Oil and Vinegar, visit the Facebook page.

SWEET HOME BOOKS

Sweet Home Books is a charming, indie bookstore located directly on the downtown corridor in Wetumpka at 107 E. Bridge St. Whether you love to read, enjoy cozy shops or are in the market for new art supplies, Sweet Home Books is the place to visit. Diane Castro opened Sweet Home Books with the community in mind. She carefully selects each title that comes 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

into the store, as well as the other products Home Sweet Books carries. “At Sweet Home Books, we hear and take part in discussions about what books people love and heate, and why, daily. Having what my customer's want on the shelves in important to me,” Castro said. In addition, the store regularly offers specials on backlisted items with great discounts attached, and it never hurts to find a new favorite book on an older book list. And if you are in the market for the perfect gift, Sweet Home Books offers a selection of teas and diffusers as well as specialized tumblers. “The Real Housewives of Wetumpka tumblers are very popular,” Castro said. “I’ve had people come in from other areas in the region and request that we carry more than just Wetumpka tumblers. So, we now carry Real Housewives of Elmore County tumblers, and those are very popular.” Sweet Home Books also holds author signings and participates in local events and programs to continue community growth, like the pen pals program Castro formulated with another indie bookstore for Mississippi. “The owner of Laurel’s Bookstore in the Window and I are compiling a list of kids and adults who are interested in writing letters to each other about life in our hometowns and what it has been like to see our towns on television,” Castro said. To get involved in the pen pals program, message Sweet Home Books on Facebook with your name and age. And make sure to like and follow the page. Also, for more information about the store, to purchase or to see what is in stock, visit the website at sweethomebooks.com. The shops mentioned above are just a couple of the unique places that downtown Wetumpka has to offer. There are also cute bistros, great restaurants and super stylish boutiques. So, as you and yours settle into your new home in Elmore County, make sure to find time to stop by this little treasure trove known for its natural beauty and can-do attitude. We can, together! 25

2021-22 FYI

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

SEHS is closing out of phase three in a five phase modernization of the school

Elmore County Schools

Massive growth implores new projects in the pipeline ELMORE COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOLS

The Elmore County School District has so much to offer new and returning students. From leading programs in theater, science and band to dynamic athletic programs and excellent school ratings, it is an exciting time for the Elmore County School District. New schools are being built, others renovated and some are receiving additions. The county is experiencing tremendous growth and embracing it with open arms. With more than 11,200 students, Superintendent Richard Dennis is working steadfast with the school boards school administrators, teachers and students to ensure that everyone receives the best education possible in facilities that support the district's learning goals. “We are experiencing a ton of growth,” Dennis said. “Redland is the fastest growing area, and we are building a middle school there to accommodate the growth; lots of construction going on. “I would say Holtville is the second fastest growing area. They are at capacity currently, and we are putting a portable at every school in Holtville this year.” Dennis said each pre-school in the county is getting a portable this year, as well. There are a lot of rooftops going up around the county, like the new career tech center, which offers training in multiple trades, including aviation, 28

plumbing and education; they are looking to add a diesel mechanic bay this year, too. Stanhope Elmore High School is currently in Phase three of a renovation that will unveil a new band and choral facility. Once phase three is complete, SEHS will move into phase four. During phase four, the old gymnasium will be transformed into a gymnatorium complete with air conditioning, new dressing rooms and an inset stage for performing arts. Dennis said when phase four is complete, the band and choral room will be within walking steps to a grand theater setting, which would allow the gymnatorium to become the mecca for fine arts and athletics at SEHS. Dennis is a proponent of fine arts, and under his tutelage, the schools in Elmore County have expanded the fine arts programs, as well as athletic programs. New supplements have been implemented, and each school teaches and encourages life-skills-based learning through participating in co- and extracurricular activities. “I was a high school principal for 19 years, and my philosophy is this: The No. 1 priority is my students’ physical and mental wellbeing. Second, we have to deal with academics. Third is co- and extracurricular activities, but this is what it's about for the students, the co- and extracurricular activities. This is where their passions are. If I can get them 2021-22 FYI

waivers. These waivers are for students who live in the Elmore County Public School zone but choose to attend a school that is not in the district in which they reside. “Now if someone moves into Tallassee, this will not necessarily qualify them because Tallassee has their own school district, but say someone moves to Eclectic and wants to attend Wetumpka, there are hardship wavers on our website that can make it possible. The parent or guardian would fill out the hardship waiver, and it comes to me. If there is space at the prospective school, I will forward the hardship waiver to the principal at that school. This is where we make the exception and allow the student to attend that school based on the principal's recommendation,” Dennis explained. In certain circumstances, Dennis said, the program shuts down if there are overloads. Currently, both Holtville and Redland are on a hold because numbers are at capacity. Elmore County also offers an out-of-district participation opportunity for those who live outside of the county but wish to attend an Elmore County school. For more information on hardship waivers or to enroll at an Elmore County School, visit elmoreco.com or stop in at the school board office located at 100 H. H. Robinson Dr., Wetumpka.

TALLASSEE DISTRICT SCHOOLS

STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH PHOTOS BY JAKE ARTHUR

involved in those activities, they will do the English, math and science, and that is the whole key that we are trying to accomplish,” Dennis said. “Plus, by participating in co- and extracurricular activities, students will learn life skills that will be huge for them in the future.” Dennis said there is nothing quite like face-to-face instruction; and therefore, the Elmore County School District will not be running virtual school on campus this year, but any student who is interested in virtual school could enroll in Elmore County’s Diverse Gateway Education program. All schools throughout the county will have a pre-K program, and a new child development center is being built in Holtville; however, there is a wait list, and those moving to the Holtville area that are looking for a pre-K program should contact the school immediately to get on the list. In addition to the aforementioned, other new projects are popping up all over the county, and Dennis said there are a lot of projects in the pipeline. Both Elmore and Holtville high schools are looking at plans to expand each campus because they have almost reached capacity. Wetumpka High School will begin building a state-of-the-art performing arts center in the near future. Because Elmore County has 16 public schools, all with different strengths, they offer prospective students hardship 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

On Feb. 23, 1889, the General Assembly of Alabama passed an act to create and incorporate a separate school district in Elmore County to be known as the Tallassee School District. The people of Tallassee and the Tallassee mills wanted their own public schools. And today, they still operate independent of Elmore County. Because Tallassee straddles both the Elmore County and Tallapoosa County lines, it is an all-inclusive school system. This means that students at Tallassee district schools can live in either Elmore or Tallapoosa county. The district consists of three schools – one elementary school, one middle school and one high school – and is home to more than 1,500 students. TSD belongs to the Alabama High School Athletic Association and boasts multiple state championships in baseball and swim team. They also have won awards in archery and many other sports. “2021 was our first year having a fishing team, and they won the Alabama Association Classic. We are proud of that,” said Dr. Brock Nolin, superintendent of Tallassee School District. In addition to being an athletic powerhouse, TSD received exemplary marks during accreditation with Cognia and received an all-passing during the pandemic on state monitored tests. “Any family that is looking to relocate to the Montgomery area should definitely give Tallassee a look,” Nolin said. “We are one of the smaller 5-A schools in the area, but we have so much going for us. “When I think of Tallassee, I remember the old Cheers motto, ‘Where everybody know your name.’ Well that’s pretty much it. If you are looking for a small-town feel, where everyone knows your name and you’d like to be part of an inclusive community, Tallassee is the place.” Nolin said there is a lot going on across the community as

well. “The mayor has been working on a lot of grant projects to revitalize our downtown, and that is going to be a great. We work really well together, and so we’ve been able to get the new high school going, which has been 20 years in the making.” According to Nolin, the 2021 school year will bring in a new principal to THS, Drew Glass. This will be his first principalship; however, he was previously at Wetumpka High School and was named the 2020-2021 Assistant Principal of the Year. “We are very fortunate to have Mr. Glass as the new principal at Tallassee High School. He is going to do a great job,” Nolin said. A challenge that Glass will face his first year is the demolition of the 100-year-old high school. It is being replaced with a brand new facility, and all high school classes will be functioning in modulars for the 2021-2022 school year. Nolin said the new high school is slated to open its doors the fall of 2022. “We will have an all new facility, a new auditorium with a state-of-the-art stage and a fine arts facility that has theater, chorus and band rooms,” he said. “The auditorium is 650 square feet and will double as a storm shelter that could hold up to 850 people in the state of an emergency.” Nolin said that Tallassee has a dynamic show choir, men's and women's individual choirs, marching band and jazz band, and this year, they are starting to push the music programs to the middle school and elementary school. “One of the goals that I gave the schools this past year is to start the music program at the elementary level, so we’ve

worked to get our schedules together so that our high school music personnel can actually serve some time at the middle and elementary schools.” Nolin said that classes will be held face-to-face this year unless a child has a medical need or a 504 plan. “We did a few studies with our gifted students and even the top 5 percent of those students struggled with virtual learning. I just don’t think there is a substitute for face-toface learning,” Nolin said. Another great perk to becoming a Tiger is the art program at the elementary school, Nolin said. They have a designated art teacher at the elementary school, and all students pass through the program. “When I say art, I mean the kids are hand-ons drawing and learning art. It is a great program,” said Nolin. “We also have a designated STEM lab, so all of our kids get STEM education both at the elementary school and the middle school. We actually have two STEM labs at the middle school. “And our high school kind of pushed itself into the career tech field. We also have dual enrollment through Southern Union Community College, and a complete AP program at the high school.” Nolin said students at the high school could choose to go through the career tech field and take a career tech course paired with a general college course, like English 101 and it can be paid for, or if they don’t want to do the career tech program, they can actually pay for the English 101 class. The career tech program through Southern Union offers five pathways now, including a new health occupations program option. The front of THS retains the character of the old high school

The state-of-the-art auditorium will hold up to 850 people

2021-22 FYI

ELMORE COUNTY SCHOOLS

Education Information

ELMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS elmoreco.com 100 HH Robinson Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-1200 15 schools totaling about 11,000 students Superintendent: Richard E. Dennis Board Members District 1 – Millbrook: Dale Bain, vice chair District 2 – Millbrook and Wetumpka: Wendell Saxon District 3 – Holtville and Millbrook: David Jones District 4 – Holtville and Wetumpka: Michael Morgan, chairman District 5 – Wetumpka and Redland: Leisa Finley District 6 – Eclectic and Wetumpka: Brian Ward District 7 – Eclectic: Joey Holley ECLECTIC Eclectic Child Development Program 35 Harden St., Eclectic 334-541-4532 Director: Starla Riddle Eclectic Elementary, K-4 35 Harden St., Eclectic 334-541-2291 Principal: Timothy Turley Eclectic Middle School, grades 5-8 170 S. Ann St., Eclectic 334-541-2131 Principal: Mark McGhee Elmore County High School 155 N. College Ave., Eclectic 334-541-3662 Principal: Wes Rogers

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

HOLTVILLE Holtville Child Development Program 287 Whatley Rd., Deatsville 334-514-5858 Director: Aimee Mehearg

Stanhope Elmore High School 4300 Main St., Millbrook 334-285-4263 Principal: Ewell Fuller

Holtville Elementary, K-4 287 Whatley Rd., Deatsville 334-569-2925 Principal: Chris Holley

WETUMPKA Wetumpka Child Development Program 510 E. Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-567-1287 Director: Taunya Ballenger

Holtville Middle School, grades 5-8 655 Bulldog Lane, Deatsville 334-569-1596 Principal: Lee D. Jackson

Redland Elementary, K-6 495 Scholars Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-1248 Principal: Chad Walls

Holtville High School 10425 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 334-569-3034 Principal: Kyle Futral

Wetumpka Elementary School, K-4 510 Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-567-4323 Principal: Gigi Hankins

MILLBROOK Millbrook Child Development Program 5760 Main St., Millbrook 334-285-9450 Director: Cynthia Smoke

Wetumpka Middle School, grades 5-8 1000 Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-567-1413 Principal: Loukisha Brooks

Coosada Elementary School, pre-k, K-2 5260 Airport Rd., Millbrook 334-285-0273 Principal: Janice Darty Airport Road Intermediate School, grades 3-4 384 Blackmon Farm Lane, Coosada 334-285-2115 Principal: Marcia Stephens Millbrook Middle School, grades 5-8 4228 Chapman Rd., Millbrook 334-285-2100 Principal: Sean Kreauter

Wetumpka High School 1251 Coosa River Pkwy., Wetumpka 334-567-5158 Principal: Dr. Robert Slater Elmore County Technical Center, grades 10-12 800 Kelly Fitzpatrick Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-1218 Director: Emilie Johnson TALLASSEE CITY SCHOOLS 308 King St., Tallassee 334-283-6864 Superintendent: Brock Nolin

ELMORE COUNTY SCHOOLS Tallassee Elementary School, K-4 850 Friendship Rd., Tallassee 334-283-5001 Principal: Shanikka Beacher Southside Middle School, grades 5-8 901 E.B. Payne Sr. Dr., Tallassee 334-283-2151 Principal: Tim Collier Tallassee High School 502 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee 334-283-2187 Principal: Drew Glass PRIVATE Chapman Christian Academy, K-12 4711 Chapman Rd., Millbrook 334-285-5354 Headmaster: Jon Chapman Edgewood Academy, K-12 5475 Elmore Rd., Elmore 334-567-5102 Headmaster: Jay Adams Emerald Mountain Christian School, pre-K, K-12 4125 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka

334-567-0555 Administrators: Bobbie and David Ames New Life Christian Academy, K-12 4230 state Route 14, Millbrook 334-285-5615 Principal: Gepetta Rogers Victory Christian Academy, nursery-12 3151 state Route 14, Millbrook 334-285-5082 Administrator: John Lopez OTHER Adult Learning Center (GED Testing) 517 Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-567-1421 Director: Daphne Matthews Elmore County Alternative Programs 124 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 334-567-1298 Director: Dr. Blair J. Andress

The Edge: Elmore County Virtual Program grades 6-12 517 Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-514-3931 Principal: Cindy Hines 21st Century Community Learning Centers 334-567-1200 | 334-567-1291 Voluntary after-school enrichment program Project Administrator: Celeste Tilley Specialist: Linda Williams Eclectic, Holtville, Millbrook and Wetumpka middle schools Ingram State Technical College 334-285-5177 | istc.edu Two-year correctional education programs Looking to volunteer in Elmore County Public Schools? The local schools are always looking for community members to get involved with children’s programs. Human Resources Director Susanne Goodin: 334-567-1200

2021-22 FYI

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Steeped in History Focused on the future STORY BY MICHAEL BIRD PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS & CARMEN RODGERS

magine smalltown America, a place where windows can be left open and everybody knows everyone else. Imagine somewhere to raise a family that has a strong school district and children are taught to excel. Imagine a town where some of the most consequential employers in North America are based and where good jobs and wages are available for anyone willing to work. All of that can be found in Tallassee, or as known to locals, the treasure on the Tallapoosa. 34

The native Muskogee-Creek peoples that settled what was known as Talisi built their first settlement near the Great Falls of the Tallapoosa River, where Thurlow Dam is today. Tallassee was settled in 1835, but its origins can be traced back much further. Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto and 600 soldiers on horses marched into Talisi in the fall of 1540 and celebrated one of the first Catholic masses in the New World. DeSoto and his soldiers stayed for more than two 2021-22 FYI

The Fitzpatrick bridge curves around Thurlow Dam

People gather at the Tallassee Mill in1943

The mill bridge connects mill one and mill two but is no longer open to the public

weeks in this Creek settlement. Tecumseh famously visited Tukabatchee, a nearby town, in 1811. His visit to the capital of the Creek Nation sparked the Creek Indian War of 1813 and inevitably led to a U.S. victory over the Creek. Tukabatchee was the last great nation of the Creek Indians. Years later, in 1832, Tallapoosa County was formed. The outlying county markers included Tallassee; however, with the creation of Elmore County in 1866, west Tallassee branched off and became part of Elmore County, making the Tallapoosa River the divider between the two counties. East Tallassee stayed in Tallapoosa County, a distinction that remains today. Barent DuBois, the founding father of Tallassee, married a half-Creek named Milly Reed. DuBois and Milly sold their 2,100 acres of land and water power to investors Thomas Barnett and William Marks in 1844. They built the second textile mill in Alabama: TallasseeMount Vernon Mills, which would remain in continuous 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

operation until 2006. During the Civil War, the mill was used as an armory for the Confederacy and manufactured carbines. When Union troops, under the direction of General William Tecumseh Sherman, were burning everything possible in the South near the end of the war, they had planned to destroy the armory; however, Sherman’s soldiers got lost on the way to Tallassee and, therefore, the mill complex survived. Many mid-century Tallassee buildings have been preserved. The East Tallassee Elementary School is now City Hall. The community library was recently renovated. The community hospital remains, but in name only as the original was torn down, and a more modern replacement stands in its place. The Fitzpatrick Bridge, built in 1940, has received many upgrades and is kept up-to-date on building codes. Thurlow Dam, built in 1931 by Alabama Power Company, still operates today; and the J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium is named in honor of the coach who presided over the greatest winning 35

The community library, built in 1921, and has been preserved and renovated

streak in Alabama high school football history. Much has been said and written about Tallassee’s appreciation of the past. So what of its future? This summer, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director, Kenneth Boswell, toured Tallassee with Mayor Johnny Hammock for the second time. He pledged a $250,000 Community Block Grant to develop infrastructure around the town. Hammock has pursued several other grants over the past five years. For example, the U.S. Department

of Commerce awarded a $2.4 million grant to the City of Tallassee in 2019 to make critical upgrades and improvements to gas and water lines and funds to tear down dilapidated structures in the city. In 2020, the Federal The first elementary school Highway Administration has been preserved and turned into the city hall awarded Tallassee with a Transportation Alternatives Program grant. This grant will make new sidewalks and freshly paved roads possible in downtown Tallassee. Along with new lighting, the City plans to put down new fiber optic cable for high-speed internet. Another outward sign of Tallassee’s growth is the brand-new Tallassee High School, to be completed in fall 2022. Tallassee High is a 5A school and proudly boasts academic, artistic and athletic successes in the classroom, on the stage and on the field. THS had been housed in a structure built in 1929 to replace the original school that burned near the same site on Barnett Boulevard. The 2022 structure will be state-of-the-art and will have one of the finest performing arts facilities in the River Region when it is completed. Tallassee is a town on the move, with admiration for its past but focused on its future.

2021-22 FYI

HOME CENTER & BUILDING SUPPLY STORE PRICE MATCH PROMISE FREE DELIVERY SERVICE PRATTVILLE 334.364.6100

WETUMPKA 334.567.2255

ECLECTIC

334.541.2132

RussellDoitCenter.com 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Where to Play

STORY BY ADRIAN LEE BUSH PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & AUDRA SPEARS

he Alabama Wildlife Federation is the oldest and largest nonprofit conservation organization in Alabama. Sportsmen established the AWF in 1935 to promote the conservation and wise use of state wildlife and natural resources and ensure a high quality of life for future generations of Alabamians. The organization’s mission is to promote the conservation of Alabama’s wildlife and related natural resources as a basis for present and future generations’ social and economic prosperity, stewardship of wildlife, forests, fish, soils, water and air. The mission statement can be seen in action at AWF headquarters located at Lanark in Millbrook. Lanark contains five distinct destinations: its staff offices; historic Lanark; Lanark Pavilion; Alabama Nature Center; and the NaturePlex. The 350-acre property is used for training programs, nature hikes and numerous educational opportunities and events geared primarily toward children. The NaturePlex serves as AWF’s 23,000-square-foot 38

educational facility and welcome center. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and includes a 120-seat auditorium; classroom with lab; community room for meetings; and a gift shop, along with offices for staff and Discovery Hall. Discovery Hall is a walk-through educational tour of Alabama’s natural history and its four physiographic regions. Spotlighted are the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, the state’s national forests, many of Alabama’s rivers and waterways, longleaf pine forests, prairies and much more. In addition, there are live animals indigenous to Alabama on exhibit and a walkin apiary where visitors learn about the importance of bees and fellow pollinators. For those who love angling, the facility schedules days for fishing. Families have the chance to catch catfish and bream. The ponds are catch-and-release only. If outdoor summer camps are of interest to your children, look no further than Expedition Lanark. The weeklong camps are held seasonally during weekday daytime hours and are 2021-22 FYI

Kayakers enjoy the Coosa River

geared toward children ages of 5 to 15. Camp programs cover a wide range of outdoor activities, including, art, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and much more. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. For a complete list of the organization’s educational and event offerings, visit alabamawildlife.org or call 334-285-4550.

250 days a year. The camp is located on beautiful Lake Jordan and offers day and overnight camps geared toward children from 5 to 15 years old. The facility is also available to rent by groups for private retreats. It provides an outdoor classroom program in an atmosphere where children will develop a complete understanding of the full educational curriculum and an appreciation of the outdoors. Camp Chandler is located at 1240 Jordan Dam Rd. in Wetumpka and can be reached at 334-229-0035.

YMCA

Opened in 2013 and constructed for $246 million, Wind Creek Hotel & Casino in Wetumpka features more than 2,500 Class II electronic bingo machines, a 283-room hotel, numerous dining options and much more. Just like Vegas, the facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and draws more than 1,000 people every day. While the major attractions of the facility are the gaming machines, a members-only program and the chance to win serious cash and prizes, there is much more to see and do at Elmore County’s lone location for gambling. Guests staying in one of the four-diamond-rated hotel rooms can expect accommodations that rival those in Las Vegas. The casino also offers five dining options. Fire Steakhouse grills up prime steaks and seafood delivered in a premier, sit-down dining experience. Appetizers and salads range in price from $8 to $14 and steak dinners start at $37 for a 6-ounce filet mignon and top out at $89 for a 32-ounce porterhouse. The restaurant also offers a variety of international, American vintage and boutique wines. As of this writing, the casino’s buffet is suspended due to current COVID-19 regulations. The buffet typically serves a variety of options from Italian pasta and pizza to American favorites, soups and salads, as well as numerous desserts. But the grill is open again, and diners can expect traditional breakfast and lunch items, such as omelets, pancakes, burgers, chicken tenders and more. The grill to-go dining option serves up hot dogs, barbeque sandwiches, chili cheese fries and salads, and the casino also has a Starbucks coffee shop. For those looking to spend a day of being pampered, the casino is set to open Spa Reserve at Wind Creek Wetumpka by the end of summer. If live music and entertainment is more your speed, the casino offers two options via an entertainment center and center bar. The entertainment center has hosted various prominent names in the music world, including CeeLo Green, Big & Rich, Billy Currington, Blues legend Buddy Guy and many more. The center bar gives listeners the chance to catch live acts while lounging in posh chairs and watching sharks circle above the bar in a 16,000-gallon shark tank. Wind Creek Wetumpka Casino is located at 100 River Oaks Dr. in Wetumpka. For information about the facility’s current COVID-19 operating procedures, call 866-946-3360 or visit windcreekwetumpka.com.

Grandview YMCA was founded in the 1920s on 65 acres of land as a summer camp exclusively for girls. Today, it serves thousands of kids in the River Region and offers amenities to more than 1,000 adult members. Step outside and enjoy the 190 acres of picnic areas, walking trails, a playground, athletic fields and its own lake. Bring your fishing gear or enjoy the use of funyaks (sit-on-top kayaks), canoes and pedal boats on member days at the lake. The facility broke ground in November 2019 on a new wellness space. The addition created a new childcare center, added family changing areas and converted the current wellness space into a brand new exercise facility. The multi-use venue has undergone significant changes over the last six years. The commercial kitchen was renovated; 130 acres were added to the land; additional space was added for soccer; a new shooting sports area was created; a covered open-air pavilion overlooking the lake was built; and an unused swimming pool was converted into an amphitheater. The original town recreation hall is being renovated, as well, for the kids to use. Grandview YMCA is located at 4700 Camp Grandview Rd., Millbrook. The Wetumpka YMCA has also undergone a recent expansion. The fitness center now includes more treadmills, elliptical machines, spin bikes, a new aerobics room and a renovated basketball gym floor. The facility offers a variety of fitness programs, aquatics opportunities and youth and adult sports. Wetumpka YMCA is located at 200 Red Eagle Rd., Wetumpka. YMCA Camp Chandler is now a year-round program with something for everyone. The camp has grown to serve more than 13,000 people and has visitors on the grounds more than 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

WIND CREEK CASINO

PLAYGROUNDS AND PARKS Wetumpka Sports Complex 2350 Coosa River Pkwy., Wetumpka | 334-514-5412 There are two pods of five baseball fields with a concession stand and press box. Each field has dugouts and bullpens. There are 10 batting cages and three warm-up areas in between fields. Wetumpka Municipal Park 815 Kelly Fitzpatrick Dr., Wetumpka | 334-567-5147 Swayback Campground 2656 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka | 334-782-1695 This small rural campground features RV hookups and picnic tables. Millbrook City Parks and Recreation Department 3400 Shirley Rd., Millbrook | 334-290-2047 Mill Creek Sports Complex 3511 Shirley Rd., Millbrook | 334-290-2047 This state-of-the-art baseball facility includes six fields, two batting cages and a 1/2-mile walking trail. Robinson Springs Park 3576 state Route 14, Millbrook | 334-290-2047 This 3-acre park features an underground spring and foundation with a gazebo for rent. Legacy Park 1889 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook | 334-285-4447 An 8-acre complex with a 1/2-mile walking trail serves as a practice facility for the Millbrook Mustangs League. It also has a rental building with a pavilion. Memorial Center Park 3108 Park Ct., Millbrook | 334-285-7277 This 15-acre park has a 1/4-mile walking trail and is home to the Village Green, which is used as a focal point for many of Millbrook’s public events. Tallassee City Parks and Recreation Department 450 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee | 334-283-4726 The Tallassee Recreation Center features a variety of ways to get active, including a weight room, basketball court, public swimming pool, senior aerobic and more. Tallassee Dixie Youth Baseball Park 409 Redden Ave., Tallassee Aaron Park Aaron Park Rd., Eclectic | 334-541-9902 Panther Park Jean St., Eclectic Sunset Park and Playground Sunset Dr., Eclectic

GOLF COURSES

Even if you end up as the greatest golfer in the game, you’ll always have a worthy and challenging opponent – yourself. Elmore County has many public courses to challenge golfers of all skill levels. Emerald Mountain Golf Club is located in Wetumpka and nestled in the hills of Emerald Mountain. The 18-hole, 7,023yard Bermuda grass course has a 73.5 slope rating and five sets of tees perfect for beginners and experienced golfers alike. The facilities also include a putting green and driving range, a clubhouse, gas-powered golf carts and a recently reopened grill featuring a new, fresh menu. Emerald Mountain is located at 245 Mountain View Dr. Tee times, which are required, can be made by visiting emeraldmountain.golf or by calling 334-514-8082. The Pines Golf Course is located in and owned by the City of Millbrook. The course has 18 Elmore County holes and plays has many public golf courses at 6,318 yards to challenge golfers from the longest of all skill levels tees. The par72 course has a rating of 68.5 with a slope rating of 113. The practice area at the facility includes a separate putting green. Rental services are available and include golf carts, pull carts and golf clubs. Snack food and beverage options are available in the clubhouse. The course is located at 307 Deatsville Hwy. For information and to book tee times, call 334-285-7529. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is the largest golf course construction project ever attempted. The trail is made up of 11 locations consisting of 26 courses across Alabama. Located in Prattville, Capitol Hill is one of the more popular RTJ locations and features three 18-hole courses. The Judge is considered the star of the three courses and is primarily played along the Alabama River. It is also the longest and toughest of the three courses, measuring 7,813 yards from the longest tees with a slope rating of 142. The Legislator features 7,323 yards of golf from the longest tees for par-72 play. The course has a slope rating of 126 on Bermuda grass. This is a more traditional course and plays in and out of pine trees and along a bluff. The view riding down the Sky Bridge for holes laid out in a native cypress swamp is an impressive sight to see. The Senator is a Scottish links course with more than 160 pothole bunkers and mounds 20 to 40 feet in height to create a secluded setting for each hole. The course measures 7,654 yards from the longest tees at par 72 and has a slope rating of 132 to challenge the most seasoned of golf enthusiasts. Publications such as Golf Magazine called the Judge course one of the 10 public courses in America worthy of hosting the U.S. Open, and the Senator course was named among the Top 10 New Courses in the nation. In addition, the Zagat Survey of America’s Top Golf Courses ranked it among the top 50 courses in America. 2021-22 FYI

For the Love of Books Wetumpka Public Library 212 S. Main St., Wetumpka | 334-567-1308 Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Includes a youth department with children’s programs, digital library, Homework Alabama, Interlibrary loans, Learning Express Library, genealogy and references, renewal options, notary public, copying and scanning, tax prep services, book clubs and test proctoring

Eclectic Public Library 50 Main St., Eclectic | 334-639-4727 Hours: Mon., Tues., and Thurs. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Includes six computers with internet, free Wi-Fi, a children’s room, book sale area, Alabama Room, a kitchen housed in the old jail cell and an annex that serves as a bookstore complete with a screen for movie screening

Millbrook Public Library 3650 Grandview Rd., Millbrook | 334-285-6688 Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues. and Thurs. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Includes public computers, free Wi-Fi, Interlibrary loans, Ancestry Library Edition, Chilton Auto Repair Guides Online, E Books and digital audio book through Camellia Net, photo copying, virtual library, children’s programs, Homework Alabama, state and federal tax forms, test proctoring and voter registration forms

Tallassee Community Library 99 Freeman Ave., Tallassee | 334-283-2732 Hours: Mon. and Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues. through Thurs. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Includes virtual library, Homework Alabama, ancestry library, reading/reference room (doubles as a meeting area), children’s room, book sale

Whether you’re purchasing a home, your first car or even starting your own business, we’re here for you. You can trust First Community Bank to finance the major milestones in your life.

Second only to you. 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

What about the pets? PET GROOMING

Sittin’ Pretty Shampooches Grooming 1686 Dark Corners Rd., Tallassee 334-306-3496

Boarding the Ark Pet Grooming & Boutique 10147 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 334-543-2015

The Furry Kid 135 Company St., Wetumpka 334-478-7113

A Wiggle and A Wag Grooming Spa 42D Tucker Dr., Wetumpka 334-430-8038

Boarding the Ark Pet Resort 3080 state Route 14, Millbrook 334-285-5557 Darling Pet Salon 2870 U.S. Highway 231, Wetumpka 334-514-0566 Fairy Tails Grooming Salon 3571 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 334-590-5141 Fleahop Grooming 80991 Tallassee Hwy., Eclectic 334-639-4713 Grooming at Sniffanies 3332 Main St., Millbrook 334-782-5193 Peace N’ Paws Petite Grooming Palace 239 Homewood Dr., Millbrook 334-301-6994 Pet Salon 3343 state Route 14, Millbrook 334-301-5069 42

Urban Tails Pet Salon Spa 305 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee 334-991-4592 Vanity Fur Pet Salon and Resort 5550 Main St., Millbrook 334-290-0193

VETERINARY CLINICS

All Creatures Animal Hospital 234 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook 334-721-1400 Ark Animal Hospital 3076 state Route 14, Millbrook 334-285-4210 Britt Veterinary Services 2762 Notasulga Rd., Tallassee 334-283-4071 Bryson Veterinary Clinic 11146 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-567-4185

Camellia Veterinary Hospital 4061 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-514-9495 Castaway Animal Clinic 20 Castaway Island Rd., Eclectic 334-918-2130 Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 334-857-1816 Mitchell Veterinary Hospital 1615 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 334-283-8387 River Bend Veterinary Clinic 2356 Alabama River Pkwy., Millbrook 334-321-9209 Welch Veterinary Clinic 3966 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-567-4353

ELMORE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

255 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 334-567-3377 elmorehumane.org Director: Rea Cord Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Byrd Creek Mobile Vet Service 345 Aaron Park Rd., Eclectic 334-744-2503 2021-22 FYI

Animals in need

Pooches on the Coosa

Elmore County Humane Society is driven to insure the best quality of life for animals STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH

he Humane Society of the humane society with these issues, IMPORTANT NUMBERS Elmore County cares for and staff members could pass along needy animals, and provides the information to the appropriate Humane Society of Elmore County: shelter, food and attention to departments; however, second-hand 334-567-3377 hundreds of pets that come through its reports limit investigative abilities. Elmore County Sheriff: doors. Executive Director Rea Cord For the best resolutions of neglect 334-567-5227 and her staff work effortlessly to raise cases, witnesses should assist animal Animal Control funds and collect donations. control officers from the field site Wetumpka: 334-567-5227 While the shelter plays many roles through court hearings. Coosada: 334-567-5227 in the lives of animals, there are some Animals that experience neglect Elmore Township: 334-567-5227 laws and exceptions that need to be and cruelty and are brought to the Millbrook: 334-285-6832 recognized, in addition to the shelter’s Humane Society of Elmore County Tallassee: 334-283-6586 responsibilities. are cared for through recovery. Eclectic: 334-541-2149 Animal control officers should The nonprofit ensures all necessary be contacted for law enforcement veterinary care for the animal’s wellmatters, such as stray or problem being and documents intake and animals, and for reporting issues of neglect or cruelty. recovery procedures for prosecution, which includes all costs If wishing to remain anonymous, residents may contact incurred.

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Elmore County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Bill Franklin

8955 US HWY 231 WETUMPKA, AL 36092

334-567-5546 www.elmoreso.com Secret Witness Line: 334-567-5227

2021-22 FYI

The Cotton Festival brings thousands to Eclectic in October

Smalltown Boom

STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH

malltown Alabama is experiencing quite the boom. New subdivisions, new shops and new food venues are popping up all over both the lake and River Region. Eclectic, snuggly tucked in to Elmore County between Wetumpka, Tallassee and Lake Martin, is steeped in small-town Southern charm and known for its picturesque wedding venues. The town where the stars fell on Alabama is truly one-of-a-kind. On any given Saturday, Eclectic is buzzing with crowds of people. Often-times, they are on their way to a wedding, at a wedding (yes, there are venues in the heart of the town) or leaving a wedding, but either way, on any given Saturday in Eclectic, someone from somewhere is getting married; however, now more than ever, people are drawn to the tiny town for far more than a weekend wedding. Eclectic is growing, and the crowds are becoming an every evening ideal. In the past few months, new shops, like A Dash of Fashion, a high-end consignment shop, and The Leopard Fox, which sells women’s and children’s boutique style clothes and accessories, have opened on Main Street. Joining them on Main is the Down Home Bar and Grill that serves burgers, wings and the best Philly cheese steak in town. Then across the way, Eclectic Nutrition offers delicious shakes and teas while A Lotus Connection can hook shoppers up with movement inspired, eccentric 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Children enjoy the bounce house at the Cotton Festival

style tailored to the untamed and wild at heart. This shop has a totally relaxed Bohemian chic vibe that keeps shoppers coming back for more. SnoBiz recently opened on Kowaliga Road, beside Kickin’ Chicken, and they offer an assortment of cold tasty treats that kids flip for on a hot summer day – or any day for that matter. In addition to businesses popping up all over the town, new subdivisions are being built and schools are filling up, but no worries because Eclectic is known for its schools’ high performance ratings, athletic programs and award-winning music programs. It is truly a soughtafter community where kids can be kids and adults can relax after a long day of work in true Southern comfort.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS

Making a Difference

hatever your philanthropic passion is for making a difference, you can find many opportunities to engage in communityrelated activities in Elmore County. From hobby-based groups to nationally affiliated organizations and nonprofits, Elmore County offers something for everyone.

Elmore County Food Pantry 334-567-3232

Service/Nonprofit Agencies Elmore County Pregnancy Center 334-567-1955 Hopewetumpka.org

River Region United Way 334-264-7318 Riverregionunitedway.org

Elmore County Community Foundation 334-567-4321 Cacinfo.org People That Care Wetumpka 334-567-8135 Elmore County Farmers Co-Op 334-567-4321 Alafarm.com Humane Society of Elmore County 334-202-1381 Elmorehumane.org

Main Street Wetumpka info@mainstreetwetumpka Mainstreetwetumpka.org HandsOn River Region 334-264-3335 Handsonriverregion.org

Civic Organizations Alabama River Region Arts Center 334-578-9485 www.arrac.org

Central Alabama Master Gardeners 334-567-6301 Aces.edu Coosa River Paddling Club Coosariverpaddlingclub.com Elmore County Historical Society 334-567-5097 Friends of the Forts 334-567-3002 Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama GirlScoutsSA.org Kiwanis Club of Wetumpka shadt@kiwanis.org

Alabama River Region Quilters Guild 334-451-2493

Lake Jordan Home Owners & Boat Owners 334-301-0730 Lakejordanhobo.org

American Legion Post No. 7 334-514-4367

Leadership Elmore County Leadershipelmorecounty.org

American Legion Post No. 133 334-285-3730

Millbrook Kiwanis Club Millbrookkiwanis.org

Boys Scouts of America Greater Alabama Council 1bsa.org

Millbrook and Prattville Rotary Prattvillemillbrooksunriserotary.com

2021-22 FYI

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS Operation Combat Bikesaver 334-541-2101 Outdoor Women Unlimited 334-398-2335 outdoorwomenunlimited.org Red Hill Historical Preservation Association 334-541-2474 Retired Senior Volunteer Program 334-285-411

Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1921 Tallassee Armory Guard 334-283-6888 SCV Camp 2260 7th Alabama Calvary Commander Billy Thompson 334-478-3416 Talisi Historical Preservation Society 334-415-3154

Trail of Legends Association 334-567-9090 info@trailoflegends.org Wetumpka Lions Club 334-300-9771 or 334-799-7174 Wetumpka Rotary Club 334-399-8014 West Elmore Historical Society 334-285-4430 VFW Post 4572 334-567-9293

COUSINS INSURANCE AGENCY 234 HILL STREET T EL : 334.567.8493 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

•

WETUMPKA, ALABAMA

E MAIL : CIA@C OUSINS I NS . COM 47

MEDICAL SERVICES

Top Notch Medical Care

HOSPITALS

One Oak Medical Complex 277 Huntress St., Wetumpka 334-567-3309 Leading healthcare provider in the Wetumpka area with variety of services and specialists Elmore Community Hospital 500 Hospital Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-4311 Services: 24-hour physician-staffed Emergency Department Digital Radiology Department Laboratory Perioperative services Chemical Dependency Rehab Medical/Surgical Unit and Specialties Sleep Disorders Lab Hospice Home Health Business and Financial Services Ivy Creek Café Medical Records Medical Specialist Office Building

Tallassee Community Hospital 805 Friendship Rd., Tallassee 334-283-6541 Services: Cardiopulmonary Community Home Care Community Hospice Care Community Skilled Care & Rehab Emergency Room GI Laboratory Intensive Care Unit Laboratory Medical/Surgical New Day Senior Care Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Radiology Speech Therapy

URGENT CARES

Ivy Creek Urgent Care of Tallassee 2256 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 334-283-2542 Wetumpka Urgent Care 11 Cambridge Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-8633

AFC Primed Urgent Family Care 4452 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-472-3150 MainStreet Family Care 1401 state Route 14, Millbrook 334-310-6059 American Family Care 4452 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-345-3905 Physical Express Urgent Care 3769 state Route 14, Millbrook 334-285-3222 Ivy Creek Family Care 4412 Hogan Rd., Deatsville 334-543-4851 Baptist Convenient Care Walk-in Clinic 101 Kelley Blvd. Suite D, Millbrook 334-245-2600 Baptist Health 4452 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-320-1571 Elmore County Health Department 6501 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-567-1171

2021-22 FYI

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Arts & Culture Elmore County has a passion for the arts STORY BY ADRIAN LEE BUSH PHOTOS BY JAKE ARTHUR

2021-22 FYI

The Kelly prides itself in supporting artists from the River Region and beyond

rom historical, traditional art to elusive and exclusive art galleries, the Elmore County community has embraced the fine arts with a divine appreciation. Whether patrons peruse the many art galleries located around the county or settle in to enjoy one of the many theatre productions, weekends are never boring in Elmore County.

THE KELLY

The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery in Wetumpka is an arts organization with a vibrant, multifaceted vision. It is committed to supporting the recognition, documentation and publication of excellent art from the River Region of Alabama and beyond. The Kelly invites inquiry from the creative endeavors of artists working today and preserves the exceptional results for posterity. It is a hybrid gallery museum, with works varying in theme, though the styles lean towards challenging traditional notions of art. The gallery is warm and welcoming, with a myriad of pieces to observe, ranging from abstract and whimsical to American traditional. Art enthusiasts are encouraged to stop in. In addition, there are often events, luncheons and even speakers at the gallery. And for those who are in the market to buy art, well, the Kelly is definitely worth a look. Visit thekelly.org for more information.

DAC

The Dixie Art Colony Foundation, a non-profit organization, was spawned by a 2014 exhibition about the Dixie Art Colony. The foundation was created to emphasize the legacy of the Dixie Art Colony through research and preservation. DAC was a cohort of artists, tracing back to 1933, wherein the artists could convene on the lakes in central Alabama in

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

various housing arrangements over the years until the mid-1940s. Frank Applebee, head of the Art Department at Auburn Polytechnic University (now Auburn University), joined founders Kelly Fitzpatrick and Warren Carmichael LeBron as part of the teaching staff. In addition, they gathered other folks to help them sustain roles such as cooking and hosting everyone. Nine other artists joined in, as well. According to Lynn Barstis Williams Katz, Ph.D., “Although it is clear Fitzpatrick wanted his students to develop their own personal style, Fitzpatrick’s influence is apparent in examining the work of other colonists. His influence is particularly visible through brushwork and the use of color and light; some colony descendants commonly refer to this distinction as the colony style. The colonists’ choice of subject matter could be classified as one of regionalism, an artistic focus that shunned city life in favor of common rural scenes.” Mark Harris, DAC’s director, said, “The colony’s legacy is broad and varied. Some of the colonists were instrumental in founding some of the South’s finest regional art museums, including the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Mississippi Museum of Art, while others left their mark as prominent educators on both the primary and secondary levels. Colonist Frank Applebee left his most prominent mark in Auburn. Applebee was responsible for the 1948 acquisition of the core collection of Auburn’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, which is today estimated to be worth millions.” Harris went on to explain, “We do not sell art. It’s not just about art but also about supporting Alabama’s art history. We are really interested in collecting this artwork, preserving it, and making sure it’s available for future generations.” With more than 700 works of art and the largest collection of DAC works in existence, there is much to see at Dixie Art Colony. To visit, check out dixieartcolony.org.

ECAG

The Elmore County Art Guild was organized in 1985 exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. The object of the guild is to promote original art by offering art competitions and to stimulate interest in and encourage a greater knowledge of fine arts in Elmore County and Central Alabama. As a non-profit

organization, the guild engages in community service and education. Membership in the Guild is open to anyone in high school and older that is an artist, an art appreciator or is interested in supporting and promoting the arts. Membership is $35 for an individual; $45 for a couple. In February of 2022, ECAG will hold its annual juried art show, and in June, they will have a juried art show in conjunction with the Tallassee NOW event. ECAG’s website has all the information that anyone would need to join the Elmore County Art Guild and participate in exhibits at numerous non-profit businesses in Elmore County. Visit elmorecountyartguild.com to get involved and to stay informed.

THEATRE

From high school to the community, theatre is alive and thriving in Elmore County. Wetumpka Depot Players Youth Academy in action The Wetumpka Depot has been entertaining, educating and reaching out to the community since 1980. What started in a broken-down train station quickly became part of the community that everyone loves to enjoy. They have several shows scheduled for the remainder of 2021. Most notably, the Wetumpka Depot Players will be performing the tall-tale that helped put Wetumpka on the map, Big Fish. This performance will take place beginning Sept. 16 through Oct. 2. Join the Wetumpka Depot Players for an epic show and then take a stroll through downtown Wetumpka, grab a bite to eat and enjoy the beautiful streetscapes. For more information or to purchase tickets for Big Fish or any other production visit, wetumpkadepot.com. Millbrook Community Players are simply entertaining. In 2006, a group of people in the Millbrook community decided that the town needed a community theatre. So they gathered the most talented people from the tri-county area and formed the Millbrook Community Players. The theatre group is known for being quirky, funny and extraordinarily talented. Their most recent production, Steel Magnolias, hits the stage on Aug. 5 for opening night. For more information on future shows or to purchase tickets, visit millbrooktheater.com or follow them on Facebook.

2021-22 FYI

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

UTILITY SET UP Support the local linemen

Turning on the utilities WATER Central Elmore Water & Sewer Authority 716 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-567-6814 | cewsa.com Eclectic Water Works & Sewer 507 Main St., Eclectic 334-541-2840 | townofeclectic.com Elmore Water Authority 1633 state Route 14, Elmore 334-285-6109 | elmorewaterauthority.com Five Star Water Supply District 251 Lakeview Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-1366 Friendship Water Works 4540 Friendship Rd., Tallassee 334-283-6463 Holtville Water System, Inc. 10048 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 334-569-2105 | holtvillewater.com Millbrook City Water Department 3861 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 334-285-3001 | cityofmillbrook.org Tri-County Water System 2630 Main St., Millbrook 334-285-4267 Wetumpka Water Works and Sewer 2909 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 334-567-8404 wetumpkawater.com POWER Alabama Power Company 1-800-245-2244 alabamapower.com Central Alabama Electric Cooperative 637 Coosa River Pkwy., Wetumpka 334-567-8855 | caec.coop Spire Energy 1-800-292-4008 | spireenergy.com CABLE, INTERNET & TELEPHONE Amcom Home Theater INC. (DISH) 2576 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 54

334-567-2200 | amcomllc.com AT&T/DirecTV 5271 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-452-4100 | 800-288-2020 | att.com Com-Link Cable TV Inc. 1-800-722-2805 Spectrum 3996 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka | 888-482-8367 PROPANE/GAS Apex Gas & Appliance 9945 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 334-569-3325 7616 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-567-8833 1603 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 334-283-2795 apexppopane.net L&P Propane 8768 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 334-569-4277 | thompsongas.com Superior Gas Inc. 8561 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 334-567-5421 | superiorgas.biz TRASH SERVICE Advanced Disposal Services: 866-252-0458 To report a road with unauthorized dump or heavily strewn with litter, call 334-567-1162. Paint waste may be disposed at Stone’s Throw Landfill: 334-252-1210 Elmore County offers free Countywide Cleanup Days every month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at six locations across the county. Elmore County Recycling Program Materials do not have to be sorted (no glass or Styrofoam). Visit elmoreco.org/recycling.

DRIVERS LICENSE/TAGS/TITLES Probate Judge: Judge John Thornton Office: 334-567-1140 | 100 E. Commerce St. Suite 109, Wetumpka probatejudge@elmoreco.org DL Renewal Office: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday DL Examiner Office: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Monday to Friday Services: drivers, motorcycle, commercial drivers’ licenses and non-drivers identification Millbrook Satellite Office 4864 Main St., Millbrook 334-285-3054 Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday to Friday Services: drivers’ license renewals, tags, titles, boats Tallassee Satellite Office 3 Freeman Ave., Tallassee 334-252-1804 Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesdays only Services: tags, titles, boats ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF REGISTRARS 100 E. Commerce St., Suite 100, Wetumpka Chairman: Angie Gardner Voter registration forms found at Millbrook Satellite Office at 4864 Main St., Wetumpka To find polling location: sos.alabama.gov/Alabama-votes PROPERTY TAXES Revenue Commissioner: Thomas “Lee” Macon IV 334-567-1184 lmacon@elmoreco.org 2021-22 FYI

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Know Your Elected Officials Elmore County Commission The Elmore County Commission conducts its work sessions at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays each month in the Elmore County Courthouse 100 E. Commerce St., Wetumpka. Office: 334-514-5841 | elmoreco.org District 1 – Henry Hines 205-533-4496 | Henryrh41@aol.com District 2 – Mack Daugherty, vice chairman | 256-234-9216 daugherty001@windstream.net District 3 – Troy Stubbs, chairman 334-541-4589 | t.stubbs@elmoreco.org District 4 – Bart Mercer 334-399-8156 | bart@merceremail.com District 5 – Desirae Lewis 334-245-5655 | des@des4D5.com WETUMPKA The City of Wetumpka Administrative Building is located at 408 S. Main St. and open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office number is 334-567-5147. The Wetumpka City Council meets the first and third Mondays of every month at 6 p.m. at Wetumpka City Hall, 212 S. Main St. Mayor: Jerry Willis 334-567-1314 mayor@cityofwetumpka.com District 1 – Kevin Robbins 334-462-9696 District 2 – Cheryl Tucker 334-296-1202 District 3 – Lynnes S. Justiss 334-467-9940 District 4 – Steve Gantt 334-467-0385 District 5 – Joe Brown 334-322-3915 TALLASSEE The Tallassee City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month with a work session at 5 p.m. and a business meeting to follow. The City of Tallassee City Hall is located at 3 Freeman Ave., and the office number is 334-283-6571. Mayor: John Hammock 334-239-1041 | mayor@tallassee-al.gov Ward 1 – Jeremy Taunton 334-415-3901 | jtaunton12@icloud.com 2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Ward 2 – Sarah Hill 334-415-3000 | sarahahill18@gmail.com Ward 3 – Damian Carr 334-252-8916 | damaincarr@ymail.com Ward 4 – Bill Hall 334-312-6971 | mhallb@yahoo.com Ward 5 – Terrel Brown 334-415-8922 | terrellove@yahoo.com Ward 6 – Bill Godwin 334-283-6373 | godwinhill@elmore.rr.com Ward 7 – Fred Randall Hughey 334-201-4756 frhughey@wacqradiocom.com ECLECTIC The Eclectic Town Council meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Dr. M.L. Fielder Municipal Building at 145 Main St. Work sessions are held at 6 p.m. prior to the regular council meetings. The Town of Eclectic can be reached at 334-541-4429. Mayor – Gary Davenport 334-541-2180 mayor@townofeclectic.com Council Place 1 – Jackie Stearns 256-397-1100 Council Place 2 – Stephanie Stepney 253-820-5530 stepney-stephanie@gmail.com Council Place 3 – Lindsay Mothershed 334-399-3162 | enviro1982@toast.net Council Place 4 – Linda Thornton Reed 334-303-2094 Council Place 5 – David Goodwin 334-220-3339 daviddgoodwin@gmail.com COOSADA The Coosada Town Council meets every second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 5800 Coosada Rd. The office can be reached at 334-285-3700. Town Clerk Jeannie Ward | 334-398-0000 Mayor – Anthony Powell Place 1 – Smiley Jackson-Rogers 334-285-7440 Place 2 – Jo G. Milan 334-285-4946 Place 3 – Grant Cosby 334-285-4766 Place 4 – Howard Goza 334-285-5037 Place 5 – Leon Smith Sr. 334-318-2268

DEATSVILLE Mayor – Clayton Edgar 334-285-9881 Council Members Joey Acre, Bill Gunter, George Porter, Brian Smith, Laura Shell McGlamry ELMORE The Elmore Town Council meets every second Monday at 7 p.m. in the Carmichael-Mercer Community Center. Elmore Town Hall is located at 485 Jackson St. and can be reached at 334-514-5988. Mayor – Margaret White Place 1 – Harold Wilson 334-285-6685 Place 2 – Jamie Snider 334-322-9652 Place 3 – David Foster 334-567-6861 Place 4 – Debra German Place 5 – John Glasscock MILLBROOK Millbrook City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in the Al Kelley Building at 3900 Grandview Rd. Millbrook City Hall is located at 3160 Main St., and the office can be reached at 334-285-6428. Mayor – Al Kelley 334-285-6428 mayoralkelley@yahoo.com Ward 1 – Jacquelyn Thomas 334-467-0724 millbrookward1@gmail.com Ward 2 – Michael Gay 334-285-0258 millbrookward2@gmail.com Ward 3 – Jimmy Harris 334-301-6625 jgharris1@gmail.com Ward 4 – Justin Jones 334-303-3969 millbrookward4@gmail.com Ward 5 – Hal Hodge 334-657-1771 millbrookward5@aol.com

ANNUAL

Calendar of Events Art Walk

Millbrook Mardi Gras AWF Cookoff

FEBRUARY

Mardi Gras Festival: The Millbrook Krewe of Revelers hosts a Mardi Gras Festival annually on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. Thousands turn out for a mile-long parade along Main Street and dozens of vendors selling Mardi Gras-themed food and items. Mardi Gras Parade: The Order of Cimarron in Wetumpka also hosts a Mardi Gras Parade and includes entertainment, vendors and children’s activities. ECAG Winter Show: Elmore County Art Guild hosts its annual winter art show with awards and a reception.

MARCH

Big Fish Bass Tournament: The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual fishing tournament at Bonner’s Landing on Lake Jordan the Saturday before Easter. With hourly weigh-ins for biggest fish, the event entertaina all ages. Arbor Day: The towns of Tallassee, Wetumpka and Millbrook all celebrate the holiday with formal tree plantings in their respective communities. Each town receives free seedlings or trees to coincide with their efforts. Easter Egg Hunts: The Alabama Wildlife Federation presents an annual Nature Eggstravangza at the Alabama Nature Center with activities for children. Included in the event are egg hunts, games, crafts and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Various Easter egg hunts are also held throughout the area in Eclectic, Wetumpka, Millbrook and Tallassee. They are sponsored by the towns’ local organizations and churches.

APRIL

AWF Tri-County Wild Game Cook-off: The Alabama Wildlife Federation presents its wild game cook-off where numerous cook teams show off their cooking skills to tasters. Awards are given to cook teams for three different divisions: fish, fowl and game. Attack on Swayback: This annual mountain bike race is held on the rugged 12-mile Swayback Bridge Trail, which is maintained by the Trail of Legends Association. This weekendlong event offers competitions in trail racing, short track racing and mountain biking. Coosapalooza Brewfest: Main Street Wetumpka hosts this annual festival featuring dozens of craft breweries, musical 56

acts, local food vendors and more. Tulotoma Art Trail: Main Street Wetumpka, in collaboration with The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery and the City of Wetumpka, allows guests to experience the art and music of local artisans throughout the downtown area, encouraging visitors to stop in local shops and restaurants, as well as purchase handmade wares. Community Market: Join the patrons of Wetumpka every first Thursday, April to November, in Merchants Alley for the monthly Community Market, featuring local businesses showcasing some of the best handcrafted and homegrown goods around. First Fridays: Take to the streets of Wetumpka every first Friday April through November and watch the Village Artists in action as they create and curate new pieces of art for onlookers.

MAY

Hot Rods in the Park: Restored cars are exhibited at the Village Green for enthusiasts to admire in this nonjudging show that is free to the public. This event benefits the WELCOME food pantry in Millbrook, and admission is a donated can of food. Antique Tractor Show and Pull: The Southern Antique Iron Association hosts this annual event with antique tractors and activities for all ages. Cops and Kids: The Millbrook Police Department partners with Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce to host an annual event at the Village Green for children to get to know their local officers and experience fire trucks, police cars, K-9 demonstrations and drones. Main Street Wetumpka Wine Pull: Main Street Wetumpka’s annual event is held at the Wind Creek Wetumpka Hotel and Casino penthouse suite. A ticket covers admission for two, signature wine glasses, and hors d’oeuvres, and each couple pulls a bottle of wine to take home.

JUNE

Summer Reading Program Kickoff: Public libraries will host summer reading program kickoffs, followed by five weeks of events and programs for children based on a statewide theme. 2021-22 FYI

JULY

Fourth of July events: Lake Jordan HOBOs hosts a fireworks show on Lake Jordan every year, which can best be seen by boat. It also hosts an annual boat parade on Lake Jordan. The City of Wetumpka usually displays fireworks over the Coosa River, which residents can enjoy from Gold Star Park. Russell Lands On Lake Martin hosts fireworks and a concert at the Lake Martin Amphitheater in Eclectic each year, along with an annual boat parade starting at Kowaliga Marina and parading passed Children’s Harbor on the morning of July 4. Grandview YMCA hosts a fireworks display and cookout on its grounds during the week of July 4. 4-H Events: Elmore County Extension hosts summer-long events for children up to age 18. For a full list of this year’s events, visit the Elmore County 4-H Facebook page. Jake’s Day: Sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation, this event will take place at Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park and include archery, sling shots, tomahawk throwing, air rifles and shotgun shooting, building bird houses and walking sticks for youth 17 years old and under. Lunch is provided.

AUGUST

AWF Youth Fishing Rodeo: Designed to give youth the chance to experience the outdoors and learn about fishing, this annual event is held on AWF grounds in Millbrook. The rodeo is open to anyone age 15 and under, and admission is free. Celebrate Tim Burton Week: In honor of the multitalented director and producer, Downtown Wetumpka celebrates Tim Burton and all of his 40-plus movies. Beginning on his birthday, Aug. 25, the town celebrates his expressionism art, his films and, of course Big Fish with scavenger hunts, contests, trivia nights and much more. Visit mainstreetwetumpka.org/events for more information.

SEPTEMBER

Titus Bluegrass Festival: For nearly two decades, the Titus Community Center has presented live music throughout the day in its shady grove with multiple artists performing, along with food vendors and booths filled with crafts, cookbooks and peanuts.

OCTOBER

Coosa River Challenge: This team-adventure race is a course that combines trail running, mountain biking, paddling, repelling and surprise obstacles along the way. Individuals may participate as well. The route incorporates the Coosa River and its shorelines and concludes in downtown Wetumpka. Alabama Cotton Festival: Vendors line Main Street in Eclectic with food and local treats. There will be live music, dancers and the Miss Cotton Queen Pageant. The family-friendly event highlights Eclectic with thousands of Alabama Frontier Days The Cotton Festival

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

visitors at the event. Alabama Frontier Days: Visit Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site in Wetumpka for a reenactment of Alabama’s frontier days from French colonial times to the early American period. Includes Native American reenactors, period traders, merchants and entertainers. Millbrook BooFest: The Saturday before Halloween, the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a safe alternative to trick-or-treating for children at the Village Green. The event boasts candy, games, prizes and other surprises. Wetumpka Candy Walk: The City of Wetumpka hosts this annual event for kids up to fourth grade to safely trick-or-treat behind the City Administration Building.

NOVEMBER

Veterans’ Day program: Dixie Art Colony teams up with Trinity Episcopal Church to host an annual Veteran’s Day celebration with presentations, a video regarding World War II and memorial displays. Golf Tournament: The Wetumpka Chamber will host the Great Balls of Fire golf tournament.

DECEMBER

Christmas Parades: Tallassee, Millbrook, Wetumpka and Eclectic all have Christmas parades throughout the holiday season featuring community organizations, and festive decorations. The parades typically coincide with other events, such as open houses, tree lightings and festivals. An Eclectic Christmas: Hosted by volunteers from An Eclectic Ministry, this annual live presentation of the Christmas story draws crowds from around the country. Experience the story on an outdoor walking trail and be part of the live drama that is set during the Roman Empire. Usually taking place the first week of December, guests must make reservations, but admission is free. Donations are appreciated to continue funding for the show. Christmas on the Coosa: The City of Wetumpka hosts this annual event on the second Saturday of December. The full-day event has activities throughout Gold Star Park and along the Coosa River, including arts-and-crafts vendors, kids’ activities, live music, a street parade, fireworks and the highly anticipated wakeboarding Santa. Downtown Dickens’ Christmas: The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce converts downtown into a magical Christmas village scene with costumes, decorations and plenty of holiday fun. New Years Eve Fireworks: The City of Wetumpka hosts an 11:59 p.m. countdown for the meteor strike and fireworks to bring in the New Year. There will be live music and fireworks from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. behind the City Administration Building. July 4 fireworks

Dickens Christmas

• Same day appointments available • Optical boutique with wide selection of frames • Friendly & professional staff • Ophthalmologist on staff to provide specialty eye treatment

Expert Eye Care, Latest Eye Wear.

r upporte Proud s mpka of Wetu Market y t i n u m Com 334-567-7722

JULIA H. GANNON O.D., VisionCenterSouth.net

Monday–Friday: 8:00am–5:00pm 58

10200 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka, AL 36092

visioncentersouth 2021-22 FYI

• ALIGNMENTS • TIRES/BRAKES • EXHAUST • OIL CHANGES

TURNING VISION INTO VALUE 100 YEARS AND COUNTING

74 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 116 Company Street Wetumpka, AL 36092

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

AREA CHURCHES

AREA CHURCHES BAPTIST Bethlehem East 7561 Upper River Road Calvary Baptist Church 293 N Wesson Street Word of Life 501 Sims Avenue Carrville Baptist Church 2436 Notasulga Road East Tallassee Baptist Church 314 Central Boulevard Elam Baptist Church 4686 Notasulga Road First Baptist Church 1279 Friendship Road Flatrock Missionary Baptist Church 1024 Flat Rock Road Friendship 4345 Friendship Road Liberty Baptist Church 574 Liberty Road Mount Zion Baptist Church 64 Log Circle Providence Primitive Baptist Church 4850 Chana Creek Road Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road River Road 239 Lower Tuskegee Road Riverside Heights Hispanic Mission 495 Little Road Rock Springs 375 Rigsby Road Rock Springs Baptist Church 2810 Rock Springs Drive Tallassee First 1279 Friendship Road Tallaweka Baptist Church 1419 Gilmer Avenue Westside Baptist Church 1825 Gilmer Avenue CATHOLIC St Vincent De Paul Parish 620 Gilmer Avenue CHRISTIAN/OTHER Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ 1072 Muskogee Trail East Tallassee Church of Christ 501 Central Boulevard Light of Jesus Outreach Ministries 140 Gin Street Macedonia Christian Church 2685 Macedonia Road Mount Olive Congregational Christian Church NACCC 492 Kent Road Oak Heights Church of Christ 74 Manning Circle Tallassee Church of Christ 209 Gilmer Avenue Wind Rain & Fire Ministries International 1201 Gilmer Avenue Vessel Church 84632 Tallassee Highway

God’s Church, Campfire Ministries 209 Barnett Bouelvard The Lord Our Righteousness Center, Inc. 4566 Claud Road Eclectic, AL Tallassee First Assembly of God 185 Friendship Road, Tallassee, AL 36078 EPISCOPAL Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue METHODIST East Tallassee United Methodist Church 101 Central Boulevard First United Methodist Church 1 Jordan Avenue New Zion 3523 Ashurst Bar Road St. Paul Tallassee 101 Herren Hill Road Wall Street 71 Zion Street INDEPENDENT Abundant Life Church 2634 Lower Tuskegee Road Saint Mark All Nationals Pentecostal Foundation Church 30 Stewart Street Tallassee Church of God 134 Adams Street Tallassee Holiness Church 194 Honeysuckle Lane God’s Congregation Holiness Church 508 Jordan Avenue Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Highway in Eclectic AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231, Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545

First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church 2520 Lynwood Dr., Millbrook 285-5213 Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist 3111 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 285-6792 Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist 1554 Hwy. 143, Millbrook 285-0094 Grace Baptist 304 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist 346 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook 285-5125 Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750

Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Titus 514-7304 Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mt. Herron East Baptist Church 4355 Mt. Herron Rd. Eclectic, Al 36024 334-857-3689 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Light-wood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Tallassee 334-857-2638 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 334-312-1878 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665

Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589 Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-538-9415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 567-0620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670

2021-22 FYI

AREA CHURCHES Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 569-1510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 567-6561 CHURCH OF GOD Elmore Church of God 10675 Rucker Road, Elmore Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 567-9886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God 2080 Main Street, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 567-0476

Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 569-2122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-9211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 514-3114 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s

Witnesses

9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100 LATTER DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-8339

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cobbs Ford Rd., Millbrook LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran Church 2175 Cobbs Ford Rd., Prattville PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 100 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678135 Millbrook Presbyterian Corner of Main St. & Coosada Rd. Valley View Presbyterian - PCA 4125 Rifle Range Rd. Wetumpka 386-2386 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist 210 Lucky Town Rd., Elmore 5141020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 541-2552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-2375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St., Elmore 567-8653 First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 567-7865

First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood, Millbrook Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd., Titus Mulder Memorial United Methodist 3454 Fire Tower Rd., Wetumpka 567-4225 New Style United Methodist 64 Old Georgia Plank Spur, Wetumpka 567-9840 Oak Valley Station United Methodist 162 Parsonage Road, Tallassee 541-3924 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 1003 Pierce Chapel Rd., Santuck 265-6099 Providence United Methodist 1540 Providence Rd., Titus Robinson Springs Methodist Church 5980 Main St., Millbrook Trinity United Methodist 135 Little Weoka Creek Rd., Equality 567-9997 Union United Methodist 691 Central Rd. Eclectic Wallsboro United Methodist 11066 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Millbrook Church of the Nazarene 3251 Browns Rd., Millbrook PENTECOSTAL Faith Deliverance Church 475 Jackson St., Elmore 567-9209

Volunteer Opportunities M-F 10-5, Sat 9-4

Sell Phone (334) 657-9596 www.lisalynn.net Lifetime Area Resident BUY-SELL-BUILD-RELOCATION

Come share some of your time with our residents... guaranteed good for your soul and their spirits. Exercise a dog/play with a cat.

Lisa Lynn

Work in our Tail's End Thrift Store - Thurs-Sat 9-3

Associate Broker/Top Sales & Overall Agent Specializing in Families since 1994 Selling Tri-County - Lake Martin - Auburn - Gulf Shores

ARC

R E A LT Y

Voted #1 Favorite Realtor & Co. Si

nce

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

2001

Victory Temple 1173 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-7779 OTHER Central Bible Chapel 3630 Edgewood Rd., Millbrook Chapel of Praise Hwy. 14, Millbrook Cornerstone Full Gospel 9301 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-9143 East Chapel MP Church Airport Rd., Millbrook Grace Bible Church 2251 Main St., Millbrook Gracepoint Community Church 78223 Tallassee Highway, Wetumpka 514-9292 New Life Church - Millbrook Sanctuary Worship Center 1688 Ceasarville Rd., Wetumpka Servant Fellowship Church P O Box 1423, Wetumpka 567-2190 The Worship Center 2705 Williams Rd., Wetumpka Time of Refreshing Fellowship 117 E. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-7750 Words of Life Church 105 Cousins Rd., Wetumpka 514-2730

334-567-3377 Humane Society of Elmore County

www.elmorehumane.org hselco@bellsouth.net

255 Central Plank Road • Wetumpka, AL 36092

2021-22 FYI

CHAMBER DIRECTORY

The following individuals and businesses are members of the Tallassee, Millbrook and/or Wetumpka chambers of commerce 1220 Café 1st Franklin Financial Corporation 3am Growers, Inc A Beautiful Creation A Chance to Dance, LLC A Climate Control A Touch of Class A Wiggle & A Wag Grooming Spa ABS Technology, LLC Absolute Apparel Abundant Grace Ministries Acapulco Mexican Grill ACES/ELMORE Adams Drugs ADS Security Adullam House Thrift Store Advanced Appraisal Services, LLC Agape Rack INC Air Conditioning by Luquire AirNow Airserv AES Industries AFC Primed AIS Generator Service Alabama Ag Credit Alabama Association of Nonprofits Alabama Bass Trail Alabama Cooperative Extension System Elmore Co Office Alabama Gas Corp. –Alagasco Alabama Gazette/Tallassee Quarterly Alabama Lawn Equipment & Service Inc. Alabama Legal & Investigative Services, Inc. Alabama’s Little Bit of Texas Alabama News.net WNCF / ABC 32 Alabama Power Company Alabama River Region Arts Center Alabama State Employees Credit Union Alabama Water Well Service, LLC Alabama Wildlife Federation Aldridge, Borden & Company Alexander City / Chamber of Commerce Alexander, Linda AKA Linda A. Prevost Alfa Realty-Brittany Lashley Alfa Realty- Angel Miller Aflac- Erin Metzger All About Repairs, LLC All American Auto & Tire Allen’s Heating & Cooling, LLC All Pro Heating Always Money Amber Tucker-Mary Kay Director Ambience Massage and Wellness AME Engineers, Inc. American Deli American Klassic Designs, Inc. American Legion, Post 133 Angelica Brooks Investigative Services Ann Christian Ann Noble ARC Realty

Area Realty, LLC Area Sand & Gravel, Inc Ark Animal Hospital Arrow Pest Control ASE Credit Union Austin Lands, LLC Autauga Elmore Developmental Services Auttossee Plantation Azalea Train Center Ayers, Todd B & B’s Health Boutique B&B Screenprint BB&T Badcock Home Furniture & More Bailey Kamykowski Bajaj ConEagle Baker Builders, Inc. Barganier Davis Williams Architects Associated Barrett, Brian E, DMD, PC Baseline Forest Services, Inc. Bass Lumber Company, Inc. Bedford, Cheri Bell Family Chiropractic, PC Bell Media / Nathan Yates Belyn Richardson ReMax Cornerstone Realty Bennett’s Archery Indoor/Outdoor Range Berdeaux’s Vintage Sauces, LLC Bern, Butler, Capilouto & Massey, CPAs, P.C. Berney Office Solutions Bert’s Tacklebox Beth’s Heirloom Sewing Bethany Hicks Century 21 Southern Star Realty Better Business Bureau Serving Central & South Alabama Big Block Designs, LLC Big Fish Art Studio Big Fish Real Estate Bill Godwin Bill Lewis Bill Patterson Billy Mckenzie Blue Ribbon Dairy Blue Ridge Chiropractic Blue Ridge Mountain Water Bobby & Mary Carrol Payne Bolin, Art Bon Appetit Catering & Events, LLC Bonnie McGalliard- Wallace and Moody Realty Boutique Talisi Brookside Funeral Home andGardens But God Women Support Group Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Cent Capital Pawn Shop Bonner’s Medical Supply Bowen - Wilson Inc. DBA Servpro Brad Davis Bradshaw’s BBQ Brand New Promo Brantley Signs Bridal Boutique & Tux Shoppe Brian Hodge Britt Veterinary Services

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Brown’s Pest Control Bryson Veterinary Clinic Buck Realty Buffalo Rock Bullseye Pest Control Business Council of Alabama Butler, Nan C & M Car C2C Schools Camo Country Camp Chandler - YMCA Car Wash Company, LLC DBA The Wash Catfish House Cara’s Gourmet to Go & Bakery CARPDC (Central AL Regional Planning & Devlp Comm) CB&S Bank Centeral Alabama Community College Central Alabama Electric Cooperative Central Alabama River Parkway, LLC Central Alabama Works! Century 21 Southern Star Centerpoint Fellowship Wetumpka Central Alabama Alliance Resource & Advocacy Center Central Alabama Community Foundation Central Contracting Central Elmore Water Authority Century 21 Brandt Wright Realty Chamber of Commerce Assoc of Alabama Chambliss, Clyde Senator Chambliss Engineering Chapel Lakes Apartments Chrietzberg Photography Church at the Brook Circuit Clerk’s Office City Collision City of Wetumpka Civitan Club, Greater Wetumpka Champs Barbecue Cloverdale Jewelers, LLC Coaches’ Corner Coleman, Spencer J., M.D. Collier Ford, Inc. Comfort Inn & Suites Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama Community Hospital Inc. Cook’s Pest Control Coosa Cleaver Coosa Outdoor Center Coosa River Adventures Coosa River Craft House Coosa River Paddling Club Coosada Baptist Church Cornus Kennels Corrie Sid Council for Community Causes, LLC Country Inn & Suites Country Treasures Courtyard by Marriott Montgomery Prattville

Courtyard By Marriott Prattville Cousins Insurance Agency, Inc Covington Healthcare LLC. Cozumel Mexican Grill Crafty Monkey Crain Landscape & Design Creed Gym Crenshaw, Hertisene P. Crystal Clear Rainbow Vacuum Sales Cumulus Broadcasting Custom Pallets and Crates Cutter’s Electrical Services Cuttin’ Up CWG/Talkin Tables D & D Auto Sales dba The Tire Center Dan Power Building Systems D & M’s More Than Floors, LLC. D’Andrea, Carla Dale Bain Dash of Fashion, A Days Inn & Suites Prattville Dentistry for Children, P.C. Destinations Travel Direct Auto & Life Insurance District 19 Diva N Motion Diversified Alarm Services Dixie Art Colony Foundation Dogwood Realty Domino’s Pizza Store # 5363 / Pizza G’s Enterprises LLC Don Duncan All American Tire & Auto Dunn & Schreiber Orthodontics, PC Dozier, Larry Dozier, Michael Drinkard Group, LLC E&I Eagle Convenience Store Eagle Motor Group East Tallassee Pharmacy Eclectic Piggly Wiggly Edgewood Academy, Inc. Edward Jones Investments Edwards, Regina B., PC Elevation Strategies, LLC Elite Realty, LLC. Elizabeth Britt Elmore Community Emergency Management/ Homeland Security Elmore Community Hospital, Ivy Creek Healthcare Elmore County 9-1-1 Elmore County Art Guild Elmore County Black Heritage Museum Elmore County Board of Education Elmore County Commission Elmore County Economic Development Authority Elmore County Family Resource Center Elmore County Farmers Co-op Elmore County Finance Elmore County Food Pantry Elmore County Living Magazine

CHAMBER DIRECTORY Elmore County Museum Elmore County Pregnancy Center Elmore County Revenue Commissioner Elmore County Sherriff’s Office / Jail Elmore County Tag Department Elmore County Technical Center Elmore Sand & Gravel Elmore/Autauga News Elwood Staffing Emerald Mountain Expressway Emerald Mountain Golf Course Emerald Mountain Homeowner’s Association, Inc. Erica’s Hair and Tan Essence of Beauty-Beauty Supply & Boutique exploreMedia/Know the Community Extermitech Pest Control LLC. Eye Center South Factory Connection Fain, Dennis and Lynda Family Home Center Family Home Furniture Family Sunshine Center Montgomery Area Family Support Center Family Violence Program Farmer’s Insurance Fast Forward LLC, dba explore Media Faulkner University Fire Steakhouse at Wind Creek Wetumpka First Baptist Church First Baptist Church, Tallassee First Community Bank of Central Alabama First United Methodist Church First United Methodist Church, Tallassee Five Points Station Floyd, Hunter & White, P.C. Fochtmann, Cheryl Food Outlet Forbes Tate Partners, LLC Friends of the Forts - Fort Toulouse Foundation Fresenius Medical Care Tallassee Friendly Home Rentals, LLC Frios Gourmet Pops - Montgomery River Region Front Porch Grill Ft Toulouse/ Ft. Jackson Game Day Clips Gantt, Steve Gardens of Wetumpka Assisted Living Garner Electric, Inc Garry S. McAnnally, LLC Gassett Funeral Home & Crematory, LLC Gene Jones Insurance Agency, Inc. George McCain Georges River Market and Butchery Georgia Floors Direct GFL Environmental Gipson’s Tire Pro Girl Scouts of South Central Alabama, Inc. Giusseppi’s Italia Cucina GKN Aerospace Godwin’s Flowers Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. Grandview Auto Repair LLC Grandview Family YMCA & Conference Center Grandview Pointe at Millbrook

Gray, Ann Greater Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce Griggs Law Firm Girly Girls Magical Moments Grumpy Dog Guardian Credit Union Guild Mortgage Company Gulf Packaging, Inc. Gulf States Mobility Gump Town Magazine Gumptown Magazine LLC. Haircuts by JoJo Hamilton Signs & Graphix Hammock, Ken Hampton Inn Wetumpka by Hilton Harmonie Kay Boutique Harrison Long D.M.D., P.C. Hart, Katie HDD Heart Center Cardiology Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders of Alabama, Inc. Henderson & Bamburg Law Firm Hepburn Pest Control LLC Herren Hill Pharmacy Herring Chiropractic Clinic Holley Oil Company Holly Pierce, Wells Fargo Holmes, Mike Rep. Holmes, Patsy Holt Auto Sales Home Integrated Solutions Homesouth Roofing, LLC Honey Dew, LLC Hornsby & Son Body Shop LLC Hospice of Montgomery Houston, Randall, Dist. Attorney HR Management Solutions Huddle House Hughey Communications Inc. - WACQ Humane Society of Elmore Co. Humane Society of Elmore County I am Roofing Impact Home Solutions, LLC Imperial Manufacturing, Inc. IndusTREE Timber, Inc. Information Transport Solutions, Inc. Ingram State Technical College Ingram State Technical College Ingrams Farmers Market & Garden Center Jack’s Family Restaurants Jackson Thornton & Co. INsight Security and Automation inSight Group Ivy Creek Cafe’ Ivy Creek Family Care of Millbrook Pinnacle Realty Ivy Creek Hospice Ivy Creek Internal Medicine Ivy Creek Urgent Care of Tallassee J Alan Taunton & Company LLC J P Millwork, Inc. Jackson Thornton & Co. PC/CPA Jacquelyn Thomas Jeanna Kervin Jeffcoat Funeral Home Jenilyn’s Creations, Inc. Jennifer L. Berry LLC

Jerry’s Hair Design Jim “N Nick’s BBQ Jim L. DeBardelaben Attorney At Law Jo Jo’s Mini-Golf & Frozen Yogurt John G. McCune Jr. John Thornton Johnston, Kaitlin Jonathan Waters Allstate Agency Jones Auto & Wrecker Service Jones Drugs Jones Heating & Air Jones, Sterling Just 4 U Residential & Commercial Cleaning / Health & Wellness Karen’s Mane Tamers Kawzinski, Deborah Kay Wolff Coaching & Consulting, LLC Kelley Accounting & Tax Return Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery Kennedy, Phyllis Kelly Key West Inn King Bridal & Formal Boutique Kingdom Dough Inc. Kmarks Web & Computer Solutions Knott, Cookie Kona Ice of Lake Martin KT Clutter Lake Martin Chiropractic Lake Martin TV Land Bank Larry’s Restaurant Law Office of Bill Lewis Law Office of Keith A. Howard, LLC LD Embroidery, Inc Leadership Elmore County Lee Artistic Services Lee Macon Lee Staffing Inc. DBA Allegiance Staffing Leisure Isle Building Lewis, Circuit Judge Bill Lewis Advertising Liberty Mortuary Life Prepartory Academy Life Quest Martial Arts/Wetumpka’s Best After School & Summer Camp Linda D. Benson Linville Memorial Funeral Home Little Mountain Growers Liveoak Insurance Agency, Inc Locs of Beauty Hair Supply LLC Long Leaf Woodshop and Gallery LLL Louie’s Chicken Fingers Louie’s Snowcones Lowder New Homes Lowe’s Home Centers Inc. #2885 Lucretia Cauthen Realty LLC Lyons HR PEO Mack Daugherty - Elmore Co. Commissioner Dist. 2 MaePop’s Barbecue Magic Touch Janitorial Inc. Magnolia Ridge, LLC Madison Trantham Main Street Wetumpka Main Street Vintage Market MainStreet Urgent Care Malone Solutions Mandi Fortner, State Farm

Manino Fashions and Designs Marcia Weber Art Objects, Inc. Mark’s Service Ctr. & Body Shop Market Shoppes Martin Collision Center LLC Marvin’s Building Materials and Home Cent Mary and Roy Parker Max Credit Union Mason Rentals Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base McCulloch, Stephen P. DMD, P.C McMahan, Sandra McQuick Printing Company MD Revenue Solutions, LLC Meadow’s Heating & Air Meriwether Commercial Real Estate Meta Private Wealth Meuse, Sheila (Associate Broker, eXp Realty) Michael Gay State Farm Insurance Mike Devers State Farm Insurance Millbrook Baptist Church Millbrook Chamber of Commerce Millbrook Church of the Nazarene Millbrook Civitan Club Millbrook Community Players Millbrook Family Chiropractic Millbrook Family Healthcare Millbrook Presbyterian Church Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Millbrook, City of Milner Electric M-L-B Enterprises Montgomery Area Assoc/Realtors Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Montgomery Biscuits More Than Floors, LLC Mosquito Shield River Region LLC. Moss Therapeutics Mt. Vernon Theatre Mullins Optometry Must Stop Café Nabors Service Center Nail’s LLC Nancy Oates- ReMax Properties Natural Resource Consulting Neighborhood Grill & Catering Neptune Technology Group New Leaf Consignment Galleries - Wetumpka New Life Christian Academy New Stone Realty New York Life-Sherry Reed Nikao Fitness, LLC Nikki’s Hair Studio Norris Concession O’Charley’s OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery Office Depot Operation Combat Bikesaver Orangetheory Fitness Our Place Café Our Town Realty Our West Wing, LLC Pair of Leggs Photo & Video Parker Tire & Service Parker Wholesale Cars Partners Realty Patterson & Duke, P.C. Patterson Air Inc.

2021-22 FYI

CHAMBER DIRECTORY Perdue, Gardner Perfectly Packaged Weddings PH&J Architects PHOENIX Rehabilitation and Health Services Pine View Memorial Gardens Pinnacle Realty Pizza Hut Plus Color, LLC PNC Bank Poarch Band of Creek Indians Powell Rental Properties Power Sounds USA Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce Prattville Progress Prattville Trophy & Awards Precise Pressure Washing & Carpet Cleaning Precision Copyediting, LLC Precision Floor Care Pretty is as Pretty Does, LLC Previously Pampered Resale Shop, LLC Price Paint & Body, LLC Prism Blinds Productive IT, LLC Provisions Cheese & Wine Shoppe Publications Press Inc. R&D Pawn R&R Construction & Roofing Co. LLC Raghav Inc. DBA Key West Inn Rawls, Michelle RE/MAX Cornerstone Realty Group, LLC Realty Central Realty Connection Reformation Media Consulting Regions Bank Rehab Associates of Elmore County ReMax Properties Prattville Renew Outreach Development Center Rep. Mark M. Tuggle Restoration 49 Retired Senior Volunteer Program Rhapsody in Blue Stables Rick Beauchamp Richard Dennis Ridge Church River Bank and Trust River Bend Veterinary Clinic, LLC River Perk Coffee House River Region News River Region United Way River Region Vision Source River Region Women in Business Riverside Chevrolet Riverview Real Estate Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill Robinson Springs UMC Ron McDaniel RSO presents Prime Time Athletics Ruffer, Judy McGough Rumbling Waters Legal and Title Solutions, LLC Russell Brands LLC Russell Construction of Alabama, Inc. Russell Do-it Center Russell Mosquito Control, LLC Rustic Mill S & S Services, LLC S and B Apraires, LLC Sam’s Club

San Marcos Mexican Resturant Scarborough & Griggs Scent Wizards SCF Buildings LLC Schitt’s Plumbing SCORE/Earl Heath Servpro Servpro of Montgomery Sew Go Create Sew Unique Alterations and Formal Boutique Sherwin-Williams Co. Shop Edge Sievers & Company, PC Simply Southern Acres Storage/Powersports Sims, Rhonda Realtor Sistrunk Boutique Sizemore & Sizemore Skate Zone 2000 / Tan Zone Gift Shop Skinner Printing Company, Inc. Slaughter, Fred Sleep Inn-Millbrook SMI Advertising Smokehouse Pit BBQ, LLC Smokin’ S Bar-B-Que Sno Biz Solar Nails & Spa South Point Bank South Point Home Mortgage Southeastern Senior Benefits Southeastern Trailer & Equipment Southern Builders LLP Southern Girls Outlet Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, LLC Southern Trails, Inc. SouthernLinc Wireless Speaks, Larry E. & Associates, Inc. SPECS Spectrum Spherion Spire Energy Springhill Suites St. Michaels and All Angels Episcopal Chu State Farm, Michael Gay Agency Starr Insurance Group, LLC State Farm Insurance State Farm Insurance - Jackson Hagan Agency State Farm Insurance Company Ken Owen State Farm-Logan Steers Steve Martin Engineering & Surveying Stiff Contractors, Inc. Stinson Drafting Corp. Stone, Britt, & Webb Stone Creek Rentals Stone Martin Builders Strock Insurance Agency Stubbs, Jimmy Studio 231 / Elmore County TV Studio B Dance Center Subway of Tallassee Succentrix Business Advisors Suncho School of Music Sunshine and Pixie Dust Suzannah’s Photography SWAT Exterminating Co. Inc. Sweet Home Books T-Fit T&T Nails

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

Tacala Companies-Taco Bell Taco Bell / MontyMex Corp Talisi Florist Talisi Historical Preservation Society Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc Tallassee Armory Guards-SCV Camp 1921 Tallassee Automotive Tallassee City Board of Education Tallassee Community Development Corp Tallassee Community Library Tallassee Cookie Company Tallassee Family Dentistry Tallassee Health and Rehab LLC Tallassee Industrial Development Board Tallassee Jewelry & Gifts Tallassee Machine Shop Tallassee Massage & Wellness Tallassee Mt. Vernon Theater, Inc. Tallassee Nutrition Tallassee Power & Equipment Tallassee Real Estate Tallassee Recreation Department Tallassee Septic Tank Service Tallassee Super Foods Tallassee Tribune- Tallapoosa Publishers Tallassee True Value Tammy’s Academy of Dance, LLC Tannehill Photography Taylor Athletic Wear, Inc. Tech Pros The Apothecary The Carpet Place The City of Millbrook The Coosa Belle Boutique The Elms The Furry Kid The Gab Gifts & Beauty The Harris Firm LLC The Lash Studio The Learning Tree Inc. The Lewis Law Firm, PC The Maids The Mark Shaw Agency, Inc. The Montgomery Independent The Rex Revenue The Rustic Mill BBQ, LLC The Segrest Law Firm The Sweet Carte, LLC The Tallassee Tribune The Tapp18 The Vault Variety Shop The Wetumpka Herald The Yellow Daffodil Boutique Thornton, John Probate Judge Three Lakes Dental Tidbits of the River Region Tiger Paw Timber Bronze 53, LLC Titanium Music Productions Group Inc. TNTOutfitters, LLC Top Rated Speed & Performance Treehouse Candles Trenholm State Community College Trotman Eastern ByPass LLC Troy State University Montgomery Troy University Tru-Turn, Inc./TTI Companies

Truitt Insurance Trustmark National Bank TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group Turf Tactics Turner Oil, Inc. Turner, Carson Turner, Gwen Turner, Joe Allen Two of a Kind Spa and Boutique Underground Customs Unplugged Wireless Urban Tails Valley National Bank Vanity Fur Pet Salon & Resort VELG Millbrook LLC, dba Tia’s Cantina Victory Baptist Church Versatility Studios Vicki Oliver Baker Village at Millcreek Vision Center South Viva Medicare Vivian O’nay W.E.L.C.O.M.E. WAKA Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Walmart #1101 Walmart #4318 WCOV FOX TV WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC Webb Builders, Inc Webdevil Design Wee One’s Preschool LLC WETU TV 39 Wetumpka Axe Wetumpka Crater Commission Wetumpka Depot Players, Inc. Wetumpka Express Packing & Mailing Wetumpka FFA Alumni Chapter Wetumpka High School Wetumpka Line Dancing Wetumpka Memorial Funeral Home Wetumpka Nutrition Wetumpka Pre School/Child Dev Wetumpka Public Library Wetumpka Rotary Club Wetumpka Senior Center Wetumpka Village LTD Wetumpka Villas Wetumpka Water Works Wetumpka Window Tinting, LLC Wetumpka YMCA Wharf Casual Seafood- Wetumpka White Water Ridge White Wings Catering Whorton, Janice Will Publishing Williams, R. Scott & Assoc. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka Windham, Ronnie & Amy Window World WJ Sellers Homes LLC Wood, Jan & Joe Woodccraft Cafe Woodforest National Bank WTLS -/ Tallassee Times Yellowbook HIBU Zap Pest Control, Inc.

2021-22 FYI

2021-22 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

FYI Newcomer's Guide to Elmore County 2021

Articles inside

Chamber Directory

Area Churches

Utility Setup

Medical Services

Arts and Culture

Calendar of Events

Smalltown Boom

Local Government

Libraries

Where to Play

Elmore County Schools

Downtown Wetumpka

Steeped in History

Must-See Historic Attractions

Curating Community

Soak It Up

Education

Millbrook Goes Green