Horizons 2021 by Tallapoosa Publishers

HORIZONS OUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT A Vision of Progress in Elmore County

Januar y 2 02 1

HORIZONS 2021

STAFF

From the Publisher's Desk

he staff here at Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. strives to showcase life in the communities we serve and focus on the incredible things happening. This year’s theme, Our Future is Bright, was a surprisingly easy one to choose. It was you – the readers, the influencers, the motivators, and the gogetters – that made it happen. This year’s publication, Horizons, is here to celebrate your endurance, your strength and your bright, bright future. And we couldn’t be happier to do so. New businesses, economic growth, increased quality of life and innovative ventures are on the horizon for Elmore County. It’s no wonder there seems to be a positive, enthusiastic aura emitting around town. TPI is proud to showcase the progress and accomplishments set forth by community-spirited residents and philanthropic individuals in this annual publication. It’s not news that 2020 came with its own unique set of challenges; however, despite the odds, Elmore County has found a way to persevere – and with gumption. Art and culture organizations in the communities were hit hard as audiences diminished and interpersonal meetings became scarce. Nonetheless, leaders forged creative paths to keep supporters engaged and keep the arts alive. Read more about these unique circumstances on page 24. Millbrook keyed in on recreation, and multiple agencies have launched a massive venture to fulfill local needs and amp up economic vitality. Read about the Field at Seventeen Springs – probably one of the largest undertakings to unfold – on page 20. Local residents also opened a new concept of social gathering at The Rex. This venue offers playtime for kids and adults alike, all in a safe environment. Check it out on page 36. When it comes to education, officials are leaving no stone unturned. Facilities throughout the county are being modernized to provide broader opportunities for students. There are millions of dollars worth of construction underway as we speak, and the result will certainly be something of which everyone can be proud. The City of Tallassee sees nothing but growth, and the addition of a new mega-prison within city limits will only increase these benefits. Mayor Johnny Hammock discusses the fitting attributes that make his town the right fit in addition to the many other projects in the works to keep things rolling. Turn to page 8 to learn more. Elmore County residents are nothing if not loyal. With new shops popping up, well-attended – masked and socially distant – events taking place and many accounts of unwavering support, we see strong indicators of such. With city, county, nonprofit and local agencies working together, the light keeps shining brighter for Elmore County. We may not know what lies ahead for the future of the country, but we know Elmore County’s future is bright.

Chairman Kenneth Boone

kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com

President & Publisher Steve Baker steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Magazine Department Manager Brittany Smith brittany.smith@alexcityoutlook.com

Editor Amy Passaretti

amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services Shelley McNeal contractor@alexcityoutlook.com

Audra Spears audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Distribution Manager Erin Burton

erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultants Marilyn Hawkins

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

Andy Carr andy.carr@tallasseetribune.com

Digital Services Elle Fuller elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors Kenneth Boone Briana Wilson Carmen Rodgers Jenny Enslen Stubbs Sarah Stephens

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

Steve Baker, Publisher 4

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Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 99 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-7811

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER The sun shines over the Bibb Graves Bridge in Wetumpka where business is booming, community spirit is strong and revitalization is under way. Photo by Audra Spears

In This Issue

Mega-prison to cultivate economic growth in Tallassee

EC Schools launch multiple phases of capital plan

7 Fat Cows encourages emergency preparedness

Local entities unite on massive recreational venture

Area artisans forge innovative paths to the future

THS: Pinnacle of the Community

Eclectic community festivals bigger than ever

Millbrook's The Rex offers new style of gathering

Collaboration proves key to Wetumpka success

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Nothing but Growth

Tallassee's economic development at forefront of its future STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY CARMEN RODGERS & BRITTANY SMITH

hile some may focus on the downside of locating a mega-prison in Elmore County, local officials only see the added benefit to the economy, which leads to an increased quality of life. When Gov. Kay Ivey announced the proposal of three new Alabama megaprisons to improve the state’s prison infrastructure, Elmore County was a 8

proposed site based on its location, ability to handle necessary utilities and its trained workforce. Ivey chose a location right outside the Tallassee city limits for one of the three new 1.2-million square foot facilities to be constructed starting this year. “With that is going to come a lot of economic growth,” Tallassee Mayor Johnny Hammock said. “The HORIZONS 2021

Department of Corrections is the second-leading employer in Elmore County behind GKN. So the main focus for this selection was to keep those jobs in Elmore County.” The goal for Hammock when he was elected as mayor in 2016 was to develop the relationship with the DOC and retain the local jobs already committed to the DOC.

Mayor Johnny Hammock discusses the future of the eastside mills site with Alabama Power officials and students from Auburn University

“My main concern was losing those jobs to another area of the state where those people would have a hard commute; have to drive too far; relocate families or have to resign and find another job,” Hammock said. Aside from the workforce, Hammock believes Tallassee’s infrastructure also played a role in being selected for this project. “We’re in the process of building a new state-of-the-art wastewater facility, which played a part in their decision,” he said. “Also, the utility sales – we will be selling them water, sewer, gas. Sales are going to be huge for our municipality. Tallassee has the capability to supply the amount of utilities the prison needs.” By adding this money into the city budget, it can be reinvested to continue town development.

The city of Tallassee was chosen as the site of a new mega-prison due to its utility capability, location and workforce

The third key factor in Tallassee’s latest development is its proximity to a hospital. Tallassee Community Hospital is only 3 miles from the proposed prison site. Infirmed inmates will be transported and treated at this local hospital, which is beneficial for its location. “The hospital employs more than 300 people,” Hammock said. “With this prison coming, we will likely have a contract with our operation, emergency room and intensive care units. This will help keep the doors open at our hospital, which is huge as rural hospitals are closing every day across the country.” The location is also ideal based on interstate access and an in-place educated workforce, according to Hammock. “We are located right off the interstate and can not only pull from Elmore County but also surrounding counties,” he said. “There is easy access for transporting inmates in and out and pulling the workforce from large nearby metropolitan areas.” The local schools will contribute to this qualified workforce as well. “With the proximity of Auburn University, AUM, Tuskegee, Alabama State, Troy – all of those right there means a good place to recruit workforce after graduation,” Hammock said.

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So while similar-sized towns may be suffering, Hammock believes the addition of this new prison will help keep Tallassee afloat and even add to its economic growth. In addition to new construction, Tallassee is actively recruiting new industries and companies to the area. The city is on the verge of building new houses and received the green light on its downtown streetscape project from the Federal Highway Department and Alabama Department of Transportation to kickstart the work this year. “Two years ago, we were awarded a transportation alternative program grant through ALDOT and are currently going through the design phase,” Hammock said. “The grant is for replacing all sidewalks in downtown and making them ADA-compliant.” The streetscape enhancement will also include gas line replacements, water/sewer line replacements, installation of dark fiber for future connectivity, repaving the roads and beautifying the area. “It will be a huge facelift for downtown, plus all the infrastructure plays a part as well,” Hammock said. “We have good civic guidance with city leadership and the board of education. I think Tallassee is heading in the right direction. I’m just glad I’m able to play a small part in that growth.”

Officials break ground on a $7 million building to expand programs at the Elmore County Technical Center

Educational Enterprise

Elmore County Schools launch multiple phases of capital plan STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & BRIANA WILSON PHOTOS BY BRIANA WILSON & RENDERINGS COURTESY OF RICHARD DENNIS

s communities in Elmore County continue to grow, so does the need for improved educational facilities, additional amenities and more opportunities for students. Elmore County Schools’ five-year capital plan is in full swing to

address such issues and has multiple projects in the works already. Slated construction includes a new middle school in Redland, improvements to Elmore County and Holtville high schools, expansions to the Elmore

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County Technical Center and completing a second addition at Stanhope Elmore High School, according to superintendent Richard Dennis. The first of three nearly consecutive groundbreakings for Elmore County Schools was held in August and considered the No. 1 project currently in the works, said Dennis. Construction is in process for an additional Elmore County Technical Center facility adjacent to the current one. “We’ve started pouring the foundation on a very large new facility that we will plan to come online in the next year,” Dennis said. “We’ve grown significantly over the last four or five years. We went from maybe 350 students to now more than 800 participating, including dual enrollment through CACC.” The technical center has added three new programs: HVAC, plumbing/pipefitting and aviation. The plan is to add a couple more within the next few years. “We’ve really been inundated with industry to expand to support those in our community. Our business community is what we are targeting with these additional programs,” Dennis said. “We are hoping this will provide more opportunities for each of the high schools, and we have plans to implement STEM programs in each middle school.” The $7 million building is expected to be complete by the end of this summer and is being funded by a portion of a $50 million bond secured by the Elmore County Board of Education for upcoming projects. Once the new technical center building is complete, plans will begin to renovate the old one. Following a mere few weeks after the ECTC groundbreaking, Stanhope Elmore High School broke ground on a state-of-the-art band and choral facility. The school recently launched another round

of improvements to finalize a project in process. Construction kicked off in August for the $1.65 million band room estimated for completion by the start of the 2021-22 school year. The scope of the project includes a 2,700 squarefoot band room, a 1,295 square-foot choral room, room for piano and music classes, storage space and a laundry room. Dennis said the school needs a much larger space since the population in Millbrook/Coosada schools is expected to increase over the next three to five years. Millbrook Middle School is one of the district’s largest schools, and students there feed directly into SEHS, so renovating and expanding the school to accommodate growth is essential. “We’re promoting fine arts across the county, and it’s something we’re investing in,” Dennis said. “Fine arts and the band are typically the largest programs in a school and one of the strongest on a campus. It’s essentially in all you do. So many people are impacted by it, so we’re going to continue to support and grow those programs even through the elementary and middle schools.” Other renovation projects have already been completed at SEHS. After the band/choral addition is complete, Dennis said one of the oldest sections of the school will be redone. The SEHS project also includes renovating the old gym and cafeteria with an upgraded facility and new kitchen. This portion of the project is in the planning phases now. “We’re doing what we can to accommodate growth throughout the district,” Dennis said. Dennis said the board of education is looking to plan for a new fine arts facility at Wetumpka High School some time this year, along with adding lighted tennis courts to that campus.

Renovations at SEHS include a 2,700 squarefoot band room and 1,295 square-foot choral room

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Redland Elementary School students, and future Redland Middle students, attend the groundbreaking ceremony

A new Redland Middle School, designed by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, is under construction on 50 acres of land donated by a local resident

REDLAND ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL PERRY STREET PARKING DECK ROAD CLOSURES- PHASE 1

Wetumpka, AL 12 MONTGOMERY, AL

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“We are doing what we can to accommodate growth throughout the district.” ~ Richard Dennis Elmore County Schools superintendent

Closing out the third consecutive project launched in 2020, a new middle school is under construction in Redland. That facility will initially hold up to 800 students with room to grow. “It is a very fast-growing area, and we anticipate that area continuing to develop,” Dennis said. “We started seeing a shift last year in the Redland, and Holtville communities and we’re trying to figure out a long-range plan.” A groundbreaking for the more than 100,000 squarefoot facility was held in November on the 50-acre site that was donated by county resident and local developer Rodney Griffith. Dennis said the project wouldn’t have happened as quickly and as effectively as it did if it weren’t for Griffith. “This is a prime piece of real estate in Elmore County,” Dennis said. “It’s incredible what he’s done to help us.”

The school, designed by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, will cost a total of $26.6 million and will include 32 classrooms, three storm shelters, a gym with lockers, a weight room, a food court-like cafeteria, a media center and several multipurpose classrooms. Freddie Lynn, with GMC, said the school was designed with future expansions in mind. If needed, the school will be able to double in size. Plans for the school also include spaces for future softball, baseball and football fields. The facility is set to open at the beginning of the 2022 school year. The Holtville area is also in need of a new facility and expansions but Dennis said the board of education is working on a solution to improve the situation without having to construct a new high school yet. The short-term plan is likely to install portables on-site to cater to the growing student population. “The existing school is not large enough, and the area is growing significantly with up to 30 or 40 new students this year,” Dennis said. “We’ve talked to realtors and are watching construction across the county, and homes in that area sell in about 36 hours. They are building all over the place.” This project, plus one at Elmore County High School, will include more secure entrances sooner rather than later and additional fencing next year to control visitors to campus. “We’ve done it in a couple of areas – enclosed the front – so we’ll have someone manning the front with a window, and visitors have to be buzzed in,” Dennis said. “We need to have an access point for safety monitoring.” Both schools are receiving this exterior facelift but within the confines of their current designs. “Holtville and Elmore County are historic landmarks. So we need to work within the parameters of the unique architecture,” Dennis said. “We are working to preserve that.” The Elmore County Schools capital plan continues to evolve with a vast array of projects in the works. All future upgrades and improvements work collaboratively to increase opportunities for students, appeal to potential newcomers and add to the overall quality of life in Elmore County.

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Susan Stroschein cooks up a 30-year shelf-life meal for dinner

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7 Fat Cows Eclectic business encourages emergency preparation

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY BRITTANY SMITH

usan Stroschein learned the importance of preparedness at a young age. After living through natural disasters, traveling to third world countries with the military and now facing a global pandemic, her desire to share this concept with others has deepened. While not originally from Eclectic, Stroschein and her family found a home in the small town about five years ago. She started the company 7 Fat Cows to provide reassurance for a brighter future. The concept offers 30-year shelf-life products for families to stock up on emergency food and water items. “I began this company to help create peace of mind by being prepared, and to help others prepare,” Stroschein said. “To be ready for any emergency, preparedness is a universal value.” Stroschein spent 23 years in the Orlando, Florida area and lived through several devastating hurricanes, which sparked her desire to plan for any instance that may cause a temporary lack of food, water or even employment. “What is an emergency?” Stroschein asked. “When you are affected by a hurricane, it’s devastating. You lose power, so you lose all your food, your meat, no water to drink or cook with. What about milk for your babies? You

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“To be ready for an emergency, preparedness is a universal value.”

7 Fat Cows offers a variety of emergency supplies that last 72 hours or up to seven years

~ Susan Stroschein 7 Fat Cows owner went to the store with the panicking masses where the shelves of the grocery stores were emptied within hours.” As a result, Stroschein’s mission is to instill in families that being prepared is vital. “I grew up being taught these principals,” she said. “Our grandparents and parents grew up in the Great Depression. We grew vegetables, fruit and canned it to last the year. Those are great principals. Even buying canned foods from the store little by little can help.” Though these childhood practices, accentuated by a military career and battling natural disasters, are the foundation of Stroschein’s goal, the pandemic strengthened her desire to bring this dream to reality for the masses. “Have you walked in a food pantry lately?” Stroschein said. “They are empty. The demand for basic needs is enormous. We have no idea how long any emergency will last – a hurricane, snowstorm, unemployment, pandemic, economic upheaval – we just don’t know. Prepare and be ready.” 7 Fat Cows offers starter kits of 25year shelf-life food, which could last one person 72 hours, or consumers can purchase up to a seven-year supply of necessary food and water. Options include 60 servings, 120 servings, 720 servings and up to 4,320 servings, which equates to seven years. Products include 30-year shelf-life meat, vegetables, fruit and entrees such as cheesy lasagna, chili mac, potato pot pie and macaroni and cheese. Gluten-free and organic foods are also available. “These are delicious meals that will fool anybody,” Stroschein said. “I’ve served these meals to guests who rave about how wonderful dinner was, and then I inform them it is a 25-year shelflife emergency food. They are astounded.”

Along with food items, 7 Fat Cows sells water filtration bottles that can filter 99.99% of pollutants for up to 100 gallons of water, according to Stroschein. The company plans to add more products as it grows. The supplier is located out of Salt Lake City, Utah and is known as a topranked emergency food supply company in the U.S. The chosen business name pays homage to a biblical story about the Pharaoh of Egypt in which he has a dream about seven fat cows eating by the River Nile while seven ill cows came out and devoured the fat ones. The Pharaoh was told the dream symbolized seven good, plentiful years from the fat cows, but the seven ill cows represented seven years of famine and hunger. As a result, the Pharaoh was advised to save 20% of his crops to save up for the famine. “For seven years, 20% of the grain in each field was stored away. When the

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seven years of famine hit, the Egyptians had food to eat and all of the countries surrounding Egypt came and bought from them. Egypt not only had enough for their families but enough for their neighbors as well,” Stroschein explained. Similar to the biblical story, 7 Fat Cows was created with the future in mind, and Stroschein wants to help her neighbors in the same way. “We love it here. We love our neighbors and our community,” she said. “My purpose is to empower people, churches and cities to be prepared and to create peace, not dependency on our government – to encourage people while in the ‘7 Fat Cow’ years to get ready for whatever the future holds.” For more information on 7 Fat Cows and its products, visit 7fatcowsprepping. com or email susan@7fatcowsprepping. com.

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Fields of Dreams Local entities unite on massive recreational venture

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY SARAH STEPHENS & BRITTANY SMITH RENDERINGS COURTESY OF RICHIE BEYER

ive entities, three phases and one dream. The Field at Seventeen Springs is one of the most energizing, synergistic projects to come to fruition in the Millbrook area. The project's potential will fill the needs of multiple agencies throughout the county. Enthusiasm and collaboration began flowing from the City of Millbrook, Elmore County Commission, Elmore County Board of Education, Grandview YMCA and Elmore County Economic Development Authority to increase recreational activities on the western side of the county. The concluding master plan is beneficial to all entities as well as residents of the county from an economic development standpoint as well as enhanced quality of life. “I think this is a great project with a lot of folks working together,” Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley said. “It’s going to be an economic generator and go one step further than most sports complexes.” Dirt has been moved for Phase 1 of the project, which includes five full-size, lighted rectangular sports fields; a tennis complex with six lighted tennis courts and three pickleball courts; a new lower pond; and some related amenities including restrooms, concession stands, parking

and access roads. This phase will occur on a roughly 65acre subset of Grandview YMCA-owned land. Phase 2 is designed to include four-diamond fields for softball and little league baseball and the construction of a multiplex building for multipurpose use. This building, named The Fieldhouse, will be the center and focal point of the complex, tying together the layout. “We thought this would be a sustainable revenue source,” said Richie Beyer, Elmore County chief operations officer. “It would be a facility to supplement everything else going on on the property.” The roughly 100,000 square-foot building will be available for use year-round and could be rented out to the community for large events and tournaments. A steering committee has been formed to determine the management and maintenance of the facility. This second component will likely arise between 2022 and 2023, and the Champion Phase will follow. This final stage will include the construction of a rectangular turf field with stadium seating and the potential for a competitive track and a championship diamond field with stadium seating.

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The Elmore County Board of Education was the driving force behind adding a tennis complex to the proposed facility

Crowds gather at the unveiling of the Master Plan in July

The three-phase project designed by Seay, Seay and Litchfield Architects will create a more-than 100-acre recreational complex in Millbrook

Brainstorming for this project has been years in the works with the last three years finally launching its inception. Each of the involved agencies has an interest in the creation of this complex for various needs. “As discussion blossomed about how these entities could partner and the YMCA could leverage their ability to run programs and do youth sports, they hired a consultant to come in and assess the needs of the community,” Beyer said. This 12-month process included a market analysis and financial feasibility study, which concluded that the need and potential were there to embark on the project. A portion of the complex will be located on Grandview YMCA land, and another portion was purchased jointly between Millbrook and the county commission this summer. The total cost of the project is estimated at roughly $35 million and will be split amongst the five participating agencies. “The nice thing about this is the city and county are working together and also providing some in-kind services,” Beyer said. This could alleviate the need to contract out for certain

jobs and save some money. Involved agencies also plan to apply for grants to help offset funding. The cost should be well worth it for the county as agencies hope the Field at Seventeen Springs will provide more than just recreational needs. Its location should be an ideal spot as an economic engine as well as creating a tourist destination. “It sits right off Highway 14, east to the Grandview YMCA main campus, and there is a little buffer between 14 and the property for this project – about a 14-acre strip – the intent, when everything is said and done, is for it to be developed for commercial and retail,” Beyer said. “It can feed off the investment put in for the recreational aspect.” Millbrook Economic Development Director Ann Harper also envisions a great source of increased economic activity as a result. “From an economic development standpoint, what I like

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County Commissioner Bart Mercer, Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis, Grandview YMCA CEO Gary Cobbs, Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley, Millbrook City Council president Michael Gay and Elmore County Commision chairman Troy Stubbs announce the Field at Seventeen Springs

“It will be an economic generator and go one step further than most sports complexes.” The land is being cleared before Phase 1 of the project kicks off

~ Al Kelley Millbrook Mayor

is that it’s meant to be a destination point,” Harper said. “We want to attract all those travel ball groups; we want to attract tournaments and these people who come from all over the state or even outside the state and stay for a reasonable amount of time. I think things are going to pop up as a result.” This intentionally untouched plot of land between the highway and facility is the ideal location for actively recruiting commercial development. “We think it’s going to be a nice economic engine for the Highway 14 corridor,” Harper said. The name Seventeen Springs is also fitting for its chosen home. There are 17 springs located on the Camp Grandview property, which was founded more than 100 years ago. Those springs formed two different lakes that families and kids have enjoyed for years, according to Grandview YMCA Director Bill Myers.

“That same 17 springs inspired an arts and crafts festival that occurred on the property for a couple of decades,” Myers said. “The festival is not around anymore, but that same 17 springs also inspired this partnership with all the entities. We were kind of brainstorming and the name seemed to fit and rose to the top. It’s one we all liked.” The legacy of the springs and ties to YMCA’s generations of community involvement makes the project a catalyst for driving the area in a positive direction. “We’ve had a presence around the 17 springs for the last 100 years, and we are very excited for what’s going to happen with the new 17 springs in the next 100,” Myers said. “This project is going to bring some much-needed facilities to our community that everyone can use and enjoy. It will boost the quality of life and we look forward to the future and serving the community.”

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Area artisans forge innovative paths into the future

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS COURTESY OF KRISTY MEANOR, MARK HARRIS AND LINDA LEWIS Visitors play painted pianos in downtown Wetumpka during art walks and other events

he arts have become synonymous with the town of Wetumpka as organizational and city leaders have crafted creative ways to entertain residents and continue to thrive, despite circumstances from the last few years. From painted pianos and local artists selling handmade wares to virtual plays and newly discovered exhibits, the arts have become a fundamental layer in the lifestyle of Elmore County. “I think we’re on the cusp of a profound, positive trajectory,” Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce Director Shellie Whitfield said. “I think none of us even fully realize all the great things that are about to happen.” Whitfield feels a lot of that focus has been on the arts, creating a European-type vibe downtown with galleries, local shops selling

homemade breads, fresh-cut meats and spices and art markets popping up around town as a socially distant way to stay connected. “During the pandemic we were trying to figure out something happy to bring people to walk around downtown,” Whitfield said. “I asked the mayor for some pianos, and a couple of weeks later, we had pianos with wheels around them. I painted one, and we made a big deal over it. People play them outside during art walks.” Local artist Don Sawyer created a group of artists who come together and sell their goods on downtown street corners. They also paint live on site. The addition of murals has blossomed around town in recent years, going from zero more than three years ago to a handful of unique creations since then. Art and culture continues to be at the forefront of local organizations

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with plenty of positive news coming in the new year. THE KELLY FITZPATRICK MEMORIAL GALLERY The Kelly has struggled with locating the perfect permanent home for its collections and will finally see that dream come to fruition this year. With help from an Alabama Power Foundation grant, the nonprofit purchased a roughly 1,800-square foot building on Company Street,

The Wetumpka Depot records a performance of It's a Wonderful Life Radio Play

which it will renovate with little to no debt when finished. “Through a miracle – it’s the only way to describe it – we found out about a piece of property downtown that an owner had been interested in selling and worked out a deal,” The Kelly President Belyn Richardson said. “The good news is because of the grant, we will have a place of our own that will be suitable for a combination gallery/museum, and we will have no debt.”

The building is sound, but the interior needs some remedial work, added Richardson. Pete Powers Construction LLC began work on the buildings at the end of 2020, and The Kelly board member Wayne Turner is supervising the project. “It’s all one floor, which will make an ideal space for the gallery because it’s going to be a modern loft-style layout,” Richardson said. “We’re trying to keep the interior to look like a piece of art in itself with

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This stone lithograph Morning Reflections by Dixie Art Colony artist Doris Alexander Thompson is a recent DAC acquisition

The Kelly's new exhibit, Home and Hearth, will feature work from Kelly member Kathy Atchison

Wayne Turner and Belyn Richardson stand outside of the building recently purchased by The Kelly

“I think none of us fully realize all the great things that are about to happen.” ~ Shellie Whitfield Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce director exposed elements of the building.” As a result of its location, The Kelly building will be part of the planned streetscape in downtown Wetumpka. “It will be within easy walking distance to restaurants and happenings downtown and cattycorner from the alleyway. Our close relationship with Main Street is such that we’ll probably find some great synergy in that – maybe have an exhibit, and people can walk out and over to the alleyway and spill

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Terry Grant and Jeff Glass perform in Elvis Sightings, a series of vignettes written by local Kim Mason

The Kelly's permanent home is under construction on Company Street thanks to an Alabama Power Foundation grant and years of searching for a location

out there,” Richardson said. The Kelly is an all-volunteer group. Its members have been researching grants, interns, school programs and the possibility of hiring a part-time curator to help the organization continue to thrive. “We’ve got to man it so people can come in, and it can be part of the tourist experience,” Richardson said. The Kelly will retain its traditional permanent exhibits at the new location but is also planning for some shortterm exhibits throughout the year. Exhibits will be separated by movable walls, partitions and display stands so the open room could be divided into sections. The first show is titled Hearth and Home and will honor the art and hard work of past and present artists that didn’t require a brush or canvas. “The Kelly believes that there is art all around us and in many forms beyond what we see on a canvas; this show honors those artists and their creations,” Richardson said. The Folks: Experiencing Visions of Self-Taught Southern Artists is the second show lined up for the year and will feature art made outside the tradition of fine art. With collaboration from downtown gallery owner

Marcia Weber, this exhibit will reach a broad audience, Richardson said. The third and final slated temporary collection for this year is in partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians. “This exhibit will feature not only art but crafts, history and culture,” Richardson said. “Still in the planning phases, it particularly excites me to have this unique opportunity to not only showcase but educate us all on their traditional crafts.” Richardson hopes to supplement this exhibit with workshops to highlight Creek Indian culture. With plenty of exciting ventures ahead for The Kelly, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for its new home. “We probably looked at 20 or 30 different places, and nothing seemed to work, or if it did, it was really out of our price range,” Richardson said. “The board really had a commitment to find a space that would keep its members out of debt and would be a permanent facility for everyone to enjoy.” DIXIE ART COLONY Director Mark Harris and the Dixie Art Colony board have been working tirelessly behind the scenes in

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The Wetumpka Depot Penguin Project kids host a Pop-Up Popcorn Fundraiser during the pandemic

Whitfield paints a "Hooked on Wetumpka" themed piano to bring cheer to residents

preparation for the organization’s future. “Unfortunately, this COVID-19 has kind of made things a little strange – and it has with everyone – but we’re trying to focus on the second half of next year to be safe, and we are rearing up to do some new and exciting things,” Harris said. The first major exhibit for DAC is scheduled to take place in Tallassee in June and feature many of its 2020 acquisitions, about which Harris is extremely enthusiastic. The plan is to resume monthly educational programs by July as well. While that may seem far off, the Dixie Art Colony still has exciting news to share. “For the Dixie Art Colony Foundation, the year 2020 turned out to be one of our most fruitful and productive years thus far,” Harris said. While educational programs and exhibitions came to a halt, DAC leadership added more than 450 pieces of original artwork and hundreds of DAC-related vintage photographs to its collection. “The DAC Foundation now holds in its collection by far the largest and most diverse grouping of Dixie Art Colony-related artwork and ephemera known to exist in any institution or private collection,” Harris said. The permanent collection now consists of more than 700 original works of art. Harris said many long-term projects are in the works

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leading to a bright future for the organization. “During the year 2021, we will launch several significant enhancements to our website, including a searchable digital catalog featuring large photographs of artwork from the DAC Foundation collection,” he said. “The digital catalog will also include descriptions of the artwork, professionally restored artists’ photos and biographies.” Another exhibit, titled A Retrospective of the Works of Carlos Alpha Moon, has been rescheduled for September. The four-week exhibit will take place in Andalusia, with a reception to be held at the Lower Alabama Arts Coalition Gallery. Coinciding weekend events will include walking tours and lectures for visitors and residents of Andalusia, where Moon grew up. In the fall, DAC will partner with the Elmore County Art Guild and the Alabama Plein Air Artists for an outdoor painting event in downtown Wetumpka. DAC will wrap up the year with its annual holiday open house. Due to Harris’ extensive knowledge of the Dixie Art Colony and associated artists and work, he has been selected to serve as a contributor to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, an online encyclopedia of the state of Alabama’s history, culture, geography and natural environment. Harris was asked to write a series of articles about some of the Alabama artists associated with DAC. The history of the DAC and its instrumental artwork will forever be documented in the state’s history. WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS Executive director Kristy Meanor has learned to think outside the box to engage The Wetumpka Depot audience and connect with patrons. Last year was the theater’s 40th anniversary, adding to the disappointment of a chaotic year, but Meanor and her board persevered nonetheless. “We had some really special things planned for the anniversary,” Meanor said. “Two big shows were revival shows and two shows that were looking into our future. It was disappointing to have to cancel the whole season.” As a result, Meanor enacted other creative outlets to continue to stay present, one of which was implementing a virtual podcast. Waiting on the Wing is the podcast I host, along with our board president Jeff Langham and Doug Secrest, who is new to the Depot family,” Meanor said. “We bring on guests and talk about past shows and future shows. It’s a way to keep a connection with patrons, volunteers and artists.” To maintain the summer youth program, rehearsals were held via Zoom, and two shows were performed via Live Zoom. “It was not for the faint of heart, but it was a lot of fun,” Meanor said. She also launched a series of staged readings with six plays featuring two actors and rehearsed those via Zoom. “We then went live in front of a very small, socially distanced, masked audience,” Meanor said. “That was a small way to stay in front of our folks.”

DAC artist Richard Burrell Brough's Untitled Landscape

Two outside productions were able to come to fruition, again with smaller audiences than normal. War of the World was performed on Halloween night as a radio play in the Depot parking lot. Local volunteer and artist Kim Mason wrote Elvis Sightings, which was rehearsed on Zoom and performed in little vignettes around downtown Wetumpka. “There was a good audience for that,” Meanor said. “People brought lawn chairs and just floated from location to location. It was a lot of fun and a neat, neat experience. Luckily, the weather cooperated for those.” While the pandemic remains in full swing, Meanor said she has resorted to what many other local theater groups are doing: filming and offering shows on demand. “That’s a whole other ballgame and not in my wheelhouse,” she said. “As an artistic director, I am having to go with the flow.” The price to watch those shows at home with the family will be a nominal donation but a way residents can continue to support the theater. “We’re going to keep producing and getting our plays out there best we can until we can get back in a normal setting,” Meanor said. “In the meantime, the community has been phenomenal. They’ve reached out and helped financially; the corporate community has done the same. I told them upfront, ‘I don’t know what next year looks like.’ But they don’t care. They want to see us be in a position to come back as early as possible.” Additional future plans remain fluid, but Meanor hopes to see some sort of normalcy by the end of the year. “I think what it will look like within the first six months of the season will be some very small, intimate shows with maybe two cast people and minimal production needs – a modified theater experience – and then bringing in smaller audiences to see shows as we inch into the first half of 2021,” Meanor said. “Maybe by fall we will be back up performing in the ways we are accustomed to doing.” All of these out-of-the-ordinary options have led to a firm belief Wetumpka has an innovative and unique future for its extensive arts and culture community.

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The new Tallassee High School will retain elements of the old but contain state-of-the-art facilities

'Pinnacle of the Community' New Tallassee High School to retain traditional aspects STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI RENDERING COURTESY OF DR. BROCK NOLIN

allassee is on the verge of a bright educational future as ground has been broken on a new high school to place the generations-old current facility. The state-of-the-art building will be a pillar in the community and a driving force in Tallassee’s growth. “My daughter is the fourth generation of young women to actually go through that school,” Tallassee Superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said. “She won’t finish in it but will be one in the inaugural class to finish in the new school.” To put perspective on the age and outdated infrastructure of the building, Nolin noted the necessity of this replacement facility. “It’s served its purpose; it was a really good facility for our community, but we’re excited to break ground on the new facility,” Nolin said. The 92-year-old high school is located right in the middle of downtown, which is where it will stay, as a focal point for the Tallassee community.

“Tallassee High School is the pinnacle of the Tallassee community,” Nolin said. NOVEMBER 24, 2020 “It’s what everyone sees when they roll into town.” As the new project is slated to be located in the same spot, the aesthetics will be comparable. Due to its historic and famed nature, the new high school will be built to mimic the current architecture. The new façade and motif will replicate the current landmark. “Our board and many of our local folks felt like replicating the old building and keeping that traditional sense was important,” Nolin said. “It’s a way to tie in the old with the new.” While the school may appear unaltered from the outside, the inside will tell a different story. “The interior will be state of the art with an updated media center, modern classrooms with the latest gadgets and touch-screen TVs and new science lab facilities,” Nolin said. The more than 40,000-square foot

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building will also feature a cutting-edge auditorium with seating for 650, an expansive stage and modernized lighting and sound systems. “Our current auditorium doesn’t even seat all of the student body, not to mention visitors,” Nolin said. Construction on the new high school will take place in stages with a perspective completion date of August 2022. “We will be building in stages from East to West and utilizing our old annex,” Nolin said. “That section was built in 1940 and still has a few years of life to hold classrooms.” Modular classrooms will be constructed on-site as well for the 18-month interim and be housed behind the gymnasium. The auditorium, as well as an enhanced fine arts complex, will be the first pieces of the puzzle to come together. “The first section of the building will be composed of the auditorium and choir, band and drama complex,” Nolin

said. “That facility itself will double as a storm shelter. It houses 850 people and is dual purpose for the community and the school.” In addition to the façade, the interior of the new high school will retain elements of the old. “We are retaining some components such as 500 square feet of hardwood flooring to utilize as centerpieces for the proscenium and auditorium. We will try to utilize some columns from the front of the old building into the new structure,” Nolin said. “We want to bring old components in with the new as much as possible.” The two main reasons for this new construction are due to continual student growth and for added security. “The student body has outgrown the current building,” Nolin said. “Maintenance costs have gotten astronomical trying to maintain it and we are constantly having to patch the roof. Several classrooms have water damage.” Nolin said the board considered retrofitting the old building but felt it was simply throwing away money to try to do so. “We explored all avenues,” Nolin said. “Things hit a historically low rate selling

Superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin

bonds in compilation with the state doing a bond sale. Everything lined up to have this opportunity.” Security is the other deciding factor for a new building. “It’s very hard to secure the current building,” Nolin said. “The new complex will pretty much close in the front of campus and allow us to better secure the facility.” Nolin also credits the Elmore County Commission for passing a half-cent sales tax in Elmore County, which assisted with

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funding. “Mayor Johnny Hammock also deserves kudos,” Nolin said. “He was the political wheel to pass the new tax and help with our funding plan.” Hammock said education is one of the main pillars of community development and fully supports this upgrade. “We have a great school system here,” Hammock said. “A new high school will play a major role in the community and creating a workforce ready to be productive members of the community. Students come out with a good education and play a key role in the industrial world.” Even though this project is finally kickstarting under Nolin’s leadership, it has been in the works for roughly 20 years on board of education agendas. “The Lord has prepared me for these circumstances, and I am blessed to be in this position to do the work,” Nolin said. After the completion of the new high school, Nolin plans to produce some form of coffee table book paying homage to the nearly century-old building. “It’s a way for graduates or community residents to have a piece of memorabilia,” Nolin said.

Bigger than Ever

Renowned Eclectic festivals showcase relentless community spirit

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS COURTESY OF CARMEN WINSLETT

Chicken race chairman Gene Randolph awards Ruby Klaire Hamburger the winning trophy

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Roughly 12,000 attendees peruse the more than 200 vendors at this year's Cotton Festival

The 2020 Cotton Queen Pageant winners stand with a 1939 Buick owned by Tony Dobbs

he Town of Eclectic proved to be supportive and encouraging of its community’s endurance. Event planner Carmen Winslett only sees continual growth moving forward. The highly anticipated decadeslong Cotton Festival boasted recordbreaking numbers this year in vendor participation and shopper attendance. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Winslett feels it’s actually the motivating factor behind this surge. “We had a lot more vendors show up this year, and I think that was partly because of the pandemic and so many other festivals and shows were canceled,” she said. “We had a great turnout with more than 200 vendors and had the shoppers and attendees show up and support them.” Many vendors rely on these shows and events throughout the year to keep business afloat. With so many happenings being canceled or low in attendance, these vendors suffered a great loss. “Surprisingly how this event was affected was that it was bigger and better than previous years,” Winslett said. “There were people supporting locals whose sole income is doing these events. They’ve made a career of it and with other things canceled, we had a lot of them struggling. Even though they may not be brick and mortar, they are still community businesspeople. To have that many people show up and support our local businesses meant a lot to me as a small business owner myself.” In 2019, Cotton Festival doubled its average attendance to more than 10,000 people. Last year, attendance was closer to 12,000. “We had no vendor complaints,” Winslett said. “I’ve discussed with the mayor and we talked to 95% of them; everybody sold out of at least one thing – if not multiple items – by the end of the day. And I think that will continue.” The Town of Eclectic relies on word of mouth mostly for its promotions and with Cotton Festival’s continual success, Winslett said she anticipates numbers continuing to rise. “It takes a while for people to realize we’re doing something. We’re a small town; we don’t wind up on TV as much; our advertising budget is limited; but people are aware of our events now,

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and for most people it was at least their second year attending, if not more,” Winslett said. Mask wearing was strongly encouraged and the number of sanitizing stations on site increased from previous years, which is another positive move egged on by current circumstances. “We had sanitizing stations in multiple places throughout the events and that will continue in the future with or without the pandemic,” Winslett said. “We increased the number of them we had but will continue that due to public safety and health reasons.” While Holiday Fest was affected by inclement weather, Winslett said even that event showed great turnout. “There was a little back and forth confusion; first we canceled it and then vendors requested to come set up if it was raining or not, so we had a fairly good vendor turnout,” Winslett said. “And shopper turnout was good as well, considering the weather.” The annual Christmas parade was smaller than previous years but the numbers lined along the route to watch and collect candy remained about equal. “I think Holiday Fest was affected more by the pandemic than Cotton Festival in terms of attendance because COVID reared its ugly head in our area during that time,” Winslett said. The fourth year of Trade Days also suffered this season due to the pandemic but Winslett said this event has been canceled indefinitely due to low turnout. “We gave it four years; we had a lot of vendors, but it got to the point where it wasn’t working out for them to come out and get no business,” she said. “So, we’ve done away with that and a lot will depend on the pandemic moving forward.” Winslett is hopeful to launch a Spring Festival this year in addition to the town favorites and possibly create quarterly festivals in the future for continual local vendor support and opportunities for the community to come together. “We want to do something at different times of the year to be able to get together and socialize and support one another,” Winslett said. “As the world changes drastically the way it has, we are still small town America, or what’s left of it.”

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The Rex Family-friendly atmosphere offers ideal haven for community gathering

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS COURTESY OF CASSIE PEGG

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n a new world where social distancing is the norm and gathering amongst friends is best done outdoors, The Rex in Millbrook offers the perfect hangout for families. While adults can enjoy a beverage onsite, children can play in the fenced-in area merging the best of both worlds. When Cassie and Derek Pegg moved to Elmore County from Texas, they brought this concept in tow. All it took was finding the perfect location, which is 3630 Edgewood Rd., and the rest fell into place. “This concept is all over Texas,” Cassie Pegg said. “There are restaurants and food trucks we would go to just because they have

a playground and something for the kids to do too. We would meet friends down there, have a drink; the kids would play. They were busy, and we were able to visit with friends and relax. It was awesome.” When the couple, along with their three children, moved to the area, there was nothing similar for them to enjoy so they decided to recreate it themselves. Named for their youngest son, 3-year-old Bo Rex, The Rex held its grand opening on Oct. 23 and has been active ever since. “We stumbled across this property and thought, ‘That’s it,’” Pegg said. “It’s the perfect blend of adult and kid-friendly hangout. There is something for all ages with food trucks, beer, wine, live music, cornhole and a playground.” The acre lot boasts mostly outdoor

space but does include an indoor venue – all of which is fenced in for safety. “Even though it is a bar, and the concept is newer, it is family-friendly and family-oriented and a safe place for people to bring their children,” Pegg said. “It’s tough sometimes going out to restaurants with small children, especially if you’re going to meet another couple. Babysitters can get expensive, so it’s the perfect blend.” The bar offers a vast selection of craft beer and wine, and local food trucks rotate through the business during the week. The patio is heated for those who prefer outdoors, even though there is inside seating. The Rex features local live music on the weekends and is hoping more of that will pick up when the weather warms up. Right now, the Peggs bring

The Rex in Millbrook provides a place for families to gather and kids to play

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While the facility is mostly an outdoor venue, there is indoor and patio seating, along with a bar and TVs

The playground is fenced in the venue for safety

Derek and Cassie Pegg open a new business concept in the community

“It’s exactly what we envisioned to bring the community out and bring them together.” ~ Cassie Pegg owner of The Rex in food trucks most nights but hope that too will increase in frequency once spring rolls around. “We are opened Thursday through

Saturday, mostly evenings right now with winter hours,” Pegg said. “Come springtime, we will be open all day Saturday and expand our hours as needed.” Dogs are not currently allowed on the property, but Pegg said the plan is to host a doggie day once a month in the warmer weather where pups will be invited to come play. And while the property was bought pre-COVID, the concept certainly has its advantages for this new normal to which society is becoming accustomed. “COVID wasn’t what it is now, so it wasn’t a factor initially; however, it has worked out nicely because people do feel safe coming there because it’s outdoors,” Pegg said. Not only that, but during a time of

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isolation, it’s a model that helps bring the community together. “I’ve heard from many people that it feels like a family,” Pegg said. “We’ve been open for almost two months, and we already have regulars. It feels like you’re in your backyard at a barbecue. People can mingle, sit on the patio and chat with one another.” And that is the exact ideology the Peggs had in mind. “It’s a great atmosphere,” Pegg said. “We love it, and it is exactly what we envisioned to bring the community out and bring them together. In today’s world, we need more things like that.” For more information, visit The Rex Facebook page.

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Verge of Greatness Collaboration proves key to Wetumpka success STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY JENNY ENSLEN STUBBS & COURTESY OF WETUMPKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

onstant communication, community spirit and a whole lot of ambition are the formulae for surviving and thriving through a pandemic in Wetumpka. Civic leaders collaborated to not only keep businesses afloat and residents’ needs met, but also to guide the town to a positive path for the future. Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce Director Shellie Whitfield describes Wetumpka as a hidden gem, and said it’s not just the leadership and residents beginning to recognize its beauty and flavor. Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis is impressed with the town’s progress as well, despite current circumstances. “As bad as the year was, we had a very successful year in the development and redevelopment of Wetumpka and moving Wetumpka forward,” Willis said. “The primary goal of 2021 is to have a smooth year without a lot of disruptions. I’m excited for a fresh start. Another goal is to create positivity in our community, which would allow us to become better than we have ever been.” This potential and community spirit is exactly the formula that commanded HGTV to select Wetumpka as part of its new series Home Town Takeover. By working toward creating a place that is unique to anything surrounding it, Wetumpka is slowly becoming a tourist destination. “All of us that love this place feel like Wetumpka has such potential,” Whitfield said. “We want it to be truly unique, and I think we’ve done a really good job so far; and I see that continuing. The network is doing so much to help that too.” Main Street Wetumpka Director Jenny Stubbs said when the nonprofit organization first was formed, the idea of revitalizing downtown was beyond overwhelming in her mind. Finding an identity and focus helped guide that process, along with the support and assistance from the city government, the chamber and local input.

“I never would have dreamed we’d be here. Those were very difficult years, which makes this all the much sweeter. I’m so much better able to appreciate where we are because I know how far we’ve come,” Stubbs said. “I’m glad the timing for everything has been very fortuitous. It really seemed impossible, and I think unless you have community-minded volunteers, you have a supportive municipality, you have other entities that understand the vision, that makes it much more doable.” With community and civic leaders working toward a shared goal, the city garners even more potential for a successful future. “We haven’t always been cohesive,” Stubbs said. “There have been fractures, but thankfully through the years the city and organizations have blended our missions. I think that has led to the synergy that exists today.” The initial years of revitalizing a downtown, which has made massive progress, focused on foundational aspects such as streetscapes, landscapes and visual appeal. “Now we’re in a position, we can begin to focus on the experience,” Stubbs said. “This is a really, really exciting time for our community. Market Shoppes owner Katie Davis decorates her storefront

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Downtown bustles with people as new shops pop up to offer unique finds

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This stage is wonderful because now we have a louder voice to invite others to know who we are and what we’re about and what we have to offer.” Many of those tourist destinations and niche experiences are molded by downtown businesses and the unique items offered. “Wetumpka is taking off on its own,” Whitfield said. “We have a whole maker’s market going on with a creative vibe from George’s Market as the local butcher; we just got Gracie’s Sweet Things with artisan breads and brittles; walk partway down Company Street, and you can get olive oils and spices at Nick of Thyme. We’re getting ready to open a gourmet cheese and wine shop.” Whitfield echoes Stubbs’ mission and envisions downtown becoming a destination for experience. The historic Fain Theater is among the many newly revitalized buildings

Shellie Whifield proudly displays Wetumpka community spirit

“We want to show old movies on the river where people can buy art, buy local bread and goods – it all works beautifully in tandem,” Whitfield said. And despite the ongoing struggles for small businesses, downtown has managed to stay open because of the unconditional support of its residents. “Local stores, since after the pandemic started, sales are more than 30% up from before the pandemic,” Whitfield said. “Residents are supporting. This is so crazy. People from all over, no one wants to go to the mall. So they will drive up for the day walk around, eat lunch and hang out. We have really started headed in the tourism direction.” A handful of businesses even opened during the pandemic, but Whitfield touts the loyal customers for this success. “We did not have one store close due to the pandemic,” Whitfield said. “We all ordered food, bought shirts we didn’t need or want and rallied. I just told business owners, ‘Hold on by your toenails; don’t give up.’ And nobody did. Was it hard? For sure. Lots of people got help from the government, but we all mostly just helped one another.” Main Street Wetumpka earned a grant during the pandemic and Stubbs used it to replace business signage around town for a more traditional and consistent feel, adding to the appeal and aesthetics of the downtown. Along with creating more experiences, Stubbs plans to increase Main Street’s events to include local businesses and areas around town for additional entertainment. “We had to have events that have been very successful and necessary because of funding,” Stubbs said. “But now we can get to a point where we have more boutique and niche events in addition to larger events we’ve been doing. I think we’re opening the next chapter in the book.” While events may look different this year, Stubbs believes that the next chapter is full of potential and enthusiasm. “It’s all dependent on the climate and current circumstances; it’s a lot of wait and see right now,” Stubbs said. “But I know we’re certainly going to take advantage of our opportunities as best as we can. When a downtown is healthy that really resonates with the entire community. So, having a healthy downtown equates to economic vitality throughout the entire city. It’s a domino effect, a reciprocal benefit, and we all win when things like this happen.” Moving into this coming year, the city of Wetumpka plans to wrap up its streetscape project, complete the new Wetumpka High School stadium, build a Miracle League field and splash pad at the sports complex and finish rebuilding the new senior center, according to Willis. “We have created a well-rounded plan because a plan that does not plan for everyone is not a plan at all. From senior citizens to our youth and everything in between – we hope to continue to improve the quality of life for every citizen in Wetumpka,” Willis said. “We know the future for Wetumpka is very bright.”

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