Dec 7, 2016 Tallassee Tribune by Tallapoosa Publishers

SPORTS

OPINION:

LOCAL

TALLASSEE REELS IN THREE BIG MAT WINS

Downtown tree lighting and more

PAGE 12!

PAGE 7 INSIDE:

PAGE 4 The ‘manification’ of Jody Fuller

LOCAL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, PAGE 2.

The Tallassee Tribune DEDICATED TO THE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY OF THE GREATER TALLASSEE AREA

TALLASSEE, AL 36078

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December 7, 2016

TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM

VOL. 117, NO. 47

McCraney-Cottle Arts presents ‘Sounds of the Season’ show has been incorporated into this performance. This year, brilliantly vivid Christmas lights seem to come alive as dancers move to the “Sounds of Season”. For those who are fighting the holiday spirit, the Grinch will make a special appearance during Thursday’s performance. Like the choir, the musical line is comprised of various genres. “We’re doing some traditional

the “Sounds of the Season.” “It’s a choir made up of 30-35 people from the community,” As the calendar ticks closer to Cunningham said. “Most of them Christmas, the McCraney-Cottle Arts have a lot of choir experience.” Council is celebrating the season According to Cunningham, this with a musical spectacular that is year’s performance is more than a sure to have something for everyone. concert. Thursday, Dec. 8, beginning at “It’s a community Christmas 7 p.m., Jerry Cunningham, music program,” he said. “It’s not just department chair and former choir concert, but a program.” director at Tallassee High School, More than a concert is exactly will lead an eclectic group from right. Thanks to hard work and Tallassee and surrounding areas in ingenuity, a synchronized light

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

See SEASON • Page 3

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Jerry Cunningham leads the choir as the group practices for the upcoming performance of the Sounds of the Season.

Man found guilty in strangulation, abduction case

Tallassee’s senior center gives to Toys for Tots By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

‘Tis the season for giving and no one understands this more than the men and women at the Tallassee Center. This group of kindhearted individuals, led by Jahazel Hooks, came together to make Christmas special for three little boys. “They raised the money themselves,” Hooks said. “Everybody pitched in, we nickeled and dimed until we were able to buy some nice gifts.” It took the group just about a month to raise enough money to purchase the gifts. These gifts will now go to A.C.T.S., where volunteers will distribute the gifts next Tuesday and Wednesday. While the group of seniors does not know who will receive the gifts, they

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Above, Santa ushered in the holiday season in the Tallassee Christmas Parade. Below, tiny dancers from The Pointed Toe Dance Studio in Tallassee tookpart in the 2016 Christmas Parade.

HIP, HIP, PARADE! Tallassee residents line street for Christmas parade

See SENIORS • Page 3

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

This group seniors, led by Jahazel Hooks, came together to raise money to make Christmas special for three little boys in the Tallassee community. Seated left to right are Mary Southern, Fannie Henry, Mary Crenshaw, Barbra Pemberton, Sylvia Flowers, Frances Hooks and Delia Nabors. Standing left to right are Jahazel Hooks, Deborah Murphy, Linda Majewski, Delane Peeks, Carol Aldridge, Lenora Coker, Margret Pollard, Karen Baker and Barry Adair.

Tallassee streets were lined with festive parade goers Saturday morning in anticipation of the 2016 Christmas Parade. The parade followed the traditional route, beginning at East Tallassee Church of Christ and continuing to the high school along Central Boulevard and Barnett Boulevard. This year’s grand marshal was the 2016 Francis Wagnon Award winner, Jeana Kervin. Hornsby and Sons Body Shop, LLC, See PARADE • Page 3

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A Tallapoosa County jury took 17 minutes to find Eddie Donnell Thomas guilty in a strangulation and abduction case Monday based on two minutes of video and less than 90 minutes of testimony from the state. “The video Thomas pretty much spoke for itself,” Fifth Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Duerr said. “There was not much arguing needed.” The first one-minute video showed Thomas bursting through a door of a Washington Boulevard home in Tallassee May 3 of this year, moving hastily across the room to a victim known to Thomas before pinning her to the couch, telling her he was going to take her and kill her and then taking the victim from the residence by the neck with her feet dangling in the air. The victim, who was regular sitter for an elderly woman, only learned of the camera in the living room of the home she worked in after the incident. The victim testified that she was working sitting for the elderly woman when she was abducted. “He pinned me to the couch and told me he was going to take me away and kill me,” the victim testified. “He carried me out by See GUILTY • Page 3

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Page 2 • December 7, 2016

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Obituaries Marie Dennis

Ms. Marie Dennis, 80, of Tallassee, passed away November 29, 2016. She was born September 19, 1936. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 3, at 2 p.m. at Liberty Baptist Church with Rev. David Kelley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m. She is survived by her sister, Sheila Lockett (Larry); sister-in-law, Diane Rich; nieces and nephews, Donna Squires (Butch), Chet Fomby, Alice Hall (Tim), Tammy Rich, Stephanie Rich, Monica Durham (Wayne), Lavon Rich, Alicia Estes, Bailey and Braxton Stokley, Chelsea Fomby, and Tatum and Megan Wesson and numerous beloved cousins. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama

Ralph Lyons, Sr.

Mr. Ralph Wayne Lyons, Sr., 71, of Tallassee, passed away December 5, 2016. He was born April 1, 1945. There will be a family gathering from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 8, at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories in Metairie, LA, on December 15, 2016. He is survived by sons, Wayne Lyons, James “Brother” Lyons (Mary) and Chris Lyons (Kelly); grandchildren, Holly, Marcie, Levi, Peyton, Gabe, Madelyn and Jacob; and great grandchildren, Cade Kohn, Allie O’Donnell, Lillie O’Donnell and Masyn Cannon. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama

Dorothy ledbetter

Mrs. Dorothy M. Ledbetter, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2016, at the age of 90. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 26, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. from Westside Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Dorley officiating. Burial will follow in Carrville Cemetery with Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Ledbetter is survived by her children, Janice Baker (Julius), Jerry Ledbetter (Jackie) and Joe Ledbetter (Tammy); eight grandchildren, Linda Gale Gibson (Kevin), Michael Ledbetter, David O’Steen, Bobby Taylor (James),

Jamie Neighbors (Adam), Tracy Gossett, Heather Atkinson and Brandon Dillard; nine great grandchildren, Justin, Jacob, Grace, Haley, Jessica, Matt, Madison, Carson and Devon; great great grandchild, Noah; sister, Pat Lott (Buddy); daughter-in-law, Patricia Ledbetter and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ed Ledbetter and her son, Jimmy Ledbetter She loved her family and was loved by everyone. The family will receive friends from 10:00AM until service time, November 26, 2016, at the church. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome. com. Submitted / The Tribune

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Angela Jones

Mrs. Angela Jones, 63, of Tallassee, passed away November 29, 2016. She was born November 20, 1953. Funeral services will be Friday, December 2, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church with Rev. Jay Woodall officiating. Burial will follow at Elam Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Thursday, December 1, from 5-7 p.m. at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. She is survived by her husband, Thomas D. Jones; father, Leland F. Golden (Ann); daughters, Christy Parker (Jeff), Melissa Dean (Bruce), and Beth Ledbetter (Scott); brother, Randy Golden (Eve); and grandchildren, Jacob Dean, Katlyn Benton, Kennedy Benton, Anna Grace Ledbetter, Mason Ledbetter and Preston Parker. She is preceded in death by her mother, Martha Golden. She was a member of East Tallassee United Methodist Church. She enjoyed preparing meals every weekend for family gatherings. She was an accomplished seamstress and always had a project going on. Her grandchildren loved for her to help them with their projects. She was Grammy to her family, and often friends called her Grammy. She left her family with many wonderful memories, traditions and a sense of well being. Her zest for life and fun-filled smile will be missed by many and remembered for years to come. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce chose Dot Ballard home for the Christmas Yard of the Week because of her perfectly decorated home on Gilmer Ave. Pictured left to right: Penny Sorrell, Dot Ballard, Chuck Ballard, Lorie Rygiel, Alisha Tennyson, Jennie Grantt and Michone Roye.

Make Christmas special with a gift to Community Hospital Foundation STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

If you are like most people, you may have difficulty knowing what to say or how to respond when someone you know dies. Flowers and words of sympathy are comforting, but they are temporary. There are also times when you may wish to express appreciation for someone for a special favor, wish someone congratulations, or simply let them know you care. You may feel that a bouquet of flowers, a box of candy, or a card is much too inadequate to express your true feelings. A thoughtful solution to this dilemma is through the Community Hospital’s Foundation tribute program. It is a way to offer a gift that keeps on giving as it benefits the many individuals Community Hospital serves. The purpose of the Community Hospital Foundation, established in 1992, is to assist the hospital in making capital improvements. Community Hospital, a non-profit institution, provides quality health care services for the community and surrounding areas. Founded in 1926, this 69-bed acute care hospital constantly strives to remain the leader in the area’s medical community. Memorial gifts and gifts given in honor of friends are thoughtful remembrances. Your gift not only demonstrates the depth of your feelings, but also benefits your fellow man because it is used by the

Community Hospital Foundation to help ensure the very best in hospital care will continue to be available to all who need it. Gifts can be made in any amount. The foundation sends the same acknowledgement regardless of the contribution size, and the amount of the tribute is a completely private matter. The following categories represent the various levels of giving: • Friends: Contribution of $5-$249 • Sponsor: Contribution of $250-$999 • Patron: Contribution of $1000-$2499 • Benefactor: Contribution of $ 2500-$9999 • Life Member: Contribution of $10,000 or more An Annual Pledge qualifies a contributor as a sustaining member in any of the categories. All gifts to the foundation are deductible for income tax purposes. In the case of a memorial gift, the family of the deceased is sent an appropriate and tasteful card. It notifies them of your thoughtfulness, but not of the amount of your gift. In the case of honorary gifts, the individual being honored is sent an attractive card informing them that a gift has been made to Community Hospital Foundation in their honor. In either situation, an acknowledgement card is mailed to you at the same time. If you would like to make a gift to the Community Hospital Foundation please contact at (334) 2833753. You may also send an email to info@chal.org.

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

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Guilty

continued from page 1

my throat. I blacked out. I came to in a car. He backed into a place and raped me. “I begged him to let me go. I begged him to let me go back to (the elderly woman). He then took me back, dropped me off and drove off.” The second one-minute video showed the victim returning to the residence wearing only a t-shirt, checking on damage to the door before sitting on the couch and calling law enforcement. A total of five witnesses testified before the jury in Judge Tom Young’s courtroom. Thomas was arrested by U.S. Marshals two days later in Centreville and transported to the Bibb County Jail near Tuscaloosa without incident but did ask U.S. Marshal Glen Heritage about one charge – domestic

violence strangulation. “He asked me what it was,” Heritage testified. “I told him and he stated ‘I should have killed the bitch.’” Thomas was convicted of burglary first degree, kidnapping second degree and domestic violence strangulation. Thomas also has numerous prior convictions for theft, burglary domestic violence and assault. Sentencing is set for Dec. 19 at 9 a.m. “We have already informed the court and defendant of asking for sentencing under the habitual offender status,” Duerr said. “With a class A felony under that, he could be sentenced to life.”

Parade

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Tallassee’s 2016 Business of the Year also helped usher in the parade. In all there were over 50 participants in this year’s Christmas Parade. Both Tallassee High School and Reeltown High School Bands marched in the parade. Fire departments from around the area participated, including the Friendship Fire Department, the Reeltown Fire Department, the Red Hill Fire Department and the Tallassee Fire Department. This was Mayor Johnny Hammock’s first Christmas Parade in his new role as the city’s leader. He and the Tallassee City Council sported a float in the parade. Several local businesses and organization joined in the parade.

According to Michone Roye, director of the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, this year’s parade went off without a hitch. “The lineup was much smoother than years past,” she said. “Overall, I thought it was a phenomenal parade.” The Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual Christmas Parade and it takes10-12 volunteers countless hours to stage the event. “I would say we have put in close to 100 hours on this year’s parade,” Roye said. Roye says this event is truly special and she appreciates everyone who helped put this together for the Tallassee community. “I’m so thankful for all the people who come out and watch the parade because we do it for them,” Roye said.

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continued from page 1

concert pieces,” Cunningham said. “We’ll do some four-part men’s numbers and four-part women’s numbers. The River City band will be playing Christmas carols. We will have a flute and piano duet, playing selections from ‘The Nutcracker Suite.’ There will some pop, James Bush will be singing ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.’ There will an ensemble singing ‘We Need a Little Christmas.’ We’ll sing ‘Carol of the Bells,’ which we sing every year.” “It’s an evening that people will really, really, enjoy,” he said. “There will a variety of things. Something for children and adults.”

Mona Mills, director of the McCraney-Cottle Arts Council, says this performance is guaranteed to delight. “This performance promises to get you in the Christmas mode,” Mills said. Admission to the performance is free. The McCraney-Cottle Arts Council is a nonprofit organization. Donations to this organization will be accepted. For more information about the upcoming “Sounds of the Season” performance, contact Mona Mills at 334-201-4892.

Seniors do know it will make Christmas memorable for three children this year. “It’s going to not one family, but three boys,” Hooks said. “I chose not to know who they were

December 7, 2016 • Page 3

ENDS DEC. 24

.net

continued from page 1

because that’s not important. It’s important that we were able to give so that they can be happy on Christmas morning.” The entire Tallassee community has helped

stock the Toys for Tots staging center full of every type of toy imaginable. Inside the A.C.T.S. building in Carrville, tables are covered with stacks of toys for girls and

boys of all ages. “I’m so thankful that these folks were able to do this,” said Barry Adair, director of A.C.T.S in Tallassee. “Imagine how good they must feel.”

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Social media: Fad or necessity and for how long? W

illie don’t do social media. Nor do a lot of my friends and acquaintances. For that matter, I wonder how many people who are reading these words are also active participants in Facebook and/or Twitter and/or Instagram, et. al. The rise of social media in America and across the globe has been an interesting phenomenon to observe, particularly from the perspective of a non-participant/ naif. It would seem that staring at a computer monitor or a portable communication device and pecking out words on a keyboard has become a substitute for bona fide vocal and/or face-to-face conversation (and live faces on a computer or iPad screen don’t necessarily count). Facebook is described on Wikipedia as “an American for-profit corporation and online social media and social

The So-Called Column By Willie G. Moseley networking service.” And Facebook is indeed the big daddy of such services, to the point that some persons address their opinions, praise or concerns about social media as if Facebook was the only service available. That’s understandable, but there are many other options. Most of those other sites have plenty of unique facets to make them attractive as well, but such a smorgasbord can also add to an average consumer’s confusion. The dominance of Facebook means, of course, that it is also the electronic enterprise that faces the most scrutiny and/or slings and arrows. The service has had to face numerous reports of

abuse and fraud by users, to the point that it has recently had to address a phenomenon known as “fake news.” That contradictory moniker is just as bizarre as “clickbait,” which is somewhat self-explanatory as a computer term, as well as phrases like “partially accurate” or “mostly false” when it comes to defining and explaining how news is presented on social media. (TANGENT: Fake news and clickbait can appear on “regular” web sites, of course, and I’ve been suckered in a time or two by such options) One thing social media seems to offer is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to become a self-styled commentator/philosopher, even if they haven’t had any education or experience with the subject about which they’re philosophizing. I’ve seen—but haven’t necessarily read—sanctimonious screeds by

individuals who probably feel a lot more self-righteous after they’ve posted such observations. And again, that option is often available on a standard internet site. Many, if not most, businesses and news organizations have been compelled to establish a social media presence, which may be necessary in contemporary times, but it’s not particularly all rosy. I’ve encountered more than one Journalism major with the ink still wet on his/her diploma who couldn’t write his/ her way out of a Zip-Loc sandwich bag…but he/ she sure knows how to hang out on Facebook. I’ve even seen a minister checking his iPad while sitting in one of those big throne-like chairs in front of a congregation. Turned out he had the Bible loaded onto that device, and was checking some Scripture that he later used during his sermon. However, one wonders how many

congregants might have thought—at the time he was checking—that he might be looking at texts or some other kind of communication, right in the middle of a church service. Many of us have seen photos of dozens of individuals in the seats of an venue where there’s a some event underway — could be a concert, sports competition, or something else — and no one’s paying attention to what’s going on; instead, they’re all gazing intently at their individual, handheld devices, oblivious to the actual event they’re attending. Does anyone happen to think such (self-) absorption may have some ultimately-dangerous implications? Social media seems to be continuously evolving, and right or wrong, seems to be getting more mandatory instead of optional. In mid-2012, half of the Americans in

an Associated PressCNBC poll opined that Facebook was a fad that would fade away. Interestingly, the survey was done around the time the company was preparing for its IPO (Initial Public Offering) in the stock market. When that poll was taken, Facebook had an estimated 900 million users, and I have several friends and acquaintances who have, in the ensuing years, opted out of their Facebook account and other social media sites. They simply feel that social media was an option that they no longer need…but more than one person of that ilk has also reached retirement age. And as of this writing, Facebook reportedly now has approximately 1.7 billion users. Willie Moseley is the news editor emeritus of the Tribune. His column appears here each Wednesday.

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE (533-160) is published weekly on Wednesday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 301 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078. Periodical postage paid at Tallassee, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tallassee Tribune, 301 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078. ISSN # 2150-3982. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $0.25 per word with a $15 charge for a picture. Obituaries can only be accepted by the funeral home handling the arrangements. The Tallassee Tribune does not accept obituaries from individuals. •Weddings/Engagements/Birth Announcements - $0.25 per word with a $15 for a 2 column, color photo. • One year $25 (In Elmore County, Tallapoosa County and Notasulga) Elsewhere $38 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call David Kendrick at The Alex City Outlook: 256-234-4281. © 2015 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. Steve Baker, Publisher publisher@tallasseetribune.com • 256-234-4281 David Granger: Interim Managing Editor David.Grangerl@tallasseetribune.com • 334- 567-7811 Corey Arwood: Reporter corey.arwood@tallasseetribune.com • Ext. 102 Carmen Rodgers: Reporter carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com • Ext. 101 The Tallassee Tribune is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City, Ala. by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281.

The Tallassee Tribune

I want a sugar mama for Christmas

or Christmas I want one of three things. I want to win the lottery, I can think of so many things I could do with the lottery winnings. Second, I want to win the Publishers Clearinghouse prize. I want to see them jump out of a van holding a big check and running toward my front door. Third, I want me a sugar mama with a Cadillac and lots of money. You always hear of women having a sugar daddy, but I’m reversing this. Once I find one (age doesn’t matter) I’m going to treat her so good and we are going to do all the things I’ve always wanted to do. If my sugar mama is halfway pretty I am going to love and kiss on her and cuddle up close to her, especially while we are on one of the trips that I’ve chosen and driven to in that new Cadillac. I’m going to be easy to please, I’m going to let her pick the color of the Cadillac every time she buys a new one.

The Coffee Breaker By Ronald Brantley Does Cadillac make a pick-up truck? I know that Lincoln does. We may get a Lincoln pickup as a second car. Lewis Grizzard played the part of a sugar daddy, as a matter of fact Lewis met, proposed to, married and made a nurse a rich woman on his last trip to the hospital with a heart condition. I’d be willing to play out this part if I could find a rich woman in the hospital that wanted to marry me and leave me her money. Mind you now, I’d be doing this to make the woman happy. I wouldn’t want to be selfish in anyway. I’ll let her do a lot of things and make a lot of her own decisions. I’ll let her decide on some of the exclusive restaurants that we will be dining in. I’ll let her drive me to clothing stores like Dillard’s

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Mission The Tribune strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to build commerce and to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

or Men’s Warehouse to buy me some clothes with her credit card. I’ll pick a cruise and let her pick a cruise. You may ask, ‘Where will you live?’ Any big old mansion that she wants is my answer, because we aren’t going to be home that much. I won’t make fun of her because I haven’t forgotten what happened to the voodoo witch Marie Laveau after the handsome man made fun of her. They even made a song of the experience. A lot of people don’t realize she was a real woman voodoo witch and her daughter Marie Laveau II practiced voodoo too. That’s not the kind of sugar mama I’m looking for. My sugar mama doesn’t have to be pretty as Melania Trump, the president-elect’s wife or ‘Pretty Woman’ Julia Roberts. I would’ve said Dolly Parton a few years ago, but that’s before she met that plastic surgeon. As a matter of fact, she can be a plain Jane that doesn’t care for new

clothes. She can wear jeans while on our ranch or bathing suits while on our yacht. For all I care she can spend her days knitting, cooking or chopping stove wood as long as she is happy and gives me my freedom to come and go as I please. Yes, we’re going to have a happy life. She would be younger than me because no one that I know of is older than me. So as this Christmas season comes around, remember it’ll be easy to make me happy. Just let me win the lottery, that at the time of this writing is $359 million. Let me win the Publisher’s Clearinghouse which is $5,000 a week for life or find me a sugar mama with a Cadillac and plenty of money. I’ll run around saying, yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus! Brantley is a long-time Tallassee resident and a regular columnist for The Tribune.

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Talks THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Inside the Statehouse By Steve Flowers

Restrictions on public officials, employees may hurt charities

t is Christmas time, and since Alabama is one of the most charitable states in the nation, I would expect that many of us are in the giving mood and plan to help many worthy causes across our great state. Unfortunately, it appears that some recent rulings by the Alabama Ethics Commission are going to make it more difficult for charities across the state to raise the funds that they need to serve our communities. Many charities in Alabama are concerned that an unintended consequence of recent Commission interpretations of the ethics law is that it could restrict the ability of public officials and employees and their family members to be involved in fundraising for charities and other organizations that they support, including public schools and universities. You may not be aware, but there are over 300,000 public officials and employees at the state and local level who are covered by Alabama’s ethics law. Many of these individuals are leaders in their communities, who are appointed to positions of public responsibility such as school boards and water boards. Not surprisingly, these same individuals are often also involved in supporting a number of worthy causes and charities by helping with their fundraising and serving on their boards. The problem is, over the past year or so, in an effort to implement what they seem to believe the law requires, the Ethics Commission has issued guidance that places restrictions on the ability of public officials and employees to help charities by seeking donations from various individuals, businesses, and organizations. While their intentions are no doubt good, the broad language of these rulings has caused major issues for charities across the state. This is because a number of those charities rely on individuals, who happen to be part-time members of public boards who are covered by these ethics laws. As a result, charities are asking anyone involved in a public body not to fundraise for them no matter how much they have done so in the past. I do not expect that anyone was thinking about these situations when they amended the ethics laws back in 2010, but it appears that this is another one of those unintended consequences of a well-intentioned law. To make matters worse, under the Commission’s interpretations of these laws, the restrictions on charity fundraising also seem to apply to the family members of these 300,000 public servants who are raising money for a charity. This means that these rulings affect the ability of many more Alabamians. There are probably close to one million folks who help raise money for the charities that they support. Hopefully, the Commission will clear up this confusion. However, if they do not, I expect that the outcry will be so great that the Legislature will take action. Remember that this is not the first time we have had problems with broad interpretations of the ethics laws at Christmastime. Back in December 2011, you may recall, the Ethics Commission issued rulings that raised a lot of questions and concerns about the ability of public school teachers to accept Christmas gifts from students under these same ethics laws. The concerns arose then because of some of the changes to the law that had gone into effect earlier in 2011. The Commission’s rulings in 2011 did not, in the end, clear things up very much for students and their teachers in time for Christmas. However, in the following legislative session in 2012, the Legislature amended the ethics law to make it easier for students to give Christmas gifts to public school teachers and coaches. The legislative fix was needed to address an unintended consequence of the law. I think we are all hoping this current problem for charitable fundraising is resolved by the Ethics Commission in time for Christmas. We do not need our charities and other worthy causes to suffer an unintended consequence of a well-intentioned law. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

www.TallasseeTribune.com

December 7, 2016 • Page 5

The parable of the 'Phanty Cat'

used to listen to preachers on the radio and television. Pat Robertson, Jim Bakker, Rex Humbard, Jack Van Impe, Ernest Angley, Jerry Falwell, Jimmy Swaggart, Robert Schuller, Oral Roberts – you name ‘em, I watched ‘em. There were some locals, like Coy Barker (of First Assembly of God) and Marcus & Joni Lamb (founders of WMCFTV 45) who could be seen, live and in person, with real TV studios in Montgomery. Barker went on to form a megachurch in Oklahoma and the Lambs began the DayStar Network. Farther north, you could actually visit Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, where Mother Angelica operated Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). EWTN’s programming was produced in the Birmingham suburb of Irondale and Mother Angelica welcomed live audiences for her entertaining talk show. I was recently reminded of this radio preacher I used to listen to. He sounded like he had just fallen off the turnip truck

Bird’s Eye View By Michael Bird on the way to the radio station. His scratchy, country delivery was unique; his pronunciations were often so wrong I could barely understand the point he was making. He once spent an entire episode talking about a parable I’d never heard. In it, a father threw a big party that included a Phanty Cat. The Phanty Cat sounded mysterious, like a job for Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and the Mystery Machine gang. I envisioned a ghostly feline, coming back home for this big shebang that was being thrown. But just where in the Bible was this Phanty Cat? This past weekend, a former student was talking about how long it had been since she’d been home to visit her parents. “I am the prodigal daughter,” she said of herself. The prodigal. The word means “wastefully

extravagant.” Such a fascinating story: a father has two sons. The younger son asks for his inheritance and then squanders it all, living the high life while seeing he world. He returns home, expecting to have to beg for a job on his father’s farm. Instead, the father orders up a feast for his long-lost son. The older son, who had stayed loyal, refuses to participate. But the father reminds him why they are celebrating: the younger son was once lost, but now is found. The father instructs the oldest son to get the fatted calf. This would have been a big deal back in the day. Where do these stories intersect, exactly? Upon returning home from Troy, where I had been talking with this former student about the prodigal story, I turned on the TV and saw that Jim Bakker is back in the TV-preacher business. Jim Bakker, the guy who lost everything? He was the first host of the 700 Club with Pat Robertson, then went on to start the Trinity Broadcasting Network with Paul and Jan Crouch

before beginning his PTL empire. Jim Bakker may have been the most famous of all the televangelists. But, unfortunately, for all the wrong reasons. It was revealed that he and his ex-wife Tammy Faye were living large on the donations made by faithful PTL Club viewers – and some money had been spent on keeping his mistress quiet for several years. Ah, the prodigal again. I was reminded that the Phanty Cat was really the Fatted Calf. And I was also reminded that, no matter how bad we can be sometimes, we can always come home. It looks like Jim Bakker did his time. He’s a lot older now. But he was preaching about forgiveness and loving everyone like Jesus did even if they look or act or believe differently than you. That’s something even the Phanty Cat could believe in. Michael Bird is a band director for Tallassee City Schools and co-hosts the “Saturday Morning Show with Michael Bird and Scott Adcock” on WACQAM 580 and FM 101.1.

The 'manification' of Jody Fuller

ast week, I drank my water from a straw. Don’t judge me. We all slip up from time to time, so let me explain. Wild at Heart was released in 2001, but I just recently got around to reading it. It’s an awesome book and very enlightening, in a manly kind of way, of course. The book has motivated me to do different things, whether it’s something I haven’t done since I was a boy, something I’ve longed to do, or something I never thought about doing. I’m calling this stage of my life “The Manification of Jody Fuller.” Make no mistake about it; I’m a man—a real man. I have a big dog, a beer fridge, and an electric drill. I like my steaks rare, go to a barbershop, and can sling a football with the best of them. Shoot, I’ve even been to war three times. Still, Wild at Heart showed me that I was lacking in some areas. Most nights, I eat my homegrown vegetables with store-bought meat and fish, while some nights I eat them with meat and fish shot and caught by some of my

JODY FULLER Guest Columnist

friends. Something about the latter just tastes better. Before reading the book, I’d already decided to start hunting and fishing. I’ve caught hundreds of fish in my life, but a couple of weeks ago, I went crappie fishing for the first time. You say “croppie.” I say “crappy.” Why? Because it rhymes with “happy.” I was up at 4 a.m. and on Lake Martin by 5:25. By 5:40, they were jumping into the boat. Later, I was on the pier cleaning fish with an electric knife, which was the first time I’d ever used one. I hadn’t cleaned a fish since I was a kid. It just felt right, and when a beautiful bald eagle flew roughly 20 feet above my head, it became one of those perfect moments. All was right in the world. Years ago, I bought a beer can chicken holder but had never used it. If you’ve never eaten a

drunk chicken, then you are definitely missing out. Basically, a can of beer is inserted into the cavity of a whole chicken and set up on the grill. It’s simply delicious. It’s actually the first time I’d ever bought a whole chicken. After all these years, I finally discovered what giblets are, and, quite frankly, I’m not sure I wanted to know. The other day, I picked up some wood for my fire pit. Once I got home, I realized that no grown, able-bodied man should ever buy wood from a grocery store, so I went to mama’s place way out in the country and cut my own. I’d never once used a chainsaw, but my stepfather showed me how to use his. A hickory had fallen in the pasture amongst the donkeys, and in no time, I had a truck full of wood. I even used some of it to cook my drunk chicken. Finally, I felt like a man—a real man. Later that night, my forearm muscles were hurting. My dear friend Fred, referred to them as my “cow-milking muscles.” I reckon I’d never used those muscles before. My arms were

almost useless. The next day, I was eating lunch in downtown Opelika and had trouble holding onto my glass of water. Ultimately, I had no choice but to use the straw. It’s hard to be a real man and use a straw at the same time. I grimaced each time I drank from the straw. I was humbled. Of course, being a real man is way more than simply doing “manly” things. It’s being, knowing, and doing things within the home, at work, and on the frontier. Somehow many, if not most, modern men have gotten away from their wild and adventurous side. Wild at Heart captures the passion that most of us lack, and my “manification” continues one day at a time. By the way, does anyone have a cow that needs milking? Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www. jodyfuller.com.

Page 6 â&#x20AC;˘ December 7, 2016

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

WINTER RECIPES

MELTED SNOWMAN COOKIES

Cooking a new recipe is a fun, indoor activity that you can do during the cold Winter months. A recipe is a set of instructions that teaches you how to make a type of food. A good recipe tells you what ingredients you need, what tools you will need to prepare and cook it, and how long each step should take. Always UHDG WKH HQWLUH UHFLSH ÂżUVW WR PDNH VXUH that you have all the necessary tools and ingredients before you begin. It is also absolutely necessary to always have an adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permission before using the kitchen. Ask an adult for any help that you may need when using kitchen tools, NQLYHV DQG DSSOLDQFHV 6DIHW\ ÂżUVW LV WKH most important rule of all! Have a great time cooking!

To make your very own melted snowman cookies, you will need round sugar cookies, marshmallows (one per sugar cookie), one can white frosting, and decorating pens or food coloring. Step One: Take one (pre-baked or cooled) round sugar cookie and place a small amout of frosting in the middle. This is the melted portion of your snowman. Step Two: Place one marshmallow on a paper plate and microwave it for 20-30 seconds. Watch the marshmallow and remove it from the microwave as soon as it begins to puff up. While it is still warm, ask your adult supervisor to place it on the edge of the cookie. It should rest on part of the frosting. Repeat Steps One and Two for each cookie. Step Three: Allow the marshmallow to cool and the icing to harden. You can let them cool on the counter or place them in the IULGJH IRU DURXQG ÂżYH PLQXWHV Step Four: Now you may decorate your snowmen with eyes and noses. Use the decorating pens to add their features. If these are not available, you can use leftover icing and food coloring to do the job. Add the small details to the snowmen using a toothpick.

HOMEMADE HOT COCOA

There is nothing like a warm mug of hot cocoa on a cold Winter day. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to make a single cup. You will need: one large microwave-safe coffee mug, 2 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1 cup of milk, and three drops of vanilla. Step One: Place the sugar and cocoa in the mug and mix them together. Step Two: Add a small amount of milk and mix it with the sugar and cocoa. When it is well-blended, add the rest of the milk and stir until well-mixed. Step Three: Microwave on high for one minute. Ask an adult to remove it and stir. Then microwave for 30 more seconds. Allow it to cool some before enjoying!

RECIPE WORD FIND Hidden Words: Bowl, Flour, Fork, Glass, Knife, Measuring Cups, Microwave, Milk, Oven, Pan, Pepper, Plate, Pot, Rolling Pin, Salt, Spatula, Spoon, Stove, Sugar, Timer

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CONNECT THE DOTS SPECIAL THANK YOU

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sauce. You can make one with tomato sauce by adding herbs such as oregano. You could also use spaghetti sauce, alfredo sauce, or even a barbeque sauce. Step Three: Add some healthy toppings like lowfat cheese and vegetables. Step Four: Have an adult help you bake or toast your creation and enjoy!

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December 7, 2016 • Page 7

A.C.T.S making Tallassee Christmases merry for many By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Step inside of the A.C.T.S. building in Carrville and you will see the true meaning of Christmas. The organization has been collecting Toys for Tots since October and its efforts have paid off. Inside, tables are lined and stacked with toys for boys and girls of all ages. Thanks to the many who gave and the many Toys for Tots volunteers, next week several deserving children in the area will have Christmas gifts under their tree waiting for them on Christmas morning. Maryland Sayers is coordinating this year’s application process. She has volunteers in place to help people who come in to apply for assistance. This group of volunteers screens each application in an effort to make sure each child receives an age-appropriate gift. This year’s Christmas program is for children up to 14 years old. “After we finish taking applications, we will start sorting out

ages and gender and then they will start shopping accordingly,” said Adair. This year, in addition to supplying toys for the little ones, A.C.T.S. is giving out food boxes and a certificate to purchase eggs, milk and other cold items. For those who may need assistance, A.C.T.S. is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to offer a helping hand. A.C.T.S. asks participants to bring a photo identification card, Social Security cards for everyone in the household, proof of residence and proof of income. “We understand that not everyone has these items and we will not let anyone leave here without food or clothing,” said Barry Adair, director of A.C.T.S. With such generous acts of kindness A.C.T.S. is sure to brighten Christmas morning for youngsters and parents, as well. A.C.T.S. is a year round programs and offers assistance with food, clothing, utilities and household items. For more Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune information the A.C.T.S. buildSandra Ray, Margie Godwin and Melanie Wilson with GKN spent the better part of the day on Thursday shopping for Toys ing is located in Carville at 308 for Tots. GKN employees raised more than $2,000 for the local charity. Their contributions will provide Christmas joy for Main St. several children in the Tallassee area.

Social Security’s gift to children is security

his is the season of caring. And we at Social Security definitely know a thing or two about helping children. Often overlooked in the paperwork that prospective parents fill out in preparation for a child’s birth is an application for a Social Security number and card. Typically, the hospital will ask if you want to apply for a Social Security number for your newborn as part of the birth registration process. This is the easiest and fastest way to apply. The Social Security card typically arrives about a week to 10 days after that little bundle of joy. You can learn about Social Security numbers for children by reading our publication, “Social Security Numbers for Children,” available at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs A child needs a Social Security number if he or she is going to have a bank account, if a relative is buying savings bonds for the child, if the child will have medical coverage, or if the child will receive government services. You’ll also need a Social Security number for a child to claim him or her on your tax returns. If you wait to apply, you will have to visit a Social Security office and you’ll need to: • Complete an Application For a Social Security Card (Form SS-5); • Show us original documents proving your child’s U.S. citizenship, age, and identity; and • Show us documents proving your identity. Remember, a child age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number must appear in person for the interview, even though a parent or guardian will sign the application on the child’s

behalf. Children KYLLE D’KINNEY Social Security Specialist

with disabilities are among our most vulnerable citizens. Social Security is dedicated to helping those with qualifying disabilities and their families through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. To qualify for SSI: • The child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, resulting in “marked and severe functional limitations.” This means that the condition(s) must severely limit your child’s activities; • The child’s condition(s) must be severe, last for at least 12 months, or be expected to result in death; • If your child’s condition(s) does not result in “marked and severe limitations,” or does not result in those limitations lasting for at least 12 months, your child will not qualify for SSI; and • The child must not be working and earning more than $1,090 a month in 2016. (This amount usually changes every year.) If he or she is working and earning that much money, your child will not be eligible for benefits. Learn the details about benefits for children by reading our publication, Benefits for Children with Disabilities, available at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/people/kids to learn more about all we do to care for children. Caring for the next generation is a central part of securing today and tomorrow, during the holidays and all year long.

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Downtown Christmas tree lighting Mayor Johnny Hammock along with the Tallassee City Council invited the children of Tallassee to join them in the countdown to the 2016 Christmas Tree lighting Friday night at Veterans Park. Santa was there and the River City Band provided entertainment.

Submitted / The Tribune

College Counts Smart Art Contest winners During the month of November, Ms. Stanton has been talking to 4th grade students about college and careers. The students had an opportunity to participate in a College Counts Smart Art Contest. The Office of State Treasurer & the Alabama State Department of Education sponsor this art contest. Students submitted their artwork on Nov. 15. Don Bryant, Heather Johnson and Tara Battles judged the artwork. The 1st place winner of the contest will have their artwork submitted for the state level competition. Pictures are first-place winner Madonno Keyes (center), second place place- Alina Tran (right) and third place- Luci Hammock (left).

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Which way do we go?

o you remember the days, long before any of us had ever heard of a GPS, when we sometimes stopped to ask someone for directions? Last week, I did a program at a church in a city where I did not know my way around. I asked the minister if he could tell me how to get to my motel. He asked, “Do you not have a GPS?” He wasn’t being short or rude. He went on to explain that it would be easier for me to follow my GPS than the directions he could give. After what seemed like thirty-eight turns, by the time I arrived at my room, I realized he was probably right. Asking or giving directions has almost become a lost art. Perhaps no one is happier than we menfolk. We absolutely despise having to ask anyone

for directions. Truthfully, what we hate is admitting that we don’t have a clue how to get wherever we are going. For generations wives have asked their husband, “Are you lost?” only to him say, “I’m not lost. I’m just taking the more scenic route.” She rolls her eyes and says, “Uh-huh.” If we do eventually stop for directions, we have learned that a complete stranger is the best person to ask. That way, we don’t suffer the insult of being laughed at by someone who knows us. The two most feared words of most any male driver is to hear someone say as he walks away, “He’s lost.” It may not break the male ego but it can certainly bruise it quite badly. Some have even suggested that the Hebrew children wandered in the wil-

BILL KING Religion Columnist

derness for forty years after they left Egypt because a man, namely Moses, was driving the church bus and he refused to stop for directions. Of course, Bible scholars all know that this is not actually true. They didn’t even have buses back then. Now, I will be the first to admit that getting directions from another person is not an exact science. You might ask some good ole boy in Arkansas how to get to South Carolina and end up in Serbia. Years

ago, before the implementation of the 911 system, many roads, especially in rural areas, didn’t have names. Some local resident might tell you to go past where the old Johnson house used to stand and take the next road to the right. But, if you replied, “I don’t know where the Johnson house stood.” He might answer, “Well then, you can’t get there from here.” As a seminary student, I served a church in Choctaw County that was located somewhere between nowhere and nothing. Some friends of ours drove up one weekend to visit us. I had given them fabulous directions but, unbelievably, they got lost anyway. They stopped to ask a man and he said, “You turn right here, and left there, and then go way, way, way, way, way down that road and then

go just a tad bit further!” I’m not sure how they ever found us, but they did. Isn’t it amazing that the Magi ever found the baby Jesus. They didn’t have a GPS, or even a map. They followed a guiding star. When they got close, even though they were men, they asked for directions. They asked King Herod, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” Herod didn’t know, so he called for the chief priests and the scribes. They directed them to Bethlehem where they found the Christ child, worshipped him, and presented him gifts. Billy Bob is a humorist, muscian and religion writer.

Religion Briefs • Episcopal Church of the Epiphany

On Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. the “Confirmation and Coffee” Sunday School series continues, running through all the Sundays of Advent. At 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist marking the third Sunday in Advent, with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: http:// epiphanytallassee.org/

• East Tallassee United Methodist Church

On Dec. 11, at our service we will present our cantata “Behold Emmanuel Love is With Us.” The program will include our church choir, a trio of Chris Sergent, Lee Gauntt and Linda Patrick, and a solo by Melanie Baker. We will have a manger scene including our children, Autumn, Steve, Jackson, Haley, A.J. and Matthew. We will also have a dance featuring Courtney Baker. On Dec. 18 at our 11 a.m. service, we will present singing “O Holy Night.” During our night service, East Tallassee United Methodist Church and Bradford Chapel will present a singing program. The program will start at 6 p.m. We will feature several bands, our church choir and various other talents. All are welcome to attend and help us celebrate the wonderful birth of our Lord and Savior.

• Oak Valley Station United Methodist Church

Everyone is invited to Oak Valley Station United Methodist Church for our annual Christmas Concert. Once again the Kempters will be entertaining and inspiring everyone with their wonderful musical talent. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec 7. Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall following the performance. Please come and enjoy this

special time of music and fellowship.

• Elam Baptist Church

Pastor Gene Bridgman, Minister of Music Kevin Lanier and the fellowship of Elam Baptist Church on Hwy 14, 4686 Notasulga Road, Tallassee, invites everyone to worship with us and attend the Christmas seasonal events. The children of Elam will present a children’s Christmas story play on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. The characters will dress during Sunday School at 10 a.m. The Sanctuary Choir Ministry will present “Bethlehem Morning” Sunday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. The Children’s Christmas Celebration and party will follow a short business meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. with Christmas finger food snacks to follow. The Young Adult Ladies of EBC had a church-wide Breakfast B4 Church on Dec. 4 which was enjoyed by all. The ladies will be attending a Women’s Conference in the spring of 2017. Elam helped sponsor ACTS food baskets, sponsored a Christmas Outreach Project and had 36 Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. The annual lighting of the Christmas tree and presentation by the children of 34 poinsettias in memory or in honor of loved ones and friends to decorate the sanctuary in honor of the birth of Christ was Sunday, Dec. 4. Christmas Morning Worship will begin at 11 a.m. Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25. Join us as we celebrate this special birth. Visitors are always welcome at Elam. Make your contacts, calls, cards, and visits this week. The Sunny Seniors closed out the yearly events with an outing to Sister’s Restaurant in Troy, which was enjoyable to all attending. The Sunny Seniors are on winter break. They will resume in the Spring (April 2017). As we celebrate the most meaningful and joyous season of the year, we are reminded to focus on the reason for the season –

Jesus and His birth. Keep CHRIST in you CHRISTmas.

• Salem Macon Baptist Church

Salem Macon is giving Christmas cards again this year. If you would like to give a Christmas card to a church member, put it in the mailbox on table in the hallway. Deadline is Dec. 18. Dec. 18 is a big day at Salem Macon. Starting at 9 a.m. we will have a Christmas Brunch (bring a breakfast dish or drink). Then at 10:30, we will enjoy a Christmas program instead of the morning worship.. Lots of singing. Come and bring someone with you. Christmas Day, Dec. 25, we will have an Advent Candle Service and observe the Lord’s Supper. There will not be Sunday School.

• First United Methodist Church

Sunday, Dec. 11, the Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church, Tallassee, will present a service of Lessons and Carols at 5 p.m. This evening will include scripture readings and traditional music of the season that remind us of the wondrous birth of our Savior. Music will be provided by the chancel, children’s and handbell choirs and the Encounter band of the church. Make plans now to attend this special evening and invite family and friends.

• Tallassee Church of Christ

Announces our new minister, Charlie Boddy. Sunday School begins at 10 a.m. Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. Sunday evening service begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday night services begin at 6 p.m. Visitor’s welcome at all services 334-2835437 209 Gilmer Ave.

• St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

Our Life’s Journey is an outreach of

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Tallassee, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, pastor, and Knights of Columbus Council 15093, Andy Lacey, grand knight. It airs on WACQ-AM 580 and FM 101.1 each Sunday from 8-8:30 a.m. Listen online at www.wacqradio.com or on your smart phone using the TuneIn app. Dec. 11 - Christianity vs. Islam Part 1 Dec. 18 - Christianity vs. Islam Part 2 Dec. 25 - Christ Mass Jan. 1 - Once Saved, Always Saved?

• Salem Macon Baptist

We reached our goal of Samaritan’s Purse shoeboxes for children of the world. We made 137 boxes. Thanks to all who fixed a box. If you would like to give a poinsettia in memory or in honor of a loved one, see Nancy Stephens by Dec. 4. They are $12 each and will be used to decorate the church for Christmas. We do not have our Forever Young meeting in November or December. Our next meeting will be Jan. 24. Salem Macon is located at 4647 Tallapoosa St., Notasulga, on Hwy 14 five miles west of Notasulga and nine miles east of Tallassee. We would be happy to have you join us for Sunday School at 9:30 and 10:30 Worship Service. Mike Stephens is our pastor.

• East Tallassee United Methodist Church

The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located across from City Hall. We will offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334312-4913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.

Area Churches 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 Millbrook 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 5674325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook 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 Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville 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), Weoka 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 5674458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 3121878 New Home Baptist

1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood 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 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006

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If you would like to be a sponsor of the Devotional Thoughts each week, please give us a call, 334-567-7811. The Tallassee Tribune

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Gifting a pet requires recipient’s commitment By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

here is no doubt that once we get through Thanksgiving the days just fly by and Christmas is upon us – only 20 days away. Both Thanksgiving and Christmas are focused on the family, so if you have been thinking of adding a pet to your family, then now might be the time to come visit our pets to find your new best friend. While surprising your children, parents or spouse with a pet may work out wonderfully since the giver is also a recipient, we do caution against getting a pet as a gift for a non-family friend. A pet is a very personal bond and why we offer adoption gift certificate/gift kits for you to purchase so that the recipient can come at a later time to find their new best friend. Our adoption gift certificates are good for a year, so the recipient has plenty of time to visit and find that perfect match. This also allows them to wait until after the hectic holidays if it turns out that Christmas just isn’t the best timing for a new pet. To prep for the upcoming holiday schedule, we are open for adoptions MondayFriday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.3 p.m. But on Saturday, Dec. 24, we will only be doing pick-ups of pre-approved adoptions until noon and then will be closed Dec 25-26. For your planning, our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for an adoption fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. And while we would love it if all of our pets found home for the holidays, we

also want potential adopters to make sure they are ready for the following 10-15 year commitment. Far too many Christmas pets are re-homed or turned into shelters a few months later when the newness has worn off and the responsibilities of training and teenage shenanigans are in full force. Bringing a new pet home is a bit like adding a four-footed child, so we just want to help potential adopters make sure they are ready for the commitment a new pet brings since we desire a lifetime of love for people and pet alike. On Sat, Dec. 10, we will take a few of our puppies/dogs to the Montgomery PetSmart from noon – 4 p.m. to help even more of our pets find loving homes. Volunteers are always needed, so please contact our volunteer coordinator, Charline Pope at 334-202-1381 or email her at popecharlie58@yahoo.com if you can help. On Sat, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m.-noon, Santa will be joining us for photos and to visit with pets and/or children! You can take your own photo of your pet with Santa or we can help take a photo using your camera or smart phone. Any donated pet supply items will be greatly appreciated. For those who may not have visited us before, our address is 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, 36092 and if you need directions just give us a call at 334-5673377. Don’t forget to check out our Tails End Thrift Store (located adjacent to the shelter) for gifts for yourself and your friends. Our Thrift Store has clothes, linens, Christmas decorations, books, collectibles, small appliances, toys and so much more! The store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and can also receive donations during those hours. While at our Thrift Store, please thank our volunteers who work so hard receiving, sorting and selling all of the donated items on behalf of all the animals we all work so hard to help.

Pet of the Week – Shamus

Shamus is a 1-year-old possible Hound/Rhodesian Ridgeback boy, about 55 pounds. He was found dumped at a hunting camp and brought to us. He loves attention, is good with all other dogs and would love a family to call his own which likes to camp or hike with him tag-

ging along. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one year old. Cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@ bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334567-3377. We are open for adoptions this week Monday–Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

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December 7, 2016 • Page 11

Downtown social set for Thursday, Dec. 15 By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

In an effort to spotlight the downtown area, the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Downtown Chamber Social, Thursday, Dec. 15, beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Most of the businesses in the downtown area are participating. Participating businesses will have a balloon at their front entrance. These businesses owners will offer either refreshments, food, a raffle or something of interest. Beginning at 5 p.m., Santa will be attending this festive event. Santa will be in the green space on Ann Avenue for photographs and to listen to Christmas wishes. According to Michone Roye, director of the Chamber of Commerce, this effort to spotlight the downtown area is two-fold. This event is an effort to showcase current businesses in the downtown area, as well as attract new businesses to the area. Since 2005, when the Hotel Talisi was forced to close due to arson, business growth in the downtown area has been close to stagnant. The Hotel Talisi brought people from around Alabama to Tallassee. On Sundays, parking was limited and often patrons would walk the downtown area in its entirety to taste the hotel’s fried chicken. The hotel has been closed since 2009 and many wonder what the future holds for the historic building. Only time will tell which direction businesses in the downtown area will take. However, one thing is certain, the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is aggressively pushing for a successful future for businesses in Tallassee. The Chamber invites everyone to attend Tallassee’s Downtown Social. If you have any questions or concerns, call the Chamber of Commerce at 334-283-5151.

Submitted / The Tribune

SMS Honor Band visits Troy University Students from Southside Middle School attended the 17th annual Southeastern United States Honor Band at Troy University Dec. 1-3. Students in the honor band are (front row, left to right) Bethany Holley, Cannon Curlee, Georgia Ann Butler, Abbey Bird, Avary Lumpkin, Sarah Thompson, Emma Humphries, (second row, left to right) Brandon Edwards, Jayden Jarvis, Colin Griggs, Trevor Taylor, Ray’Mond Rowell, Tristin Carter, AJ Taunton, Haley Taunton, Mason Achord, Michelle Lin, (third row, left to right) Woodrow Dean, Kyle Mosley, Cole Ingram, Jake MIller and Clay Johnson.

Area bands march in the Christmas Parade Reeltown HIgh School’s Marching Rebel Pride Band, led by Tyler Strickland, marches in Saturday’s annual Tallassee Christmas Parade. Below, The Pride of Tallassee Marching Band, led by Robbie Glasscock, was one of the most festive entries in the annual Tallassee Christmas Parade. Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Conditions improve, statewide outdoor burn ban lifted STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Governor Robert Bentley and Interim State Forester Gary Cole rescinded the statewide Drought Emergency ‘No Burn’ Order Monday, which had been in effect since early November. Officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) say the state has received enough rainfall over the last few days to reduce the threat of dangerous wildfires. “In recent days we have seen significant rainfall across our state and the Alabama Forestry Commission now believes the worst of the drought has ended,” Bentley said. “I want to thank the Forestry Commission and the dozens of local fire departments that have worked so hard to ensure the thousands of wildfires didn’t get out of hand. These men and women have worked

long hours under intense conditions to prevent as much damage as possible. We will continue to work with stake holders across the state to help everyone recover from the drought.” According to Cole, “Although all counties in the state will return to having burn permits available, we should bear in mind that Alabama like much of the South is still experiencing extreme drought conditions this fall. The AFC will continue to monitor ground moisture levels throughout the state. If ground fuels become exceptionally dry again, it may be necessary to re-issue a Fire Alert or No Burn Order in affected areas.” The AFC advises anyone conducting any type of outdoor burning to follow safety precautions such as not leaving a fire unattended until it is completely out, having the necessary equipment and personnel to control the fire, and having a garden hose or other water supply on hand for smaller debris burns. Any fire

more than a quarter-acre in size or within 25 feet of a forested area requires a permit from the AFC. Burn permits may be obtained by calling 1-800-392-5679. Burning without a permit is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or up to a $3,000 fine. Alexander City Fire Chief Kem Jones said the rain has been welcomed and to see the ban lifted will also ease the load on firefighters. “This rain is a pretty sight,” Jones said. “It has kept us pretty busy not only with fires that have gotten out of hand, but responding to homes where people have spotted someone burning during the period when it was banned. So this is a good thing all the way around.” Jones reminded residents that if you do plan to burn, you must call the fire department to notify them before starting the fire. Jones also reminded residents of some simple safety rules to consider if planning to burn outdoors.

•Keep fire a minimum of 75 feet from all buildings. •Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start the fire. • Do not leave a fire unattended. •Have fire extinguishment materials on hand, including a water supply, shovels and rakes. • Be prepared to extinguish your fire if the winds pick up. • Don’t delay a call for help – call the fire department immediately at the first sign of the fire getting out of control. The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency charged with protecting Alabama citizens and the state’s forest resources from wildfires. To learn more about the services provided by the agency, contact any AFC county office or visit the web page at www.forestry. alabama.gov. (editor Mitch Sneed contributed to this report)

12 The Tallassee Tribune • December 7, 2016

Playoff committee sets dangerous precedent

SPORTS

Phone 334-283-6568 Fax 334-283-6569 www.TallasseeTribune.com www.tallapoosapublishers.smugmug.com

s long as college football has existed, there’s been controversy concerning how it crowns its national cham- ANDY GRAHAM Columnist pion. When I was growing up, it was all about different conferences being locked into different bowl games and the difficulty of actually getting a No. 1 vs No. 2 matchup. There were also different voters voting in different polls for multiple deserving teams. In 1983, Auburn was the victim of winning on the field, but being leapfrogged simply by the judgment of the voters. Then came the BCS with its combination of polls and (as Bobby Bowden used to say) dad-gum computer formula. It worked in the sense that it gave the public exactly what it offered which was a matchup of the top two ranked teams in the country. Of course, it wasn’t long before it became evident the two best teams in the country were not always being ranked No. 1 and No. 2. Auburn would again feel the slight of injustice in 2004 when the Tigers went undefeated but still found themselves on the outside looking in. The next logical and inevitable step was the playoff system now implemented into college football. The idea is still to matchup the best teams in the country, but now more deserving teams are actually getting an opportunity. At least, that’s the way I thought it was supposed to work. To be fair, the CFB Playoff committee has been given an incredibly difficult charge to split hairs and draw distinctions between teams that play different schedules in different conferences. College football is so much about emotion and teams can look vastly different from week to week. However, I believe the committee made a mistake leaving Penn State out of the playoff. I also believe it should have been Ohio State that was left out and not Washington, which appears was the actual discussion. The Nittany Lions defeated the Buckeyes in a legitimate and fair contest during the regular season. That head-to-head matchup should have trumped any and all other considerations when Penn State won the Big 10 title. I clamored for a playoff for years and I’m glad the system is now in place, but only if conference championships still take precedence. The playoff committee rendered the Big 10 championship a farce and of absolutely no value. If that’s going to be an unintended consequence of the playoff system, conference championship games must be eliminated. I’d rather that not happen, but they cannot continue if they’re meaningless and actually become a detriment. One of the biggest problems I have is the wording the playoff committee is using to justify their decision. They keep saying they are choosing the four “best” teams. I believe it should be the four “most deserving” teams. I fully admit that I believe Ohio State is a better team than Penn State, but when it mattered the most Penn State won the game. When did winning and losing become irrelevant? The wonderful thing about sports is that the best team doesn’t always win. Do they give the Heisman Trophy to the best football player or the player who had the best season? I just believe this sets a dangerous precedent. After all, I thought the whole point of the playoff was to finally settle it on the field. Something tells me James Franklin and the Nittany Lions might disagree. Andy Graham writes a regular sports column for Tallapoosa Publishers.

Cathy Higgins / The Tribune

BRHS freshman Peyton Young struggles to get free from Tallassee eighth grader Mason Bell during the Wildcats’ varsity wrestling season opener Friday. Bell beat Young in the match. Below, another Tallassee grappler takes the lead against Benjamin Russell.

TALLASSEE REELS OFF THREE BIG MAT WINS By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Tallassee started the wrestling season off right, picking up a pair of big wins late last week. On Friday, the Tigers traveled to Alexander City and blasted the Benjamin Russell Wildcats 51-16. That big win followed wins over Elmore County and Holtville in a trimeet Thursday night. In the 106-pound match at Benjamin Russell, Tallassee sophomore Quinton Jeter pinned Ben Russell freshman Kyle Mattox in the first period. In the 113-pound match, Tallassee freshman Zackery Haynes had four takedowns and an escape to beat Benjamin Russell freshman Bobby Charsha. In the 120 class, Benjamin Russell freshman Braxton Ray lost to Tallassee sophomore Jonovan Miller in three periods with six takedowns and four escapes. In the 126 class, Benjamin Russell freshman Peyton Young lost to Tallassee eighth grader Mason Bell in one period with two takedowns, an escape and a penalty. In the 132-pound match, Ben Russell sophomore Ryan Spradley fell to Tallassee senior Jordan Price in three periods. Spradley had two takedowns, a reversal, two staff cautions and a penalty. Price had a takedown, two reversals, a caution and a staff caution. Benjamin Russell freshman Saxon Coker won the 138-pound class from a Tallassee forfeit. In the 145 class, Benjamin Russell junior Michael Parker won over Talllassee senior Kobe Hampton in three periods with two takedowns and two reversals. In the 152-pound match, Benjamin Russell senior Andrew Queen defeat-

ed Tallassee sophomore Rio Reyes in three periods with a regular decision. In 160, Benjamin Russell junior Jy Harvey won out over Tallassee sophomore Colby Gilson in three periods with four takedowns and two escapes. In the 170 class, Benjamin Russell junior Isaiah Holloway lost to Tallassee senior Alex Davidson in three periods with a regular decision. In the 182-pound match, Benjamin Russell junior Connor Burk lost to Tallassee senior Hudson Deem in three periods with three takedowns, a reversal and an escape.

In 195, Benjamin Russell senior Jamie Whitehead was defeated by Tallassee sophomore Andy Baker in three periods with an escape and a takedown pin. In the 220 class, Benjamin Russell eighth grader Dimitri Johnson fell to Tallassee junior Noah Blaylock in two period with a pin. In the 285 class, Tallassee sophomore Jake Justiss scored a first-period pin over Benjamin Russell freshman Curtis Norris.

Tallassee drops cage clash to county rival ECHS STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Tallassee Tigers played their third game in a row last week and it showed as the Tigers lost to area foe and county rival Elmore County 50–36 in Eclectic. The Tigers were 2–3 (1-0) coming in, as they defeated Holtville 67–62 on Tuesday and B.B. Comer 62–48 on Thursday. “Maybe we had tired legs or something,” said head coach Cecil Hollinquest. “It seemed as if we were missing a step.”

Missing for sure was 6-foot-2 post player Josh Griffin. Griffin sprained his ankle during the Holtville game. “Missing J.J. was a factor amongst other things,” Hollinquest said. “We have to be consistent in what we are doing. That is from the head coach on down. I now feel that I should have made some different adjustments during the course of the game. The tiredness showed, during free throws, regular shots and such.” The Panthers consistently moved the ball and went at the Tigers with a balanced scoring attack. T. Belyeu led all

scorers with 13 points, followed by R. Jones and J. Patrick with 12 points apiece. Tallassee was led by Travon Skipper with 9 points. “We will go back and look at film and try to correct some things. I’m proud of the guys how they are giving me their all this season. We will get better,” said Hollinquest. The Tigers host the Elmore County Tournament on December 8th – 10th. The first game starts at 5:00 on Thursday.