Elmore County Living May 2017 by Tallapoosa Publishers

Annual Summer Calendar Issue Millbrook Hot Rods Whitewater Festival Tallassee NOW!

Elmore County Living

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MAY 2017 1

F E S T 2 017 Russell Crossroads May 26 - 28 FRIDAY, MAY 26 6:00 - Airside 8:15 - LAMONT

SATURDAY, MAY 27 6:00 - Bank Walkers 8:15 - Raquel

SUNDAY, MAY 28 6:00 - Jordy Searcy 8:15 - The Jonathan Bloom Band

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From the Managing Editor's Desk Isn’t this a great time of year to live in the South? And particularly east central Alabama? Aside from a little rain and the occasional dip or spike in temperatures, the outside is our playground. School dismisses for the summer break in a few weeks, and then, as the saying goes, “Vacation: Next Exit.” Only, you don’t really have to go anywhere to catch that vacation vibe because there is so much going on right here. And it starts now. Children’s Harbor at Kowaliga this month will host the annual Paddle for a Purpose race to give seriously ill children and their families a camp experience, and the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce will launch its first-ever Drawdown and Silent Auction to benefit the building fund. The Tallassee Farmers Market opens this month, and in Millbrook, the 4th Annual Hot Rod in the Park hits the Village Green on May 27. So when you are shopping for your Memorial Day picnic, be sure to pick up an extra five cans of goods for the food pantry. You will want them for admission into the Millbrook Hot Rod in the Park car show, which started with the passion of local vintage car enthusiasts. On page 28, meet some of the folks who organize this effort to fill the food pantry’s shelves and feed that love of the hot rod. And that’s just the warm up. In this issue, we’ve expanded our calendar section on page 16 to list 60 fabulously fun things to do this summer between now and Labor Day. It’s not an exhaustive list – some activities and events are still in the planning stages – but take out your calendar and block off the time to take part in those that are listed here and be sure to check the calendars in future issues of Elmore County Living magazine all summer long for more ways to enhance your stay-cation. Some of the best and brightest upcoming events include the 32nd Annual Whitewater Festival, which has been expanded this year to include more competition and camping fun at the river. Check out the article on page 8 for the details and make plans to spend at least part of the weekend on the river. Tallassee NOW! will be bigger and better this year as well. Dixie Art Colony will add a historical element to this year’s event, and the barbecue sales will move to the football stadium with that same great $1 price tag with Tallassee shopping receipts. You’ll find highlights and the schedule on page 12. Summer in Elmore County is gonna be great!

Chairman

Kenneth Boone

kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com

President & Publisher Steve Baker

steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com

Managing Editor Betsy Iler

betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com

Assistant Magazine Editor Amy Passaretti

amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com

Distribution Manager David Kendrick

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultant Brandy Bowman

brandy.bowman@thewetumpkaherald.com

Creative Services Audra Spears

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Jeff Langham Carmen Rodgers Jacob Saylor Corey Arwood Kathy Monroe MK Moore

David Granger Cory Diaz Shannon McDuffie Barry Chrietzberg Carol Barksdale

To subscribe to Elmore County Living, $25 a year for 12 issues, please call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 For Advertising Inquiries 334-567-7811 For Editorial Inquiries 256-234-4281 All content, including all stories and photos, are copyright of

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

STAFF

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 99 300 Green Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-7811

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER From vintage El Caminos to Cobra Coupes and this classic Chevrolet, more than 150 hot rods will be on display at Millbrook's Village Green to help fill food pantry shelves. Photo by Shannon McDuffie.

28 Columns

Features

In Every Issue

Movie Man

Tricked Out

Extra! Extra!

The Gamer

Tallassee NOW!

Coming Up

Community Care

Movers & Shakers

34 46

Summer Screening The Big Three

Water for the Win

32nd Coosa Whitewater Festival 9th Annual Town Celebration The Caseys

Southern Delights

The Freezer Is Your Friend

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News Briefs

Fun Activities for Everyone

Out & About

In Elmore County

Where to Find Us Distribution List

Keep our lakes clean

Lake Jordan Home Owners and Boat Owner's Association (HOBO) hosted its annual lake cleanup April 22, and hundreds of volunteers helped dredge and haul garbage and debris from Lake Jordan's waters and shoreline. Whether from storms or dumping, Lake Jordan HOBO Chair Barbara Dreyer said, her organization has been taking refuse from the lake since the early ᾽90s, their main activity being the annual cleanup. Dreyer said this year there were more than 300 volunteers and nearly 50 vessels on the lake. Boats docked at Bonner’s Point,

where its haul was unloaded before setting out to repeat the process. On shore, a garbage disposal truck waited to compact all of the dripping wet materials before heading back to Tallassee. From about 8 a.m. to noon this continued; still, despite the quantity of trash, Dreyer said, the volume was low compared to some of the events. “It means people aren’t throwing (out) as much, I hope,” Dreyer said. Items found and disposed of ranged from deflated rafts to household furniture and even large waterlogged logs.

Local nurse honored worldwide Cathy Morris Pitts, CRPN, MSN, RN, CGRN, will be published in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare and is welcomed into the prestigious International Nurses Association. Pitts currently serves patients at Ivy Creek Health, Lake Martin Community Hospital and Lake Martin Family Medicine in Dadeville; Wetumpka Urgent Care in Wetumpka; and Ivy Creek Urgent Care in Tallassee. With three decades of experience in nursing, she is a specialist in critical care and emergency room and an expert gastroenterology nurse in endoscopy. Since her career began in 1980, Pitts has received an associate's degree in nursing from Troy University, Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Columbus State University and her Master of Science degree in nursing from Auburn University. She maintains a professional membership with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates and is an inductee of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Eclectic barista makes coffee connection Gina Sanders hopes her soon-to-be-open local coffee shop will bring people together and offer them a place to hang out. Cornerstone Coffee in Eclectic will be located downtown on the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue. “I want to do more than just serve coffee,” said Sanders, co-owner of Cornerstone Coffee Company of Eclectic. “I want to highlight our wonderful town

of Eclectic.” She said her goals for the newly renovated space are to serve an array of coffee beverages to compete with the likes of any well-established coffeehouse chain and to serve as a space for local talent. “The reason I wanted to start it, there’s a lot of lonely people,” said Sanders. “A cup of coffee has an amazing ability to bring people together. “But at the end of the day … we’re (a) Christ-centered, mission-minded, community-connecting coffee company.”

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Extra! Extra! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Eagle Scout Restores Park Two decaying gazebos and picnic benches at Fitzpatrick Roadside Park were demolished as phase one of Wetumpka High School freshman Kendall Buelman's Eagle Scout project with Wetumpka Troop 50 and with the help of his father, Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Buelman of the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelley Field. Since this is the highest Boy

Scout ranking, Jeff said, the project had to be challenging, and they are building two 8-by-8 pavilions and two new tables. The project had been started by former members of the troop but was left incomplete. Jeff said he and his son had not visited the park before this project, but it had frequently caught his eye. “I could see that some of the wood had rotted off,” said

Buelman, who has been with Troop 50 since 2013. “The structure was falling down and in probably the next few years it would have collapsed.” Though the project centers on construction, planning and architecture, Beulman said his ultimate goal is to also join the Armed Forces and having his Eagle Scout badge would help his enlistment options.

Tallassee mayor recognized for service Mayor Johnny Hammock has been in office since October and in those short six months he has already made a lasting impression on the community. That is why Lisa Moncrief and Shirley Stewart, with the Corporation for National and Community (CNCS) Service, presented Hammock with the Mayor’s Day of Recognition for National Service Proclamation April 4. The CNCS shares a priority with county officials and mayors nationwide to engage citizens, improve lives and strengthen communities. National Service Recognition Day encourages residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in our county, to thank those who serve and to find ways to give back to their communities.

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Tricked Out

Aaron LoCascio and Clayton Hoskins competing through the rapids

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W Coosa Whitewater Festival enters its 32nd consecutive year Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Kenneth Boone & Cory Diaz

hat started 32 years ago as a group of local friends wanting to share their love of water sports and compete for bragging rights has now become one of the longest-running whitewater festivals in the South. The Coosa River Paddling Club (CRPC) is hosting its annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival June 9-11 at Coosa Outdoor Center in Wetumpka, and the fun-filled weekend, appropriate for all ages, consists of a competition with a live announcer and DJ, live music and camping. This year, the weekend was extended to include Sunday’s classic ender competition, where competitors sink the front of their boats to hold it vertically in the water. “This is the first big move that was ever created on whitewater. We use line boats – 10-footers – and it’s always a big deal,” said Matthew Thornton, CRPC event organizer. Starting off with a low-key band Friday night, registered competitors and spectators have the opportunity to get settled and set up camp. The first event of the competition begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at Moccasin Gap with a myriad of judging and divisions. The categories in contention include the senior men’s and senior women’s freestyle open competitions; a junior division for ages 16 and under; boater X race, boasting sit-on-top moves and sup board racing; and King of the Wave. Thornton said the scoring is an old-school system based on points, with three judges determining skill level. The fourth person is usually chosen out of the crowd and judges the level and quality of style involved, including smiling, waving, throwing a peace sign and getting the crowd excited. This category helps even the playing field, so everyone has a fair chance to compete. “This is usually our equalizer. We want to see people get the crowd involved and get loud. Style points multiply to the total points, so this gives you a strategy. Even if you don’t think you’re as skilled, if you get the high style points, you still have an opportunity,” said Thornton. The festival also is known for its Saturday night celebration complete with awards and a big concert at the Coosa Outdoor Center campground. Non-competitive spectators can rent canoes or kayaks here and follow the fun down

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Competitors wait for the weather to pass at last year's festival

Walt Lynch takes a turn at Moccasin Gap

Matt Thornton flips his kayak vertically for a classic ender move

the river. Last year, according to Thornton, attendance was low, and the club is hoping for a much better turnout this year, being closer to 100 people between competitors and spectators. Activities will be available for a younger crowd as well, but Thornton said they’re waiting for a better idea on attendance. “It’s local, and we like to keep it simple. But it’s family friendly, and you’re welcome to bring your kids. I am sure we’ll have some spontaneous activities for all ages once we determine sponsorship and attendance. We want to get the juniors back involved locally down here,” said Thornton. Registration is $30 and includes a shirt, a goodie bag with items from sponsors, a ticket to Saturday’s concert, free camping and coverage of the entire event, which allows an attendee to participate in any category. Money raised goes toward the CRPC’s fund to help maintain Corn Creek, which has been restored and cleaned up by the group and had a new road built for easier access. To register or for more information, contact Lonnie Carden, owner of the Coosa Outdoor Center, at 334-201-5510 or Chris Carter of Coosa River Adventures at 334-514-0279.

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Wetumpka

Flea Market & Antiques BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE. CALL FOR INFORMATION.

334-567-2666 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka, AL Winn Dixie Shopping Center â&#x20AC;¢ Behind KFC

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Tallassee Then

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and NOW! This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebration of all things Tallassee showcases historic scenes in art

Story by Betsy Iler Photo of Carol Barksdale's watercolor by Barry Chrietzberg ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

allassee’s biggest party gets even bigger next month when the town celebrates its rich heritage and present-day progress with food, fun, family and friends from City Hall to the high school stadium. This year’s Tallassee Now! event will be held June 10 and 11 and includes art shows; musical entertainment; a 5K run; tours of the Lake Thurlow Power Plant, the Confederate Armory and the Mt. Vernon Theatre; barbecue; old cars and old guitars; a quilt show; a wine tasting and more. “The main focus this year is the art,” said Event Chair Melissa Hill. Four art events will be incorporated into this year’s celebration of all things Tallassee, including a Dixie Art Colony (DAC) reception and exhibit at Trustmark Bank, where renowned local artist Kelly Fitzpatrick painted murals, at least one of which was finished by Arthur Stewart following Fitzpatrick’s death. Visitors can view the murals, as well as an exhibit of sketches and painted tins that offer a glimpse into the lighter side of the Dixie Art Colony, at a reception from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 9. The exhibit also will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. In addition to the DAC exhibit, the McCraney Cottle Arts Council will hold an exhibit of works by Tallassee area artists in the bank annex on the east side of the downtown branch of Trustmark. This show will take place during the same hours as the DAC exhibit. Also at the bank annex, the Elmore County Art Guild (ECAG) will host a “Tallassee Then & Now” show with works that focus on historical and present-day scenes in Tallassee. This will be a juried show and is open to ECAG members. For information about the show, visit the website at ElmoreCountyArtGuild.com or the ECAG Facebook page. Artists from all three arts organizations will demonstrate their crafts on Saturday at the bank. The petting zoo will be located near the stadium from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Hill said, where young and old alike can take

pictures with the animals. Tallassee NOW! is a Tallassee Community Development (TCD) project that started eight years ago when barbecue plates were sold for $1 each in exchange for sales receipts from local stores, and that aspect of the festival remains, though this year, it will move to the stadium. “That first year, we served about 600 plates of barbecue, and the Lord was merciful and provided a thunderstorm just when we were running out of barbecue,” said TCD’s Dale Segrest. “We knew we were on to something, so we started adding things, like the art displays, armory tours, dam tours, and we realized that a lot of people were coming for the event and not for the barbecue at all.” Buy a barbecue plate for The stadium $1 at Tallassee NOW! also will host musical entertainment by the Original Kandu Band at 9 p.m. on Saturday. The Montgomery-based Kandu Band has performed with Travis Tritt, Alabama, the Marshall-Tucker Band and many others. The car and truck show and other local entertainment will take place at the stadium as well, and bulk meat sales can be picked up there from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Also on Saturday, a shuttle service will be available to transport festival patrons to the various locations for events around town, including the Thurlow Power Plan and Confederate Armory for tours; City Hall for a quilt show and The Trophy Room for book signings, big game trophies and the Dovard Taunton Art display, as well as the art exhibits at Trustmark. And of course, there will be barbecue plates for $1. Between now and June 7, Tallassee shoppers can take up to three $100-receipts from any Tallassee business to the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce or Segrest Law Firm and purchase a ticket at $1 for each receipt. Tickets can be redeemed at the stadium between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. Segrest said the organizers of this year’s event expect a crowd of about 4,000 this year. “There is a lot of excitement about it,” he said.

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2017 Tallassee NOW! Schedule May 19 through June 7

BBQ Plate Ticket Sales: Up to three $1 tickets for $100 receipts from Tallassee businesses Redeem @ Chamber of Commerce and Segrest Law Firm

Friday, June 9

5KRun Registration—Ann Ave. Greenspace Downtown Race starts—Ann Ave. Greenspace Downtown Local Acts Stadium Kandu Band Stadium Sandwiches etc. Stadium Petting Zoo Stadium Dixie Art Colony Reception & Exhibit Trustmark Lobby and Annex Exhibit of Local Artists’ Works Trustmark Lobby and Annex

Saturday, June 10

Shuttle Service to All Events Thurlow Dam Power Plant Tours Confederate Armory Tours Local Entertainment Petting Zoo BBQ Plate Sales Car and Truck Show Quilt Exhibition/Public View Tallassee Falls Museum Dovard Taunton Art Display Authors’ Book Signing Big Game Trophies Dixie Art Colony Display Exhibit of Local Artists’ Works Elmore County Art Guild Art Show Mt. Vernon Theatre

Bulk Meat Sales Pickup Friday June 9 Saturday June 10

6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 5:30-8:00 p.m. 6:00-7:30 p.m. 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Pick-up every 20 Minutes (Shuttle from Stadium) (Shuttle from Stadium) Stadium Stadium Stadium Stadium City Hall 201 Barnett Blvd The Trophy Room The Trophy Room The Trophy Room Trustmark Lobby and Annex Trustmark Lobby and Annex Trustmark Annex Watch for Announcements!

8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Stadium Stadium

6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 18 River Region Women In Business

are $25 in advance ($30 at the door) and include admission for one, two drinks and dinner; $100 drawdown tickets include admission for one, two drinks, dinner and a 1-in-300 chance to win the money. Drawdown tickets will be sold in advance and are not available on the night of the event. Sponsorship packages available. Register online and bring the receipt to the chamber office to pick up tickets. Proceeds benefit the chamber’s building fund.

Local women find support, resources and networking opportunities through meetings and activities of the River Region Women In Business, which meets 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce, 116 E. Bridge St., Wetumpka. Call 334-6518289 to RSVP or for information email shaeinal@gmail.com. The summer starts with the

May 18 Bee Basics

Paddle for a Purpose race at Kowaliga

Join Alabama Wildlife Federation’s (AWF) Lead Naturalist Kristen Irions for an evening that is all about bees. Learn about pollination and beekeeping and get a look at the equipment used in beekeeping. You can even taste some local honey and might just leave inspired to start your own hive. This class meets in the Main Hall at the AWF NaturePlex at 3050 Lanark at 6 p.m. Come at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy a bring-your-own-dinner gathering and stroll through Discovery Hall before the bee class. The class is $5 and is appropriate for all ages. For information, contact Tyler Harris at tharris@alabamawildlife.org.

The second race in this year’s Stand Up Paddle Board race series will benefit Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. Check-in is 7:30 a.m., a pre-race meeting at 8:30 a.m. and the 1-mile start at 9 a.m. Start and finish lines at Children’s Harbor. Please contact Sharon Johnston 334-799-0529, 334857-2443 or sharon@paddlelakemartin.net, for information.

Win $10,000 in the first-ever Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce Draw Down Silent Auction Banquet and Reception from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. For a list of silent auction items go to www.wetumpkachamber.com. General admission tickets

Bring chairs and coolers, family and friends for a great free weekend of music and fun at The Town Green at Russell Crossroads. The line-up includes Airside from Memphis, Tennessee, at 6 p.m. on Friday, followed by Lamont from Tuscaloosa. The Bank Walkers and Raquel Lilly perform Saturday night, and Sunday features Jordy Searcy at 6 p.m. and the Jonathan Bloom Band. For information, call 256-397-1019.

May 27-28 Art on the Lake

May 20 Paddle for a Purpose

May 23 Chamber Drawdown

May 26-28 RXR Fest

This annual art show at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin showcases the works of artists from throughout the Southeast. Canvas, jewelry, pottery and sculpture are available for purchase, and a portion of the proceeds benefits the camp for seriously ill children and their families. For information, contact Vicki Tuggle at 334-857-2021.

May 27 Tallassee Farmers Market

Hosted by the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce and held at the City Hall grounds from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

May 27 Hot Rods in the Park

The 4th annual event will be held at the Village Green in Millbrook from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be more than 150 cars from all over the Southeast. Home Depot will have kids activities, free hot dogs, burgers and T-shirts. Please bring canned goods for the Millbrook Welcome Center.

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May 28 Sunday Night Supper

Call 256-215-7080 to reserve space at this one-seating dinner at SpringHouse Restaurant. Scott Burlingame will mix up a tasty seasonal cocktail mingling at 6 p.m., and Front of House Manager and Sommelier Daniel Goslin will plan a small selection of wines for dinner at 6:30 p.m. The dinner menu will include shareable dishes that have been hand-selected by Chef Rob. Cost is $40++ per person (does not include alcohol) and $15++ for children under 12.

May 30-Aug.11 Summer Day Camp

Grandview YMCA gets kids aged 5 to 15 years unplugged and active every day with horseback riding, archery, fishing, canoeing, swimming lessons, hiking, disc golf, nature education, arts and crafts, music and more. This year’s schedule includes lock-in events, an Independence Day cookout and fireworks and a Bring Your Parents to Camp event. Morning and afternoon snacks and lunch are provided. Sign up early for sports and equestrian specialty camps, as space is limited. For costs, schedules and details, visit ymcamontgomery.org.

June 2 - July 12 Kamp Kiwanis Girl Scout Summer Camp

Expedition Lanark Sign the kids up for Expedition Lanark to give them a summer day-camp experience they will remember for the rest of their lives. Camp sessions are available for kids aged 5 to 15 with activities specifically tailored to their abilities and interests, including Gross Out Camp, Fishing Fundamentals, High Adventure and Tadpole camps. Sessions start as early as May 29 and run as late as Aug. 4. Camps start at 8:30 a.m. and finish at 3:30 p.m., but an extended care option offers drop-off as early as 7:15 a.m. and pick up as late as 6 p.m. All sessions are held at Lanark in Millbrook. Visit www.alabamawildlife.org for session dates, times and descriptions, fees and supply lists.

All girls grades 2-12 are invited to a week of activities and adventure opportunities. Summer camp options include day camp, two-night sampler camp and weeklong resident camp. For more information, visit the website www.girlscoutssa.org/camp or call 334-272-9164.

Summer = Kids + Camp

June 3 LMRA Annual Meeting

Alabama Power Company's Hydroservices Manager Jim Crew is the keynote speaker at this year’s annual membership meeting of the Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA) at The Harbor House at Children’s Harbor at Kowaliga. Breakfast available at 8:30 a.m. sponsored by River Bank & Trust, and the meeting starts at 9 a.m. For information, contact LMRA President John Thompson at 334-399-3289.

June 3 JAKES Event

The Elmore County National Wild Turkey Federation will host its annual youth event. People under age 18 and their parents are invited to a day of outdoor fun at Ft. Toulouse, Wetumpka, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration is free and includes lunch for the youth. For more information, contact Gene Calhoun at (334) 315-2636 calhoungene@att.net or Archie Burchard (334) 567-9012 aburc24315@aol.com.

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June 3 Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina

Celebrate the first Saturday night of summer with Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina. The music starts at 8 p.m., but the singing and dancing will go on for hours.

June 3 Introduction to Sailing

Lake Martin’s Dixie Sailing Club will host a free class for anyone interested in learning to sail, from a sailing basics “chalk talk” to taking wind with a club member. Learn the parts of a sailboat, how to right a boat after capsizing and sail a Sunfish (flotation vests will be provided). Tour the boatyard, meet club members and learn how to be a part of the sailing scene at the lake. A free lunch of hot dogs, chips and beverages will be provided. Bring a swimsuit, change of dry clothes, towel and sunscreen, as well as a life jacket if you have one. Event is limited to 60 participants. To reserve a spot, call Keith Bennett at 334-324-9383 or email him at cat221@msn.com.

June 3 Discover the Stars

The staff at the Space and Science Center at Columbus State University will set up giant telescopes at The Discovery Center at Russell Crossroads, and the staff from SpringHouse Restaurant will treat participants to great food served farm table style at 6:30 p.m. Event includes acoustic music, food, a brief presentation about the night sky and guided star gazing. Charge is $60 per person, and space is limited to 40 people. To reserve a spot or for more information, call Robert Gunn at 256-397-1019.

June 3 Hydrangea Fest

Discover the unique, natural history of hydrangeas from 8 a.m. until noon with Lanark Grounds Specialist Maria Pacheco-West at the Alabama Nature Center and NaturePlex. Tour the Heirloom garden and hydrangeas around the pond, and bring your hydrangea questions. Pick up a few new plants at the Lanark Gardens sale, which benefits the gardens at the Alabama Wildlife Federation. The event is located at 3050 Lanark Rd., Millbrook.

June 8 Ambush Lake Martin

Auburn Football Head Coach Gus Malzahn and Voice of the Auburn Tigers Rod Bramblett ‘88 will make an exclusive appearance with Aubie at 6 p.m. at Willow Point Golf & Country Club, 2544 Willow Point Rd., Alexander City. Sponsored by the Auburn Alumni Association, tickets are on sale now at www.alumni.auburn.edu/ambushlakemartin at $50

for Auburn Alumni Association members and $55 for nonmembers. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact the Auburn Alumni Association for information.

June 9-10 27th Annual Jazz Fest

Lake Martin’s biggest musical event of the year kicks off with a free concert at Strand Park in downtown Alexander City on Friday night. Another free concert follows on Saturday at The AMP on Lake Martin.

June 9-11 32nd Annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival

Whitewater event for kayaking, canoeing, sit on top kayaking and recreational paddlers. The event is for competitors and non-competitors to have a great time on whitewater in central Alabama. This is a good event to watch even if you do not participate. The Coosa River can be easily paddled by the first-time spectator. There are kids' events and expert events too. Three days of activities with camping and goodie bags given to everyone who registers. www.coosariverwhitewaterfestival.com.

June 10 15th Annual Lil’ Calypso Art Festival

More than 35 artists will share their talents at this festival at Chuck’s Marina from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be live music on the deck by local Auburn Americana/rock musician Troi Atkinson. Contact Jane Garrett Harris at 334-2330724, for more information.

June 9-10 9th Annual Tallassee NOW!

This town event will kick off Friday night, June 9 with a “major party” featuring Kandu Band, which has drawn sellout crowds. There will be entertainment, vendors, a petting zoo and a new addition this year with the Dixie Art Colony. There will also be a 5K race, tours of Thurlow Dam and tours of the old Confederate Armory. For more information, call Dale Segrest at 334-252-0036 or email Melissa Hill at melissahill@elmore.rr.com.

June 10 Wetland Discovery

Tour different parts of the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) property that contain wetlands and learn about what makes them unique. Be sure to bring a change of shoes or wear shoes that can get wet. Admission is $5. Program begins at 11:30 a.m. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd., Millbrook.

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Patriotism Abounds Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the annual Fourth of July Boat Parade Break out the best red, white and blue garb and patriotic decorations to partake in the longtime tradition of the Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade. Participating boats will launch from Kowaliga Marina at 10 a.m., pass under Kowaliga Bridge and head to Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harbor. They will then circle past the lighthouse and begin the trip back the way they came to finish the tour around 11 a.m. Boats of all shapes and sizes can join and spectators are encouraged to come out and watch. The parade is best observed from the water, and boats line the shoreline along the route to cheer on their favored decorated contestants. Boaters who wish to participate must pre-register

by July 3, but entry is free and open to anyone. The idea is to embrace the theme and get creative with decorations and costumes to show the most festive holiday spirit. Two prizes per category will be awarded to the following: Largest Flag, Tallest Flag, Most Patriotic Crew and Most Creative Theme. First prize is a $150 Russell Marine gift certificate and second prize is a $75 gift certificate. The newest award in its inaugural year is the category of Best Overall Boat and Crew and the winners will receive $500 cash. For more information or to register call Kowaliga Marina at 334-857-2111.

The boat parade is one of the most popular traditions of the season

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June 10 National Marina Day

Russell Marine will celebrate with a Customer Appreciation Day at all Lake Martin locations with a cookout and 15 percent off all gear and accessories.

June 11 Sunday Night Supper

Call 256-215-7080 to reserve space at a table for this special one-seating dinner service at SpringHouse Restaurant. Scott Burlingame will mix up a tasty seasonal cocktail mingling at 6 p.m., and Front of House Manager and Sommelier Daniel Goslin will plan a small selection of wines for dinner at 6:30 p.m. The dinner menu will include shareable dishes that have been hand-selected by Chef Rob. Cost is $40++ per person (does not include alcohol) and $15++ for children under 12.

sic & Pawn, Alexander City Parks & Rec, Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort and the Boys and Girls Club Administrative Office. For information, contact Melissa Reynolds at 256-596-0645.

June 17 Miss Lake Martin Pageant

The 2017 Miss Lake Martin will be crowned at the Dadeville High School Auditorium. Age divisions are open for infants through 21 years of age with categories for Baby Miss, Tiny Miss, Petite Miss, Mini Miss, Little Miss, Preteen Miss, Junior Teen, Teen and Miss. Baby Miss to Little Miss competition will begin at 11 a.m.; Preteen to Miss contests will start at 6 p.m. Registration fees are $110-$120, and Miss Lake Martin winner will take home a cash scholarship of $1,000. Email misslakemartinpageant@gmail.com for more information.

July 1 Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina

June 16-17 Lake Martin Area Rodeo

The Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Arena in Alexander City will play host to barrel riders, calf ropers, bull riders and more at this rodeo event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the gate. Advance tickets are available at Tractor Supply, Depot Mu-

Alabama Avenue will kick off the holiday weekend at 8 p.m. with song and dance under the stars at Chuck’s Marina on Lake Martin’s Blue Creek.

Wetumpka Pops hosts summer concert The Wetumpka Pops will host its annual free summer concert June 30 at 7 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. The community band, which is composed of volunteer musicians ages 13-80, was founded in 2010 and is led by director Anthony Vittore, since January 2016, who also is the band director at Elmore County High School. The group will perform patriotic numbers and encourage the audience to move to the music and celebrate the founding of our great nation. Musicians of any age are welcome to join and rehearsals are Thursday nights from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the mayor's office. The Wetumpka Pops hope to add a full choir to the roster in the future, making it a community cantata. Visit the Pops Facebook page for more information at www.Facebook.com/Wetumpka-City-Pops.

The Wetumpka Pops features volunteer musicians ages 13-80

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July 1-2 Arti Gras

The Fourth of July weekend at Lake Martin includes an art market showcasing local and regional artisans at Russell Crossroads. Everything from handmade pottery, reclaimed wood decor, watercolor and oil paintings, candles, photography, handmade jewelry to soaps, jams, jellies and more will be for sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

July 4 Fourth of July Blast

Find a spot on the soft grass at The AMP for this annual concert and the Southeast’s Largest Fireworks Show over Lake Martin. Gates open at 5 p.m. The Bank Walkers will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., and Sweet Tea will play at 8 p.m. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. For information, call 256-397-1019.

July 13-29 Southern Fried Funeral

July 2 Sunday Night Supper

July 4 Fourth of July Wetumpka

Hosted by the City of Wetumpka, come join the festivities at Gold Star Park for live music by Wishbone from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fireworks start at the end of the concert.

July 4 Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade

Decorate your boat and join the patriotic crowd at Kowaliga Marina as boats of all sizes, shapes and decoration will parade from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor, circling just past the lighthouse before making the return trip to Kowaliga Marina. Spectators line the shoreline along the parade route to applaud their favorite boats and contestants. Registered boats will vie for top honors in the Largest Flag, Tallest Flag, Most Patriotic and Most Creative contests. For information or registration, call 334-857-2111.

Arti Gras showcases a variety of goods created by local artisans

Dewey Frye is dead, and the rest of his family is left to pick up the pieces – if they don’t kill each other first. Wetumpka Depot Theater presents this big-hearted comedy about Southern-style funerals. Visit www. wetumpkadepot.com or call 334-868-1440 for details and tickets.

July 14 Sun Festival Kick-off at Friday on the Green

Russell Lands will kick off the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Sun Festival with a special Friday on the Green. The Jonathan Bloom band will play at Russell Crossroads, so bring family, friends, cooler, picnic and your pup on a leash. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m.

July 15 Radical Raptors

Alabama Wildlife Center presents a program about our fascinating birds of prey and their conservation concerns and threats. Admission is $5, and the program begins at 11:30 a.m. at the NaturePlex, 3050 Lanark Rd., Millbrook.

July 21 Sun Festival Battle of the Bands

Russell Lands will sponsor this annual favorite event at Sun Festival. Get ready for a fun night with family and friends at Strand Park in Alexander City, listening to bands as they compete for the prize – the opening spot on stage for headliner Moon Taxi on Saturday night.

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July 22 Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run

The 14th annual Poker Run benefits local charities as players begin at The Ridge Marina and travel to River North, Harbor Point, Real Island and Kowaliga marinas to collect the best hands of cards. Prizes for the winning hands and best costumes will be awarded at the after-party at Kowaliga Restaurant. For information or to register, call 256212-1416 or visit russellmarine.net.

July 22 Wetumpka's River & Blues Music and Art Festival

Starting at 2 p.m. ten bands will perform on two stages: one behind the City Administration Building and one at Gold Star Park. There also will be a juried art show, food vendors and kids' activities. Music ends around 10 p.m. For more information, call 334-567-5147.

July 22 Moon Taxi Sun Festival Concert

American indie-progressive rock band Moon Taxi will headline the Fifth Annual Sun Festival concert on Saturday, July 22, at Strand Park in downtown Alexander City. Gates will open at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.alexandercitychamber. com or at the Chamber of Commerce office. For more information and the complete schedule of Sun Festival events, visit www.alexandercitychamber.com.

July 28 12th Annual Wags & Whiskers Auction

Support the Humane Society of Elmore County at the Entertainment Center Wind Creek Wetumpka for live and silent auctions. There will be food provided by Wind Creek and door prizes available. If you would like to donate an item to the auction please contact Auction Committee Chair Chris Sisson at silentauction@elmorehumane.com. All donated items are tax-deductible.

Aug. 5 Annual Youth Fishing Rodeo

Join the fun at the Alabama Nature Center’s annual fishing rodeo. Bring a few fishing poles and a cooler and meet early morning at the catfish pond on the Alabama Wildlife Federation grounds. Children 15 and under can catch and take home up to five catfish each but can catch and release all they want. Each child will receive a free T-shirt and a chance to win a door prize. Admission is free; snacks and drinks will be provided. Call early to make a reservation, as space fills up quickly for this event. For information and reservations, call 334-285-4550.

Aug. 13 Sunday Night Supper

Call 256-215-7080 to reserve space at a table for this special one-seating dinner service at SpringHouse Restaurant. Scott Burlingame will mix up a tasty seasonal cocktail mingling at 6 p.m., and Front of House Manager and Sommelier Daniel Goslin will plan a small selection of wines for dinner at 6:30 p.m. The menu will include shareable dishes that have been hand-selected by Chef Rob. Cost is $40++ per person (does not include alcohol) and $15++ for children under 12.

Aug. 17 Canoeing and Kayaking

Meet in the Main Hall at the Alabama Nature Center for a class on canoeing and kayaking basics. Hike to the Bass Pond and paddle around on a summer evening. Life vests, boats and paddles are provided. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet. Program is appropriate for all ages. Admission is $5. Event begins at 6 p.m. but come at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy a bring-your-own dinner. For information, contact Tyler Harris at tharris@alabamawildlife.org.

Aug. 19 Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s

Alabama Avenue will spend the night at Chuck’s Marina on Lake Martin to end the summer with singing and dancing. Music starts at 8 p.m.

Sept. 3 Labor Day Weekend Concert

The summer concert series at The AMP comes to a dramatic close as concert goers of all ages gather at The AMP for a final event of the year. Visit the website at www.theamponlakemartin.com, The AMP Facebook page or call 256-397-1019 for information about this year’s event.

Season-Long Events Santuck Flea Market

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month at 7300 Central Plank Rd., Highway 9 in Wetumpka.

Live Music Sundays at Kowaliga

On the first and third Sundays of May, June and August – and the second and fourth Sundays in July – come enjoy live acoustic music on the deck of Kowaliga Restaurant from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Kowaliga will serve a full menu on Wednesdays through Sundays at the lake this summer.

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10 Bands 2 Stages 1 Day Wetumpka’s annual River & Blues Music and Arts Festival The headliner has been booked for the 2017 River and Blues Music and Arts Festival in Wetumpka, and the stages are set for a great time on the riverwalk July 22. Ten bands will perform on the two stages – the main stage behind the City Administration Building and the other at Gold Star Park – with Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas as the main stage headliner. The Cha Chas have made previous appearances at the festival, which has attracted as many as 12,000 visitors in prior years. A Louisiana native, Nathan Williams grew up with the zydeco tradition of fast and furious upbeat tunes with soul. He has toured the country, playing at Grand Ole Opry and the Lincoln Center in New York and making an appearance in the movie, In the Electric Mist with Tommy Lee Jones. He has played with King of Zydeco Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco and other accomplished zydeco musicians. River and Blues includes a juried art show with fine crafted arts and a variety of food vendors and will encompass the whole riverwalk area, said the festival committee’s Tiffany Robinson. “There will be free kids’ activities, and the music goes from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the two stages,” Robinson said. Sponsorships are available for the event, and Robinson said the support of sponsors, along with donations, keeps the event free to attendees. For sponsorships and donation information, call 334-567-5147, and look for the full schedule and band information in the June issue of Elmore County Living magazine and in The Wetumpka Herald. Nathan Williams

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Get AM

The Labor Day concert at the Lake Martin Amphitheater ends the summer on a high note

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MPed Up

The summer concert series comes to a close Labor Day weekend with the traditional jam at Lake Martin Amphitheatre (The AMP). Gates will open at 5 p.m. for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blowout event on the grassy hillside, and the show will start at 6 p.m. Bring coolers, kids, blankets, chairs and picnic baskets and be ready for a great time. Visit www.theamponlakemartin.com for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s featured performers.

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Yates Lake Bio Blitz Join the two-day bio blitz at Yates Lake West Forever Wild property near Kent on May 19 and 20. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will collect data on the types of plants, trees, wildflowers and animals at the Elmore County wildlife area, and the public is invited. Participants do not have to be educated in biology or the natural sciences to take part; nor do participants have to be present for the entire project. “Come for a couple of hours or stay all day,” said Wayne Barger at the Alabama State Lands Division. Just register with Barger at Wayne.Barger@dcnr. alabama.gov. Wear comfortable clothing and bring insect repellant, water and snacks. Participants also are encouraged to bring binoculars and a camera. The project activities will include bird walks, nature hikes, botany/butterfly walks, herp hunts and bat mist nets.

8:30 a.m. 9 a.m. 9 a.m. 11 a.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 7 p.m.

8 a.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 1 p.m.

Bio Blitz Schedule Friday, May 19

Table/Check-In Station setup Welcome volunteers and public Eric Soehren leads a bird walk Chris Taylor leads a nature hike Wayne Barger leads a botany/butterfly walk Brian Holt and Courtney Guinane lead a herp hunt Evan Lawrence and Jo Lewis monitor bat mist nets

Saturday, May 20

Setup/Welcome volunteers and public Wayne Barger leads a botany/butterfly walk Brian Holt and Courtney Guinane lead a herp hunt Chris Taylor leads a nature hike

Directions

From I-85 exit 26, head north on AL Hwy 229 for approximately 17 miles. Sign in at the parking area located on the right side of the highway (N32.64534, W85.94996).

First Sundays Crawfish

One of the best things about summer at Lake Martin is the tradition of the crawfish boil, and on the first Sunday of every month, Kowaliga Restaurant’s Chef Ban will be boiling this Southern favorite, along with all the usual fixin’s, in addition to the regular menu. The crawfish will be available only on the first Sunday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For information, call 256-215-7035.

Friday on the Green

Wind down the busy work week at The Town Green at Russell Crossroads with live music, lawn games and time with family and friends. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Friday between May 19 and Sept. 15, except June 10 (Jazz Fest weekend) and July 21 (Sun Festival Battle of the Bands).

Farmers Market at Trinity Episcopal Church

Every Saturday from May 27 through Sept. 2 from 7 a.m. to noon, located on U.S. Highway 231, the Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka hosts a farmers market for local vendors. In addition to fresh produce, vendors offer local honey, boiled peanuts, fresh-baked breads and cakes, homemade soaps and lotions, plants and a wide selection of canned jams and jellies. Selection varies weekly. Shop early for the best selection.

Catherine’s Market Wine Tastings

Come by for wine tastings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays from May 19 to Sept. 15. It’s $5 to sample a variety of wines; and then, apply that $5 to your purchase of a wine bottle of your favorite from the night’s sampling.

Crossroads Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

The Crossroads Community Garden Club members will be up early cooking pancakes for all to enjoy at the Artists’ Cabin at Russell Crossroads. Help the garden club and feed the family. For details, visit www.RussellCrossroads.com.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

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

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Millbrook Farmers Market

Fourth of July Wetumpka

Pick up fresh produce from 8 a.m. until noon at the Village Green in Millbrook every Tuesday all summer long, starting May 31. Early birds will find some growers who arrive before 8 a.m. Support your local growers and enjoy the market. Farmers markets are held season long in Tallassee, Millbrook and Wetumpka

Tallassee Farmers Market

Find local produce, homemade baked goods, home canned items and other art and craft vendors at this weekly farmers market located at 301 Barnett Blvd. From June 16 through Aug. 18, the market will be open every Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Email tallasseemarket@gmail.com or call 334-324-3492 for more information.

Wear patriotic colors and head to the riverfront to celebrate the Fourth of July at Gold Star Park in Wetumpka. There will be music by Wishbone from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This is a great time to spend with friends and family, so bring coolers, picnics, chairs and blankets and browse the food vendors at this annual event sponsored by the City of Wetumpka. The fireworks start at the close of the concert. For information, contact the City of Wetumpka at 334-567-5147 or visit www.cityofwetumpka.com.

Haunted Wetumpka Investigations

Beginning in June, in-depth paranormal investigations will take place in the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce building from 7 p.m. to midnight on the third Saturday of the month. Cost is $50 per person, and reservations are required. Call 334-567-4811 or email jyoung@wetumpkachamber.org for information and registration.

Country Music Jam

Every Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Red Hill Community Center hosts an open stage country music jam. All players, singers and listeners are welcome. Coffee and snacks are provided at this family-friendly event. No admission is charged, but donations are welcome. The community center is located at the Old Red Hill School on Alabama Highway 229 south of Kowaliga. For information, email Paul Castleberry at mcasby53@windstream.net.

Yoga on the Green

Discover your inner being with free yoga at The Town Green at Russell Crossroads at 7 a.m. Saturday mornings from May 28 to Oct. 1. Great for beginners and experienced; just bring a mat and water bottle.

Photo by Peggy Blackburn

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Movers & Shakers:

The Caseys

Story by Betsy Iler Photos by Shannon McDuffie and Betsy Iler

Elijah and Sandra Casey started the Hot Rods in the Park event with Robert Whitten four years ago

The gleaming engine of a 1967 El Camino

A customized 1968 Pontiac Firebird

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lijah and Sandra Casey just wanted to do something for the community that had been so good to them during Casey's double bout of cancer, so they enlisted the help of their friend Robert Whitten to host a car show that now draws more than 150 vintage automobiles to the Village Green. The event is free: Free to the owners who want to show off their cars; free to the public that wants to view them. The hot dogs are free. The T-shirts are free to exhibitors and spectators alike. All they ask is that folks contribute a few cans of food for the W.E.L.C.O.M.E. Center food pantry. “This community supported us while I was sick,” explained Elijah “Casey” Casey, a Millbrook native. “We just wanted to do something for the community.” In 2013, the first Hot Rods in the Park event drew about 40 cars for a drive-thru at Casey’s Automotive on Main Street in Millbrook and 75 cars at the show at the park. “My friend Robert Whitten helped us get the word out, going on the internet and to other car shows in Birmingham, Atlanta, up in Tennessee, passing out flyers,” the 66-year-old Casey said. At first, the founders paid the bill for the entire show, hot dogs and all, but as the event grew, they realized they needed some sponsors to help with the expenses. Casey’s wife of 41 years, Sandra set to work, and this year, 26 businesses signed on to provide free food and beverages, T-shirts and plaques to all participants, including The Home Depot, Front Porch Grill, First Community Financial Services and Brookside Funeral Home, among others. The show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m., said Sandra, and about 10 volunteers are enlisted to help direct the parking of cars, collect cans of food and cook the hot dogs. “We wanted to help the food pantry because they take care of so many people,” Casey said. “You just never know when you might need help, and they help everyone.” Not a juried show, there are no prizes or limits on what make or model of vehicle can enter, Casey said. “If you think your car should be in a car show, you bring it out,” he said. “We want to include everybody.” To sponsor the event, call Sandra at 334-285-3714.

Corvette

A 1941 Dodge WC-10 military carryall

A late model Chevrolet Belair

Lime green Mini Cooper

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Jeff Langham

MOVIE MAN Dr. Jeff Langham is State Assistant Superintendent for External and

Governmental Affairs and a lifelong

lover of film.

Summer

It’s time again for the summer movie season, that period running from June to August when Hollywood rolls out its biggest and best crowd-pleasers. Grab the snacks and popcorn and get ready for the films you can enjoy in your local multiplex in the weeks ahead:

June 2

Wonder Woman jumps from the pages of DC Comics and stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen and Robin Wright. As evidenced by her last adventure in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman has come “a long way baby” since her campy 1970s Lynda Carter television version days. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie – Get ready for this computer-animated treat based on the children’s novel series of the same name and starring the voices of Ed Helms, Kevin Hart and Jordan Peele. You will marvel at Captain Underpants’ valiant quest to stop the mad scientist Professor Poopypants and the Turbo Toilet 2000.

June 9

The Mummy is a reboot of the latest Mummy franchise that kicked off in 1999 starring Brendan Fraser. This newest film stars Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe and is scheduled to be released in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D. If this flick is anything like its mind-blowing trailer, this could be one of the summer’s megahits.

June 16

Cars 3 – On this same weekend last year, the blockbuster Finding Dory hit theatres. This summer, Cars 3 will be racing for box office dollars. Owen Wilson once again lends his voice to Lightning McQueen, the auto that won our hearts back in 2006 when the original Cars sped to victory at the ticket counter.

June 23

Transformers: The Last Knight, the fifth film in the series inspired by Hasbro toys, is the final time director Michael Bay will be at the helm of this franchise. Stars Mark Wahlberg and Stanley Tucci continue navigating mayhem in these perennially (and inexplicably) popular films. The Beguiled is a remake of the creepy 1970s Clint Eastwood film. Directed by Sofia Coppola, this suspense filled Civil War drama features Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning.

June 30

Despicable Me 3 – Computer animation is going to be alive and well on scenes this summer as Steve Carell, as one of the most adorable villains ever, and sidekick Kristen Wiig return in this beloved series that obliterated box office records worldwide.

July 7

Spider-Man: Homecoming marks the second reboot of the Spider-Man film franchise and stars Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey, Jr. and get ready for Michael Keaton, fresh from his triumph in the Oscar-win-

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Screening ning Birdman, to take the role of Spidey’s nemesis, The Vulture.

July 14

War for the Planet of the Apes is a sequel to the 2014 film Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and the third installment in the Planet of the Apes reboot series. How amazing that the Planet of the Apes is now in its third incarnation and is still as fresh and exciting as when the series first hit movie screens back in the summer of 1968.

July 21

Dunkirk – Prepare yourself for this epic set during the Dunkirk evacuation in the early stages of World War II. Written, co-produced and directed by wunderkind Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk is scheduled to be released in IMAX and stars Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance and Harry Styles; yes, that Harry Styles from the misbegotten boy band One Dimension, er, excuse me – One Direction!

July 28

Atomic Blonde – Femme fatale spy Charlize Theron matches wits with James McAvoy and John Goodman in this film set in 1989 Berlin. Early buzz on this film is enthusiastic and may make this a surprise hit!

August 4

The Dark Tower features Idris Elba facing off against the Man in Black (not Johnny Cash but Matthew McConaughey) and is based on the series of novels of the same name by Stephen King. Rabid fans of the book series are bringing huge expectations to this screen adaptation. Will it live up to the hype?

August 11

Annabelle Creation is a prequel to 2014’s Annabelle and the fourth film in The Conjuring franchise. If we need another

horror movie about a doll, I wonder why toy maker Mattel has not commissioned a movie on the scary doll many of us baby boomers remember growing up – Chatty Cathy.

August 18

The Hitman’s Bodyguard – Action comedy about a bodyguard (Ryan Reynolds), a hit man (Samuel L. Jackson), and a dictator (Gary Oldman). Ryan Reynolds has shown keen instincts with the projects (like the blockbuster Deadpool) he brings to the screen. With this film, he will likely have another hit on his hands.

August 25

Terminator 2: Judgment Day – This summer marks the 25th anniversary of Terminator 2, and director James Cameron has stated that the milestone seems like the perfect time for its return to the big screen in an all-new 3D version.

August 30

Leap! – The April release date on this film got changed at the last minute, so get ready for an enchanting animated film about an orphan girl whose dreams of becoming a ballerina lead her on a journey that ends in her debut at the Paris Grand Opera House. Featuring the vocal talents of Elle Fanning, Nat Wolff and Carly Rae Jepson (the girl behind the world’s catchiest tune – Call Me Maybe), here is a movie that truly celebrates girl power. With these movies and many more that will be released during the summer months, it’s time to get busy on your summer movie viewing. Keep in mind that release dates are subject to change. As I say every summer, there is no danger of the “summertime blues” as something for everyone is headed to the multiplexes in the hazy, lazy, crazy days ahead. So many movies, so little time.

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The Big Three A preview of new releases from the top gaming tycoons

It’s that time of the year again: the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) is right around the corner. The industry is abuzz with news regarding gaming’s Big Three: Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. It’s make-or-break time for the gaming giants. Gamers will only remember a few select titles from the event, and it’s up to these companies to make a good impression. For those of you unfamiliar, E3 is the video game industry’s largest annual trade show. More often than not, this is where publishers and developers announce new titles. Sometimes, in the hype contest, these games are announced so far in advance that the final product never materializes,

though this is rare. Nevertheless, it stands as testament to just how competitive E3 is. Let’s take a look at the Big Three, starting with Sony, which is currently keeping afloat with a strong array of PlayStation 4 titles. At first, it might appear the PlayStation 4 is slowing down, but there’s a huge armory of games headed down the pike for gamers who have stuck with Sony. I won’t begin to try to name them all, but a few that might be interesting include God of War 4, The Last of Us: Part 2, Days Gone and Death Stranding. This is just a smattering of content among Sony’s massive upcoming offerings. For many of the games Sony will bring to E3 2017, we’ll likely only get a trailer or something menial. For a select few games, hopefully, development will have gone well enough that there will be some gameplay available. For all of the PlayStation 4 games that Sony has been touting, they’ve been mum on release dates. I’m sure gamers across the globe are waiting for more information about when we can expect to get our hands on these games. This could take a substantial wind from the sails of Sony’s E3 presence; many of the games they’re al-

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ready working on have been announced, so my prediction is that there won’t be much in the way of new game announcements from Sony this year. The eighth console generation has been nothing but good to PlayStation 4 owners, and if E3 2017 follows suit, it’s only going to get better. So what about Microsoft? Unfortunately, the American software tycoon has failed to hit a stride in this console cycle, though it’s certainly hard to replicate the Xbox 360’s landmark success. Last year’s E3 didn’t go so well for the company, and apart from one or two possible announcements, things are looking a bit dicey for them once again. So the question remains: What can go right for Microsoft this year? Project Scorpio (working name) is a new-and-improved version of the Xbox One, akin to the PlayStation 4 Pro version. It will offer support for higherresolution televisions and more features for the avid gamer. Most importantly, the Scorpio promises to run all Xbox One games more smoothly. As we trudge further into the current console generation, games get more graphically intensive; the hardware they are played on doesn’t change. This new trend hopes to solve that. Further, Microsoft has a really strong opportunity to surprise the crowds at E3. They’ve been quiet on what new games they’re working on this year, but some well-positioned Xbox One titles include Sea of Thieves and Crackdown 3. While these two titles are heavyweight contenders, they aren’t enough to support the Xbox One in the long haul. Microsoft needs to make the most of their press conference this year, debuting new content alongside Project Scorpio. Lastly, we have Nintendo, which has struck a huge chord with gamers since the release of their Nintendo

Switch console. In the few months since its release, the Switch has dominated sales records and established itself as Nintendo’s fastest-selling system of all time. Local retailers like GameStop struggled to keep the system in stock well into April after its initial, early release in March. The popularity of the Switch was multiplied by debuting alongside The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. And while all this success is great, it does put Nintendo in something of a weird spot. Nintendo has a long history of building massive momentum while failing to maintain that excitement. It’s impossible to say whether the company buck that trend here, but a massive announcement like a new handheld console would absolutely blast its brand into the stratosphere. While I can hope, what we’ll probably get will likely be run-of-themill. Nintendo has already detailed a new Mario title, an early indication that it will to follow the time-honored Nintendo tradition and lean on the stable of recognizable characters. All things considered, I guess that’s not so bad. Who doesn’t like a little Mario or Zelda?

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Jacob Saylor

THE GAMER Video games journalist

Jacob Saylor has covered the massive

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles. Follow Jacob on Twitter @skulldrey.

Water for the Win Kathy Monroe

COMMUNITY CARE Kathy Monroe is the assistant to the

adminstrator

CFO Community Hospital. and the at

The average person has approximately 2 milthe production of ample energy to get a person lion sweat glands, and a typical summer day in through the day. Alabama can activate every single one of them! Drinking water promotes weight loss by While dehydration can happen any time, the removing by-products of fat, curbing appetite and hot summer weather increases the risk. Heat, raising metabolism. Often when hungry, the body humidity, body condition, activity level and some is actually sending a message to drink more. So, medications contribute to how fast the body try a glass of water first. Then, eat if still hungry. becomes dehydrated. In addition to improving digestive functions Nutrients do not only come in the form of food and waste elimination, water flushes out toxins – water is the most important, and most often through sweat and urination. Individuals who overlooked, nutrient. A person could survive for are well hydrated have fewer bladder or kidney some time without food but only days without infections because accumulated toxins are flushed water. The human body simply cannot live without. Drinking more water is a safe, healthy way to out water. Staying hydrated is one of the most help detox the body. important things a person could do to contribute Human body organs require sufficient amounts to good health. of water to function properly. That includes the The body is comprised largest organ – skin. mostly of water and Drinking water moisturproper hydration deterizes skin, keeping it fresh, mines, in large part, how soft and smooth – thus well the body’s systems diminishing wrinkles. function. Water serves as The exact amount of fuel for the body. Every water needed per day den Red, hot and dry skin single tissue in the body pends on the individual. n Nausea needs water. Diet is imFor example, people who n S eizures portant, but there is nothexercise or work outside n C onfusion ing more important than would need a lot more nR apid Heartbeat sufficient water intake water. Extreme heat and n Loss of consciousness and proper hydration. activity, as well as some There is no replacemedications, may necesIf someone appears to have ment for water. Never sitate more water intake. symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 consider sweet juices, As the temperature immediately. Move the person to a soda, tea or coffee as and humidity rise, be cooler area, out of direct sunlight, substitutes for pure wamindful of dehydration. and apply cool, wet towels. ter. They simply will not Know the signs and act hydrate as well. Sugar, quickly to avoid probsalt and caffeine actually lems. Some common dehydrate the body. If symptoms of mild dehymorning coffee is a must, consider drinking a tall dration are: feeling thirsty, headache or lightheadglass of water alongside. edness, fatigue, cramps, decreased urine output Water increases energy and alertness and comor dark-colored urine, dry skin and/or no tears. bats fatigue. A person cannot click on all cylinders Heat stroke is a medical emergency and is life when dehydrated. Proper hydration improves threatening. body functions, aids the circulatory system, aids Pay careful attention to hydration during the in digestion, promotes good sleep and assists in hot days ahead and drink lots of water.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Elmore County EMA Preparedness Fair April 8, 2017 Wetumpka 1. McGruff the Crime Dog

2. Alison, Benjamin and Thomas Crowell

3. Shauna, Paisley and Jessie Williams

4. Joann, Kate and Kendall Johnson

5. Drew, Candace, Mallory and Ava Glass

6. Jason, Emilie, Emma and Carson Johnson

7. Caylee and Cory Bowden and Savannah and Garrett Wood

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

River Region Women in Business April 20, 2017 Wind Creek Casino Wetumpka 1. Essence Drake 2. Candace Garner

3. Gennice Burch

4. Lisa Pinson 5. Beverly Davis and Vicki Seeger 6. Shea Irvine and Meghan Fuller 7. Mary Jo Starcher 8. Brandy Bowman and Edith McCary 9. Rebecca Spear, Sonia Devine and Amber Beasley 10. Sade Howard and Tyra and Natacha Graham 11. Audra Spears, Amy Passaretti and Betsy Iler

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Lake Jordan HOBOs Clean Up May 3, 2017 Lake Jordan 1. Barbara Dreyer

3 2. Steve Walter

3. Mary Ann Owen and Martha Hardy

4. Jessica Shaw and Taylor McCrory

5. Mary Jankay

6. John and Debbie Mitchell

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Honors Day

May 4, 2017 Wetumpka High School 1. Kim Coley, Taylor Mitchell and Laurie McKissick

2. Madison Conley and Ashylnn Wynfree

3. Rhonda, Gene and Megan Bryant

4. Laylah Anderson and Lance Lynn

5. Chris Shea and Catina Swindall

6. Ruth, Jenelle, Michaella and Timothy Freitag

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Tallassee Softball Tournament

May 3, 2017 Southside Middle School 1. Sonja Moore

2. Brooke Barron

3. Michelle Cole

4. Kim and Kynasian Parker

5. Alex Cole, Emma Bridgeman and Jordan Rhodes

6. Ann and Mitch Walls

7. Chet Stewart, Brian Clayton and Matt Coker

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

River Region Duck Dash May 6, 2017 Wetumpka 1. Mary Kate, Harrison and David Waters 2. Stacy and Alyssa Taylor and Champ 3. David and Kelly Chasteen 4. Kawanda and Ayden Whitsett and Alisha and Jordyn Broadhead

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

2 3

OUT & ABOUT

Relay for Life April 28, 2017 Tallassee City Hall

1. Jahazel Hooks and Deborah Davis

2. Bailey Brumbeloe 3. Ragan Hagan and Nick Talley 4. Cody and Paisley Moore 5. Lee and Jackson Gantt 6. Kim, Beckah, Bowman and Brody Brumbeloe

8 9

7. Horace and Kay Thompson, Shanda Roberts, Erica Williams and Tamara Bozeman 8. Melinda Emfinger, Vickie Spivey, Donna Warren, Shawn McClain and Sawyer and Jennie Rhinehart 9. Brittany Henderson, Calvin Wilson, Kusetta and Jonathon Hayden, Steve and Laura Harris, Deborah Davis, Jill Samuelson, Connie Rivers and Ian McMillan

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Earth Day

April 22, 2017 Wetumpka Elementary School 1. Minnie Pringle, Bonnie Sullivan, Tiffany Robinson and Valencia Smith 2. Jan Alvarado

4 3. Deborah Kelso 4. John Barnes 5. Shelby and Lisa Clark 6. Sharon Potts

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

2 4

Art Under the Stars May 4, 2017 6

Wetumpka Elementary School 1. Bonnie Sullivan

2. Tracy Wright

3. Minnie Pringle

4. Cally Chris and Natasha McMillan

5. Kim Peterson, Payton Finch and Brodie and David Peterson

6. Cederia, Zaria, Cedric, Deshawna and Petra Dennis

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Business & Service Directory Hillabee Towers Great Location • Peaceful Setting Comfortable Living

ONE MONTH FREE RENT Restrictions Apply

Rent Based On Income, 62 Years And Older Or Mobility Impaired Refrigerator, Stove, Carpet, Blinds, Heat/Air, Tile With Carpet, Laundry Room Facilities – Electric and Water Included

Call Hillabee Towers Today!

(256) 329-0552

1001 Tallapoosa Street Alexander City, AL

Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic

Slapout

River Ridge Steakhouse

A Beautiful Creation

Eclectic Town Hall

Lake Pharmacy

Emerald Mountain Store

Austin’s Flowers

Moose's

The Golden Frog

Redland Market

Camo Country

Eclectic Library

The Boy’s Store

Seivers Accounting

Alabama State Employees

Johnson’s Furniture

First Community Bank

Wetumpka Depot Players

Credit Union

A Touch of Class

Smokin S BBQ

Angel Locksmith

Elmore Community Hospital

Kent Eagle

Verizon Wireless

Wetumpka Preschool

Y Petro

Unplugged

Wetumpka City Library

Russell Lands

Parker Tire

Must Stop Café

Wetumpka Chamber of

Russell Marine

RoadRunner

Alfa Realty Wetumpka

Commerce

Nail’s

Herron Hill Pharmacy

Century 21 Brandt Wright

City of Wetumpka

Cotton’s BBQ

Friendship Grocery

Realty

Administration Bldg.

The Apothecary

Wachovia Bank

Coosa River Adventures

Community Hospital

BB&T

Stoddard’s Bait Shop

Verizon Wireless

Tallassee Health & Rehab

Jackson Thornton

Collier Ford

First Community Bank

5 Points Store

Lee’s Auto Repair

The Prissy Hen

Lucretia Cauthen Realty

Ben Atkinson Motors

McQuick Printing Company

Wee Ones Daycare

Hankins Insurance

Wetumpka Health & Rehab

Hog Rock BBQ

Canal Grocery

Tropical Tan Zone

Tallassee

First Community Bank

Lake Martin

Millbrook

Bliss Salon

Wetumpka

Millbrook Chamber of Commerce

Bennett’s Archery

Wetumpka YMCA

Kim’s Corner

Realty Central

First Community Bank

Adams Drugs

Wetumpka Flea Market

Stone & Britt Law

Russell Do It Center

Bell Chiropractic

Gene Jones Insurance

Bumper’s

Wetumpka Urgent Care

Karen’s Mane Tamers

USAmeriBank

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Our Advertisers â&#x20AC;˘ To Join, Call 334-567-7811 Capital Heights Place.............................................................................................................4 4 Collier Ford.................................................................................................................................1 1 Community Hospital................................................................................................................3 Hillabee Towers........................................................................................................................4 4 Jackson Thornton....................................................................................................................4 5 Karen's Mane Tamers.............................................................................................................4 4 Kowaliga Whole Health.........................................................................................................4 4 Mark's Service Center...................................................................................................................... 1 1 Russell Lands...................................................................................................................................2, 48 Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC.............................................................................................1 1 Wetumpka Flea Market.........................................................................................................1 1

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Don't see your ad in this issue of Elmore County Living? Neither did the thousands of potential customers who read our magazine monthly. To advertise please contact - Brandy Bowman 334-524-2319 - Tabby Edwards 334-799-9236 or stop by our office located at 300 Green Street, Wetumpka AL 36092

The freezer is your friend MK Moore

SOUTHERN DELIGHTS Mary Katherine Moore is an Alabama State Fair pepper jelly

champion, has butchered a wild hog in

her kitchen and grows

heirloom to-

matoes in her backyard.

I hate waste, especially food waste. Around our house, you’ll hear many cries of “Someone better eat that chicken salad before it goes bad!” Being an information seeker, I took to the internet to find out just how much food we Americans waste. Research shows that somewhere between $600-$2,000 a year goes in the trash. I think I’m going to start keeping a record of the dollar amounts of food I chuck just to see. Now I’m not saying that we throw out lots of food. But being a two-person household, many grocery items are not built for our little family. We end up with a container of Hamburger Helper that no one eats for lunch. A box makes enough for four, and we usually split three portions between us, leaving that one lone portion stranded in the fridge; although, I will admit it does make a nice meal eaten cold over the sink with a conference call plugged into one ear. Yes, we eat the Helper. Don’t judge. Or take cabbage. We love cabbage, but we are just not going eat a whole cabbage in a couple of days. If we did, we would have no friends, if you get my drift. And then there are the groceries that are not made in portions for anyone’s family. The small things can add up. I’m talking to you, tomato paste. Recipes are notorious for asking for a spoon of this or a quarter cup of that. So you basically are faced with tossing the rest of the package or leaving the ingredient out of the recipe. Why do recipe writers do this? Call for a tablespoon of tomato paste. I know it is a little can, but I also know that I’m probably going to need another spoonful soon. And I will have to open another can. Enter the freezer. In protest of tossing that open can of tomato paste with one spoonful missing, I started freezing the rest into recipefriendly blobs. I cover a small plate with plastic

wrap, portion out the unused contents of the can into spoon-sized blobs and stick the plate in the freezer. Once they are frozen, I wrap the individual blobs with the plastic and put them all in a bag. When I need a spoonful, I just pop a paste cube out of the freezer. Another example is citrus. What typically happens when you need a tablespoon of lemon juice? You cut the lemon, squeeze out the required juice from one half; and then, stash the other half in the fridge. Two weeks later, you find it green and furry. Freezer to the rescue! When you need a tablespoon of lemon for a recipe, squeeze all the juice from the entire lemon. Use what you need and pour the rest into the empty holes of an ice cube tray. Freeze. Next time you need a spoon of lemon, you’ll have one handy. A lemon cube also makes a nice addition to a glass of tea or an adult beverage. This method can be used for any leftover juice. It can even be used for wine! On the rare occasion you have a little wine left in the bottle, freeze in your handy ice tray. Next time you need a splash for a sauce, you don’t have to open a whole bottle – unless, of course, you want to open a whole bottle. The ice tray can be pressed into service for that quarter cup of canned chicken broth left over after measuring a cup out of a can or box. Get into the habit of labelling the bags of cubes. I’m bad about thinking I can identify my hoard of cube bags. Once, I grabbed a couple of cubes of chicken stock for a quick sauce. Upon tasting, the sauce was not horrible but instead was weirdly sweet. Turns out I had grabbed a couple of cubes of apple juice. The cubes in the freezer won’t last forever either, so don’t leave them in the freezer for more than six months. If you haven’t used them up within that time, drop all your savory cubes in a big pot of soup. Or melt all the juice cubes together and throw in some vodka. Expiration date problem solved.

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