Elmore County Living June 2015 by Tallapoosa Publishers

2015

RIVER &

BLUES PREVIEW

Elmore June 2015

County Living

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Kids & Lemonade Stands Think You Can Cook? Summer is for Musicals 1

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

From the Managing Editor's Desk

STAFF

Fun and relaxation are the order of summer days in Elmore County, and whatever your interests, there’s something going on that you won’t want to miss. Make plans early for the local summer theatre productions, including two popular musicals at The Wetumpka Depot and Millbrook Playhouse. In Wetumpka, GRITS (Girls Raised in the South) is on stage now with an entertaining look at unique upraising of Southern women. Next month, Smoke on the Mountain will return to the Depot as the Sanders Family Singers prepares for a Saturday night singing at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. At the Millbrook Playhouse, Daddy Warbucks and the beloved orphan, Annie, will pick up where the original Annie! production left off. This time, the musical features an old-fashioned romance when Oliver Warbucks learns he must marry within 60 days to provide a “proper” home for Annie. Peggy Blackburn’s article on page 20 includes performance dates, ticket prices and website and phone information, so you can make those plans. While you are adding some fine art to the summer schedule, be sure to include a stop at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery where the Kaleidoscope exhibit features the varied works of six local artists. Be sure to take a friend with you – it’s always fun to discuss the styles and techniques represented in a show like this one. Turn to page 28 for details. Get active this month with bicycling, horseback riding or paddleboarding. Our writers have put together a review of opportunities for each of these sports, so you can check them out now, before the summer slips away. Visit pages 10 (Saddle Up!), 14 (Getting in Gear) and 22 (Paddling for a Purpose) to get started. You’ll be looking for some refreshment after all that exercise; so don’t pass up Angela Hardgrave’s story about kids and lemonade stands on page 32. And when you drive by a stand, be sure to stop and help the neighborhood kids learn some lessons about customer service and economics. Next month promises more rewards with the City of Wetumpka’s “So You Think You Can Cook?” celebrity chef competition, fireworks and the annual River & Blues event in Gold Star Park. Check out the details on pages 18 and 26, and we’ll see you there!

President & Publisher

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

Kenneth Boone

kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com

General Manager

Shannon Elliott

shannon.elliott@thewetumpkaherald.com

Managing Editor Betsy Iler

betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com

Editor

Peggy Blackburn

peggy.blackburn@thewetumpkaherald.com

Distribution Manager David Kendrick

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultant Jayne Carr

jayne.carr@thewetumpkaherald.com

Creative Services Audra Spears

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors Barry Chrietzberg Jeff Langham Mary K. Moore Willie G. Moseley Griffin Pritchard Jacob Saylor Kevin Taylor

Kathy Monroe Bill Goss Angela Hardgrave Cara Clark Cory Diaz Robert Hudson

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 334-567-7811 All content, including all stories and photos, are copyright of

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

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER Rockin' Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters bring the authentic sounds of the bayou to the Wetummpka River and Blues Music and Arts festival on July 18. More than 10 bands will perform on two stages at the 2015 event.

20 In Every Issue

Features

Columns 36

Back in the Day

Saddle Up!

Extra! Extra!

Movie Man

Getting in Gear

Out & About

Community Care

Think You Can Cook?

Coming Up

The Gamer

Summer Theatre

52.

Where to Find Us

Southern Delights

Historic Forts

Glorious Musicals Sun Protection Factor Addressing MMO Issues Not the Sharpest Knife

26 28 32 6

Horseback Riding Builds Esteem Cycling Keeps Family on Track Area Celebrities Vie For Title Local Troupes Perform

Paddling For a Purpose

Balancing Act for Fitness and Fun

River & Blues

This year's Gold Park Concert

Kaleidoscope Exhibit

KFMG features colorful show

Lemons, Sugar, Smiles Fresh Squeezed Fun for Sale

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News Briefs

In Elmore County Calendar of Upcoming Events Distribution List

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Tractor Show Benefits Firemen The annual Alabama Antique Tractor Show and Pull went off without a hitch in the town of Elmore, drawing crowds from across the area. The event, which included children’s pedal tractor races, antique equipment and tractors, a kid’s zone and a barbecue cookoff, was free to the public, with donations and event entry fees split between Southern Antique Iron and the Elmore Volunteer Fire Department. “Considering the weather we’ve had, I was extremely pleased,” said Southern Antique Iron Association president Tony Johnson. “We had 50 percent chance of rain, and a lot of our out-of-town people either didn’t come because of that or they waited until (Saturday) morning to leave. Some of the hardcores just came on out anyway.”

Wetumpka Softball Team Wins State Championship The Wetumpka High School softball team won its first state championship in 33 years. The Class 6A competition was held May 16 at Lagoon Park in Montgomery. Indians softball coach Randy Belyeu credited his senior-laden team’s mental toughness for bouncing back. “We’ve had close games all year, they’ve come back. They’ve been behind by several runs several games, including regionals, and they’re just mentally tough.” Belyeu said.

Wetumpka Craterfest Rescheduled

Edgewood wins seventh straight title Members of the Edgewood Academy baseball team celebrated winning their seventh straight Alabama Independent School Association championship after defeating Macon-East Montgomery Academy, 18-5, on May 7 in the Class AA finale at Patterson Field in Montgomery. With the championship-clinching victory, Edgewood tied the state record with seven in a row with Vestavia Hills (AHSAA, 1994-2000).

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Rain postponed Crater Festival in Wetumpka April 25, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of organizers. The festive event has been rescheduled for Oct. 31. Activities will still include arts and crafts vendors, musical entertainment, a kids’ zone, concessions and a focus on the Wetumpka Impact Crater. A date and time for the Cratercrawl 5K and Fun Run haven’t yet been determined, but should be announced in the near future. New details will be posted at www. wetumpkachamber. org.

Farm City Teaches Valuable Lessons

Extra! Extra! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Students from Tallassee’s Southside Middle and Eclectic Elementary schools visited Wetumpka in April to take part in the fourth annual 4-H Farm City event. “It goes back to the education and the kids,” said Chris George, a local farmer and one of the event’s organizers. “When you ask a kid where his food comes from, and he tells you WinnDixie, we’re doing them a disservice.”

Beyer named top rural engineer Elmore County Engineer Richie Beyer (center) was named the 2014 National Rural County Engineer of the Year in late April at the national convention. Beyer received the award during the National Association of County Engineers Conference in Daytona Beach, Florida. “It’s a great honor, and it shows the class of people I work with from the county

commission to the staff at the highway department,” Beyer said. “Having served as president of the national association, I have seen first-hand a number of great engineers, so to be considered and selected is a great honor.” The rural county division in the association means that engineer services a county with a population of 100,000 or less.

Police Work in the Blood Law enforcement is a family tradition in which Eclectic family takes pride. Brothers Blake and Chase Reed were promoted to corporals in the Montgomery Police Department in early April. Blake joined the Montgomery Police force in July 2009, and, in 2011, Chase followed suit. Another Reed brother, Travis, also is a member of the Montgomery PD, while their father is a sergeant for Elmore County Sheriff’s Department. Blake and Chase were both promoted to corporal earlier in April amid a slew of qualified candidates, said Montgomery Police Sgt. Brian Champlin. Blake has earned a Life Saving Medal for rescuing a baby after a car accident.

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Controlled Burn Gives Realistic Practice A recent concerted firefighting effort by the Tallassee Fire Department and the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department on a blazing house located on Gilmer Avenue may have appearered to be a fire call but was actually a planned event. Traffic was routed around fire engines parked in the road, as personnel clad in firefighting gear tried to extinguish the large fire. The effort was actually a scheduled practice session designed to benefit the personnel with both organizations. “It was primarily for several firefighters going through FF1 (Fire Fighter 1) certification,” said Tallassee Fire Chief Travis Jones. “This counted as the live fire exercise they have to do.”

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Saddle Up! Story by Cory Diaz Photos by Barry Chrietzberg

Angie Briggum walks Mary Claire around the pen while fellow students watch

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Local horse camps welcome summer riding students

Summer horseback riding camp builds confidence, camaraderie ... and it’s a lot of fun

earn to trust. Learn to develop confidence. Learn to tackle obstacles. These objectives don't have to take children years to pick up but instead can happen in just a few days this summer through horseback riding lessons at local stables. Horseback riding lessons, can translate into life lessons. Offering year-round classes and single-day lessons for beginner to experienced riders, as well as full week and weekend long camps during the summer, Angie Briggum, owner of WHOA 4 God Horse Camps in Millbrook, and Rose Primavera, owner of Shade Tree Riding Stables in Millbrook, said prospective riders come to their trails to learn about horses, as well as safety and respect. They leave with self-confidence, friendships and more, Primavera said. One of the things that makes horseback riding so special is that it is a social activity between rider and horse, as well as an opportunity to mingle with fellow riders, she noted. “It’s about the camaraderie. (Horseback riding) is giving them a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Primavera said. “When we do our summer camps, they ride the same horse every day, and they really bond with the animal. It’s a great experience for the kids. It gives them confidence that they can do it, and that confidence grows every single day. When they start the camp, some have never even been on a horse, and by the end of it, they’re cantering. Friendships grow between the kids and other kids and the horses.” When riders enter WHOA’s stables, it’s all about finding that perfect match and properly caring for the horse. Briggum is a big believer in aligning the rider and horse

personality. “I’ve got nine horses to match kids with, and they are like people. They have their own personalities,” Briggum said. “Some horses don’t get along with some riders. With my 30 years experience, you can tell. These horses are very affectionate, you can love on them. If something is not clicking, we rotate you until you find that perfect horse. There is a chemistry there, but you can’t force it.” Primavera said instructor Natalie Smith at Shade Tree teaches students first to be safe around animals that weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Part of that is appreciating their perspective of the world. “The horses’ eyes are on the sides of their heads, so you don’t walk straight up to the horse because they can’t see you,” said Primavera. “When you are directly behind them, put your hand on their (hindquarters) because that makes them aware that you are there.” Horses are naturally flight animals, hardwired by nature to run from the potentially threatening unknown. Briggum teaches the same contact with the horse at all times to avoid injury. It’s a lesson that is instilled from day one. “The first day of camp, we’ll have them find a horse,” Briggum said. “They learn the correct way to feed a horse, how to catch the horse, put it back in the barn and groom it properly from head-to-toe (or hoof). They’ll learn all the body parts of the horse, how to safely maneuver the horse on the ground and go through obstacles. Then they’ll learn how to ride. We teach riding bareback, because bareback teaches confidence and balance. It’s a fun-filled, educational

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week.” Briggum said students will even have the opportunity to take their horses into the water to build trust, and the ensuing feeling of accomplishment is a character builder. She said learning the fundamentals prepares students for success in the saddle. One of the basics is that “whoa” means stop. But for some, WHOA is the first step in a journey. WHOA 4 God also often works with children with emotional problems, and Briggum said her reward is seeing kids gain valuable life lessons, on top of honing their riding skills. “You learn to trust here,” Briggum said. “You learn teamwork. We nurture these kids, teach them right from wrong on the horses and teach them how to get along with everybody. The best therapy I ever have (is) seeing a kid happy on that horse. It makes all the hard work worth it. You know you’ve done good. This is my dream job come true.” For Primavera, too, it’s all about the kids. “I love the animals, and I love the kids,” Primavera said. “I love watching the kids grow. It really is a great experience.”

Emily and Mylee react differently to a lesson's content Briggum reviews grooming supplies with students

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t i g n i t t e G r a e G n i

Story by Cara Clark Photos by Barry Chrietzberg 14

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Looking for a healthy, outdoor family activity? Strap on a helmet and climb aboard a two-wheeler

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Jonathan and Alicia Yarboro try to go cycling with kids Stanton and Josephine at least once a week

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Whether riding an all-terrain mountain bike or a high performance road model, cycling is good for you.

t’s a feeling of exhilaration – propelling through space and time. It’s bicycling. You can make it as complicated as a 10-speed highperformance racing bike or as simple as backing up your pedals to brake an old-style cruiser, but balancing and peddling a two-wheeled machine speaks to the child in everyone. Pastor Jonathan Yarboro and his wife, Alicia, share that Peter Pan feeling with their children for the joy of recreation, the practicality of exercise and the liberation of high spirits with weekly cycling trips around their Wetumpka neighborhood. Daughters – Stanton, 12, who rides a 10-speed, and Josephine, 9, on a three-speed – ride together often. “We started riding primarily because it’s a form of exercise all four of us could do together when our children were little,” Yarboro said. “We started out when my youngest was 2.” To make cycling accessible for their toddler, Yarboro attached a half bike

to the back of his, essentially creating a safe bicycle for two to wheel around town. “We live in west Wetumpka, and there’s not a lot of traffic on this side of town,” Yarboro said. “There’s not a whole lot of traffic, so the neighborhood is pretty conducive to bike riding. With the weather warming up, we’re going to be riding more. “I’ve ridden bikes all my life, so it’s always been a great recreation for me,” said Yarboro, who grew up in Birmingham. “I was one of those kids that was out of the house as soon as I got home from school. If you wanted to go somewhere, you had to have a bicycle, so I grew up riding all over.” Yarboro, 49, said the benefits of cycling are numerous. “For me, bicycling is the healthiest form of exercise,” he said. “It’s not as hard on your body as some activities, and it keeps you connected to your surroundings. There’s also the social aspect of it. My daughters ride their bikes with other little girls who live in our neighborhood, and it’s a

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wonderful bonding experience.” He said there are also life lessons to be learned in cycling. “Someone is going to have a wreck – something is always going to come up,” Yarboro said. “That teaches kids about life. You’re dependent upon yourself to get where you are going. You are the motor in biking. It puts you in tune with yourself and what you are able to do. You always have to be attentive to the environment – not just in the neighborhood but also the condition of the road. It’s also a good sneaky way to get kids to exercise.” All that’s a plus when your family is “outdoorsy,” and the season to enjoy recreation outside has arrived. “Wintertime is not good for the Yarboro family,” he said. “We like to be outside, and we spend a lot of time on the river and on the lake. ” The family also spends time on the tarmac, enjoying its many benefits. “Biking is so positive and a great opportunity for social bonding,” Yarboro added.

Lee Macon and Jim McGehee

So, you think you can cook? Story by Cara Clark Photos by Leslie Bailey

Sparks will fly when local celebrity chefs team up to whip up gourmet mystery fare at Wetumpka’s Independence Celebration in Gold Star Park July 4. A fundraiser for Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders of Alabama, the Iron Chef-styled competition will begin at 4 p.m., followed by a performance by the band, Wishbone, and the city’s spectacular annual fireworks display, said Tiffany Robinson, special events and tourism manager for the City of Wetumpka. The “So, you think you can cook?” competition, will feature Wetumpka’s Mayor Jerry Willis and his son, Fire

Chief Greg Willis; Revenue Commissioner Lee Macon and City IT Director Jim McGehee; Coach Ron Dickerson and his daughter, Rashawn; and City Economic Development Director Lynn Weldon with Councilmember Rebecca Thornton. Mayor Willis told his fellow competitors to prepare for consolation prizes, as he plans to take home the trophy. “It’s hard to put a professional chef in with a bunch of amateurs,” Willis joked. “They aren’t going to have a chance. We’re going to take this basketful of ingredients and make a masterpiece.”

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Rashawn Blassingame and Coach Ron Dickerson

Lynn Weldon and Rebecca Thornton

Mayor Jerry Willis and Greg Willis

While the fire chief will stand beside the mayor at the grill, Willis said he wouldn’t rely on his son to come up with a winning recipe. “I think I’m going to have to carry the load in this,” the mayor said. “He’s interested in putting out fires, so if there’s a fire on the grill, I can count on him to be in charge of safety. As far as cooking goes, I’m not sure.” Willis said he’s well prepared for the heat of the competition. “I already have an edge on the competition, because I do watch these cooking shows, and I will prepare myself for this,” Willis said. “Our team will be fired up and ready to go.” Despite the mayor’s confidence, Weldon said she hopes her partner will bring innovative ideas to the table. “We’re really excited about this, and I think we’re more scared of Jim McGehee and Lee Macon than anyone,” she said. “The judges score 30 percent for presentation, and they are pretty off-the-cuff. You never know what they are going to do.” Weldon acknowledged that the most creative ideas would likely win the day. Planning, she said, will be virtually impossible, because no one has a clue as to what ingredients will be in the mystery baskets. “We all get the same things and have to come up with a recipe,” she said. “I’m a cook but have to study over and think about what I’m doing. I look in my pantry and decide I have to go to the grocery store. My daughter can look in and, using what is there, come up with a gourmet meal in 20 minutes. “There’s no way to prepare. What do you study? Will it be meat? Will it be a dessert? No matter what it is, I think everybody is going to have a blast. We’re going to have a really good time with it.” Robinson said she isn’t ready to wager on who will bring home the best dish. “It’s just hard to tell who will win,” Robinson said. “Some people will be great with presentation, and others will be better at putting ingredients together. Some of them probably are great at cooking, but they also will get points on originality and how many ingredients they include. There are a lot of factors involved. It’s a really good competition for a great cause.” On a serious note, Mayor Willis added, “We have a lot of really good teams taking part, and this is a great event and a chance to contribute to an important organization. We’re proud that our city is going to be part of it.” Entertainment in Gold Star Park will continue after the winning chefs are crowned. Wishbone will play from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the city’s fireworks display will close out the schedule for the city’s free Fourth of July events. For more information, contact Robinson at 334567-1384.

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Summer Theater

Desirae Lewis, Adrian Borden, Kim Mason and Cindy Veazey bring to life the characters and music of GRITS the Musical.

Annie Warbucks in Millbrook GRITS and Smoke in Wetumpka Story by Peggy Blackburn Photo by Kristy Meanor

While the mercury rises outside, area thespians are feeling the heat of stage lights as they rehearse upcoming productions at local theatres. Wetumpka Depot Players this month will present the community theatre debut of GRITS (Girls Raised In The South) and next month will feature Smoke on the Mountain while Annie Warbucks is in production for the Millbrook Community Players’ stage. The Depot is stirring up a big pot of home-cooked humor with GRITS. Based on the wildly popular books, GRITS Guide to Life, Putting on the GRITS and Friends are FOREVAH, the material is Steel Magnolias meets Southern Belle. “When GRITS author and Alabama native, Deborah Ford visited Wetumpka last fall, several folks around town told her about the Depot and our reputation for doing wonderful work. She called me and visited with me at the theatre and told me about the musical, GRITS,” said Depot Executive Director and GRITS director Kristy Meanor. “I believe that some things are just meant to be and my chance encounter with this delightfully colorful author sold me on her show.” The material covers everything from sweet tea (the house wine of the South), road trips with your best

girlfriends, as well as a song and monologue about the love/hate relationship women have with girdles. The show plays June 15-18 and June 19-20 at 7:30 p.m. and June 21 at 2 p,m. “One of the Depot Players’ most beloved musicals of all time is Smoke on the Mountain,” said Meanor. “It was produced originally when we were still in the train depot in our first space behind the United Methodist Church. When we relocated to our present location in 1999, and when our new-to-us old grocery store was still in a very primitive state, the crowd-pleasing audience favorite seemed to be a great choice to kick off our opening season in this building.” Set in North Carolina in 1938, Smoke on the Mountain follows the Sanders Family Singers as they perform at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church’s Saturday Night Gospel Sing. The talented singing group is quirky, flawed and uniquely entertaining. “Our audiences will become the congregation and enjoy over 30 classic gospel tunes that bring back memories of a simpler time,” said Meanor. “Audiences that remember all night singings and dinner on the grounds will adore the music and story of Smoke on the

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Mountain. In fact, it will be a challenge for them not to sing along.” The production is directed by one of the Depot Theatre’s founders, Hazel Jones. Show dates are July 30 and 31, Aug. 1, 6- 8, 13- 15 and 20-21 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available at the Depot box office or online at wetumpkadepot.com. In nearby Millbrook, the action in Annie Warbucks will pick up right where its predecessor, Annie, left off. “Child Welfare Commissioner Harriet Doyle arrives on the scene to inform Daddy Warbucks he must marry in 60 days, so the newly-adopted Annie can have a proper mother,” said John Collier, Millbrook Players executive director. The play includes all the ingredients that made the original Annie production so successful. This familyfriendly musical, with an old-fashioned romance thrown in for good measure, features a cast of more than 40. Annie Warbucks will take the stage July 16-18 and July 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. and July 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $11 in advance and $12 the day of the show. Cost for children ages 6 to 12 is $9 in advance and $10 the day of the show. For tickets, visit millbrooktheatre. com or call 334-782-7317.

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Chilton Surgical Associates, P.C.

Dr. Jon Binkerd M.D. General Surgeon

Paddling for a Purpose 22

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Paddleboarders take off in this year's annual SUP The South Paddle for a Purpose race at Children's Harbor on Lake Martin

Story by Cory Diaz Photos by Robert Hudson

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Tristan Cooper hits the beach at this year's annual Paddle for a Purpose race

ummer is an open invitation to frolic through sun-washed days on Elmore County’s lakes and rivers, and paddleboarding lately has become a mode of choice frolicking for more and more people. Wetumpka native, Amanda Chandler, said she tried out the water sport three years ago and soon committed to buying her own board. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Chandler said. “I tried it out at Lake Martin a couple of times, really liked it and ended up buying one.” The paddleboard, which some liken to a cross between a surfboard and a kayak, is longer than traditional surfboards, providing riders more stability as they balance on top of the board and paddle. It’s a sport that’s catching on quickly, and Chandler said she sees increasing numbers of paddlers

adopting the activity in Elmore County. “In the summertime, there’s a bunch of people out there; paddleboarding has grown a whole lot,” she said. “We now have a paddle group, and we meet once a month, and the group will paddle together.” Chandler, who was introduced to the sport by a friend, said people come from outlying areas, such as Auburn and Troy, to spend leisurely time on the water. She likes paddling with friends, not only as a safety measure to keep an eye out for each other and motorized vessels on the lake or river, but also for the sense of camaraderie that a group shares. Chandler’s group launches almost every Saturday at sunrise, taking off from Children’s Harbor in northern Elmore County to share the day’s adventures. “What’s great about paddleboarding is you can go places that you can’t get to in a boat or with other bigger vessels,” Chandler said. “You can paddle

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Some 60 racers turned out for the fourth annual race to benefit the children's camp

down small creeks and stuff like that.” Chandler attributes the growing popularity of paddling to the fun and the fitness it provides. “I think it’s something different, and it definitely gives you a great core workout. It’s also really relaxing,” Chandler said. “You’re using your arms to propel yourself in the water. To do that, you have to keep your core tight. Instead of bending over, you have a slight bend in your knees to keep your posture and not wear yourself out. It’s a good core workout, because you stay tight the whole time and use your arms.” While there’s not much room on the board, Chandler said, when she goes out on a trip she has a lifejacket, a leash that she attaches to her ankle and the board – insurance in case of a spill – and a water bottle to keep herself hydrated. Paddleboarding isn’t necessarily an activity for the

adrenaline junkie, but it does require the rider to be alert for traffic on the water. Paddling requires some serious exertion at times in making turns or battling turbulent water. “The lake is pretty wide open. The main thing is with all the boats and everything, you just have to make sure you are in a safe area,” Chandler said. Each year at Children’s Harbor, Chandler said, the paddle group participates in the Paddle for a Purpose paddleboard race as part of the StandUp Paddle (SUP) the South circuit. This year’s event was May 30 and featured 6-mile, 3-mile and 1-mile surf style races for paddleboarders. For prospective paddlers, Coosa River Adventures and Coosa Outdoor Center, located in downtown Wetumpka, sell and rent paddleboards and all the necessary equipment for whitewater and flat-water conditions. The rental cost is approximately $39.

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Story by Kevin Taylor

une in to hot blues music at the fourth annual Wetumpka River and Blues Music and Arts Festival July 18 with music starting at 2 p.m. on the Main and Gold Star stages. Rockin’ Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters headline this year’s festival as they bring a generous slice of New Orleans-style blues to the main stage just after 8 p.m. “They offer roots-type music. This is the kind of music that you have no other choice but to stand up, dance and have a good time,” Wetumpka’s Thad Hankins explained. “I saw them perform at the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, took the opportunity to talk with the band, and they agreed to perform here.” In addition to soulful music, the festival features plenty of great eats and cool treats for young and old to enjoy. There will also be a variety of arts and crafts vendors located between the two stages along the riverwalk, so people can browse and buy hand-made creations. It’s a great time to sample tasty barbecue, as well. In years past, the Cookin’ on the Coosa barbecue contest helped raise funds for the Central Alabama Community Foundation and, recently, the Wetumpka Boys and Girls Club. The barbecue contest has become a smash hit for fans of great food, as well for contestants. The festival has its origins in a group of enthusiasts who felt a music festival in the river region was a natural, though in 2010, Wetumpka didn’t offer a genre-specific music festival. Hankins brainstormed ideas in a blog to find something different for the area than the usual fare of country, pop and urban music. At the same time, he noticed that Montgomery’s Jubilee City Fest had lost its luster.

“I really wanted to create a festival to put out a New Orleans type ’mishmash’ of music that’s not country or pop,” Hankins said. Toward the end of 2010, Hankins and a core group of volunteers developed a music festival that would attract the sounds he wanted and would be free to the public. Pat Whatley, like Hankins, wondered why so many other towns in the River Region had music festivals and not Wetumpka. “We just started looking at what we could offer that no other city in the area could,” Whatley explained. “We saw an opportunity to present a music festival that would attract thousands.” Tiffany Robinson had worked with Jubilee City Fest in the past, so she was a natural match for the project. Robinson now works for the City of Wetumpka as tourism director. Along with a core group, she began to map out the process of creating the festival and bringing it to the area. “Once we got the city and Tiffany involved, we got the ball rolling, and in 2011, we presented the inaugural Wetumpka River and Blues Music and Arts Festival,” Hankins said. More than 12,000 people turned out for the inaugural blues and folk music that played throughout the day and into the night. The one-day summer festival enters its fourth year this year with 10 musical acts. Committee members said they have considered expanding the festival with a second day of music but first want to continue to offer quality entertainment throughout the day. For more about Wetumpka’s River and Blues Festival check out the event on Facebook and look for details in The Wetumpka Herald.

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Top row, from left: Andrew McCarter, Ed Pickett, John Bull Band. Then, clockwise from left: Polar Opposite, JD Simo, Davis Nix, Rockin Dopsie, Lo-Fi Loungers and Honey Tree Band.

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Kaleidoscope 2015 Blends Artistic Styles

Story by Cara Clark Photos by Barry Chrietzberg

n intricate and colorful celebration of art awaits visitors to a summer exhibit at Wetumpka’s Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery (KFMG), as six Alabama artists have collaborated to create Kaleidoscope 2015. The meeting of the artistic styles of Shirley J. Esco, Meredith R. Knight, Frances B. Rodriguez, Tara C. Sartorius, Melissa B. Tubbs and Adelia H. Turner runs through July 20 at the gallery housed on the second floor of the City of Wetumpka’s administration building at 408 South Main Street. Gallery Director Mark Harris said the exhibit showcases a varied blend of works that enhance the relationship between artists and admirers. “The eclectic blend of works on display includes acrylics, oils, concrete, wood, raku, fused glass, pen and ink, clay and porcelain,” Harris said. “The paintings range from Shirley Esco’s peaceful and serene interpretations of the Elmore County landscape to the bright and playful coastal bird images of Frances Rodriguez.” The show includes a number of works by Lake Jordan’s Turner, who said she felt the urge to draw at an early age, though she waited until her retirement at 60 to indulge her artistic inclination. She began to paint large abstracts, figurative pieces and some still life pieces when she spent time with her grandchild. Now, Turner focuses on landscape painting, capturing changing light and color on land, water and sky. Sartorius is both artist and art teacher, enabling her to connect people with images, objects, materials and words using systems and patterns in math and science. While she creates artwork in fused glass, painting and ceramics, Sartorius received her master’s degree in sculpture and art criticism from Pratt Institute in

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New York after studying the arts at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She served as curator of education at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts for 21 years and has been an adjunct professor of painting at Huntingdon College since 2013. Her 21-foot architectural tile mural, Around the Riverbend, is installed at the Riverfront amphitheater in Montgomery. Rodriguez, who hails from New Orleans, grew up enjoying the woods and lakes of Alabama. She attended the Rhode Island School of Design and majored in textiles where she studied weaving, knitting, dyeing, sewing and even spinning yarn as part of the daily routine. After studying art in France, Russia and Switzerland, Rodriguez returned to New Orleans to study clinical mental health counseling at Loyola University before turning to art full time. She said the birth of her daughter inspired a new appreciation of animals. “This body of artwork “The eclectic speaks to peaceful moments of nature’s blend of works wonder and the sheer joy it brings,” Rodriguez said. on display “In putting my paintbrush to canvas, I hope to convey includes acrylics, these everyday sparkles of realization and life’s beautiful unexpectedness. oils, concrete, Everything is sacred. If you don’t look, you’ll miss wood, raku, it.” Alabama native Knight fused glass, pen was inspired as a child by the landscape of Lake and ink, clay Tuscaloosa, as well as the state’s diverse and appealing countryside. and porcelain." Clay is the medium that attracts her most, she said, leading her to create idyllic visions of natural landscapes and everyday city life. Knight combines natural and synthetic materials, such as clay, wood and concrete, with unusual elements, such as plastic supermarket bags and packing foam. In addition to teaching, Knight serves as program coordinator at Auburn University and teaches drawing at the Stanton Correctional Facility. Left (top to bottom): Monk Parrot of New Orleans (Rodriguez); Calyx (Knight); Catching the Light (Esco); Right (top to bottom): Marsala (Sartorius); Angel & Ivy (Tubbs)

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Clockwise, from top left: Pick of the Crop (Esco); Vacation (Sartorius); Potter's Clay (Tubbs); Coming Home (Turner)

Esco noted that art is not only food for the eyes, but also food for her soul. Her pieces in the KFMG exhibit relate to Southern rural scenes. “Clouds capture my imagination, whether a reflection in the water or the dark of a brewing storm; they evoke a quiet, peaceful and serene calm in my world,” Esco said. Tubbs’ detailed pen-and-ink artistry began with a Christmas gift and led to a passion for architecture as subject matter. Her work documents architecture and architectural detail to preserve them for future generations. Harris explained that the exhibit offers appeal in its multi-faceted splendor, and he believes it is a fitting tribute to groundbreaking artists from the area. “Our namesake, Kelly Fitzpatrick, was one of Alabama’s premier art promoters from the 1930s into the early 1950s,” Harris said. “Fitzpatrick and his Dixie Art Colony were instrumental in helping launch the careers of several artists that later became well-known icons in the Southern art scene. Through our exhibitions, such as Kaleidoscope, we at the KFMG hope to, in some way, continue his legacy by promoting professional and emerging Southern artists.”

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Abbie and Dylan Patrick of Deatsville practice their entrepreneurial skills with a lemonade stand

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Recipe for a classic joy of summer

Lemons, sugar, smiles and a couple of crates T

here’s not much that’s sweeter in the blazing, humid heat of a Southern summer than an ice-cold glass of lemonade purchased from a smiling child eager to hear change jangling in his pocket. The lemonade stand, an iconic image of summer, has long been a revenue source for young entrepreneurs. When it comes to actually building a lemonade stand and deciding what to offer to customers, the possibilities are endless. When Piper Bedient, a student at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy in Redland, was ready to take a turn at lemonade sales, her mother, Jessica, and her father, Ben, were on board. A stand built by her dad as a ticket booth for Vacation Bible School was repurposed as a lemon treat shop

Story by Angela Hardgrave Photos by Barry Chrietzberg appropriately named Piper’s Lemon Squeezy. “We made lemonade from scratch, lemon pudding pops, lemon cookies and lemonade icees with our small snowcone maker,” Jessica Bedient said. “I thought it was really fun to do something like that,” said Piper, who was 9 years old at the time. “I was able to get together with my family and have fun.” With relatives in the neighborhood, the soonto-be sixth grader ended up with cousins, aunts and uncles coming by to help or to purchase snacks from a stand with the wow-factor in curb appeal. With the church’s permission, the Bedients used poster board to cover the Bible School decorations, creating colorful designs and a list of menu items, along with luau decorations

Lemonade Recipe by Stacey Little, The Southern Bite Cookbook, southernbite.com “Skip the powdery mix, and make lemonade the old-fashioned way – by squeezing eight lemons. No, seriously, if you’ve never made homemade lemonade for your family, you should. There’s just nothing quite like it. My son is 5 now and still asks for ’lemon-lade.’ I hope he still says it like that when he’s 40,” Little said. 7 cups water, divided 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 8 lemons) Make a simple syrup by combining 1 cup water with the sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove the syrup from the heat, and allow it to cool to room temperature. In a large pitcher, combine the simple syrup, 6 cups water and the lemon juice. Stir to mix. Serve over ice. Makes about 2 quarts. Note: Planning for a big party and need a little extra time? This simple syrup can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

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from the a dollar store, to draw customers to the stand. But the real marketing key, said Piper, was a strategic promotion going door-to-door in advance. “I gave out free samples the night before, and that ended up being a big hit, because those people came to my stand the next day,” she said. Piper’s pop-up business opened at 9 a.m., and she served customers until the end of the day. Her lemonade pops were a top seller. The Bedients worked together to create the treats, which were comprised of lemon pudding in small Dixie cups, stuck in the freezer overnight, then slightly thawed the next day and rolled in sprinkles. “They’re very easy to make,” Jessica said. “The key to putting it together is to find something you can make a lot of very easily.” Piper earned $136 for a family trip to Six Flags the day before school started. With almost no lines for the rides on that strategic day, she and her parents were able to hop aboard the Batman ride, her favorite, and take a rackety ride on the Scream Machine, which was the only roller coaster to elicit a scream. During the one-day sale, Piper said she had a harrowing moment after taking a quick break and returning to the stand. “I learned never to put your change bag in the stand and leave,” she said. “I got back to the stand, and my dad said, ‘Piper, please give me some quarters.’ “The bag wasn’t there. My dad had taken it. I think he taught me a really good lesson.” Piper’s project and the lessons she learned follow a tradition

Marisa Bullock and her twins Ava and Layla pick up treats at the stand

Every summer under the shade we fix up a stand to sell lemonade. A stack of cups, a pitcher of ice, a shirtboard sign to tell the price. A dime for the big. A nickel for the small. The nickel cup’s short. The dime cup’s tall. from “Lemonade Stand” by Myra Cohn Livingston

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that dates back more than a century. According to eHow contributor, Amanda Hermes, Lemonade stands were first referenced in news media by The New York Times in 1879. “A shopkeeper in New York City erected a stand outside his store and sold lemonade to passersby,” she noted. By 1880, the Times reported, children had begun setting up lemonade stands as an easy means of making money. Lemonade stands remain popular today as a way for children to serve thirsty neighbors and raise money. Those enterprising kids might use their profits to buy dream toys, pay for fun outings or help charities dear to their hearts, all with the sense of satisfaction that the money was earned. Many times, making the tasty beverage and setting up the stand become a family project. Stacey Little, food blogger and author of The Southern Bite Cookbook, said he enjoys making lemonade with his son and fondly remembers the lemonade stands of his youth. He offered some advice on what customers are looking for in a thirst-quencher. “My two tips are keep the lemonade cold, and price it competitively,” he said. Whether it is professionally built and decorated and includes a variety of tempting offerings or is simply an upturned cardboard box with only lemonade on the menu, setting up a lemonade stand can be a fun and educational summer activity for children. With some work, patience, cooperative weather and irresistibly icy lemonade, kids might just end the summer with their pockets slightly heavier than when they began. And, as an old British detergent commercial said, it will be “easy peasy lemon squeezy.”

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Early Forts Stand Stalwart

Bill Goss

BACK IN THE DAY Tallassee's

bill goss has been writing historical accounts for area magazines since

2003.

presidents and played a major In 1814, because of the role in the early development Muskogee (Creek) Indian of the U.S. Navy. He was the uprisings in 1813-1814, two youngest man to reach the U.S. military stockades were rank of captain in the history built within six miles of of the Navy. Tallassee. These outposts were According to Peter early frontier defenses against Alexander Brannon (1882Creek Indians then in revolt. 1967), renowned archivist, They protected military troops curator and director of the and white settlers, who moved Alabama Department of into Muskogee Indian territory Archives, for 57 years (1910and served as a base of supply. 1967), Fort Burrows was They were named Fort Commodore Stephen Decatur, actually named Fort Barron, Decatur and Fort Burrows the namesake of Fort Decatur in honor of U.S. Commodore (aka Fort Barron), both on James Barron (1768-1851), born the lower Tallapoosa River in Hampton, Virginia. In the near Tukabahchi town in Muscogee (Creek) Indian territory. Fort Decatur article, written by Brannon on May 28, 1950, and published in The Montgomery Advertiser, he is 6.1 miles south of downtown Tallassee at does not offer any explanation as to why the Milstead in Macon County on property owned by Auburn University. Fort Burrows is 5.9 miles soldiers called it Fort Burrows. President James Madison in 1815 appointed south of downtown Tallassee in Elmore County Brig. Gen. John Sevier (1745-1815) to the U.S. on private property. Boundary Commission to determine the Even today, Fort Decatur is quite well preserved. It is located in a heavily forested area boundary between Georgia and the Creek territory in Alabama. The commission, with on a bluff overlooking the Tallapoosa River. John Sevier as chairman, met at Fort Decatur. The fort had four sides and was approximately While completing this duty, Sevier died near 75 feet square. Fort Burrows is not as well Fort Decatur on Sept. 24, 1815. He was buried at preserved; it was a smaller star-shaped fort Fort Decatur. Seventy-three years later, his body with four corners and ditches on three sides. A was disinterred in 1888 and reinterred on June drawing dated June 24, 1814, showing the two 15, 1889 on the east lawn of the Knox County forts is available at the Tallassee Falls Museum. Courthouse, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Col. Homer V. Milton, Commanding A special train carried his body from Fort Officer of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, ordered the Decatur, and was escorted by governors construction of Fort Decatur and Fort Burrows, Thomas Seay (1846-1896) of Alabama and both log-earthen stockades, in 1814. Both were Robert Love Taylor (1850-1912) of Tennessee. built and garrisoned by volunteer troops of An estimated 30,000 people attended the the 7th North Carolina Militia on the east bank reburial ceremony in Knoxville. Sevier served of the lower Tallapoosa River opposite the as governor of the proclaimed State of Franklin Upper Creek village of Tukahabatchi. Lt. Col. in 1785 and was the first governor of Tennessee. Armstrong commanded the forts during most He served three terms as Tennessee governor of 1814. Members of Capt. Thomas Crawfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from 1796-1801. company were the last volunteers on duty at On Jan. 31, 1937, the Alabama the forts. Anthropological Society placed and dedicated Fort Decatur was named in honor of United at marker at Fort Decatur. It is at the spot where States naval hero Commodore Stephen Decatur Sevier was buried inside the iron fence that Jr. (1799-1820). He was born in Worchester surrounded his grave. County, Maryland. He served under three U.S.

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JULY 18th Downtown Wetumpka 10 BANDS • 2 STAGES MASSIVE KID’S ZONE Thanks to our sponsors:

NK A B Y NIT U ITY M L M A T O I C P FIRST REEK HOSAT&T U-VERSE C • K WINDATIONS PRESS BUFFALO ROC

• IC ISER UEEN E PUBL Q W Y D R BU • DAI DSON I E V S A U BAMA D T HO ARLEY H • BRIGH S COND E S N ELMORE COUNTY LIVING NS I 37 SIG

A Salute to Movie Musicals

Jeff Langham

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

Governmental Affairs and a lifelong lover of film.

From the Alabama Shakespeare Festival to the Wetumpka Depot Players and countless other local venues, musical productions are popular fare on stages this time of year. With this in mind, let’s salute some great musicals from the silver screen: An American in Paris (1951) The unbeatable combination of Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, director Vincente Minnelli, scriptwriter Alan Jay Lerner and music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin created an indelible masterpiece that has just debuted as a smash hit Broadway musical garnering a new generation of fans. Singin’ in the Rain (1952) Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, and starring Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds, this film is generally regarded as one of the best musicals ever made. The King and I (1956) 20th Century Fox released this sumptuous Rodgers and Hammerstein musical featuring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner. This is yet another classic that has found new life on Broadway this season. West Side Story (1961) An adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical of the same name and inspired by William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, this movie stars Natalie Wood and is the record holder for the most Oscar wins for a movie musical. Mary Poppins (1964) A wondrous Disney musical that has it all: Oscar winner Julie Andrews, songs written and composed by the

Sherman Brothers and an incomparable cast including Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson and Glynis Johns. My Fair Lady (1964) A film adaptation of the Lerner and Loewe stage musical of the same name featuring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, this treasure won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director. The Sound of Music (1965) Multiple Academy Award winner (including Best Picture) and one of the highest grossing and most beloved movie musicals of all time. Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, the hills are still vividly alive with The Sound of Music. Funny Girl (1968) The movie musical that launched Barbra Streisand into the stratosphere is loosely based on the life and career of Broadway and film actress Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with gambler Nicky Arnstein. Oliver! (1968) Based on Charles Dickens’ novel and made with famed director Carol Reed at the helm, this entertaining musical took home six Oscars, including Best Picture. Cabaret (1972) Electrifying Oscar winning performances by Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey form the center of director Bob Fosse’s masterful musical film set in Berlin in 1931. Grease (1978) Celebrating life in a 1950’s high school and starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, this critical and box office success

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features a catchy, record-breaking soundtrack that is still wildly popular today. All That Jazz (1979) Bob Fosse created and directed this semi-autobiographical fantasy based on aspects of his life and career as dancer, choreographer and director. Dazzling and unforgettable. Musicals You Probably Haven’t Seen But Should Finian’s Rainbow (1968) Before he secured his fame with The Godfather, Francis Ford Coppola directed Fred Astaire and Petula Clark in this charming and endearing songfest. The Boy Friend (1971) Inspired by the ‘razzle dazzle’ Busby Berkeley musicals of the 1930s, directed by Ken Russell and starring 1960’s glam model Twiggy, this film is an eyepopping treat. The Slipper and the Rose (1976) Delightful musical retelling of the classic fairy tale of Cinderella with songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman (Mary Poppins). New York, New York (1977) A Martin Scorsese musical? Really? You bet, and it’s a goodie! Featuring songs by John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret) and starring Robert DeNiro and Liza Minnelli, this box office bomb deserves to be seen. Hair (1979) Brilliantly directed by Milos Forman, choreographed by Twyla Tharp, and starring Treat Williams, John Savage and Beverly D’Angelo, this is another movie that undeservedly flopped at the box office. Toast of Broadway, but Roasted on the Big Screen It has been said that Hollywood has a long tradition of taking popular stage musicals and turning them into lackluster films. Here is a sampling of some of the stage-toscreen musical failures: The Fantasticks (1995) This film adaptation is based on the record-breaking off-Broadway production. Though beloved

on stage, the movie version did not experience the same success. The film was made in 1995 but was shelved by the studio and was not officially released until 2000; and then, in only four theatres. The Phantom of the Opera (2004) Though based on one of longest-running Broadway shows in history, this film adaptation landed with a thud, grossing only $51 million on a budget of $70 million. Rent (2005) A spectacular hit on Broadway that tackled life under the shadow of AIDS, the film version, directed by Chris Columbus, definitely got lost in translation and seemed dated by the time it finally made it to the big screen. The Producers (2005) After making history on Broadway by winning a record breaking 12 Tony Awards, the film version seemed like a sure-fire hit, especially since it featured its award winning duo of Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick from the stage version and is based on Mel Brooks’ brilliant 1968 film. Unfortunately, this film version fell flat, and critics called it “remarkably unfunny.” Nine (2009) Not even an unbeatable cast featuring Daniel Day-Lewis, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz and Sophia Loren could save this misfire based on Federico Fellini’s classic film 8 ½ . Rock of Ages (2012) An adaptation of the 2006 rock jukebox Broadway musical of the same name, the film features the music of many 1980s rock artists including Def Leppard and Journey. Even with a cast including Tom Cruise and Alec Baldwin, it proved to be one of the biggest flops of the summer of 2012. So there you have it, the screen musical “greats and not so greats.” Alas, while there are many other musicals to salute, there is simply not enough page space to do so.

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Sweet Alabama Sunshine Should we only come out at night?

Kathy Monroe

COMMUNITY CARE Kathy Monroe is the Assistant to the

Administrator and the CFO at Community Hospital.

We work and play in 90-plus degree heat; hit the lake or the pool or the beach or spend the day at the ballpark, golf course or backyard barbeque, soaking up those ultraviolet (UV) rays. Some people consider lounging in the sunshine an ideal way to spend a perfect summer day, but everywhere we turn, medical experts tell us UV light exposure is harmful. Should we only come out at night? No! We just need to think twice about how we enjoy our time in the sun. UV light exposure – whether from the sun or artificial sources (like tanning bed sunlamps) – dramatically increases the risk of developing skin cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. It could also add wrinkles, cause premature aging, cataracts and macular degeneration. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, about 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in this country each year. Melanoma, a more dangerous type of skin cancer, is expected to account for more than 73,000 cases of skin cancer in 2015. But you can enjoy time in the sun and still reduce the risks by taking a few basic precautions: n Limit sun exposure. Try to avoid the sun’s intense rays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Seek the shade of a tree, an umbrella or other shelter. n Apply sunscreen frequently. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Children, anyone with fair skin, and those who burn easily should choose a higher SPF. Select products that block both UVA and UVB light. n For the most protection, wear long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat. n Avoid artificial tanning booths. n Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day. The

sun’s harmful rays can still burn though the haze and thin clouds. Be sure to follow sunsafe precautions on overcast days, as well as sunny ones. n Take care of your eyes, too. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when spending time in the sun. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. A wide-brimmed hat will not only help protect your eyes but will also shade ears and the back of the neck. n Please don’t forget the kids. Most children will get the majority of their lifetime sun exposure by the age of 18. For that reason, it is very important to teach children how to safely enjoy the sun. Learning to take the right precautions at an early age can greatly reduce chances of developing skin cancer later in life. Children’s skin – and especially babies’ skin – burns more easily, so lather them up with sunscreen. Apply a water-resistant sunscreen if kids will be around water or swimming. Water reflects and intensifies the sun’s rays, so kids need protection that lasts. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all kids wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Be sure to reapply sunscreen often and don’t forget the ears and back of the neck. Sun exposure can damage children’s eyes. The best way to protect a child’s eyes from sun damage is to wear sunglasses and a hat; however, not all kids enjoy wearing sunglasses and a hat, especially the very young. It’s important – so keep trying. Even the younger ones will eventually wear them like champs. Be a good role model by consistently using sunscreen, wearing sunglasses and limiting your own time in the sun. Doing so will not only teach your kids good sun-sense but will also reduce your own risk of sun damage.

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Future Addiction

Online Multiplayer

Character Bandwidth Groups

Level

Balancing Culture Daily Quests

Worlds Points Industry

Gamer

MMO

Skills Raids Armor

Rewards Map

Computer Development Players

Internet

Role-Playing Massively

MMO developers need gamers to speak up and out EVE Online’s Kristoffer Touberg has been speaking his mind on MMO development and what gamers want from it, and frankly, it’s a little worrisome. Touberg essentially indicated that gamers enjoy mundane, repetitive quests, and after spending eight hours a day working in real life, they will happily do more work in the virtual worlds of massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMO). What does this mean for the future of the industry? Are we to expect more of the same in future MMOs, with an even greater focus on busywork? Is this deemed as

fair just because gamers have no choice but to do the quests? I played World of Warcraft for almost four years. In that time, I accrued months of actual playtime, a 2200 arena rating and more than 4,000 achievement points. I hated doing “daily quests.” These quests were the main way players got their gold, and in some cases, a player could earn reputation points with the faction that presented these quests. If I didn’t complete them, it meant I was going to fall behind all my friends and

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competitors in the race for better mounts, armor and weapons. This was also a factor in player vs. player combat, during which players would be forced to gather “honor points” that they could trade for superior armaments. These were full-fledged jobs, and I wasn’t accepting of that fact until Blizzard’s world had already done its damage. Eventually, I quit. This happened back in January 2010, and I haven’t sold my soul to the MMO machine since. What I did start doing was writing about video games. With this, I started asking questions, and now I wonder where the future of MMOs will take us. Touberg’s comments were shocking, due to his damnation of whatever hope players had for better experiences in the future, regardless of whether or not they would find those experiences in his very own EVE Online or other MMOs. If there was some way these gameplay mechanics of which he speaks could be innovated, the problem would be much less of a priority, but you can’t improve on “Kill 10 Oversized Sewer Rats,” – at least, not in the way Touberg spoke of the situation. As gamers, we shouldn’t accept mediocrity from any video game, and while that may sound a bit self-entitled, we’re the ones paying startup and monthly dues just to log in and participate. One of the main reasons gamers and developers haven’t squared off on this subject before is that no one has crossed what I call the “thin line of mutual discretion,” meaning that gamers have accepted redundancy in the hopes there might be better things later on down the line while developers have kept quiet on the issue as they continue to push patches and expansions at us. Touberg changed the balance with his recent words, claiming that people aren’t just OK with it; they want it. The question has now risen: “Is it fair?” Apart from our voices on forums, beta tests and countless emails that, more than likely, aren’t given a second glance, we as a community don’t have much of a say in what developers do or don’t do. In the risky world of MMO development today, it is safe to say that if something works, the developers in question would

keep doing it; however, times are changing. World of Warcraft has, over the past few months, seen its first major dip in subscribers since its 2004 release. The game’s Warlords of Draenor expansion failed to achieve projected membership numbers, and thus, Blizzard’s most important title now faces discontinuation. This is as much a cry for change from gamers as it is developers. No, we are not producers, but the gaming community sanctions the actions of developers by purchasing and subscribing to their games. I am not saying we should all go storm our way onto the EVE Online forums and yell at the developers there, but I think we should all be aware of the part we take in the process. It is always a good idea to question what we play, especially if the task(s) are repetitive and cumbersome. Why are we doing this? What are we gaining? The answer to both of these questions should be along the lines of entertainment value. If the answer is “So I can get better armor,” the problem is apparent. Only when all of us can speak out on it together will we truly make a difference in the MMO space. We have to make ourselves heard. So, how do we make a difference? I am not really sure I have the answer to that. If it was a perfect world, 100 percent of both the developers and community involved in the MMO realm would be chomping at the bit, trying to find new, creative ways to improve gameplay, but we’re not all keen to do so. Let us try to make our voices heard through actions on the tools mentioned earlier but let’s also get inventive. We could organize events for change in MMOs of choice or create YouTube videos highlighting our ideas for a better future. Developers, if you’re reading this and my comments have resonated with you to some degree, please present something out-of-thebox and imaginative during your team’s next conference or meeting. The industry of gaming, as a whole, has come so far in the past few years; do not stop where we are now. The MMO universe needs a boost, and I think we can make it happen.

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Jacob Saylor

THE GAMER Video games journalist

Jacob Saylor

has covered the massive

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles

OUT & ABOUT

WETUMPKA

Kaleidoscope Art Reception, Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery Tuesday, May 19, 2015 1. Barbara Bennett and Layken Morgan

2. Sylvia McConnell and Carol Hickman

3. Mayor Jerry Willis, Kathy Willis, Elmore and Jim Inscoe

4. Hope Brannon, Mark Harris and Phyllis Kennedy.

5. Glendora Turner, Adelia Turner and Kathy Atchison

6. Meredith R. Knight

7. Tara Cady Sartorius 44

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OUT & ABOUT

TALLASSEE

5 6

Relay for Life, American Cancer Society Tallassee Friday, May 29, 2015 1. Dorothy Lynch, Jeanette Brookes and Ann Smith 2. Jennifer Denning, Jan Smith and Jahazel Hooks 3. Debra Callaway, Anna Rogers and Vikki Price 4. Gail Moseley and Lynn Hannahs 5. Willie and Eunice Anderson

6. Survivorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Walk ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

ECLECTIC

Eclectic Middle School Guest Speaker Mylinh Thrift Thursday, May 14, 2015

1. Samantha Samford and Shabrea Bowman

2. Jordan Brown, Cole Boothe, Dalee Cooper and Katie Pollard

3. Ean Russell and Matthew Campbell

4. Kaleb Beasley and Katie Wallace 5. Caleb Green and Cenya Smith 46

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OUT & ABOUT REELTOWN

Graduation Exercises Reeltown High School Friday, May 15, 2015 6

1. Jasmine Heard, Elizabeth Puckett and Jalisa Heard 2. Jennifer Causey and Stacy Monroe

3. Page Cotten and Crisstopher Westbrook 4. Amanda Harris and Bridgette Stallions

5. Heather Winfree, Savannah Spivey and Daisy Morse 6. Brittany Morris and Alexis Traylor 7. Markiece Williams

8. Madison Kelly, Lisa Langford and Kaya Eddings

9. Brantley Walker and Deonta Canady

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OUT & ABOUT

ELMORE

3 5

Alabama Antique Tractor Show & Pull Elmore Saturday, May 16, 2015

1. Rita Brasher and Julie Roberts

2. Chad, Erin, Chelsie and Landon Cauthon 3. Bob Wade, Judy, Scotti and Allen Harris 4. Bruce and Rita Grey and Jack Russell 5. Zelda Ryan

6. Renee Majors, Tyler and Abby Woodham

7. Tiffany and Angel Moseley and Heather and

Emiee Hall 48

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OUT & ABOUT OUT & WETUMPKA ABOUT

TALLASSEE

Tallassee High School Graduation "Hot" O'Brien Stadium Friday, May 22, 2015 1. Haley Ansley, Margaret Dean and Lynsey Grice 2. Jade Freeman and Beverly Owings 3. Elisa Austin and Andrew Webster 4. Jacob Shaw, Kiana Smith, Nikyle Carr 5. Summer Whatley, Stuart Linville, Dalton Clark and Kariee Williams 6. Mallory Caldwell and Bailey Webster 7. Jesse Jr., Jesse, Julie and Polly Sue Rowlen

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS Now through June 21 GRITS

GRITS the Musical is now onstage at Wetumpka Depot Players with performances June 17-18 and June 19-20 at 7:30 p.m. and June 21 at 2 p,m. Tickets are $12/$15 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 334-868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com. The theatre is located at 300 S. Main in historic downtown Wetumpka.

June 18-28 Dinner with Friends

This comedic drama by Donald Margulies won a 2000 Pulitzer Prize for its examination of the relationships between two married couples who expect to “grow old together.” Thursday through Saturday performances of this Cloverdale Playouse production will start at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Visit www. cloverdaleplayhouse.org for ticket prices and information.

off. The event will be held in downtown Wetumpka and is free of charge.

July 4 Patriotic Boat Parade from Kowaliga Marina

Decorate your boat and join the patriotic crowd at Kowaliga Marina as boats of all sizes, shapes and decorations will ‘parade’ from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor, circling just past the lighthouse before returning to the Kowaliga Marina. Spectators line the banks along the parade route to applaud their favorite patriotically decorated boats and contestants. Registered boats will vie for top honors for the largest flag, tallest flag, most patriotic and most creative. For information, call 334-857-2111.

July 4 Lake Jordan Fireworks

The Lake Jordan Homeowners and Boatowners (HOBO) will host a fireworks display at approximately 9 p.m. on the southeast side of the lake. According to HOBO president Gerald Hardy, “Our goal is the ‘Wow’ factor. It’s a beautiful sight with a sea of boats and red and green lights and a wonderful fireworks display.”

June 20 The Isley Brothers

Wind Creek Wetumpka Entertainment Center will feature Ronald and Ernie Isley in concert at 8 p.m. Visit www.ticketmaster. com for information and tickets.

June 22-26, July 27-31 Overnight Horse Camp

Learn ground work, grooming, horsemanship and safety on the ground and in the saddle. Cost is $150 per student. Preregistration and a 50 percent deposit is required. Open to those age 7 and older. For information, call 334-669-3593 or email whoa4god@gmailcom.

July 4 Independence Day Celebration

Starting at 4 p.m., enjoy this all-American holiday celebration in Wetumpka. Activities will feature a celebrity cook-off with local big names vying for the top prize. The proceeds benefit the Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders of Alabama. A live performance by Wishbone and a fireworks spectacular follow the cook-

July 3 & 4 Arti Gras

The annual juried art show on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads has expanded to two days this year, starting at noon on Friday until 8:30 p.m. and open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Come visit with friends, browse the tents and take home some great conversational art pieces from this year’s Arti Gras.

July 10-18 Babe Ruth State Baseball Tournament

Tallassee will play host to the top Babe Ruth teams throughout the state as they vie for a berth into the regional tournament. The week-long event will begin on July 10 with a social at Tallassee Elementary where

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

former Auburn Tiger and Major League Baseball player Gabe Gross will serve as the evening’s speaker. Competition begins July 11 at Southside Middle School.

July 18 River and Blues Music and Arts Festival

Come to downtown Wetumpka to enjoy a variety of musical acts on two stages, as well as a kidzone, arts and crafts vendors and concessions. Free event sponsored by the City of Wetumpka from 2 to 10 p.m.

July 18-25 Sun Festival

A glow-in-the-dark run, cook-offs and a pie contest, games for the kids, music in the park every night, paddling races, Battle of the Bands, theatre and dinner out are a few of the activities planned for Alexander City’s annual Sun Festival celebration, culminating in a sportplex stadium concert featuring country music’s David Nail. Visit www. alexandercity.org for activity details.

July 16-19 & 23-26 Annie Warbucks

This Millbrook Players musical picks up where last year’s production of Annie! left off. Daddy Warbucks learns he must find a wife to provide a “proper” home for beloved Orphan Annie. Friday and Saturday evening performances start at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees open at 2 p.m. Tickets are $11 in advance and $12 the day of the show. Children’s tickets (ages 6-9) are $9 in advance and $10 on show day. Visit www.millbrooktheatre.com or call 334-782-7317 for tickets and information.

July 30-Aug. 2 & Aug. 6-9, 13-15 and 20-21 Smoke on the Mountain

Directed by Hazel Jones, Wetumpka Depot Players will stage their summer musical at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Tickets are $15 and are available at the Depot box office or online at www.wetumpkadepot.com.

Season-Long Events Jasmine Hill Gardens

Alabama’s “Little Corner of Greece” will open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 31. Admission is

charged. For information, visit www.jasminehill.org or call 334-263-5713.

Summer Library Programs

The theme for this summer’s public library reading program is “Every Hero has a Story” for those entering grades 1-6. The group will meet Tuesdays through July 14, at the Wetumpka Civic Center. The teen program is “Unmasked” for those entering grades 7-12. There will be movies on Thursdays, through July 16, at 1 p.m. at the Wetumpka library. Preschool storytime will continue meeting on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. at the library.

Electronics Recycling

On the first Saturday of each month, electronic items for recycling are accepted at the Wetumpka Recycling Center on East Charles Avenue. There is a $10 fee to recycle tube televisions; other electronics incur no charge. Come from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other accepted electronics include computers, monitors, cell phones, chargers, modems, remotes, printers, batteries and more.

Fridays on the Green

Music and games for the whole family will be offered every Friday through Sept. 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Pack a cooler or stop by Catherine’s Market for food and favorite beverages. Local musicians will be featured each week.

Blue Grass Jam, Sit and Scrap and Sit and Sew

All three activities are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9 am. to 12 p.m. at the Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka. All acoustic instruments and skill levels are welcome at the Bluegrass Jam. Scrappers and papercrafters are encouraged to attend Sit and Scrap. All sewers and knitters are welcome at Sit and Sew. For complete details, call 334-578-9485 or visit www.arrac.org.

Children’s Harbor Thrift Store

Located at Children’s Harbor at Lake Martin on Highway 63, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 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 Family Center at Children's Hospital and the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor, which serves terminally ill children and their families by providing handicapped-accessible camp facilities, including a putt-putt golf course, basketball courts and lodging. Call 334-857-2008 for information.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Business & Service Directory Elmore County Museum Elmore County Historical Society Open Fridays & Saturdays 10 AM - 3 PM Other Hours: Open by Appointment Only Call for More Information

(334) 300-2085

Schools, Church Groups, Civic Clubs, Reunion Groups & Social Clubs are encouraged to take advantage of this FREE educational & historic experience.

Call today 334-567-7811.

Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic

Eclectic Town Hall Moose's Eclectic Library Johnson’s Furniture Tropical Tan Zone First Community Bank

Lake Martin

Russell Lands Russell Marine Nail’s Cotton’s BBQ

Millbrook

Verizon Wireless First Community Bank Lucretia Cauthen Realty Bliss Salon Millbrook Chamber of Commerce Realty Central Stone & Britt Law Gene Jones Insurance

Montgomery

Publix – Atlanta Highway

Publix – Zelda Rd Publix - Vaughn Rd Publix - Taylor Rd

Prattville

Publix – Cobbs Ford Road

Slapout

Lake Pharmacy The Golden Frog The Boy’s Store First Community Bank

Tallassee

Kent Eagle Y Petro Parker Tire RoadRunner Herron Hill Pharmacy Friendship Grocery The Apothecary Community Hospital Tallassee Health & Rehab 5 Points Store Ben Atkinson Motors

Wetumpka

Bennett’s Archery First Community Bank Russell Do It Center Bumper’s Karen’s Mane Tamers River Ridge Steakhouse Emerald Mountain Store Redland Market Seivers Accounting Wetumpka Depot Players A Touch of Class Angel Locksmith Verizon Wireless Unplugged Must Stop Café Alfa Realty Wetumpka Century 21 Brandt Wright Realty Wachovia Bank BB&T Jackson Thornton Lee’s Auto Repair Southeastern Business Printers Hankins Insurance Hog Rock BBQ Wetumpka YMCA

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Adams Drugs Bell Chiropractic Wetumpka Urgent Care Aliant Bank A Beautiful Creation Austin’s Flowers Camo Country Alabama State Employees Credit Union Smokin S BBQ Elmore Community Hospital Wetumpka Preschool Wetumpka City Library Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce City of Wetumpka Administration Bldg. Coosa River Adventures Stoddard’s Bait Shop Collier Ford The Prissy Hen Wee Ones Daycare Wetumpka Health & Rehab Canal Grocery Kim’s Corner

Our Advertisers â&#x20AC;˘ To Join, Call 334-567-7811 3 Rivers Land Company........................ 52

Gassett Funeral Home.......................... 53

Alabama State Employee Credit Union... 21

Humane Shelter of Elmore County.......... 52

Alfa Insurance, James Hammer.............. 31

Jackson Thornton................................... 5

Chilton Surgical Associates................... 21

Kowaliga Whole Health....................... 52

City of Wetumpka.................................. 2

Lake Martin Hospice..................................7

Collier Ford........................................... 5

Mark's Service Center & Body Shop, Inc.......7

Community Hospital............................. 35

Patrick Mahaney.......................................21

DeRamus Hearing Centers.................... 56

RE/MAX, Nancy Oates........................ 52

Eclectic Family Dental Care, PC............. 31

River & Blues Festival............................ 37

Edgewood Academy.............................. 7

Russell Lands....................................... 55

Elmore County Hospital........................ 31

Wee One's Preschool ............................ 7

Elmore County Museum........................ 52

Wetumpka Health & Rehabilitation LLC..... 5

First Baptist Wetumpka........................... 3

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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 Shannon Elliott or Jayne Carr At 334-567-7811 or stop by our office located at 300 Green Street, Wetumpka AL 36092

Not the sharpest knife ...

I’m not a chef. Well, not as defined by the dictionary, which says a chef is a person who is formally trained and running a restaurant kitchen. I’ve only taken a few cooking classes here and there, and I don’t run a professional kitchen, so I am a cook. But when I really started getting serious about cooking, I realized that I was going to have to learn much more than just how to follow a recipe. In the course of reading recipes, I began to pay more attention to words like “chop.” What does that mean? How does that compare to “mince” or “dice?” How does it affect the finished food? Turns out, it can affect the food a great deal. Ever chomped down on a big piece of raw onion in some tuna salad? Ick. Ever had a stew where most of it is cooked to mush, but the potatoes were raw? Bleh. The size, shape and uniformity of your chopped up food has a huge impact on the finished product. To up my cooking game, I decided to find out what all these terms meant. As it happened, I met the culinary school friend of a friend at a party. He told tales about his school days and mentioned that one of the first things he learned was “knife skills.” Bingo! I immediately grilled him about slicing and dicing. Poor guy, he obviously thought I was a nut, and to get me off his back, he said I could buy the textbooks. This encounter happened way before the development of YouTube and Amazon, so off to the local bookstore I went to order my textbook on knife skills. The first chapter dealt with the knives themselves: the parts, the different types and safety. My motley assortment of hand-medowns, an old Ginsu and a couple of steak knives, were not going to cut it (pun intended). From then on, I drooled over every amazing knife I saw in a shop window. I extolled the virtues of cold steel. I waxed poetic over bolsters and tangs. But those magic knives stayed out of my budget’s reach until one happy birthday, when my sweetheart presented me with the knife: An 8-inch, professional Henckel. It was perfect. It still is. By the way, did you know that if a loved one gives you a knife, you are supposed to “pay” them a

penny to avoid cutting the friendship? I paid. I love that knife; it is my precious. It has never seen the inside of a dishwasher. It is kept in a comfy wooden knife block, never in a drawer where other kitchen gear could bang against it and dull the blade. According to the book, keeping a beloved knife sharp is job one. A dull knife is a dangerous knife. Dull knives do not cut; they hack. They can slip on food and hack through a finger. Next chapter? How to sharpen your knife. Here is where I ran into trouble. Real chefs don’t use little roller things or the ‘grindy’ thing at the back of the electric can opener to sharpen their knives. Real chefs use a stone. What a disaster! Even after reading all I could find about sharpening, all I managed to do was dull my baby’s edge. Horrors! In Brooklyn, the knife grinder came down the street about once a month ringing his bell. Grown people who should know better run down stairs and out of their houses with hands full of knives, scissors – even ice skates – to line up like kids at a popsicle truck. But here in Alabama? No knife truck. And my precious knife needed an edge. Thank heavens for the Facebook age! After one quick post, I had the name of an official knife grinder. Dale Reeves started sharpening machetes for his power company job many years ago and now has his own sharpening business, Delano’s Edge. And he makes house calls. He rolled up in his mobile grinding unit and set to sharpening my knives. In addition to my precious, I had him edge up my little paring knife, the filet knife and a vintage carbon steel 14-inch carver. I didn’t have much hope for that beauty, but Dale got it sharp and even managed to straighten out a little dent at the tip. You can find him at www.delanosedge.com. There is a flat fee for a house call, plus a per knife charge. To offset the house call fee, I rounded up a bunch of friends with dull knives to split it. Sharpening party, anyone? And for heaven's sake, keep your sharp knives out of the drawers.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

M.K. Moore

DOWN HOME 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.

N e w H o m e s & H o m e s i t e s AvA i l A b l e ELMORE COUNTY LIVING RUsselllANDsoNlAKemARtiN.Com | 256.215.7011 | lAKe mARti N, AlAbAmA

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