Elmore County Living July 2017 by Tallapoosa Publishers

July 2017

Elmore County Living

'ALL IN' FOR KIDS

Bulletproof n Tallassee Mill - What's Next? n Doris Bell's Cookies

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Your Business Should Be

HERE!

Advertising GROWS Business So, Advertise with the BEST

2015

RIVER &

BLUES W

PREVIE

Elmore

e stands Kids & Lemonad Cook? Think You Can

5 June 201

Elmore County L iving

Musicals Summer is for

ving County Li

Saying "I Do"

Y LIVING

ELMORE COUNT

Elmore Coun

in ty Liv

Kayak Fishin g The year's best movie s Game Over ?

ELMORE COUN

TY LIVING

February

2017 1

USE EER HO CRAFT B ETUMPKA IN W cafawa Farm

c's Te Eclecti Carte Sweet k's The d Millbroo llywoo on Ho Writer umpka

Wet Dece

mber

2016

TY LIVING

E COUN

ELMOR

ECL is the River Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preium coffee table magazine with more in-depth features and more faces from around the area.

Do you want to market your business? We offer the most competitive rates, along with our award-winning design team, who is committed to producing effective advertising that works for you.

Elmore County Living

To advertise contact our marketing consultants Marilyn Hawkins 334-202-5108 or Kat Raiford 334-444-8981 2

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

From the Managing Editor's Desk As soon as he said it, I grabbed my notebook. ‘What a great story!’ I thought, and it really is (even if I did write it). Assistant magazine editor Amy Passaretti, marketing consultant Marilyn Hawkins and I had gone to the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) NaturePlex for a Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon – which was fabulous. Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley stood at his table to make a few polite remarks and just said it, off the cuff. “Millbrook really has become a capitol for children’s playground activities,” he said. “When you see it every day, you don’t think about it, but I can’t think of anything better,” he told me when we chatted about his remark a couple of weeks later. The wheels went into motion in the late 20th century, as YMCA of Greater Montgomery took ownership of Camp Grandview in Millbrook, and 10 years later when the AWF set an unprecedented stewardship goal. At the same time, the City of Millbrook geared up to host thousands of children from across the Southeast in baseball and softball tournaments every year. Together, this trio has a huge impact on children. Turn to page 16 to learn more about how the leaders at these three entities promote a quality fabric of life in Elmore County. And speaking of fabric, be sure to acquaint yourself with Wetumpka High School student Lucas Lynn on page 8. Lucas gained national attention this spring with a science fair project that one day just might help to protect America’s military personnel and law enforcement officers from knife and bullet wounds. It’s an amazing story of thinking outside the box, following through with an idea and doing the hard work to meet success. With this project, Lucas showed that he has the stuff to make a difference; and we’ll all be able to say we knew him when … There’s another kind of fabric story in this issue, too, this one out of Tallassee where the fabric is of a historic nature. A year ago in May, a fire at the Tallassee Mill made national headlines. In March, cleanup efforts began at the burned-out building that once drove the local economy as a textile mill. The loss of this historic landmark was devastating by all accounts, and there is much speculation about what will become of the property after the cleanup. Catch up on this story on page 22. Finally, we return to Nature at Yates Lake Wildlife Management Area. Back in May, a collection of biologists, botanists and representatives from other scientific disciplines gathered to inventory the flora and fauna at this beautiful treasure that is public property in Elmore County. Read David Rainer’s report of their discoveries on page 26. Truth be told, I often find myself grabbing a notebook during conversations with folks in Elmore County. There are so many great stories to be told here! If there’s one you’d like for us to feature, send us an email at editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

STAFF 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 Marilyn Hawkins

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

Marketing Consultant Kat Raiford

kat.raiford@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services Audra Spears

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Jeff Langham Carmen Rodgers Jacob Saylor Corey Arwood Kalynn Martin

David Granger David Ranier Doris Bell Kathy Monroe

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

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

CONTENTS ON THE COVER Grandview YMCA Camp counselor Ashlyn Nix spends her afternoons hanging out and having fun at the pool with the kids. Photo by Kalynn Martin

8 Columns

Features

In Every Issue

Movie Man

Bulletproof

Extra! Extra!

Community Care

Tips for Veterans

Out & About

The Gamer

Millbrook Fun & Games

What's Next

Narrow the Search Prevent the Resistance 10 Iconic Games for SNES

22 26 46

WHS Student Develops New Textile How to Succeed at Job Fairs Capitol of Children's Activities Future Ideas for Tallassee Mill

News Briefs

In Elmore County

Coming Up

Fun for Everyone

Where to Find Us Distribution List

Nature at Yates Lake

Bioblitz Uncovers 250 Species

Doris Bell

Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

A Day Dedicated to Love

Tallassee Mayor Johnny Hammock declared June 21, "Dick and Anita Wade Day." The couple celebrated 70 years of marriage at the Syrup Mill at Mason Farms in Kent. The two met when Anita was 12 and Dick was 15 picking cotton for her uncle. Dick joined the military during WWII, and Anita used to write him letters. When he returned home, they began dating and married in 1947. Dick served 48 years in law enforcement, and after a few moves, they settled back in Tallassee where it all started. The Wades have three sons, two grandsons, five granddaughters and four great- grandchildren.

Beat the Heat with a Cool Treat To cool off during the hot summer months, Tallassee residents have a new snack option. Elmore County Commission Chairman Troy Stubbs, recently opened a Frios in Tallassee at 94 Roosevelt St. The store makes fresh frozen gourmet popsicles in a variety of flavors. The business partners with a local farm to obtain the fresh fruit and produce used in the concoctions. The dairy used comes from Working Cows Dairy in Dothan. What makes this location unique is that its the firstever Frios with the addition of a drive-through. Stubbs has a Frios location in downtown Wetumpka, a third location in Prattville and will be opening one in Montgomery later this year.

Revitalizing Wetumpkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Downtown The inaugural MainStreet Wetumpka Wine Pull was a success for the nonprofit organization and a step in the right direction for downtown. The fundraiser was held at the Wind Creek Hotel & Casino penthouse suite and will continue to serve as the organization's annual

fundraiser. Admission to this event will be used to fund future fees to ensure other activities are free of charge to the public. The evening allowed attendees a view of downtown and a sneak peak of the upcoming streetscape items the organization has added.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Extra! Extra!

Elmore County Living

Saying "I Do"

News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Kayak Fishing The year's best movies Game Over?

February ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

LAKE

JULY

2016

2017 1

TPI Awarded for Top Notch Magazines

Alexan der City Archer A Blue Wins St Ribbon ate Seni Bird Dog or Title An Takes to sw ers to Yo Septem the Fiel ber 2016 ur Gard d ening Q uestions www.la kemar

tinmag azine.c Lake Ma rtin Liv om ing 1

At the APA summer convention held in Orange Beach in July, Tallapoosa Publishers swept multiple categories and came home with a number of awards. Elmore County Living magazine took third place in Best Niche Publication in Division B. TPI's Lake Martin Living earned first place for its

September hunting issue. The issue was produced by Betsy Iler, Audra Spears and Kenneth Boone. In the Division B Best Magazine periodical category, Lake magazine came in first place, Elmore County Living took second and Lake Martin Living took third. "I am happy with how our

staff member placed among the competition," said Publisher Steve Baker. "Awards are nice, but they are not the reason we dedicate ourselves to producing our publications." The Division B category is based on the circulation size of the magazines.

Grants for Good Causes Local nonprofits in Elmore County are receiving surprise grants thanks to the Central Alabama Community Foundation. The group is celebrating its 30 anniversary since its founding in 1987 and is commemorating by awarding 30 grants over the course of 2017. The Humane Society of Elmore County was the 11th chosen nonprofit to benefit from the generosity and was awarded a $3,000 donation. Approximately 5,000 domestic animals come through the shelter each year and about 250 can be housed at a time. Aside from the 25 percent of its funding received from the government, the humane society relies solely on donations.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Bulletproof Wetumpka High School student develops a new textile for stronger and lighter body armor

Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Amy Passaretti and Courtesy of Lucas Lynn

etumpka High School (WHS) student Lucas Lynn may not be a fan of science, but he certainly has a knack for it. What started as a required science fair project for his robotics class led him to compete at the levels of county, regional, state and, ultimately, the international science fair in Los Angeles. The rising senior recently used his problem-solving skills, which is how he refers to Recreating sheer the subject matthickening fluid, ter, to develop a Lynn reinforced new woven texhis woven tile that is strontextile design ger and lighter than materials currently used in body armor. “Basically, what I was trying to do is make a better textile because body armor is really, really heavy, and the metal plates on it make it large and cumbersome. As weapons are getting more

advanced, there’s a need for the body armor to be just as advanced. It's a call-and-response thing,” said Lynn. “If you make the Kevlar fabric stronger, you can reduce the amount of metal plates you have to use, which makes it lighter. “This project is a continuation. Previously, I did textile strength tests where I made these fabrics and just suspended weight from them until they broke.” Expanding on his research, Lynn decided to make different woven patterns with Kevlar to test the resiliency to stop projectiles. Creating different samples, he applied sheer thickening fluid, a combination of polyethylene glycol 200 and calcium carbonate, which he purchased online. “It’s a liquid body armor because that’s what the military is going toward. Kevlar can stop a bullet, but it can’t necessarily stop a knife because a knife could move the strands apart. That’s why they use sheer thick-

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Lucas Lynn will be a senior at Wetumpka High School in the fall

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

ening fluid to fill up all the holes in it,” said Lynn. uses for the textile aside from body armor, but there He then shot at his various Kevlar designs with a is not currently a way to manufacture this fabric, said BB gun to compare the ability of his designs to withLynn; however, any type of high-strength fabric could stand the force of the bullet. His innovative hexagonal be reinforced with this textile weave, such as paradesign achieved 100 percent success rates with stopchutes and air bags. ping a bullet, he said. “It would be really good to develop it. But if you The design want to make Lynn developed a whole roll of Lynn won second place in the special awards category at the International was a combinafabric, there’s not Science and Engineering Fair tion of some a factory or a proweaves already cess for this woin existence, ven process yet. including a spider It’s really tedious, web layout. This and someone’s performed better going to have to than a grid design come up with a and tabby-weave way to do that. design, which is Maybe it’s me; I currently used don’t know,” he in Kevlar fabric, added. with its fibers With threerunning warp dimensional and weft. At the knitting machines center of his hexavailable now, agonal design, a Lynn said, he triangle disperses thought he could force in six direcimplement some tions, as opposed of those techto a square center nologies, along with only four with 3D printing directions in the techniques, to grid design. develop a way “This idea was to produce the developed in a fabric in large few hours one quantities. night. You just Lynn said one have the ‘bazinga’ possible solution moments somecould be converttimes. I don’t ing the existing know how much out-of-service stuff led up to textile mills that though. It that populate could have been the Southeast’s years,” said Lynn. infrastructure, The sample by installing new created was the machinery. And size of a dinner plate and still took Lynn four hours to since the top employers in Alabama and Georgia are fashion by hand, due to the intricately woven pattern. military based, veterans could be hired as employees. And he did it without preliminary sketches, as Lynn “There are a lot of people employed by the military, said he prefers to jump in and be hands-on with a but there’s also a lot of trouble for them. They could project. have 20 years military experience, but when they In terms of mass production, there are additional return to civilian life, they don’t have an education,”

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

To test the resilience of his design, Lynn shot at the samples with a BB gun

said Lynn. “There’s a big gap there that causes them to become homeless. About 40,000 veterans are homeless in the U.S. and are homeless for two years longer than the average homeless person and twice as likely to become homeless because of their lack of education.” The goal would be to launch a veteran-led company to revitalize the Southern textile industry in which small towns thrived and also give the veterans something to do, Lynn suggested. Part of his research and presentation also included economic projections based on material cost. All the research and presentation of his project paid off when Lynn won second place at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in a special awards category, sponsored by the Society for Experimental Mechanics. “It’s kind of neat too. You don’t care what the award is. You could be getting ‘biggest toenail,’ and you get called up there, and it’s so exciting!,” said Lynn, who was one of four students chosen at the Alabama state level to attend the international fair, with

Lynn's hexagonal design, which creates stronger textiles, is patent pending

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

nearly 1,500 competitors hailing from 78 different nations. “This is the main one. The Super Bowl of science fairs, I guess you could say,” said Lynn. He credited a lot of his success to his robotics teacher, Dr. Vilardi, and the robotics program in Wetumpka. “Dr. Vilardi has been doing this for 20 years, and she’s the state coordinator for the international science fair. She’s been taking students since 1998, and 19 of them

have attended. She deserves the credit there,” said Lynn, who was the first WHS student winner in seven years. The Wetumpka school system introduces optional robotics classes to students starting in middle school, and the program is gaining atLynn at the science fair tention for its presenting his research achievements. To partake as a freshman, students must interview for the program. There is an average 50-person class for first-year students in the high school and another for all those who have been in it for more than one year. Students are required to participate in the school science fair for a grade. Two Wetumpka students were in the top four at the regional competition and were interviewed for the international slot, and three of the top eight winners at the state level were from Wetumpka. Two of those winners were given half-tuition scholarships to the University of Alabama in Huntsville, which is where the state competition was held.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

2017

Dining Guide

Always Fresh. Always Delicious.

Load up across our wide selection of breakfast dishes, lunch or dinner entrees.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget about our fresh buffet, nightly specials, and dessert options. 4700 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL

334/567-3811

2557 Cobbs Ford Road, Prattville, AL

334/285-9591

Hours: Monday - Saturday 5:00am - 10:00pm Sunday 6:30am - 10pm Location: 5267 US Highway 231, Wetumpka AL Contact: 334 - 478 - 4148

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Top Tips for Military Veterans to Succeed at Job Fairs Planning for an effective military-to-civilian transition is one of the most vital things to do for an effective career, family and financial transition. A job fair, also known as a career fair, is one of those steps. Here are some tips for how to have an effective and rewarding career fair.

1. Arrive Early, Hydrated and Fed.

Job fairs start early. Arrive early to get a place in line and a close parking spot.

2. Dress for The Job You Want.

Plan to attend a job fair in professional and conservative business attire – a jacket, tie, dress shoes and dress slacks. It is tempting to wear your uniform, but a professional employer wants to be able to see you in their organization, not as a soldier, sailor, marine or airmen. Impeccable personal dress is a way to standout. Finally, wear comfortable shoes; you will do a lot of walking.

3. Have a Plan.

Create a personal plan for the companies that you want to meet with and have a personalized cover letter and resume. This way, you have a personalized card, cover letter and resume for each company when you speak to them. This amount of preparation and personalization makes a substantial difference.

4. Be Prepared to Interview.

Be ready and able to have a 30-60-minute interview with a company. If you make a great first impression, the company may want to interview you right on the spot. Use the STARS format to answer interview questions.

a. Situation, Task, Action, Result, Skills (STARS) b. Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a job or faced a challenge at work. c. Task: Describe your responsibility in that situation. d. Action: Describe how you completed the task or endeavored to meet the challenge. Focus on what you did, rather than what your team, boss or coworker did. e. Result: Finally, explain the outcomes or results generated by the action taken. f. Skills: Skills you used to be successful – includes both hard (technical) skills and soft skills (leadership, teaching). g. Create 6-10 sentence answers to frequent questions on leadership, improvements, cost savings and how you learned a new skill.

5. Attend the Classes.

Career fairs are often filled with classes on resume reviews by HR professionals, panels of employers and other resources to help in a career change. Take advantage and network during these training opportunities.

6. Have a Follow-Up Plan.

When you meet with the companies, ask when you can follow up for more information or an interview and get phone numbers and interviews for the follow up.

7. A Career Fair Is Only One Way to Find a Job.

Don’t expect a career fair to be your entire answer to secure employment. Continue to network, have personal interviews, and contact companies for other opportunities. Remember, your goal is not one, but multiple job offers to be successful. Content courtesy of the USAA

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Wetumpka

Flea Market & Antiques Thanks for all the “Grand Giveaway” turnout! It was so much fun!

OVER 100 BOOTHS! EVERYTHING FROM ODDS & ENDS TO FINE ANTIQUES

334-567-2666 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka, AL

Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC

Brandino Brass Co. offers an uncompromising selection of decorative hardware for doors and cabinets, kitchen and bath accessories, lighting, fire balls, mailboxes, gate hardware and much more. 2824 CENTRAL AVENUE SUITE 100 | HOMEWOOD, AL 35209 205.978.8900 | WWW.BRANDINOBRASS.COM

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Building confidence and teamwork skills in a canoe at the YMCA

Millbrook

illbrook is ‘all in’ for children, hundreds of whom visit the city from communities across the state every year to play, learn and grow at the area’s camps, parks and nature facilities. “Millbrook really has become a capitol for children’s playground activities,” Mayor Al Kelley told local business owners last month at the annual Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon held at the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s (AWF) NaturePlex. “The Grandview YMCA had more than 700 kids there last

week, and this nature center has had more than 60,000 visitors since it opened (18 months ago).” In addition, the City of Millbrook hosts youth baseball and softball tournaments all summer long. Other city parks have been developed with children in mind, including the construction of a custom-designed Kids Kingdom playground near the Village Green. “It wasn’t a conscious effort to develop for kids – at least not at first,” Kelley explained later. “But when you focus on quality of life, families with kids are attracted to that. We are just very fortunate that things have happened like they did.” The windfall, he said, has been the addition of two stellar

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Fun & Games

City positioned as capitol of children’s playground activities

Story by Betsy Iler Photos by Kalynn Martin and Courtesy of Alabama Wildlife Federation

facilities that, in addition to the city’s sports programs, serve children exceptionally well: Grandview YMCA and the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s NaturePlex. Owned by YMCA of Greater Montgomery, the Grandview facility was a former Young Women’s Christian Organization camp and residential facility that changed hands in 1986. Three years ago, the nonprofit YMCA purchased 130 acres adjacent to the original 60-acre camp, a move that will allow Director Bill Myers to expand services in keeping with a master plan that includes year-round equestrian opportunities, gymnasium facilities, lake recreation, walking trails, soccer and more. “When most people think of the YMCA, they think gym

and swim, but we’ve gone so far beyond that,” Myers said. “We had an opportunity to expand when we purchased this property, and that means we can serve more kids with more activities.” Since 2008, summer day camp at the facility has doubled from 311 children to 623. “Kids get to swim; kayak; canoe; stand-up-paddleboard; jump and flip on the water blob; ride a zip line across the lake; shoot archery, slingshots and BB guns; hike; play in the mud; and sing old camp songs,” Myers said. “When we purchased the adjacent land, we met with city officials and started this master plan process to determine the best use of the property,” he explained. “For nine

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Children bond during programs at the YMCA

All smiles and splashes during a cool down at the YMCA pool

Kayaking at Grandview's Lake Bentley teaches lifelong skills

months, I just listened, and I heard things like, ‘Millbrook doesn’t have enough tennis courts;’ ‘We have no track.’ We put those things on the master plan.” Some items on the master plan have already been implemented, such as the paddling options, construction of an outdoor gymnasium and a football program that will start this fall. And while the money for major items on the plan will need to be part of a capital campaign, Myers has been able to fund a few of the smaller ones through the Millbrook facility’s $1.5 million annual budget. The key to the program’s growth is a strong staff, said Program Director Rachel Joiner, who manages the schedule for 70 camp counselors and 35 lifeguards. She also coordinates the daily use of the grounds, which include three buildings, two lakes and the outdoor shooting range, a red dirt hill and a mud crawl for serious fun, soccer fields, the playground and the equestrian area. “I tell the counselors to be childlike without being childish,” Joiner said. “They are great at keeping kids engaged in activities – having fun and making memories – and thinking of things to do each year when they come back. A lot of our counselors used to be campers here. They love it, so they keep coming back.” In addition to the summer program, which will serve 950 individual children from five counties this year, the Grandview YMCA serves all ages from six weeks of age through senior adults. Child Watch offers care for young children while parents use the facilities for fitness workouts and other activities, and regular day care and after school programs also are available. Senior fitness programs meet in the main building, and a church meets on the grounds every week. A local high school track team practices and has held meets at the 5K trail on the grounds, too. The dining hall, outdoor gymnasium and other areas also can be rented for private events. “We’re implementing the YMCA mission, which is putting Christian principles into practice by developing a healthy body, mind and spirit for all,” Myers explained. “That means it is accessible to everyone, and the City of Millbrook is very supportive. Civic groups and the community contribute to a scholarship fund, so kids who can’t afford activities here can still come. “We’re a recreation destination, but we have a huge opportunity to touch a lot of lives in our area in a positive way and to offer more for kids and the community. We send kids home dirty and tired, and they can’t wait to come back.” Learn more about the Grandview YMCA program online at www.ymcamontgomery.org/locations/grandview-familyymca or call 334-290-9622. And while Grandview YMCA works to develop the whole person from a Christian perspective, the AWF programs across town target the development of children’s perceptions of and relationships with the outdoors.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

“Our focus marries – study, collect, sample, School groups visit the Natureplex to learn about nature hands-on fun with materelease, manage, use and rial knowledge of the protect the environment; outdoors,” explained AWF to show how to manage Executive Director Tim the balance,” Gothard Gothard. “What we are explained. doing at this facility is by First, Gothard charged design, but at the time that wildlife specialists, biolowe made the decision that gists, botanists and forestthis is what we wanted to ers to individually walk do, we didn’t know where the entire property – more it was going to happen.” than 300 acres – and note In the mid-1990s, the on a map the locations of AWF board of directors set the goal of building a worldunique features of exceptional natural beauty, resources of class facility that would present educational programs educational value and other worthy aspects. These locawith a professional staff that could have an impact on how tions were connected on the ground with a trail system and children and adults interacted with the outdoors. open-air pavilion as part of Phase One in 2007. That phase “We didn’t have a design for the facility, but we knew we allowed AWF to significantly expand field trip and general wanted certain elements, so we began to look for a locapublic programs. tion,” Gothard said. “We partnered with the Hill family in The NaturePlex, a 23,000-square-foot welcome and eduMillbrook – their desires for the future use of the property cation center, was then sited and built as Phase Two, openwere a match for how we wanted to use it. We developed a ing in October 2015 as an educational facility for children master plan and moved here in 2003.” and adults. AWF engaged a landscape architect to develop the masVisitors could tour Discovery Hall, watch documentaries ter plan. and nature videos in the 120-seat theater; build bird houses “We wanted for visitors to interact with the outdoors, to and attend other workshops in educational classrooms; and see how professionals – foresters, soil scientists, biologists take home books, other resources and souvenirs from the Summer activities include kayaking, canoeing and other water sports

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

gift shop. They also could explore the grounds on 5 miles of boardwalks and trails through areas with names like Still Creek Run, Turkey Ridge and Hilltop Pass. Since 2007, more than 200,000 people have visited the property, and more than 60,000 have toured the NaturePlex in the 18 months that it has been open. A substantial majority of those visitors – more than 60 percent – have been youth and school groups that have come from all over the state, Gothard said. “We are intent upon introducing people to the outdoors and providing education for the generation to come,” he said. The professional staff at AWF’s Alabama Nature Center includes biologist Holly Terry and zoologist Tyler Harris. “We have hired people who are passionate and knowledgeable. Teachers can pick from a number of options and put together their own field trips,” Gothard explained. “Holly Terry is a biologist, but she also was a science teacher, so she understands what teachers need in the programs that we build. “And children and adults love to see the animals. We are not a zoo, but we use educational animals – snakes, frogs, lizards – that are holdable, and Tyler Harris has a passion for caring for animals like that.” Programs include field days, homeschool activities, tours, summer camps, introduction to canoeing and kayaking, stewardship programs, fishing, lunch-and-learn events and evening bring-your-own-dinner activities. The center also is open to the public during regularly scheduled hours. Teachers from around the state work with Terry to build lesson plans, programs and field trips that meet their needs.

“We have 2,000 students this summer with enrichment field trips alone,” added Gothard. The goal is to grow the reach and impact of the programs, as the facility was designed for growth accommodation. Existing sections of the NaturePlex were planned and built to be turned into classrooms as the need for more space arises. “We’re the oldest and largest nonprofit conservation organization in the state. We’re a private entity, funded by people who share our passion,” Gothard said. For more information about AWF’s Alabama Nature Center, visit www.alabamawildlife.org, visit the facility at 3050 Lanark Rd. or call 800-822-9453. The perfect complement to the programs offered by the YMCA and AWF is the City of Millbrook’s baseball and softball programs, said the City of Millbrook’s Parks and Recreation Director Scott Davis. “We don’t compete with what AWF and the YMCA are doing,” Davis said, “They are an asset to the community, and instead of trying to do what they are doing so well, we focus on areas that they don’t do. For example, we don’t have a soccer program because the YMCA does a great job with that, and we don’t have an indoor gym. But they don’t have the baseball fields, so it works out well.” In 2003, the city hosted its first travel baseball tournament and found it not only brought in revenue for the parks and recreation department but also filled hotel rooms and restaurants. “We started doing more of them, and it just grew. I guess other cities were saying ‘no,’ and we were saying ‘yes,’” Davis said. To accommodate more travel teams, the city built a stateThe Natureplex uses educational animals that are holdable for visitors to enjoy

Kids can zip line over the lake at summer day camp

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Archery was added as part of the YMCA's master plan to implement more options

of-the-art sports complex with six baseball fields and two batting cages. In addition to the 400-600 local children who take part in the baseball and softball programs through the city, the complex hosts travel tournaments twice a month, on average. “This past weekend, we had 48 teams here. That’s at least 480 players, plus their coaches and parents. It’s good for the city, and it’s great for the kids,” Davis said. “We get phone calls every week in our office from people who want to know about AWF programs and the YMCA. We are happy to pass folks along to them and recommend them both without hesitation. What they are doing with kids is amazing, and it’s great to have them here. We all have a unique side of what we are offering for people here in Millbrook,” he said. “It’s a good thing about our community.” As a bonus, Mayor Kelley said, the combination of programs also helps the local economy. “We didn’t do all this as a tax generator,” he said. “It has all been focused on quality of life, but as people come through town, they stop to buy gas and shop or eat in a restaurant. It helps our local merchants and businesses. “For me, it’s personal. I was raised in Millbrook. My children were raised in Millbrook, and I have grandchildren who are being raised in Millbrook. I have a vested interest in the long-term quality of life in Millbrook, the quality of life for the kids.”

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

The AWF offers fishing programs to develop a positive relationship with the outdoors

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next? Tallassee Mill owner entertains ideas for future use as cleanup moves forward

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Cleanup for the Tallassee Mill has been ongoing

Story by Carmen Rodgers & Betsy Iler ELMORE COUNTY LIVING 23

The building was an important landmark in Tallassee

ore than a year has passed since that terrible night in May of last year when a devastating fire gutted the Tallassee Mill, and while cleanup is ongoing, there is much speculation about the future of the site that once was the life blood of the community. No commitments have been made for the future yet, said owner Thomas Hudson, though he’s had some promising conversations with interested parties. “We are looking both at selling it and utilizing the prop-

erty ourselves. Most likely we will sell at least a portion of it,” Hudson said. Hudson said one possibility could be to convert the property to office space. There has been some interest from a communications entity, and the City of Tallassee also has expressed interest in a portion of the property, but of course, until the property is cleaned up, few decisions can be made, he explained. “There hasn’t been a great deal of commitment from any party yet,” he said. Hudson said he expects the cleanup of the property to take 18 to 24 months, as it is tedious and dangerous work.

The mill served many functions back in the day, including for social use

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

“We have to separate the steel from the debris, and we have no insurance money to do that with. We can’t afford to put 50 people down there working, but I think we are coming along pretty well,” he explained. Hudson purchased the mill with the intent of harvesting the long leaf pine flooring. Long leaf pine once grew abundantly in the Southeast region of the United States. Because of the hardiness of the wood, it was the choice lumber utilized for flooring in factories like the Mt. Vernon Mill Co. The trees were quickly overharvested and with 100-150 years needed to reach full size, the tree was very close to complete extinction. Today, only about 3 percent of the original pine forest remains, though extensive efforts are being made to repopulate areas with the trees. Hudson and his son had plans of producing engineered flooring using thin laminates of the harvested long leaf pine. These plans never came to fruition. Following the May 4th fire, there was nothing but stone and concrete left behind. “We lost a lot of money,” Hudson The fire that burned the mill said. “We’re talklast year was covered ing seven figures. by news outlets nationally There was a big mistake in the insurance of the building, and the building was not insured for the event that occurred. So all of this is coming out of our pocket.” Nothing of the building remains useful, Hudson said, except the stone. “We can put a stone crusher on the site and crush the stone into gravel that can be used in building roads and parking lots. The heat was so intense that it shattered the stone. Some were completely shattered, and others are cracked throughout the stone,” he explained.

The cleanup project alone could cost upward of $2 million, Hudson said. Last year, the city filed a suit against the owner of the property, citing dangerous conditions. Then city building inspector, John Stonaker, explained that the remaining walls were in danger of collapse and with only a fence to keep the public off of the property, it could potentially be a liability issue. “When this administration came in there was a lawsuit pending against the eastside mill owner, Tommy Hudson,” Mayor Johnny Hammock said. “He’s cleaning it because it’s the right thing to do. He could have bankrupted the llc on the eastside mill and walked away.” Since taking office, Mayor Hammock has met with Hudson to discuss the future of the eastside mill, and the two have remained in contact. “A lawsuit would have cost us money, and cost him money,” said Mayor Hammock. An 8-foot fence encloses the site, but Hudson agreed that it is not enough to secure the area. “Even though we have fenced it, we know people are going in, and we don’t want anyone to get hurt,” he said. Hudson purchased the mill just a week before the fire and continues to work with authorities to find out who struck the match that wiped out his investment, but there isn’t bitterness in his tone when he spoke of it. “As my father used to say, ‘Some people don’t make mistakes because they aren’t doing anything.’ This was a big one,” he said. “But I assure you it will not remain unused.”

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Discover Nature at Yates Lake BioBlitz uncovers more than 250 diverse species Story by David Rainer Photos by Griffin Pritchard and Courtesy of Alabama Natural Resources and Conservation

A box turtle was among one of the species found during the two-day BioBlitz

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

n numerous trips outdoors, I’ve said. “And of course, we also have Yates Lake that is often wondered about the extent located between Martin Dam and Thurlow Dam on of the flora and fauna in the surthe eastern side of the property. We have a wide array rounding areas, but I don’t have of habitats where we were hoping to find a variety of the background to identify all different species. There are many common species that the different species. we were able to document, like box turtles and pines On a recent trip to the Forever and several species of beetles, things people don’t norWild Gothard-AWF Yates Lake mally get out and look for. We’re hoping to find more Wildlife Management Area near of the uncommon species that occur here as well.” Tallassee, I was among a group of Alabama residents More than 120 plant species were identified, several who found out, thanks to of special interest. The team the biologists from the was also able to add 25Alabama State Lands plus species of lichens and Division, Auburn Unifungi to the list. versity, Cherokee Ridge “As far as plant life, we Alpine Trail Association know that there are a few and interested volununcommon species that teers. occur on the property, like The trip was part of bay star-vine and croomthe Yates Lake BioBlitz, ia,” Barger said. “On an event that scoured the the lake, an uncommon 5,933-acre complex over floating plant is yellow two days to determine spatterdock, also known what species of plants as nuphar.” and animals were identiIn terms of animal fiable on the property in life, Brian Holt, a herpethe middle of May. tologist with State Lands, Dr. Wayne Barger, a said quite a few species botanist with the State were observed at Yates Lands Heritage SecLake, including six-lined tion, said the Yates Lake racerunners, loggerhead BioBlitz is the second musk turtles, box turtles, bioblitz conducted by the black racers, smooth division. earth snakes, ringneck “Last year we held snakes, copperheads, More than 120 the event on the Dothan timber rattlesnakes, cotplant species Trail Park Forever Wild tonmouths and gray rat were identified tract,” Barger said. “The snakes. Although they event at Yates Lake were not observed, snapwas organized so that it ping turtles and softshell was more centrally located and we could involve the turtles are likely present in the lake. general public as citizen scientists. We’re hoping that “We found the southeastern five-lined skink, which by inviting, not just the general public, but the profesis an uncommon species,” Holt said. “We also obsionals from the many different realms of biological served a red eft, the juvenile phase of the eastern newt. sciences, that we can discover some species we didn’t As for other reptiles, the Yates Lake property is too far know were on the tract.” north for eastern diamond-backed rattlesnakes, but After all the species of plants and animals were you could see a pygmy rattlesnake.” totaled, more than 250 species were documented with Eric Soehren, who manages the State Lands Divithe identification of a few species continuing. sion’s Wehle Land Conservation Center in Bullock “There is a diverse set of habitats at Yates Lake County, took participants on a hike to observe the bird from upland, drier habitats to mesic drains,” Barger life at Yates.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

A chuck-will's-widow was flushed from her nest near a trail at the Yates Lake complex

“We conducted the bird survey, both visually and aurally, which is typical in these forested settings,” said Soehren, who helped conduct the Fort Morgan birdbanding project earlier this spring. “Just walking to the creek and back, we documented 27 species, providing a quick snapshot of the species present. We’re just past migration and well into the breeding season now. Typically, you’ll have your resident species and neotropical breeders that are here right now. The bird diversity is slightly down because the winter species are gone and the migrants have already passed through.” One of the highlights of the effort was the discovery of a chuck-will’s-widow nest. This bird is a member of the nightjar family, which also includes the eastern whip-poor-will. “This is one of those birds that is only active, at least singing, during the dusk and dawn periods or during nights with bright lunar periods,” Soehren said. “The chuck-will’s-widow sounds a little like a whippoor-will, but it’s a little bigger in size and a little more abundant in this part of Alabama. Many people mistake it for a whip-poor-will, but their calls are different.

The female we found was incubating two eggs. This is prime nesting season for this and other bird species around here.” “This is a team effort where you have authorities in different taxa groups leading trips to not only gather the diversity of species but also have the public participate, to learn and be engaged in our conservation lands.” For the weekend, the count was 44 bird species documented on the Yates Lake property. “What’s interesting about this property is we are near the fall line,” Soehren said. “You’ve got aspects of the Piedmont and the aspects of the Coastal Plain merging together. You’ve got montane longleaf pine sections here, which are unique community types and a rare community type. Then you’ve got bottomland hardwoods. You’ve got the mixed hardwoods and pines. And then you’ve got these creeks that dissect the areas. You’ve got hickory, oak, tulip poplars, red maple, sweet gum and pines. “What’s interesting is the Channahatchee Creek. It has some bedrock interface lying in there that is right

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

on the cusp of the Piedmont. An interesting example of this is finding bald-cypress – a Coastal Plain species typical of alluvial substrates – growing along the margins of creeks with exposed bedrock, which serves as a natural boundary for this species, making it kind of a unique feature to see.” Soehren said Yates Lake is also excellent habitat for the alligator snapping turtle, which is a species of concern. “It’s a species that is a slow reproducer and slow to mature so it’s susceptible to decline,” he said. “The stumps of cut cypresses and other trees under the impounded sections of the river create submerged structures ideal for species like the alligator snapping turtle. If you happen to encounter one while fishing for catfish on limb lines and stuff like that, just cut the line and let it go.” Channahatchee Creek was the site of an interesting discovery by the team that had erected a mist-net over the creek. A Seminole bat was captured, the first time this species has been encountered on the tract. Go to www.alabamaforeverwild.com/yates-lakewma for information about outdoors activities available at the Forever Wild Gothard – AWF Yates Lake Wildlife Management Area, including fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking and birding. No overnight camping is allowed.

Various creeks dissect the habitat in this area making for a rare community

Yates lake is a 5,933-acre complex with diverse habitats

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Narrow the Search Movie suggestions to stream when overwhelmed by the choices Streaming services are more prevalent than ever. Let’s focus on three popular services – Netflix, Amazon and Hulu – for some films that you can focus on when scanning through the oft times overwhelming numbers of selections that these services offer. Jeff Langham

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

Governmental Affairs and a lifelong lover of film.

Netflix

My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown (1989) In his Academy Award-winning performance, Daniel Day-Lewis stars in this true story of Irishman Christy Brown, who was born with cerebral palsy and could control only his left foot. Undaunted by his physical limitations and impoverished childhood, Christy Brown overcame impossible odds to become a famous writer and artist. His story makes an unforgettable and inspiring journey for moviegoers. The Queen (2006) With so much news coverage focused on the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s untimely death, the time is now to revisit or introduce yourself to this powerful drama depicting the British Royal Family’s response to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, on Aug. 31, 1997. In the title role of Queen Elizabeth II, Helen Mirren garnered numerous awards, including a Best Actress Oscar. Zodiac (2007) This movie focuses on the story of the manhunt for a notorious serial killer who called

himself the “Zodiac” and terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Directed by David Fincher (Seven, Fight Club), the film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey, Jr. It is no spoiler to reveal that the Zodiac killer case remains one of Northern California’s most infamous unsolved crimes. This fascinating and deliberately paced movie will haunt audiences for days. Trolls (2016) This colorful and tuneful computer animated treat is based on those unsightly Troll dolls that, amazingly, are as popular today as they were 50 years ago when I was in elementary school. The film features the voices of Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Russell Brand, James Corden and Gwen Stefani. Its toe-tapping theme, Can’t Stop the Feeling performed by Timberlake, received an Oscar nomination and burned up the record charts earlier this year. Please do not confuse this charming computer-animated delight with the distasteful and unpleasant 1986 horror film Troll. Moana (2016) From the magic of Walt Disney Animation Studios comes this enchanting story of Moana, daughter of a Polynesian chief, who through music and song comes to the rescue of her people when a blight strikes. Dwayne Johnson provides the voice of her father, and the red-hot Broadway sensation Lin-Manuel Miranda provides the soaring songs. Okja (2017) Bong Joon-ho, the visionary director of Snowpiercer, helms this South KoreanAmerican adventure that stars Tilda Swinton

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

and Jake Gyllenhaal. This unusual film garnered much buzz and acclaim as one of the main competitors at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. And if none of the above catches your fancy, Netflix also currently features The Bucket List, The Sixth Sense, and Young Frankenstein.

Amazon

Magnolia (1999) This film serves as a reminder of Tom Cruise’s range as an actor, before he began limiting himself to “action hero” roles. Cruise was nominated for an Oscar for this ensemble film about life in California’s San Fernando Valley. The stellar cast includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Julianne Moore and Jason Robards. Gone Baby Gone (2007) Ben Affleck (in his directorial debut) guides his brother Casey in this riveting adaptation of the Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Shutter Island) novel about two private investigators and their desperate search for an abducted 4-year-old girl in Boston.

Hulu

Seven Years in Tibet (1997) Screen icon Brad Pitt stars as Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Herrer in this recounting of his experiences in Tibet between 1944 and 1951. The unforgettable score was composed by John Williams and features cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Gangs of New York (2002) The legendary Martin Scorsese directs the film, set in 1862, about the fictional exploits of gang leader Bill “The Butcher” Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis) in the Five Points district of New York City. The impressive cast also includes Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz. Winter’s Bone (2010) In one of her earliest screen roles, Jennifer Lawrence received an Oscar nomination for her role as an impoverished teenaged girl in the rural Ozarks searching for her missing father.

The Salesman (2016) An Iranian film about a married couple that performs Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman on stage, and terrible events ensue. While the plot may not initially grab you, the film has been embraced by critics and the awards circuit, having won major awards at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. World Trade Center (2006) Director Oliver Stone (Platoon, Natural Born Killers) toned down his bombastic style to tell the inspirational true story of the harrowing adventures of two Port Authority Police officers on Sept. 11, 2001. The film stars Nicolas Cage and Michael Peña as officers John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno. 20th Century Women (2016) I thought early on that this film set in 1970s Southern California would be the picture to finally win the luminous Annette Benning a long overdue and well deserved Best Actress Oscar. Sadly, that victory did not come to pass, and this engaging film quickly sputtered at the box office. Hopefully, it will find a second chance on home video and streaming. Also on Amazon: Star Trek: Beyond, Mr. Mom, The Scarlet Letter (The 1995 Demi Moore remake) and Heartbreakers.

The Naked Gun (1988) From the inspired zaniness of the team of Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker comes the adventures of Detective Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) uncovering a plan to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to the USA. The laughs are non-stop in this first film of the smash comic trilogy. And don’t miss these other favorites on Hulu: DeLovely, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Tarzan, Gladiator and GoldenEye. So beat the summer heat and stream away with these cinematic treats. Until next month!

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Take the proper steps to keep antibiotics effective

Prevent the Resistance Kathy Monroe

COMMUNITY CARE Kathy Monroe is the assistant to the

adminstrator

CFO Community Hospital. and the at

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year in the United States at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics and at least 23,000 people die as a direct result of these infections. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Superbug infectionsâ&#x20AC;? are bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotics and similar drugs have been used since the 1940s to treat infectious diseases. Over the past 70-plus years, antibiotics have saved countless lives; however, these drugs have been used so widely and for so long that the infectious organisms the antibiotics were designed to kill have adapted, making the drugs less effective. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem and is considered to be a pressing public health issue. The number of bac-

teria resistant to antibiotics has increased in the last decade. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are important factors leading to antibiotic resistance. Simply put, each time a person takes an antibiotic, sensitive bacteria are killed and resistant germs may be left to grow and multiply. These drug-resistant bacteria do not respond to the more common antibiotics, and in some cases, may not respond to any antibiotic currently available. Smart use of antibiotics is key to controlling resistance. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections; however, antibiotics do not fight infections caused by a virus. Common colds and flu, for example, are viral infections and antibiotics are not an effective treatment for these types of infections.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Get Smart about Antiobiotics nN ever pressure a healthcare professional to prescribe an antibiotic. nT ake any antibiotic exactly as prescribed. nD o not skip doses or stop taking an antibiotic early. nN ever save antibiotics for the next time an illness strikes. nN ever take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.

Healthcare providers should only prescribe antibiotic therapy when necessary, and when they do so, they should prescribe the appropriate antibiotic at the correct dosage and duration, but patients have responsibilities as well. The development of new antibiotics must be a continuous process to keep resistance at bay. Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally as bacteria evolve, so it can be slowed but never completely stopped. New antibiotics will always be needed to keep up with resistant bacteria. Avoiding infections in the first place reduces the need for antibiotics to be prescribed. Some steps patients can take to protect themselves from infections include washing their hands with soap and water. Hand washing is like a super-vaccine. It’s quick; it’s easy; and it’s one of the most effective ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spreading of germs to

others. Safe food preparation and handling is also important. Always handle, prepare, store, cook and refrigerate food correctly and keep hands, utensils and food prep areas clean to avoid foodborne illnesses. Don’t allow raw meat, poultry and fish – or their juices – to come in contact with other foods. It is important for everyone to stay home when sick and keep children home when they are sick. This simple advice goes a long way in preventing the spread of illnesses. The threat of antibiotic resistance is not new; however, greater awareness and education about this serious public health issue encourages healthcare providers and patients alike to make better decisions about overuse or misuse of antibiotics. For more information, or to find a healthcare provider, call Community Hospital at (334) 2836541.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

ICONIC GAMES

SNES Classic Console

Nintendo announced the SNES Classic in late June, and fans across the globe roared with excitement. It’s the follow-up console to Nintendo’s massively successful NES Classic, a discontinued vintage system that came pre-loaded with a number of old games. When the NES Classic first hit store shelves, the initial stock was bought out in stores and online within minutes. While the system was only supposed to retail for around $60, scalpers bought as many of the consoles as possible before the rest of us could get our hands on them – and now you can only find them on secondary markets like eBay for $200 or more. In an attempt to raise awareness and help buyers avoid getting gouged, let’s look at just a few of the games that come preloaded on the SNES Classic, which hits store shelves on Sept. 29 at $79.99.

Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country is the second best-selling SNES game of all-time. The game sold more than 9 million copies, a feat that most modern titles don’t even come close to achieving. Many historians consider this game integral to the SNES and its success. The

profits from Donkey Kong Country allowed Nintendo to create more quality games even faster. Past the impressive sales numbers, the game also accrued stellar reviews from critics. Fans praised the title for its vibrant colors and then-groundbreaking graphics.

EarthBound

While EarthBound wasn’t an immediate hit with U.S. audiences, the game quickly developed a phenomenon-like cult following. Fans fell in love with main character, Ness, and friends, as well as the journey to defeat evil in a completely unique and enveloping world. EarthBound’s distinct art style has inspired many games since its conception, and Ness has been seen in various games created by Nintendo.

Star Fox/Star Fox 2

While Star Fox’s inclusion on the SNES Classic is big news, what is perhaps even more important is the addition of Star Fox 2. The space-faring fox has had a number of distinct, memorable adventures on Nintendo platforms since the SNES, but get this: Star Fox 2 never made it to release. While this aspect of the SNES Classic might get lost in the

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

noise, many 90s-era gamers are eager to get their hands on this previously unreleased game.

Final Fantasy III

Final Fantasy is one of the longest-running video game franchises ever, and while the first two entries in the series are debatably just as pivotal as Final Fantasy III, this just happens to be the one that fell on the SNES. The massive, sprawling world inside this game was the sort of thing gamers had never seen before, and the opportunity to explore it is something that any gamer worth his salt will remember as truly historic.

F-ZERO

The early days of gaming were ripe with racing titles. They weren’t exceptionally difficult to create and provided endless hours of multiplayer fun for those interested in the genre. But there were few as good as F-ZERO. The game pitted players against opponents in futuristic races that put even the most intense day at Talladega to shame. Unfortunately, the series hasn’t seen an entry since 2004. Here’s to hoping that the SNES Classic can reinvigorate interest toward the franchise.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

There are perhaps no other franchises that have the immediate name recognition of Zelda; however, it took a long time to build that brand. One of the games responsible for doing so comes in the form of A Link to the Past. In fact, among all of the different Zelda games to date, A Link to the Past is the franchise entry you’ll most often find topping “best of” lists across the web. And it’s not just a good Zelda game – it’s seen by many as one of the best all-around titles in existence.

Yoshi’s Island

One of the first great platformers, Yoshi’s Island took all the great aspects from its big brother, Mario, and created something totally new and engaging. While the game’s main character, Yoshi, had been a fan-favorite for years before Yoshi’s Island, the title cemented him as one of the franchise’s titular characters. He’s been in almost every Mario game since and has starred in some other spin-off titles. Yoshi’s Island is remembered as one of gaming’s strongest ambassadors.

folly to suggest that an RPG could stand next to A Link to the Past, Secret of Mana does just that. One of the most innovative, cool things about Secret of Mana was that players could travel by flight from one area to the next, a mechanic that was next to unheard of in gaming at the time.

Super Punch-Out!!

While Nintendo has shied away from combat sports video games, there was a time when they were all about boxing. Super Punch-Out!! followed some of the most popular fighting games in history – most notable among these was Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!. Super Punch-Out!! featured all of the same pulse-pounding gameplay of its predecessors but failed to deliver much in the

way of new ideas; however, it’s still an exceptional game. If you’ve never tried one of these old boxing titles, now is your chance.

Super Metroid

Super Metroid is the third game in the massively popular Metroid franchise. In this side-scrolling adventure, players control intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran. The game takes players to some of the most interesting environments in gaming while playing beautiful music and offering plenty of action to boot. Super Metroid is one of the most well regarded video games ever published on the SNES, and there will surely be a handful of those who buy the SNES Classic for this game alone.

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.

Secret of Mana

Secret of Mana is a role-playing game with which every gamer should have at least shaken hands. The title features stellar design, and its influence can be seen in various games today. While most of the time it would be

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Gardens of Wetumpka July 10, 2017 Wetumpka

1. Betty Taylor 2. Betty Windham 3. Nelda Weldon 4. Corinne Blake 5. Frances Sutton 6. Martha Lackey 7. Julia McDowell 8. Maggie Johnson 9. Nita Royall

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

2 3

Flag Day

June 14, 2017 Gold Star Park, Wetumpka 1. Amee, Jay, Abella and Amelie Kujala 2. Jim Beasley 3. Lakyn Kyle 4. Shirley Devenney 5. Boy Scout Troop 50 6. Laylon and Dewayne Gardner

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Fain Senior Center

July 10, 2017 Wetumpka 1. Cheryll Tillman 2. Frank Tucker 3. Marjorie Mallard and Sandra Peavy

8 4. Mattie Lewis 5. Mary Bell 6. Pennie Smith 7. Ethel Beasley and Mary Corbman 8. Sue Moody, Nancy Holdbrooks and Margaret Horton

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Southeastern Woodcarving Competition July 7, 2017 Wetumpka Civic Center 1. Benny McDaniel and Floyd Rhadigan 2. Berry Vestal 3. Neal Pridgen 4. Gene Houston 5. Tammy Beaman 6. Harold Davis

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

For more information and the complete schedule of Sun Festival events, visit www.alexandercitychamber.com.

July 15 Radical Raptors

Alabama Wildlife Center will present 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. Kids can catch and take home up to five catfish at July 21 the annual fishing rodeo

Sun Festival Battle of the Bands

Russell Lands On Lake Martin 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the opening spot on stage for headliner Moon Taxi on Saturday night.

July 22 Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run

The 14th annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run will benefit 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 hand of cards. Prizes for the winning hands and best costumes will be awarded at the after-party at Kowaliga Restaurant. For information and to register, call 256-212-1416 or visit russellmarine.net.

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.

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 to support the shelter. There will be food provided by Wind Creek, door prizes available and DJ Ziggy as the Master of Ceremony. The event starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are $25, which can be pre-purchased from the shelter or bought at the door. 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. To view a complete list of items available, visit www.elmorehumane.auction.

Aug. 5 Annual Youth Fishing Rodeo

Join the fun at the Alabama Nature Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual fishing rodeo. Bring a few fishing poles and a cooler and meet early morning down at the catfish pond on the Alabama Wildlife Federation grounds. Children 15 and under can take home up to five catfish 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 quickly for this event. For information and reservation, call 334-285-4550.

Aug. 13 Sunday Night Supper

Call 256-215-7080 to reserve space at a table for this

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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.

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 warm summer evening to learn about this activity that can offer hours and hours of recreation throughout your lifetime. 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.

Season-Long Events Haunted Wetumpka Investigations

In-depth paranormal investigations 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.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes

Every Tuesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. until noon, hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced

Originally from Alabama exhibit seeks entries The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery in Wetumpka has issued a call for entries for the fall exhibition, Originally from Alabama. The exhibition is scheduled to open Sept. 18 and will run until January 2018. Entires are due Aug. 25 for selection by the juror for inclusion in the show. Participating artists are asked to reflect on their favorite part of Alabama, past or present, and offer a depiction of history, folklore, people, places, stories, fauna, flora, technology, music, work or inventions. Whatever the artist can imagine to portray a piece of Alabama life would be appropriate for this show in recognition of the bicentennial celebration of the State of Alabama as designated by the Alabama Department of Tourism. Any medium chosen by the artist may be offered, in any style ranging from abstract to realistic. To receive a copy of the prospectus detailing the specifications for Originally From Alabama, visit the website at thekelly.org or email info@thekelly.org.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

ANC naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or ID plants and animals, splash through the creek, or catch insects in the meadow. General admission applies and includes this program. NaturePlex General Admission: $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. To check holiday closings visit alabamawildlife.org.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Creature Feature

Every Monday and Wednesday, from 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m., come learn about Alabama’s woods, water and wildlife. Get up close and personal with some of the creatures you may find in your own backyard, and even some you may have never even heard of. General admission applies and includes this program. NaturePlex General Admission: $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Road in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

Tallassee Civitan Club

The Civitans meet at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Budde Building on Gilmer Avenue. This volunteer organization serves individual and community needs by funding and hosting special events for people with developmental disabilities. A social time at 5:30 p.m. precedes meetings.

Countywide Cleanup Day

The Elmore County Commission sponsors free cleanup days for residents on the second Saturday of odd numbered months. Drop off household and yard trash free of charge at the following locations: old highway department in Kent; old highway department shop in Holtville; Crenshaw Park, Sweeten School, Emerald Mountain Equestrian Center; county jail; Shaylee Place at Hwy 231 and Tutus Road; Old Central Transfer Station; Anne Building in Elmore; CEW&SA parking lot at Redland Road facility. There is no longer a drop-off at the intersection of Redland, Firetower and Dozier roads.

Millbrook Farmers Market

Pick up fresh produce from 8 a.m. until noon at the Village Green in Millbrook every Tuesday all summer long. Early birds will find some growers who arrive before 8 a.m. Support local farms and enjoy the market.

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.

Blue Grass Jam, Sit and Scrap and Sit and Sew

All three activities are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon at the Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka. All acoustic instruments and skill levels are welcome at the Bluegrass Jam. Scrappers and paper crafters are encouraged to attend Sit and Scrap. All sewers and knitters are welcome at Sit and Sew. For complete details, visit www.arrac.org or call 334-578-948.

Santuck Flea Market

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

Busy Bee Quilters

Quilters meet the second Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the Santuck Community Center, 7300 Central Plank Rd. Call Shelia Puckett at 334-399-3249 for information.

Wetumpka City Pops

Wetumpka City Pops Community Band rehearses on Thursdays from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Wetumpka City Administration building. Any woodwind, brass and percussion players are encouraged to participate.

Stories and Rhymes

The Rock Hill Ramblers entertain at the Eclectic Public Library summer program

The Eclectic Public Library hosts a variety of activities, including stories, rhymes, dress-up, dance and music at 2 p.m. every Tuesday and 10:30 a.m. every Saturday. These programs are free and enrich a child’s lifelong love of reading. Guests are welcome to visit the library’s gift shop and bookstore from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Dixie Art Colony Foundation Exhibit

Regular gallery hours are from 10 a.m. until noon on Mondays and Wednesdays at 219 Hill St., Wetumpka. Appointments and small group tours are available upon request. Special tours include a 16-minute video, Dixie Art Colony: A Look at Its Lasting Legacy. Exhibits rotate every four months. A selection of periodicals and books from the DAC Foundation Resource Library also are on display. For information, contact Mark Harris at 334-328-0730 or email him at M.Harris@DixieArtColony.org.

Cruise-In Car Show

Yoga on the Green

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

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 on a leash from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Friday between until Sept. 15, except July 21.

Pull into the Super Foods parking lot on Gilmer Avenue from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the third Saturday of each month for a look at the Friday on the Green is a family friendly spectacular wheels. event with live music and lawn games

Farmers’ Market at Trinity Episcopal Church

Every Saturday through Sept. 2 from 7 a.m. until noon, located across from Winn Dixie on U.S. Highway 231, the Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka hosts a farmers market for local vendors. In addition to fresh produce, there is a variety of vendors offering local honey, boiled peanuts, fresh-baked breads and cakes, homemade soaps and lotions, beautiful plants and a wide selection of canned jams and jellies. Selection varies weekly throughout the season. Produce sells out quickly, and it is suggested that customers stop by early for the best selection.

Live Music Sundays at Kowaliga

On the first and third Sundays August - and the fourth Sunday 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 all day on Wednesdays through Sundays.

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.

Catherine’s Market Wine Tastings

Come by Catherine’s Market for wine tastings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays from through 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.

Free Driving and Docking Clinics

Blue Creek Marina will host free clinics on Mondays this summer to teach driving and docking a boat. Registration is required, and clinics run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Snacks and bottled water are provided. Bring your own lunch. Space is limited, so call Jennifer or Nicole at 256-825-8888 to reserve your spot. Pontoon clinics will be held Aug. 7 and Sept. 11; towboat clinics are scheduled for Aug. 14 and Sept. 18; and sterndrive clinic dates are July 24, Aug. 21 and Sept. 25.

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 out the garden club and feed the family. For details, visit www.RussellCrossroads. com. To have your upcoming event featured in Elmore County Living’s ‘Coming Up!’ pages, email information to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com by the first of the month.

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

Bezlo's Cafe Bless Your Heart Eclectic Town Hall Eclectic Library Johnson’s Furniture Original Grace 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

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

Aldridge Borden Company 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 McQuick Printing Company Hankins Insurance Hog Rock BBQ Wetumpka YMCA Adams Drugs Bell Chiropractic Wetumpka Urgent Care USAmeriBank

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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 Wetumpka Flea Market

Our Advertisers â&#x20AC;˘ To Join, Call 334-567-7811 Advanced Heating & Air........................................................................................................1 2 Brandino Brass..........................................................................................................................1 5 Capital Heights Place.............................................................................................................4 4 Collier Ford.................................................................................................................................1 5 Community Hospital................................................................................................................3 Dunkin Donuts.........................................................................................................................1 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 5 River Perk.............................................................................................................................................. 1 3 Russell Lands....................................................................................................................................... 4 8 Shoney's................................................................................................................................................ 1 3 Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC.............................................................................................1 2 Wetumpka Flea Market.........................................................................................................1 5

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 - Marilyn Hawkins 334-202-5108 - Kat Raiford 334-444-8981 or stop by our office located at 300 Green Street, Wetumpka AL 36092

Oatmeal Cookie Recipe After Doris Bell brought her oatmeal cookies to an arts event at The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery a couple of months ago, folks raved about them. These were, folks said, the best oatmeal cookies they had ever tasted, and requests for the recipe flew across the internet; so many people wanted it that the recipe was printed in the Elmore County Art Guild newsletter. We asked Doris if we might reprint it and share the recipe with our readers. She was happy to oblige us.

Doris Bell’s

Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients 3⁄4 cup shortening, soft 1 cup firmly-packed brown sugar 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1⁄4 cup water 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda 3 cups oats, uncooked Directions Beat shortening, sugars, egg, water and vanilla together until creamy. Sift together flour, salt and baking soda; add to creamed mixture; blend well. Stir in oats. Drop by teaspoonsful onto greased cookie sheets. Bake in preheated moderate oven (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 12 to 15 minutes. For variety, add chopped nutmeats, raisins, chocolate chips or coconut. Makes 5 dozen.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

your news...

your community...

your life! Stay connected to all the local news and information going on around you. Whether you’re looking for high school sports scores, the community calendar of events, an obituary, a wedding announcement, or the latest news in the Lake Martin and River Region Areas

It’s all HERE!

SUBSCRIBE TODAY  The Alexander City Outlook  The Dadeville Record  The Wetumpka Herald  The Eclectic Observer

 The Tallassee Tribune  Lake Magazine  Lake Martin Living  Elmore County Living

For subscription specials, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281

Life is Better at The

Ridge.

The Ridge is where lake and life truly meet. Whether you’re looking for a new getaway in the most pristine homes and homesites available in South Ridge Harbor, a rustic-modern design in Russell Cabins, or a classic farmhouse-style home in Ridge Run, The Ridge oﬀers all this and more. The Ridge residents have access to an array of amenities, including The Ridge Marina, Beach Park, and The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex with tennis, cente swimming, and children’s play park. ﬁtness center,

Russell Cabins

Ridge Run

South Ridge Harbor

Homes & Homesites Available 48

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM | LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA | 256.215.7011