Elmore County Living June 2017 by Tallapoosa Publishers

Elmore County Living

Heritage Exhibit at KFMG The Faces Behind River & Blues Corn Creek Park Now Open Whippoorwill Winery

JUNE 2017 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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From the Managing Editor's Desk Come along with us as we celebrate summer in and about Elmore County! We kick off the festivities on page 42 with the newest exhibit in the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery’s Alabama Jubilee 2017 series. A Heritage of Art and Design opened this month with a spectacular collection of works from local artists, coupled with a Tuesday with Kelly event and a competition in conjunction with Troy University. Visit the gallery on the second floor of the Wetumpka City Administration Building on South Main Street in celebration of the area’s rich heritage of art. And while you’re downtown, hang around for the River & Blues event on July 22 or, better yet, become a sponsor and join the great group of local businesses and individuals that support this annual concert series in Wetumpka. There is a tireless crew of volunteers who help to make River & Blues a great day in the park for everyone, and they are led by a dedicated committee of unsung heroes. In this month’s Movers & Shakers feature on page 16, we’re celebrating the folks who put together this annual event that brings together friends and family for a day of free entertainment. For more wonderful family time in Elmore County, visit Corn Creek Park, which has recently been renovated by members of the Coosa River Paddling Club. Rest in the shade; cool your feet in the creek; and watch the kids play on the grassy lawn in this quiet park that is open to the public. Catch a glimpse of the park in Suellen Young’s photos on page 12. We stepped across the county line – just beyond Tallassee – with Suellen this month to visit Whippoorwill Winery after hearing great things about the vineyard from Auburn University journalism student Kendyl Hollingsworth. We’re proud to feature this up-and-coming young writer, who I met last spring while visiting classes at the AU campus. Turn to her story on page 20, and help us welcome Kendyl to the world of magazine writing. Be sure to check the calendar listings on page 40 for more fun things to do this summer, including the Fourth of July Blast at the Lake Martin Amphitheater and the annual patriotic boat parade at Kowaliga, sponsored by Russell Lands On Lake Martin. It’s summer in Elmore County. Time to celebrate!

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

Creative Services Audra Spears

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Jeff Langham Cory Diaz Carmen Rodgers Suellen Young Jacob Saylor Barry Chrietzberg Corey Arwood Kendyl Hollingsworth MK Moore Larry Johnson David Granger Emily Reed Hutcherson To subscribe to Elmore County Living, $25 a year for 12 issues, please call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 For Advertising Inquiries 334-567-7811 For Editorial Inquiries 256-234-4281 All content, including all stories and photos, are copyright of

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

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

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER Pam Allen's Screen Shot is just one of the entries in the newest exhibit at The Kelly. A Heritage of Art and Design is now on display in the second floor gallery at 408 S. Main St., Wetumpka. Photo by Barry Chrietzberg.

16 Columns

Features

In Every Issue

Community Care

Hidden Oasis

Extra! Extra!

Back in the Day

Movers & Shakers

Business Spotlight

Movie Man

'Wining' at Whippoorwill

The Gamer

KFMG Exhibit Opens

28 30 46

Healthy Weight Loss

Spooky Superstitions For the Love of Summer Beginnerʼs Gaming Guide

Renovated Corn Creek Park River & Blues Committee Father and Sonʼs Award Vintage A Heritage of Art and Design

Southern Delights Fire Up the Grill

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News Briefs Markʼs Auto

Out & About

In Elmore County

Coming Up

Fun Activities for Everyone

Where to Find Us Distribution List

Top Talker Trials Blake McDaniel of Tallassee is set to make his mark on the world of auctioneering by competing in the industry's upcoming world championship. A Tallassee auctioneer and employee of the Montgomery Stockyards, McDaniel is headed to Montana to compete for the 2017 world livestock auctioneer championship. McDaniel, along with almost 100 other auctioneers, battled it out in three qualifying events held around the country for 30 spots and the right to go to Billings, Montana, this month to compete in the last leg of the WLAC, where the 2017 world livestock auctioneering champion will be crowned.

Tallassee kicks off Relay Tallassee City Hall became a gathering of survivors and supporters at this month's cancer survivor's walk and luminaire to kick off Relay for Life. The event, which was just one of the two-part Relay for Life events, began with a reception held inside the chambers of

city hall and participants gathered outside for food, water and fellowship. Tallassee’s local Boy Scout troop served as flag bearers as the Pledge of Allegiance was cited and led the survivor’s walk.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor: I was surprised to see the young lady painting rocks in the (April 2017) Elmore County Living. Earlier this year, I, too, started painting rocks with inspirational and fun messages and placing them all around the area. It’s part of thekindnessrocksproject.com. And the local Facebook page is River Region Rocks. The difference is we encourage people to take the rocks if they want. Maybe there is an inspirational message you need, and if so keep it. You

can also leave it or give it to someone who needs it or hide it again for someone else to find. I’ve slowed down some as my father passed away last month (out of town), but I initially started this to honor him. We were (are) “rock hounds” all my life. My grandfather and great uncle founded the rock clubs in Birmingham and Montgomery in the 1950s. So, as my father’s health was failing he was concerned about what was going to happen to his rocks. I discovered this organization about

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that time. In addition to painted river rocks, some may find beautifully polished pieces of petrified wood or agate from his collection with a message, and ours will always be identified on back with the website and Facebook page. People are encouraged to post photos of what they find on our Facebook page and share the kindness. River Region Rocks! Nan S. Butler

Extra! Extra! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Medals for Mile Makers Eclectic Elementary School third-grader Asher Justic set a school record for logging the most running miles at 140, and three fourth-graders exceeded 100 miles in Naomi Sullivan’s physical education program. All students participate in the one-mile run/walk each week, and their times are recorded. The number of miles accrued reaps a variety of rewards. This year the 50-mile club had

80 members in grades 2-4. Their goal was to reach 50 miles (under a 12-minute time limit) by the end of the school year. Each student who reached 50 miles or more received a T-shirt and a trophy at the end of the school year during the awards assembly. Medals were awarded to the four who exceeded 100- plus miles. Award medals were also given to those students who made it on the “Fast & Furious” wall.

Dash for the Dough A sea of yellow could be seen on the Coosa River May 7 as nearly 2,350 rubber ducks floated down the Coosa River in Wetumpka to raise money for the city's Rotary Club. The ducks were in a huge white plastic bag, hoisted above the river from the Bibb Graves Bridge in a bucket truck and, after a countdown, dropped in the river to race toward Gold Star Park on a course bounded by air-filled fire hoses. In the end, it was Sam Adams whose rubber ducky was the winner, crossing the finish line first and winning Adams $1,500. Marsha Hicks' duck finished second in the race, and she won $1,000. Third-place winner was Aulie

Minton, who won the out-of-state duck racer $750. With the money raised from the fundraising duck race, the Wetumpka Rotary Club earned a good head start on monies that it will use to help multiple local charities and scholarships. “It’s easy to drop them from the bridge all at once,” said Rotary Club President Eric Hyde. “Sometimes it’s a little harder to round them up one by one when the race is over.”

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Business Spotlight

Mark Presnell's auto service center holds an eclectic collection of automobile novelties, including vintage gasoline pumps and nameplates (right)

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Mark’s Auto Story by Betsy Iler & Photos by Kenneth Boone

Mark Presnell is one of the lucky few that has been able to make a thriving business out of a hobby he loves. “I had always worked on cars, motorcycles, lawn mowers … anything with a motor,” said Presnell. In high school in Wetumpka, he was a shop foreman in his welding class. The position helped him develop time management and people skills, and later, a technical instructor at the high school recommended him for a job at Caffco, where he worked on anything and everything with a motor. “Cars, motor homes, dump trucks. If it had a motor in it, we worked on it,” he said. Presnell stayed with the company for more than eight years and was shop manager for his last few years there, which gave him experience in purchasing and other business management skills. He opened Mark’s Service Center & Body Shop in 1985 at a gas station in downtown Wetumpka and about two years later purchased property on Kelly Fitzpatrick Drive. At first, he had two employees; now, he has seven, and he has added onto the building twice. At 9,000 square feet, the auto shop next door to Wetumpka Elementary School includes plenty of room for the services Presnell provides to his customers. In addition to general automotive repairs, brake service and repair, tires, paint and body work, Mark’s installs Jasper remanufactured engines and transmissions and performs used car inspections prior to purchase at no charge. The shop is equipped with a PPG paint mixing system; a Unicure paint booth; and Kar Grabber frame machine for proper frame and body repairs. Presnell’s mechanics work on foreign and domestic vehicles and are happy to do the welding

on small fabrication jobs. The square footage offers plenty of room for his evergrowing collection of models, gas pumps, historical documents and whimsical whatnots related to the car industry. The hundreds of items – from oil cans to large gasoline signs, photographs, antique automotive tools and car parts – are the scenery at the auto shop. They fill shelves, glass cases, walls and even floor space not only in Presnell’s office but also the lobby, the shop and the semi-attic storage space. “I started collecting at the old shop downtown. If I saw something I could afford – at flea markets, yard sales, wherever – I bought it and put it in the shop,” Presnell explained. “I am fortunate to have understood the value of automotive memorabilia and appreciated it at a young age. “Once people knew I liked old car stuff, they brought me things. Some of this belonged to their fathers and grandfathers, and they just didn’t know what else to do with it, so they brought it to me,” said Presnell. There are two cardboard convertible models that originally served as gimmicky hamburger packages, and tucked into a corner of a glassfront shelf unit is an ashtray that bears the Carr Motor Company emblem. “They gave those out as promotional items,” Presnell explained. He has a cookie tin that was printed for T. Parker Auto Sales. “When someone bought a car there, the company gave them some cookies in a tin,” he said. There are antique car parts, a valve cover, hood ornaments

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The price (58 cents) is still fixed on this lobby gas pump

The collection includes shelves of old oil cans

Many of the items in the shop were gifts from friends

The old timey gas station picture behind his desk came from a local fast food restaurant Presnell's collection includes an album of car sounds

Presnell has collected models for most of his life

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and an old drive-in speaker that he emphatically avowed was not acquired by his own hand. “That was given to me,” he said. On display in the lobby are two antique gas pumps and a 1928 price quote that bears witness to economic inflation over the last century. Gas prices on the pumps remain at 31 and 58 cents, and the letter quoting service costs clearly states that the labor on a complete overhaul of engine and transmission would fall between $20 and $25, and replacement of four pistons and rings could be as much as $4. “What’s really amazing is that the services they represent are still required on automobiles today, even with all the advances we’ve made,” Presnell said. There’s an old battery tester that vaguely resembles an instrument of torture from a Frankenstein movie. “But it still works!” Presnell said. Paint cans with hand agitators for mixing the paint; a torch that melted lead for car repairs – given to him from the tool collection of a friend’s grandfather; a primitive grease gun; and oil cans that line shelves in every room – all given to him. The lobby also holds a collage of auto nameplates, works of art that advertised a vehicle’s personality and character (back when cars had personality) by the choice of font or thickness of the metal used. “Today, they just use stickers,” said Presnell.

And there is the quintessential wall car – a red 1962 Triumph Spitfire. Not the whole car, of course, but just what one might have seen as it sped past on the street 55 years ago, all shiny and new, and now mounted on the wall of Presnell’s lobby. There’s an old magazine ad for an automobile that handled so smoothly it was like driving on carpet and photographs of cars in Wetumpka and the people who drove them. And a whimsical rendition of the old garage by the bridge under glass, a piece of art commissioned by Presnell’s mother as a Christmas present for her son. This businessman who likes to work on cars treasures the gimmicks and baubles for the sentiment in them. “It’s a Wetumpka thing to some extent,” said the man who served as president of the chamber of commerce in 2000. “That scale over there came out of an old store in town. When I was a kid, I weighed myself on that scale. Most of these things belonged to someone who knew someone I knew – a lot of them are gone now. Most of it isn’t worth more than 50 cents, but it speaks to quality and longevity, and that’s how I look at this business. “We sell quality. I have well trained long-term employees who understand the value of quality automotive repair.” Mark’s Service Center & Body Shop, Inc., is located at 743 Kelly Fitzpatrick Dr., Wetumpka. Visit the website at marksinwetumpka.com or call 334-567-9246.

Vintage signs, old bicycles, car parts and tools are displayed throughout the shop

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Corn Creek is maintained by the Coosa Paddling Club who helps keep it clean and ensures trees are cut back

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Hidden Oasis Wetumpka’s Corn Creek is renovated and open to the public Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Suellen Young

here’s a hidden secret in Wetumpka with crystal clear waters, small rapids, a waterfall and lots of shoreline for fishing. Corn Creek Park has officially been re-opened for nearly a year now, and the improvements allow easier and safer access to everything the area has to offer. The park was first established as a recreational spot for kayakers, anglers, picnic goers and families nearly 20 years ago, but not without a struggle. The original members of the Coosa River Paddling Club (CRPC) saw an open niche to be filled and fought the proposal to clear-cut the land for timber sales. At the time, there was no public park, and locals had used Corn Creek for years in its natural condition. “It was not worth the money they would make on timber compared to the aesthetics of the area,” said Lonnie Carden, owner of Coosa Outdoor Center.

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A small waterfall provides pretty scenery and a peaceful sound The county owned the property, so CRPC members began attending county commission meetings for nearly six years to present their case that Corn Creek was worth salvaging. According to Chris Carter, owner of Coosa River Adventures, a lot of accolades go to county commissioner at the time, Don Horton. His children grew up on Corn Creek, and they had used that property for years, so his sway in favor of keeping the land in tact helped with public opinion. Eventually, the county agreed to lease the land to the club for a nominal fee, but the investment made by the CRPC to clean up the area, build a road and make it usable for the public approached $100,000. “The club accepted the role to maintain the park, and we’re not asking for accolades. We do want to use the educational position that water and rivers like ours are precious resources and should be shared publically,” said Carter. Most of the money was spent on rock to make a drivable road, which previously was impossible to access without 4-wheel drive. Also, they didn’t have to cut down many trees, said Carden, which helped maintain the natural aesthetic balance. There was a local police officer that would open the gate every morning at sunrise and another to close the gate at sunset, so the area was secured and protected. “I went up there one time, and the cop was still sitting there, eating his breakfast. Turns out there were a few river otters he liked to watch play in the water every morning,

and you don’t see many of those around here,” said Carden. The Coosa Whitewater Festival became the funding mechanism for this project, and without its sponsors, donations and participants, Corn Creek Park would have never been made possible, he explained. Since its inception, the event was highly attended since the whitewater craze had just skyrocketed, according to Carter. What also helped is that a lot of people registered for the event with no intention of competing, but simply as a way to give back, he added. “It was paddling club member David Haynes, who was passionate about the river, that organized the club to really get involved and made sure funds could be secured to create a public park at no expense to the taxpayer,” said Carter. Quickly enough, the area was used by all ages; fishermen returned to the area; it became an alternative take-out for kayakers on the river; and at least 20-25 people could be found there hanging out almost all the time, said Matt Thornton, member of CRPC. “It’s the only dog park in the county; there is over a mile of walking trails; Eagle Scouts use the area to receive nature badges; and it’s a unique area that’s the perfect location for fly fishermen,” said Carter. Even with the paddling club voluntarily maintaining the area, a few bad incidences, an overflow of trash left by park goers and miscommunication between the CRPC and the city led to a rocky reputation for Corn Creek.

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However, the main issue was the location of the access road that had been built. It was close to the county jail, and the sheriff’s office was nervous about there being too much accessibility of inmates to receive contraband; therefore, the road was closed, allowing no other way into the park, for nearly three years. Through due diligence of the club and Carter’s knowledge of property boundaries, members met with the county engineer to discuss alternative routes into the park. “The entire staff saw the vision, and through their vision and their gratitude, they offered to do the work gratis for the new road if we could come up with funding for the materials,” said Carter. The CRPC was told the total cost would be $60,000 to build a new road, and the club raised $15,000 from its annual whitewater festivals. The city then agreed to match another $15,000. The county put the remaining $30,000 in-kind into the project, said Carden. Before re-opening, the club also cut out bad trees, re-cleaned it up and took away the trash cans, so people wouldn’t be tempted to leave their trash behind. Club members created warning signs, repaired picnic tables and grills, built a changing room and cut back the natural growth to create usable trails. “The drive into the park is now more aesthetic and family-car friendly. We wanted to do something good for the community,” said Carden. The number of people that used the park previously has greatly diminished, and the majority of people out there now belong to the CRCP. “It’s still kind of a hidden secret, which is fine. But we want people to know it’s there and to use it again. We don’t want it to revert back to the way it was, but it is free and open to the public,” said Thornton.

The Coosa Paddling Club helped fund the new road, allowing safer access to the park

Set along the Coosa River, Corn Creek Park is a great place to put in a kayak

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Movers & Shakers

River & Blues Committee

Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Barry Chrietzberg & Courtesy of Tiffany Robinson

group of five mixed-talent individuals come together each year with a shared passion for music to plan Wetumpka’s largest, free oneday event with two stages and 10 bands. The committee for Wetumpka’s annual River & Blues Festival works hard for nearly seven months planning, booking bands, raising money and recruiting volunteers. The current five were not all original members, as there has been some turnover, but this remains the core group over the last few years: Tiffany Robinson, Thad Hankins, Pat Whatley, Jim McGehee and Lynn Weldon. About eight years ago, Hankins had seen a Zydeco band at Montgomery’s Jubilee Festival, which is no longer around, and he thought it would be fun to execute that concept in a local event. After promoting the idea on his blog, Hankins reached out, and Robinson and Whatley helped form the initial committee to create the free, family-friendly community festival while staying true to that New Orleans jazz and blues aspect. “2012 was the first event, and to say we were surprised at the magnitude was an understatement. Over 10,000 people showed up. At the time, we didn’t realize what a hole we were missing in Wetumpka,” said Robinson, one of the original event founders. Robinson is also the events/tourism manager for the Wetumpka mayor’s office and found her event planning background and connection to the city to be helpful. “I approached the mayor, and he thought it was a great idea and said get some people together and figure out how to make it happen. With his blessing, it gave me the capability to work on the event and fundraise for it,” said Robinson. The main goal for members of the committee is to always keep the event free. They haven’t charged anything from the beginning and don’t want to have to, said Hankins, which is why sponsors are so impor-

tant. Most of the nearly $30,000 needed to make the event possible comes from sponsors or in-kind donations from various companies and city departments. Robinson is constantly recruiting sponsorships and finds that so many people are willing to help out and support the community. The group has had many repeat sponsors who agree to be on board for the following year almost immediately after the event is over. “The first time we asked people, a lot of sponsors were immediately in and a lot are still with us each year. I can’t talk enough about the community support. A lot of people are very generous and very helpful,” said Robinson. Most of the committee members have a wide range of talents, which is why the team complements each other. They all volunteer their professions or passions and all have day jobs to keep up with as well. “We all have our little areas of expertise. And we all love it. We wouldn’t put as much time in volunteerwise if we didn’t have the passion for the community and the event,” said Robinson, who admitted she gets to spend a bit more time on it than the others because the city allows her the opportunity. Robinson and Weldon both have event planning experience, and Whatley is great with graphic design to create the ads, logos and signage. Hankins, McGehee and Whatley have a passion for the music scene, so they scout entertainers and book each year’s performers. They try to showcase a lot of local talent but also bring in regional artists. McGehee also helps manage the stage while Hankins coordinates the rest of the many volunteers needed throughout the process. “One thing we want to make sure is that the type of music we choose fits into the type of music we want to do. It has to be Zydeco or brass band, so you feel like you’re spending time in New Orleans,” said Hankins. Between scouting social media and reaching out to people in the music industry, Hankins and the group listen to a ton of potential artists before collectively deciding on the final performers. Having a strong passion for music and coming from a family of musicians,

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Thad Hankins, Lynn Weldon, Tiffany Robinson and Pat Whatley form the River & Blues Committee, along with Jim McGehee (not pictured)

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Hankins said getting to hear a ton of cool music and to see local artists play definitely makes the job worthwhile. “For me, the satisfaction that I get is when the headliner’s playing, and we’ve all been working hard all day. You look out there and see everyone having a good time; that’s the payoff. We enjoy putting in the work, and seeing people have fun is the reward,” said Hankins, who added that this shared vision helps the team to work well together. The group starts brainstorming in January to finalize a budget. According to Robinson, this is how they can tell how much money is coming in and what they

can spend. “When you have five strong-willed people, sometimes it can be difficult to agree on something, but at the end of the day we learn to work well together,” said Robinson. Hankins agreed and said The crowd gathers early the committee for a day that includes 10 comes together bands on two stages with a combined passion for what they’re doing and making the event as fun and big as it can be for everyone to enjoy. “We are always improving on things, and we try to splurge on something new each year. This year we have a larger stage,” said Robinson. Also, the event is incorporating a wakeboard competition on the banks of the Coosa River for the second year in a row, since last year’s water event was a success. Robinson said wake boarders come from all over the state, but most are local. Aside from the bands, which are the main attraction, there are food vendors and also free kids’ activities, such as face painting, bouncy houses and slides. This year, there will be the addition of a mechanical bull. There will be a juried art show of handmade crafts, and vendors have the opportunity to win some money and prizes. Being committed to quality, Robinson and committee members often spend the weekends visiting other events and art shows to recruit vendors, who purchase booth areas and are chosen early in the year. The event will be held July 22, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and coolers. One music stage will be at Gold Star Park with bands playing until 6 p.m. These are exclusively local bands, Hankins said. The main stage hosts the headliner, performers brought in for the day at the stage located behind the City Administration Building. The headliner is almost always from New Orleans, according to Hankins, because they are polished and guarantee their vision is implemented. “At the end of the day, you look out there and see people having a great time, with smiles on their faces – you know it was all worth it,” said Robinson.

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‘Wining ’ at Whippoorwill

Father and son bottle award-winning wines just across the county line Story by Kendyl Hollingsworth Photos by Suellen Young

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The 53-acre vineyard harvests grapes and also includes a pecan orchard and most recently, sugar cane used to make homemade cane syrup

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“A

ward-winning His father Bobby, a retired civil engineer, vineyard” doesn’t acquired the 53 acres at an auction on the courtusually top the list house steps, and preparations to transform the of Alabama identifi- land into a vineyard soon began. By the fall of ers; yet just over the 2005, the pair had completed the planting stage. Elmore County line Native muscadine grapes are the primary crop. into Notasulga is a “In this region, you have a lot of organic soil. hidden gem called That’s what muscadines like,” Watkins said. Whippoorwill “They grow wild here. You’re limited to what you Vineyards that has taken gold, silver and bronze can grow as far as the vinifera grapes.” medals across the U.S. Vinifera grapes, which are native to the MediTim Watkins and his father, Bobby, have been terranean and central Europe, are prone to conthe owners and operators of Whippoorwill Vinetracting Pierce’s disease in the South and dying yards and out, Bobby Winery explained. The Watkins submit their wines to many since 2005. The competitions across the country It is one of vineyard the only required vineyards regular in the upkeep as state to be it matured, completely and it was indepenclose to dent in dusk one their winenight when making the sound process. of whipA large, poor-will blue sign birds filled on the the air. side of the Bobby road in the simply said charming “whippoortown of will vineNotasulga yards,” and directs the name travelers stuck, thus to County ending a Road 31, the long, narrow drive that leads to the weeks-long struggle to find a name. sprawling 53 acres of Whippoorwill, which marThe vines planted in 2005 produced full grapes ried Southern charm with all the natural magic of in time for Whippoorwill to officially open a traditional vineyard. in 2009. According to Watkins, Whippoorwill The idea to start a vineyard came to Tim Watonly had three or four varieties available that kins in 2005 after reading an article about three first year. Customers began showing interest in farmers in a magazine. sweeter wines, and it was around this time that “Each one of them had a bad year, a bad crop Watkins wanted to see what other types of grapes and decided to do a vineyard,” Watkins said. “It he could grow. just put the idea in my head.” “I took a lot of advice, a lot of what I read, Watkins began researching on his own and and from other old vineyard and winery owners’ reading books to learn everything he could before advice, but I’ve also done my own experimenting he started planting. with it,” Watkins said.

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He planted Cynthiana Norton, Lenoir, Black Spanish, Conquistador, Blanc du Bois, Muscat and Chambourcin grapes. The only type that didn’t survive was Chambourcin. Whippoorwill started offering tours and tastings when it opened in 2009 to showcase the unique and delectable flavors of Alabama wine. In recent years, the owners have submitted some of their wines to competitions across the country, including in California, Indianapolis, Chattanooga and the Finger Lakes region of New York. They have won several medals. “We really like sending wine to the Finger Lakes competition,” Watkins said. “It’s international. The reason we like sending it there is because 100 percent of the proceeds go to Camp Good Days. It goes to kids with cancer and stuff like that, so that was a no-brainer for us to enter in that competition.” Watkins said they also like entering the California competition because they receive feedback. “They said it was good, but they said something about a ‘foxy taste.’ I don’t know what that is,” Bobby said, laughing. “Got a medal, though.” In addition to their winemaking specialty, Whippoorwill boasts a pecan orchard, 10 beehives and, most recently, sugar cane used to make homemade cane syrup. Although Watkins’s research and experimenting has led to much of Whippoorwill’s success, Bobby and his son said they never miss an opportunity to visit another vineyard. They have traveled to vineyards as far away as California and Mexico, but they will also stop at any vineyard they come across. “We’ll always visit a winery because, hey, somebody’s got a good idea out there,” Bobby said. “A lot of them, they’ll tell you, but some of them are a bit tighter about talking about what they make.” Visitors at the winery have the opportunity to learn each step of the nearly nine-month process from picking grapes to bottling wine. “They are curious about your plants – how you harvest the fruit, how you prune the vines, even down here to how you filter it and rack it off to make it good,” Bobby said. “If we make wine right here, it’s out of our vineyard. If you buy fruit, you get green, you get the rotten, you get it all. We pick it out here when it’s in the prime. The better the fruit, the better the wine.”

Grapes are ready to be harvested midto late-September

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Watkins said one of his favorite parts of runbottling and packaging. ning Whippoorwill is meeting the diverse people “We do everything in this small little building, who come through the area. They’ve met visitors believe it or not,” Monroe said. from California to Ireland, Germany and Italy. She noted the long, metal lever on the contrap“It’s pretty cool having a little spot in rural tion designed to put the cork in the bottle. Alabama that you’ve got that type of diverse “This is the job you really don’t want to have,” group coming here to try some of the wine here,” Monroe admitted. “Your arm gets tired.” Watkins said. Bobby and Watkins said they have to be expeThe Noble, a semirienced in every step sweet red wine, of the process due is a popular seller to the small, familyamong visitors, and owned nature of the it’s one of Bobby’s business. They also favorites. He said check the pH of the it’s healthier than soil during the year, most others because but they focus on the of the lack of reindoor work if the sidual sugar in it. weather is bad. The Watkins fam“There’s always ily handles every something to do,” step of the process, Watkins said. vine to bottle, but Above all else, Watkins brings in Watkins said he is some extra help proud of the care and during the harvest attention that goes season in mid- to into every bottle of late-September. Whippoorwill’s wine. Whippoorwill also “If I’ve got a wine, hosts a “You Pick” and I think it’s kind during the harof subpar, I’m not vest season, which selling it,” he said. Tim Watkins holds one of the allows visitors to “I know how to take diverse grape varietals that participate in pickcare of the vines, and can be found on the vineyard ing grapes off the I know what qualvines. Bobby said ity fruit goes into they can pick about the bottle. That is one a hundred pounds per minute, but someone has thing I think is unique about this vineyard.” to catch the crop. As Watkins continues to experiment and dis“It’s pretty intense right there. I don’t do that,” tributors request more of Whippoorwill’s wines, he said, laughing. “I’ll come up there and watch the main goal remains to expand the vineyard; them.” however, the Watkins family will make sure they Another regular spectator is Tino, the white, still have enough wine for visitors to taste and laid-back dog that lives with neighbors up the purchase on the property. road. He wanders around the property and Bobby also has dreams of building four small lounges on the porch of the gift shop, watching cabins on the property to rent to visitors looking the bumblebees chase each other around bushes for a quiet weekend. and wildflowers. Whippoorwill is open for tours and tastings The winemaking and bottling facilities are Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their located in two rooms off to the right and left of wine is available for purchase onsite and in ABC the gift shop, which Stacy Monroe runs when stores in cities around Notasulga. To learn more Bobby’s daughter is off. She shows visitors the about Whippoorwill, visit 1,000-gallon tanks and explains fermentation, whippoorwillvineyards.com.

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Healthy Weight Obesity is a growing and very serious problem in the United States, where according to The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America, released in September 2016, Alabama has the second highest adult obesity rate in the nation. That's why Ivy Creek opened Urgent Care of Tallassee. There are so many diet programs available, and it is very hard to choose the right one. Experts have cited that a weight loss of around 2 pounds per week is a safe and healthy way of losing weight. Sometimes, it is difficult to achieve this level of weight loss while still maintaining the nutrients and vitamins that the body requires. I am a 2005 graduate of Southern Union State Community College. I hold several positions at Ivy Creek Urgent Care of Tallassee that include Laboratory Supervisor, Medical Assistant and the Weight Loss Coordinator. I have gained many years of experience in the medical field in several different areas since graduating college. One area in particular I am drawn to is weight loss. And the program is making a difference. Cathy Lotempio, who has been on the weight loss program for the past 12 weeks, has lost 15 pounds and dropped 5 inches around the waist. Along with a good diet and exercise program, Lotempio continues to move toward her weight loss goal. The most common name used for this diet program is MIC injections. MIC stands for methionine, inositol and choline, which are the primary compounds in the injection. The injections are taken weekly to boost weight loss. All of the compounds in the MIC injection are naturally occurring in the body. The injections contain a cocktail of fat burning compounds, including amino acids and Vitamin B-Complex, along with the main MIC components. Methionine is an essential amino acid that defends the body against toxic compounds. Inositol is related to the “B” family of vitamins and is involved in the breakdown of fats. Choline is an essential nutrient that the body needs for proper liver function to export fat and bile and is a key player in fat metabolism. The other amino acids in the injections, such as Glutamine, L-Arginine and L-Carnitine, all play roles in stimulating the body’s natural fat-burning ability. Chromium is a metallic element that is a

lesser-known ingredient for weight loss but is essential in regulating blood sugar and also is used in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats and protein. The last few ingredients found in the injections that Tallassee Urgent Care offers are known as the B-Complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12), which serve many purposes. Among the uses of the B-Complex vitamins are regulating blood, brain and nervous system functions. The B-Complex of vitamins also, and most importantly, are essential for fat metabolism. When they’re put together into the form of a solution to be injected into the bloodstream, they’re entering the body without any possibility of facing dilution, becoming inert or being inefficiently absorbed by the gut. This type of program is geared toward men and women ages 18 years and older. There are no known side effects, such as nausea, increased thirst, or restlessness that are common with other weight loss programs. But a weekly injection alone does not give most people their desired weight loss. Like any other diet plan, good eating habits and an exercise program are needed to reach weight loss goals. The weight loss clinic offers not only weight loss injections, but also literature on diet and exercise information to help guide patients through the process of becoming healthier and achieving weight loss goals. MIC injection programs are available at many different healthcare facilities throughout the Central Alabama region. Ivy Creek Urgent Care of Tallassee is the only program in the Tallassee area with hours of operation Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program offers packages of single injections and group packages of four injections and the fifth one free. The program is set up to have patients in and out within 15 minutes, so they can get back to their busy schedules with little interruption. Call 334283-2542 for more information. Ivy Creek Urgent Care of Tallassee is open seven days a week – from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 .m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There is little to no wait time, and no appointment is needed.

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Emily Reed Hutcherson

COMMUNITY CARE laboratory supervisor emily reed

hutcherson is a medical

assistant and weight loss

coordinator at ivy creek

urgent care

of tallassee.

Spooky Superstitions Larry Johnson

BACK IN THE DAY

Larry Johnson now lives in

Robinson Springs, just a

few miles south of where he grew up

Elmore, Alabama. in

he opportunity to grow up in the 1950s at Elmore Station, a whistle stop on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Line, in West Elmore County was a blessing. I lived a Tom Sawyer life with my best friend and neighbor Billy, who was two years my junior. We did everything that young boys could do without being in trouble all of the time, but staying out of trouble was not easy. We were permitted to explore and roam the area within a 1-mile radius of our homes but had to be inside or in our yards before dark – no excuses. On any given day, Billy and I might find ourselves hanging out around “Doc” Watkins’ Drug Store or the steps of Peterson & Peterson Mercantile to catch up on local gossip and to listen to old-timers tell tall tales, always wideeyed and big-eared with our short haircuts. I was most intrigued by the folk tales of yesterday but especially the superstitions and ghost stories that, as young boys, we believed to be absolutely true. I think the old-timers delighted in spoofing us boys, but some of the stories may have been true because they were so serious and were told so well. According to two of my favorite college professors, Dr. Jack and Mrs. Olivia Solomon, who have researched and published extensively about Alabama folk tales, superstitions and ghost stories, the tales “are part of the Anglo-European heritage brought to this country by immigrants and to the Southeast, Alabama and elsewhere as they migrated in search of a new life on the frontier.” According to the Solomons, “superstitions are a species of the genus folk beliefs and practices. They are derived from primitive and ancient religious and cultural phenomena, from tradi-

tional life patterns and our early intimacy with the earth, the apprehension of natural occurrences, birth, growth, death and resurrection, in the seasons and the landscape, in animals, plants and man.” The Solomons say folk tales are a little different and fall into two broad types – the supernatural and the humorous. “Both serve to entertain and depend on exaggeration, distortion or some unusual or magnified quality in folk life and character; the former is recounted as truth or fact, the latter creates illusion of truthfulness or veracity, and in both there is temporary, willing suspension of disbelief. “The ghost tale is a tall tale designed to arouse or dispel fear.” Regardless of origination, they seem to fascinate and entertain us, young and old, and have been repeated for ages and passed down from generation to generation with only slight deviation. Everyone has a favorite and will swear to its truthfulness and accuracy. One of mine is about a coachwhip snake (Masticophis Flagellurn) or sometimes called a hoop snake. The story is that the snake can place its tail in its mouth and stretch its body to become a wheel and will chase someone down and whip him to death, placing its tail in his nostril to make sure he’s not breathing. I believed this as a youth and was constantly on the lookout for this snake. I am still a little skeptical because I have heard some people declare that they have been chased by one but never caught … hmm. Another has to be absolutely true because it was told to me by my most trusted and respected grandfather when I was about 6 years of age. He said that he could take me to a cemetery where there is a very old grave partially caved in. At midnight on a dark moon, you can go there and, after holding your breath and walking around the grave three times, ask “what are you doing down there?” the deceased will say, “nothing!” I’ve tried

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this on my grandchildren, but they are too smart today. Superstitions are perhaps the most remembered. Some superstitions may be specific to a particular area of the country, but most are widespread and sometimes are called old wives’ tales. Who has not heard that if you break a mirror you will have seven years of bad luck? Or never walk under a ladder. I have always heard that it is bad luck for a black cat to cross in front of you, and I am little uncomfortable if one does. My mother proved that it is bad luck to put your shoes on the kitchen table. I never did it again after receiving a pop on the back of my head. I have also heard that if you cover a mirror in a storm, lightning will not strike you. My wife’s grandmother believed that when two friends were walking together and they approached a tree or post and one passed on one side and one on the other, they must say “bread and butter” or the friendship would be broken. As for ghost stories, I have always been a skeptic; however, a friend who lives at Thornfield Plantation, one of the oldest homes in West Elmore County, has told stories that have me wondering. His home located at Robinson Springs in the City of Millbrook is more than 200 years old. After recent renovations, he related that a family member once returned home from an outing to an empty house and, after ascending to an upstairs bedroom, heard the front door open and slam closed with the blinds rattling. A policeman was called to find the front door dead-bolted. He related that on several occasions family members have reported a touch somewhere on their body followed by a whisper to “wake up.” Eerie! Whether factual or spoofs, ghost stories, tall tales and superstitions entertain us and provide relief from the stresses of everyday life, and perhaps provide a laugh or chuckle among friends. I think they are good for the soul.

Give Your Heart a Fresh Start The new year is here, so why not make a resolution that gives you and your loved ones peace of mind? We all know that healthy hearts live longer, more active lives. That starts with a comprehensive cardiac checkup. February is American Heart Month, serving as an annual reminder of the fight against cardiovascular disease. Kevin Sublett, MD, and his staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama are proud supporters of this fight. We are committed to keeping your heart healthy, so you can live a healthier life all year long. Our clinic is backed by the world-class expertise you expect from UAB Medicine, offering: • The full spectrum of cardiovascular care • Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology • The latest in cardiac and vascular ultrasound technology, as well as nuclear medicine imaging in accredited laboratories • Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders • Convenient location within Russell Medical Call us today to schedule an appointment!

3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-2644 uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

For the Love of Summer Don't miss these literal-named favorites

Jeff Langham

MOVIE MAN

In keeping with the season, it’s time to celebrate “summer” movies again! While you are likely bombarded with advertisements about movies playing this summer at your local multiplex, let’s dig a little deeper and suggest some quite literal “summer movies.” In no particular order, here is a list of movies with “summer” right there in the title:

Dr. Jeff Langham is State Assistant Superintendent for External

Summer School (1987) – Long before NCIS, Mark Harmon starred in the Carl Reiner directed comedy (and one of my guilty pleasures) about a high school gym teacher who is forced to teach a remedial English class during the summer.

Governmental Affairs and a

Summer of ’42 (1971) – This sensitive coming-of-age story captivated audiences in the early 1970s. Beautifully directed by Robert Mulligan, the man who helmed the classic To Kill a Mockingbird, the movie also launched one of the most memorable theme songs of all time.

and

lifelong lover of film.

Summer of Sam (1999) – Director Spike Lee ventures into Martin Scorsese territory with this crime drama about the 1977 Son of Sam serial murders and their effect on a group of fictional residents of an ItalianAmerican neighborhood in The Bronx.

The Endless Summer (1966) – The ultimate surf movie featuring filmmaker/narrator Bruce Brown as he follows two surfers on a surfing trip around the world. The movie poster for this film has become a pop culture staple, and the enduring legacy of this movie led to a sequel in 1994. (500) Days of Summer (2009) – A charming film featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt grappling with his memories of a failed relationship with Zooey Deschanel. A true “sleeper hit,” box office revenues exponentially eclipsed its original budget. This film also has proven to be a critical darling, even drawing comparison to such classics as Woody Allen’s masterpiece, Annie Hall. Suddenly, Last Summer (1959) – A chilling Southern Gothic film based on the play of the same title by Tennessee Williams. With its powerhouse cast, including Elizabeth Taylor, Katherine Hepburn and Montgomery Clift, this provocative adult drama scarred me for life when I stumbled upon it as a youngster more than 50 years ago when it completed its theatrical run and ended up for home viewing on NBC Saturday Night at the Movies.

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Summer Magic (1963) – Walt Disney Productions provided me with my first childhood crush through its multi-film agreement with actress Hayley Mills. Hayley is joined by Burl Ives and Dorothy McGuire in this film about a family’s memorable summer in a small town in Maine. Hayley completely won my elementary-school aged heart in delightful Disney films like this, and she earned a Golden Globe nomination as well. The Long, Hot Summer (1958) – The award-winning trinity of director Martin Ritt and screenwriters Irving Ravetch and Harriet Frank, Jr., (Norma Rae) brought this acclaimed film, based on the works of William Faulkner, to life with none other than screen legends Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in the lead roles. Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams (1973) – Speaking of Joanne Woodward, she picked up yet another Oscar nomination for this wistful film about a New York City housewife who rethinks her relationships with her husband, her children and her mother. Screen veteran Sylvia Sidney also received a best supporting actress nomination for her memorable performance as Woodward’s mom in this little-seen, but extremely worthwhile, film. A Summer Place (1959) – Two screen heartthrobs from the ’50s, Troy Donahue and Sandra Dee, set the box office aflame in this romantic drama. These two youthful superstars received able support from beloved character actors Richard Egan and Dorothy McGuire. Muzak, the elevator music company, owes a debt of gratitude to this film’s memorable instrumental theme composed by Max Steiner (Gone with the Wind), which captivated the Billboard charts for months after its release and still endures as a classic tune today. Corvette Summer (1978) – Mark Hamill chose this quirky film to follow up his blazing success as Luke

Skywalker in Star Wars the previous summer. While a curious choice, his instincts proved correct as this little movie turned out to be a box office success. Annie Potts (long before her beloved stint on TV’s Designing Women) assists California teenager Hamill as he heads to Las Vegas to track down his beloved customized Corvette Stingray. One Crazy Summer (1986) – With a writer/director with the unusual name of Savage Steve Holland at the helm, moviegoers know to expect the unexpected. Opinions are divided on this film as to whether it is a notable entry or early misstep in the careers of budding actors (at the time) John Cusack and Demi Moore. The film also featured another memorable face from the ’80s Bobcat Goldthwait. O where, O where are you today, Bobcat? Films like this obviously did not bolster his career. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) – Popular slasher film written by Kevin Williamson during his Scream film series heyday that he masterminded. Speaking of heyday, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Freddie Prinze, Jr., were at the height of their ’90s popularity when this movie hit the multiplexes. Its box office success lead (unnecessarily and unfortunately) to two sequels, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) and the straight-to-DVD release I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006). Audiences quickly lost interest in anything that happened last summer. So, there you have it; a few suggestions (and a few warnings) to guide you through some quite literal “summer movies,” those indeed with the word “summer” jumping right out at you in the title. After a hot day at the ballpark, or on the beach, or at the vacation site or even toiling away at the office, sit back and relax with a true movie of summer! Until next month …

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A Beginner's Guide to Gaming As someone whose entire life has been steeped in video games, I often forget that I’m still in the minority. Gamers account for a smaller part of the population. Not all readers of Elmore County Living are accustomed to articles about video games in your local magazine. If you’ve ever felt out of place here or skimmed past this column, that’s on me. But this month, let’s try to fix that. Gaming can be a convoluted mess. There are tons of different consoles and games to choose from, and introducing yourself to the hobby can sound like more trouble than it’s worth. But if you’re willing to step past that foggy precipice, there are thousands of unique worlds waiting for you. So many, in fact, that you’d be missing out if you didn’t at least try – that’s why I’ve compiled some tips and tricks to ease you into the murky waters of gaming.

Consoles

Generally speaking, you’ve got four choices when it comes to where you’ll be spending your time and money relative to gaming. There’s Sony’s PlayStation, Microsoft’s Xbox, Nintendo’s

Switch and ... well, the good, old-fashioned personal computer (PC). Outliers certainly do exist, but we’re not covering those today. In the industry’s current status, Microsoft has fallen a bit behind the others and is running fast to catch up. Sony has had a relatively good couple of years, and Nintendo is pushing the pace with their new Switch console. PC gaming fills a unique niche. It’s the most profitable sector but doesn’t offer much in the way of exclusivity; publishers rarely opt to release games for the PC alone, whether it’s because of piracy or deals made with the games’ developers. That being said, you can’t beat the graphics and visuals on a PC – they’re always going to be superior because PCs are customizable at any time of the year, whereas consoles are only released once every few years. It’s a big choice, but there are some important things to consider: Where are your friends playing? What’s your budget? What exclusive titles are available on each platform? Once you factor these questions into your decision, the process becomes much simpler.

Games

Due to the nature of online networks (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live), the library of games at your disposal is nearly endless. Most platforms of-

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fer older video games at reduced prices, and you can download these games at a moment’s notice. New games cost $60 each, so taking full advantage of these services is tantamount to making the most out of your gaming journey. In fact, I’m still burning through games that were published in 2014, with many more sitting on my to-do list. It’s definitely exciting to play the latest-andgreatest, but if you’re just getting into gaming, remember that there are past titles that are pivotal to the gamer identity: World of Warcraft; Grand Theft Auto; Final Fantasy; and Super Mario Bros. are just a smattering of franchises that deserve at least a glance from new gamers. All of these games are from exceptionally different genres and deliver amazing content. For a full list of video game genres, you can do a quick search on Google. You’ll find that there’s something for everyone, whether it’s a devastatingly difficult puzzle game or a pulse-pounding action-adventure title. Whatever you do, be sure to check review scores for any game you plan to purchase. This will help you avoid the bad apples, and believe me: there are some terrible video games out there.

Guides

So, you’ve gotten your new console and loaded up a video game, but there’s a problem: You’re stuck. You’re at a place in the game where you can’t go any further until you solve a riddle or procure a certain tool, and you don’t know how to get what you need and move forward.

When I was growing up, if you couldn’t figure something out, there was no help for you unless a friend familiar with the title was coming over that afternoon. Lucky for you, the world’s a different place now. I guess that means I’m getting old. With the internet being the big, beautiful thing it is, there’s never an excuse for failing to find your way through a video game. By the time you’ve even thought of a question, the answer’s waiting for you online via YouTube or some other website. If you’re a purist, you might scoff at this. But for new gamers, online guides can prove to be a hugely helpful asset. Whether you’re navigating a maze or simply can’t find some magic rock vital to a certain video game’s plot, the internet has your back. And in truth, using guides is sometimes vital to getting the most out of any given experience. Some video games feature more than 200 total hours of gameplay, and if you’re a completionist, a guide will help you find and conquer all of this material. Don’t let that number scare you off, though: Most video games will only ask for around 12 hours of your time. While we’ve only gone over three different aspects of the much larger gaming world, this should give you a good starting point. Jumping in can be difficult and treading the veritable water even more so, especially once you realize how many amazing titles there are to play. Take time to get adjusted and figure out what types of games pique your interest. If you’ve got friends interested in the same titles, ask them to join you. There are few experiences that match playing a new video game with old friends.

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Jacob Saylor

THE GAMER Video games journalist

Jacob Saylor has covered the massive

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

OUT & ABOUT

Relay for Life Softball Tournament 4

May 20, 2017 Tallassee Softball Complex 1. Glenda Mays, Yolanda Heard and Cory Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal 2. Peggy Davis 3. Estella Chapman 4. Heather, Kenzie and Hannah Floyd 5. Heather and Layton Lynn 6. Jared Jones and Donald Ledbetter 7. LaMichael Heard and LaQuann Heard

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OUT & ABOUT

Elmore County High School Graduation

May 19, 2017 Burt-Haynie Field 1. Ashton Celka, Layne Richardson, Miller Williams and Ashton Swicord 2. Joe and Lori Wilson

3. Andrea Cater and Clark Going 4. Easterling Carpenter and Payne Watts 5. Karen Hammac and Leight Pace 6. Hannah Traylor

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OUT & ABOUT

MainStreet Wetumpka Wine Pull June 2, 2017 Wind Creek Wetumpka Penthouse Suite 1. Jim and Belyn Richardson 2. Jenny Stubbs 3. Mike and Barbara Bennett

4. Chip and Dianne Searcy, Sandra Braswell and Ken Findley

5. Kim Collier Maddox and Jimmy Collier 6. Lee and Nancy Borders 7. Robert and Barbara Bryan 8. DC and Dot Franklin 9. Sylvia and Donald “Chick” McConnell 10. Tra and Connie Cosby and Sarah Dutton 11. Kathy and Jerry Willis and Kay Simmons

12. Tucker and Tiffany Robinson, Brandon and Ginger Glenn, Stephanie Fulmer, Joey and Michelle Hutto 13. Dennis Fain and Lynn Weldon 14. Thomas Gannaway, Donna Marietta, Kenneth Cox, Janice Howell, Dottie Kenady Blair and Glen Zorn

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OUT & ABOUT

9 11

12 13

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2 5

W.B. Doby High School

Class of 1967 50th Reunion June 3, 2017 Wetumpka Civic Center 1. Frances Davis 2. Margaret Hardley and Betty Smith 3. Yvette Jackson and Barnessa Cook

4. Winfred and Doris Wise 5. Cheryl and Woody Haywood 6. Willie Knight and Joe T. Dunn 7. Mattie Howard and Alberta Pritchett 8. Reshonda Wyckoff, Barbara Mitchell, Lorrie Lykes, Crystal Roberts and Shawn Cook

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OUT & ABOUT

2 4

Tallassee NOW! Art Show June 9, 2017 Southside Middle School 1. Kay Evans and Abby Kirkland 2. Sadie Davis 3. Amy and Kimberly Brown 4. Carol Barksdale 5. Meg Gunter and Lisa Paustian 6. Karin Callahan 7. Steele Segrest, Faith Nelson and Hannah Hollingsworth

8. Salley LeBron and Mark Davis

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OUT & ABOUT

Wetumpka High School Graduation May 23, 2017 Dunn-Oliver Acadome at ASU

1. Hunter Coker 2. Rhianna Ragan 3. Henry Hooks 4. Zekeria Hooks 5. Terrance Givan, Carletta Cook, Jarrian Robinson, Latongia Phifer, Adrian Givan and Anthony King 6. Brittany Martin

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 17 Miss Lake Martin Pageant

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

June 22-24 Half-Time USA Camp & Clinic Auburn University

A clinic event for girls ages 9 through college level will be held at the Student Activity Building on the Auburn University campus for flags, majorettes and dance line. Register online at half-timecampsusa.com. Full cost ($325) includes meals and lodging in college dorm. Daycampers ($200) must provide own meals and lodging. Teachers' class also offered. Call Shirley Devenney at 334-298-1186 for information.

June 26-28 Half-Time USA Camp & Clinic University of Alabama

Daycampers ($200) must provide own meals and lodging. Teachers' class also offered. Call Shirley Devenney at 334298-1186 for information.

June 30 Live Music at Smokehouse BBQ

The Elmore County Humane Society is hosting Wishbone Tribute Band from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 2461 Main St. in Millbrook. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and funds support the shelter. Text Rick Hansen at 334-782-6057 or 334-322-8085 for more information.

July 1 Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina

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

July 1 Arti Gras

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

A clinic for girls ages 9 through college level will be held at Mary Burch Hall on the University of Alabama campus for flags, majorettes and dance line. Register online at half-timecampsusa.com. Full cost ($325) includes meals and lodging in college dorm. Daycampers ($200) must provide own meals and lodging. Teachers' class also offered. Call Shirley Devenney at 334-298-1186 for information.

Arti Gras at Russell Crossroads features a variety of arts vendors

June 29-July 1 Half-Time USA Camp & Clinic Univerity of North Alabama in Florence

A clinic event for girls ages 9 through college level will be held at Flowers Hall on the University of North Alabama campus in Florence for flags, majorettes and dance line. Register online at half-timecampsusa.com. Full cost ($325) includes meals and lodging in college dorm.

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July 2 Sunday Night Supper

Call 256-215-7080 to reserve space for this one-seating dinner service at SpringHouse Restaurant. Scott Burlingame will mix up a 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 dishes hand-selected by Chef Rob. Cost is $40++ per person (does not include alcohol) and $15++ for children under 12.

July 4 Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade

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

July 4 Fourth of July Blast

Find a spot on the grass at The AMP for this annual concert and the Southeast’s Largest Fireworks Show over Lake Martin. Gates open at 5 p.m. The Bank Walkers will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., and Sweet Tea will play at 8 p.m. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. For information, call 256397-1019.

July 13-29 Southern Fried Funeral

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

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

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

July 15 Radical Raptors

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

July 21 Sun Festival Battle of the Bands

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

July 28 12th Annual Wags & Whiskers Auction

Support the Humane Society of Elmore County at the Entertainment Center Wind Creek Wetumpka for live and silent auctions 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, 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.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

and bookstore during hours of operation from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

Season-Long Events Haunted Wetumpka Investigations

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

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 your local growers.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

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

Master Gardeners Lunch and Learn

Tallassee Farmers Market

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

Visit your favorite farmers market this summer

Farmers Market at Trinity Episcopal Church

Every Saturday through Sept. 2 from 7 a.m. until noon, located on U.S. Highway 231, the Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka is hosting a farmers market with local fresh produce, local honey, boiled peanuts, fresh-baked breads and cakes, home-made soaps and lotions, beautiful plants and canned jams and jellies. Selection varies weekly throughout the season. Produce sells out quickly, so stop by early for the best selection.

Bring a sack lunch to the Elmore County Extension Office in Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month for a gardening presentation hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association. Event is free and open to the public. Drinks provided. For information, call 334-567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore.

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.

Friday on the Green

Wind down the busy work week at The Town Green at Russell Crossroads with live music, lawn games and time with family and friends. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Friday until Sept. 15, except July 21.

Stories and Rhymes

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

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KFMG celebrates

A Heritage of Art and Design with Troy University The summer exhibit at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery is once again a show you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss. A Heritage of Art and Design: An International Survey from Troy University will be on display at the second floor gallery in the Wetumpka City Administration Building through Sept. 11. Entries for the exhibit were received from Troy University students, alumni and faculty. An opening reception will be held at 5 p.m. on June 27. The public is invited, and the exhibit will be open for public viewing weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no admission charge. Plans are being finalized for a special reception event, entitled Hooray Soiree, A Celebration of Art, Design and Alumni, which will take place

in late summer. The Troy Alumni Office will send invitations for the reception to all graduates in the tri-county area. Sponsors for the exhibition and events include Warren Averett, Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, First Community Bank and Bobby and Martha Carol Murchison. A Tuesdays with Kelly Lunch and Learn event on June 20 will feature Dr. Kenyon Holder, art historian and professor in the Art and Design Department at Troy University. The lunch and learn event will start at noon and end at 1 p.m. Desserts and drinks will be provided, and a door prize will be awarded. This event is open and free to the public.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Left: Rachel Riley's Riveter; Clockwise from top left: Jerry Johnson's Entanglement; Walter Black's Dual Plasma Condenser in Clay; Beverly West Leach's Butterflies in Brooklyn mixed media collage; Larry Percy's Offering Vessel XIII.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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

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1001 Tallapoosa Street Alexander City, AL

KOWALIGA WHOLE HEALTH

Pet Care & Resort

RABIES CLINIC

Saturday, June 3, 2017 8 am - 12 pm | $10 each Located at our Vet Clinic:

Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care 8610 Kowaliga Road Eclectic, AL 36024

(334) 857-1816 Mary S. Battistella, DVM, CVA wholehealthpetcare.com

Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic

Slapout

River Ridge Steakhouse

A Beautiful Creation

Eclectic Town Hall

Lake Pharmacy

Emerald Mountain Store

Austin’s Flowers

Moose's

The Golden Frog

Redland Market

Camo Country

Eclectic Library

The Boy’s Store

Seivers Accounting

Alabama State Employees

Johnson’s Furniture

First Community Bank

Wetumpka Depot Players

Credit Union

A Touch of Class

Smokin S BBQ

Angel Locksmith

Elmore Community Hospital

Kent Eagle

Verizon Wireless

Wetumpka Preschool

Y Petro

Unplugged

Wetumpka City Library

Russell Lands

Parker Tire

Must Stop Café

Wetumpka Chamber of

Russell Marine

RoadRunner

Alfa Realty Wetumpka

Commerce

Nail’s

Herron Hill Pharmacy

Century 21 Brandt Wright

City of Wetumpka

Cotton’s BBQ

Friendship Grocery

Realty

Administration Bldg.

The Apothecary

Wachovia Bank

Coosa River Adventures

Community Hospital

BB&T

Stoddard’s Bait Shop

Verizon Wireless

Tallassee Health & Rehab

Jackson Thornton

Collier Ford

First Community Bank

5 Points Store

Lee’s Auto Repair

The Prissy Hen

Lucretia Cauthen Realty

Ben Atkinson Motors

McQuick Printing Company

Wee Ones Daycare

Hankins Insurance

Wetumpka Health & Rehab

Hog Rock BBQ

Canal Grocery

Tropical Tan Zone

Tallassee

First Community Bank

Lake Martin

Millbrook

Bliss Salon

Wetumpka

Millbrook Chamber of Commerce

Bennett’s Archery

Wetumpka YMCA

Kim’s Corner

Realty Central

First Community Bank

Adams Drugs

Wetumpka Flea Market

Stone & Britt Law

Russell Do It Center

Bell Chiropractic

Gene Jones Insurance

Bumper’s

Wetumpka Urgent Care

Karen’s Mane Tamers

USAmeriBank

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Our Advertisers â&#x20AC;˘ To Join, Call 334-567-7811 Capital Heights Place.............................................................................................................4 4 Cloverdale Jewelers................................................................................................................1 8 Collier Ford.................................................................................................................................1 9 Community Hospital................................................................................................................3 Hillabee Towers........................................................................................................................4 4 Jackson Thornton....................................................................................................................4 5 Karen's Mane Tamers.............................................................................................................4 4 Luck of the Draw......................................................................................................................4 1 Kowaliga Whole Health.........................................................................................................4 4 Mark's Service Center...................................................................................................................... 1 9 River & Blues.......................................................................................................................................... 2 Russell Lands................................................................................................................................ 47, 48 Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC.............................................................................................1 9 UAB Medicine - Heart & Vascular Clinic...........................................................................2 7 Wetumpka Flea Market.........................................................................................................1 9

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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 - Marilyn Hawkins 334-567-7811 - Tabby Edwards 334-799-9236 or stop by our office located at 300 Green Street, Wetumpka AL 36092

F ire up the grill MK Moore

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

champion, has butchered a wild hog in

her kitchen and grows

heirloom to-

matoes in her backyard.

It is summer! Time to get outside and fire up the grill. But whatever you do, don’t call it a barbeque unless it is. Up North, people tend to call any outdoor party involving grilled food a barbeque. I would roll up to a picnic with a taste for butts and ribs, only to be greeted with burgers and dogs. Not that I don’t like burgers and dogs. But to me, and probably all Southern people, a barbeque is distinctly different from a cookout. Or the timehonored “Come on over. We are throwing stuff on the grill.” Barbeque means long-cooked smoked meat. And beans. And sauce. So cookout. Cooking outside. Let’s talk about burgers. There are loads of recipes for fancy toppings. But making a good grilled burger is a little art and a wee bit of science. Toppings aside, the key to a juicy burger is the meat and its fat-to-lean ratio. Too little fat and you get a dry, dense patty. Too much fat and you set the grill on fire. Not kidding. I have done this. So maybe we should start with the fire extinguisher. Get one and have it on hand. Back to meat. The best burgers come from freshly ground meat. You might also buy a large piece of meat, and ask the meat counter guy to grind it for you. What kind of meat? Chuck. Good old chuck is cost effective and contains just about the right lean-to-fat percentage you want. The golden ratio is 75 percent lean to 25 percent fat. Trim all of the meat; weigh it out; do the math to figure the percentage and grind away. Yeah. Sure. Just go with the chuck. Grinding at home or having the butcher grind really will make a difference in how your burgers taste. I use pre-packed hamburger all the time for things like spaghetti or chili. But for a burger in all its glory, I want a fresh grind. And who says it has to be beef? Any protein can make a nice juicy burger following the golden ration of 75 percent to 25 percent. Want a juicy turkey burger?

Add some ground bacon. Or bacon fat. Same with chicken. Venison could benefit from the bacon fat treatment, too, as it is a very lean meat. You could also add some sausage to ground venison to get the extra fat and add a flavor kick. If you start with freshly ground meat, you won’t have to gussy it up with anything other than salt and pepper, but when you add seasoning is important. Salt does weird things to meat. Sometimes you want the weird things. On a burger you do not. You want to season well, meaning a fair amount of salt (with pepper to taste) right before the burger hits the grill. No, you don’t want to add the salt before making patties. You don’t want to add garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce or onion soup mix, either. So patty up! Dump your meat into a large bowl and gently toss to break it up. Grab a handful. Without mashing, gently form it into a patty. Gentle is the watchword here. If you ball up your meat and then flatten, or compress it in anyway, the texture in the finished burger will be dense and mealy. I like my burgers to have a ragged edge, so that bits of it get crispy. I just grab a handful of meat, shape it into my patty size and done. Size matters here. With this ratio of fat to lean, your burgers are going to shrink. I start out with a patty roughly a half an inch larger than the bun. Thickness is up to you, but make sure the patty is of even thickness. If you are going for a super thick burger, use your thumb to make a slight dimple in the middle of the patty. This helps the center to cook evenly. With your grill ready to go, hit those pretty patties with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use more salt than you think. Make it rain salt over the entire tray of patties. Flip and salt the other side. Then rush out to the grill. I’m not going to tell you how to grill. Every griller has his or her own style. Personally, I am a flipper but not a masher. I’m also not going to tell you how to top. But you can’t beat the good old American mustard, ketchup and pickles, along with a thick slice of homegrown tomato. Or cheese. Yeah, I love cheese. Maybe some pepper jack cheese? And some grilled onions? Yum … I’m going to fire up the grill.

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Arti Gras

6th

annual

a juried

art show

A m a k e r s m ar k e t s howc a s in g a r t i s an s f rom a ro u n d L a k e M a r t i n a n d a c ro s s t h e s ta t e

h o m e mad e p ot t e ry an d j e w elry, r e c l a im e d wo o d dĂŠco r, p h otogr ap h y, p ai n t i ngs, an d m or e.

s a t u r d ay 10 a m - 5 p m

1ST

2ND

s u n day 10 a m-3 pm

Town Green at Russell Crossroads To p a r t icip a t e in Ar t i G r a s , co ntac t T y l e r Mit ch e l l a t 2 56.212 .1443 or t mit ch e l l @ ru s s e l l l a nd s .c om

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