Tallassee Tribune Nov. 15 2023

Celebrate America

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Veterans who are parents, grandparents, family and staff of students at Tallassee Elementary School got a treat as the school hosted its annual veterans day celebration.

In two ceremonies the students honored their veterans through song and readings. School counselor Tenea Stanton organized the program.

“We want to show appreciation for our veterans,” she said. “It’s our annual veterans ceremony that we have been doing for more than 20 years.” Stanton said second graders were responsible for a veterans march song and more. Third and fourth graders read poetry and other words of inspiration including fourth grader Elizabeth Jankay. She took to the podium with

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Patterson

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

When walking down the hall of Southside Middle School to the classroom of Susan Patterson, a smile greets each student.

Patterson welcomes her students in and takes pride in teaching them math even while she battles cancer. Patterson was selected as the school’s teacher of the year but said she doesn’t do it alone.

“I’m blessed with a wonderful group of co-workers and faculty, especially our new principal,” Patterson said. “I’m very fortunate. I do love my students and love what I do. It feels good to be acknowledged for that.”

Patterson has been at Southside for three years having previously taught in Alexander City and Auburn and Prattville before that. She has 29 years of teaching behind her. Patterson’s love of teaching and math

started when she moved from Anniston to Dadeville in third grade. She admits to struggling a little but longtime Dadeville Elementary School third-grade teacher Martha Fay Black helped get Patterson on track as a child.

“It was a shock to my third grade self,” Patterson said. “She just made the new girl feel confident. It made me want to be a teacher. She made me feel

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE Southside Middle School seventh grade math teacher Susan Patterson helps students with homework in her classroom. She said she loves interacting with students and staff.

Elementary students holding food drive

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

food

at

Students are seeking donations of canned food

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The robotics team at Tallassee High School is succeeding even in its infancy.

The team restarted just over a year ago after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now seeing the fruits of labor from students and advisor Jeff Hilbish.

“With everyone having another year under their belt, we did pretty good but not as well as we hoped,” Hilbish said. “It was good enough to make it to the next level.” The team is in a hub with 18 other robotics teams across east central Alabama. Last year Tallassee

CLIFF WILILIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee High School junior Michael Moore, left, sophomore Nolin Addio and sophomore Jackson Pledger look over improvements they hope to make to the robotics team’s BEST robot.

MICHAEL C. WEBSTER

Michael C. Webster of Tallassee was called to his heavenly home on November 8, 2023, at the age of 74. He was born on May 7, 1949. He is preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Melba Webster of Tallassee. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ann E. Webster; brother, Jimmy Webster (Debbie); son, Christopher M. Webster (Melissa); daughter, Traci D. Webster (Rebecca); stepsons, Ryan Welch and

Police Reports Obituaries

Brandon Welch; granddaughters, Chelsey Webster, Cameron Hornsby, and Cailyn Hornsby; and a great-grandson, Landyn. Mike is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends, whom he loved dearly. Lastly, he is survived by his best friend, his poodle, Caylee, who never left his side. Mike was a proud member of the United States Army, serving in the war from 1968-1970, after which he

served in the National Guard. Later in life, he was a strong advocate for the Wounded Warrior Project. Mike also protected his community for 17 years as a police officer, Sergeant, and later an Investigator for the Tallassee Police Department. He was also a dedicated believer of the Christian faith, which meant a lot to him throughout his life.

If you knew Mike, you knew that he loved to make people laugh and always

JACK FINLAYSON

Mr. Jack Finlayson, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023, to be with his beloved Becky at the age of 88. Jack was born May 29, 1935 in Bullock County, Alabama to Reuben Elonzo and Fannie Graddy Finlayson. Jack is survived by a son, Jeff Finlayson (Tonya); grandchildren, Brandon Finlayson and Gracee Finlayson; a special niece and her family Lisa Clark (Geoff), Katie Chorney (Jacob), and Abby Clark, as well as several

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

NOV. 13

• A welfare check was conducted on Central Boulevard.

• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on East Patton Street.

NOV. 12

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Harassment was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Abuse was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Rickey Lane.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Burglary was reported on Herren Hill Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• Debris was reported in the road on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the road on Lilly Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Main Street. Nov. 11

• A fight was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

had a joke ready for any situation. Mike had a notable compassion for animals, which could be seen in the care of his beloved dogs. He was a big fan of Alabama football and loved the fall weather, when you would find him outside most days. His pride was the work he put into his yard to make it as beautiful and inviting as possible. One of his favorite pastimes was arrowhead hunting, which brought a lot of happy memories for him

other nieces and nephews. Jack is preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life for 51 years, Becky Finlayson. Jack was an educator, influencer, mentor, and friend. He was employed by Tallassee City Schools for many years. He was also a member of First Baptist Church in Tallassee for over 50 years and served as a deacon. The family will receive friends Friday, November 10, 2023, from 1:00PM until service time at 2:00PM at First Baptist Church, Tallassee,

• A noise complaint was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Notasulga Road.

NOV. 10

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Hudson Place.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

NOV. 9

• A noise complaint was reported on Dorman Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Oak Heights Road.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Notasulga Road.

• A noise complaint was reported on Highway 229.

NOV. 8

• Assistance was given to another agency on Taylor Road.

NOV. 7

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal bite was reported on First Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on South Dubois Street.

• A domestic dispute was

and those that got to join him. No service is planned at this time. There will be a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be posted at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama

Alabama with Dr. Trey Waldrop officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Keith Butler, Harry Scroggins, Jerry Burt, Hugh Price, Doobey Hyde and Mickey Garnett with Honorary Pallbearers, Steven Ingram and Ben Little. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A tree on a powerline was reported on West Patton Street.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on West Patton Street.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.

• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A suspicious subject was reported on Friendship Road.

• Animal control was requested on Paxton Drive.

• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.

NOV. 6

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal cruelty was reported on Wallace Drive.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Third Avenue.

• A welfare check was

conducted on Third Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.

• A child custody dispute was reported on Hickory Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

NOV. 6

• Theft was reported on Margate Loop.

• Theft and possession of a forged instrument was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

NOV. 2

• Domestic violence was reported on Government Street.

NOV. 1

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

OCT. 28

• A terroristic threat was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

OCT. 24

• Harassment was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

Vet shares important message with SMS students

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Retired Air Force Explosive ordnance disposal technician

Mike Knox has seen it all.

Knox was there when SCUD missiles fell in the Middle East in the Gulf War. He has greeted five different presidents while working with the Secret Service. He also had an important role in speaking at the Southside Middle School Veterans Day Program. He wanted to share with the students how great the United States is.

“I think it is the best country in the world,” Knox told the students last week. “The way you answer that question is entirely up to you. The reason for that is we have our separate

opinions, different lives and different ways of thinking.”

Knox said just because someone is different isn’t a reason to get mad or fight.

“We can like things or not like things as we wish as long as we don’t hurt other people and follow the law,” Knox said.

“We can think and say what we believe.”

He said the United States is different from many other countries around the world. Knox said many are punished because they think differently or speak different opinions.

“There are places in the world where you can be arrested and go to jail for what you say even if you don’t cause harm,” Knox said. “Freedom is guaranteed by law and in the Bill of Rights.

We also have other rights. Freedom is one thing that makes the United States so great.” Knox was the speaker at the school’s Veterans Day program. The students also celebrated the veterans in attendance. They placed a wreath to remember those who have died. The set the Missing Man Table to explain how some soldiers are still on the battlefield being held captive. They sang and danced.

“Veterans day is a chance to remember and be thankful,” Knox said. “Freedom is not free. I hope you all know what a great country you have. You can choose what you want to do and what you want to be because we live in this great country.”

Humane Society of Elmore County News Prepare pets for holiday vacations

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

The upcoming holidays bring holiday shopping to our Tail’s End Thrift Store and all Christmas décor is half off during the month of November. We want to remind our donors the thrift store receives donations from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday through Saturday. Shopping is those same days until 3 pm and the thrift store will be open on Black Friday, but the shelter will not. With Thanksgiving right around the corner we hope pet owners with travel plans have already made arrangements for your pet’s care as most kennels, veterinarians and pet sitters are likely booking up for the holiday. For those utilizing a pet sitter please make sure they not only care

about your pet, but they are reliable and can reach you in the event of an emergency.

To help keep your pet safe at home with a pet sitter, leave printed instructions for your pet’s care and emergency contact info for you or someone else if you will be out of contact. Ensure your pet sitter knows how to contact your veterinarian and you have worked out any potential emergency veterinary payment issues with your pet sitter or your vet. Giving some written instructions as to lifesaving extent and credit card limits to your veterinarian can also help immensely in the event time is critical and you cannot be reached. Having a rabies tag, custom ID Tag (we can make those at our shelter in a few minutes for $10) or

Pet of the Week - Daniel

microchip can get your pet reunited quickly and having a good photo of your pet(s) on your phone greatly helps if you need to post about a lost pet or show people proof a found pet is yours.

Make sure gates are locked as better for your pet sitter to have a bit of inconvenience going through the house or garage than not securely closing a gate. And do some pet proofing of your house and yard for those things that may get a bored pet into trouble.

Of course, make sure you have plenty of pet food on hand and put extra, large water containers full of water inside and outside your house just in case. If your pet is on any medications, make sure to have enough on hand so they don’t run out in the

middle of your vacation or beyond as you never know when a flight delay, car trouble or illness might change your getting home plans.

In the event your pet escapes while you are gone, impress on your pet sitter the importance of reporting the missing pet immediately.

If here in Elmore County call us at 334567-3377, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net and post pics of your lost pet to “Lost & Found PETS in Elmore County Alabama and any number of Lost & Found Pet Facebook pages for our tri-county area.

Make sure to post a phone number in your post as it is very frustrating to have a lost or found pet and get no response to your Facebook post. Many a lost pet has been brought to our shelter the same day

Daniel is a big fellow at 80-85 pounds and may be a great Dane/hound mix. He is only about 1 year old so will continue to fill out over the next couple of years. Daniel came to us a stray never reclaimed. He is what we call a “lot of dog” as he can be quite exuberant and jumps quite high. He is good with other dogs if they can handle him being a big galoot wanting to romp.

it got out, yet the owner waited days or more to ever contact us.

There’s nothing we love doing more than reuniting lost pets

The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a

free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.

with their owners.

Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.

Tallassee Talks

The eleventh hour

Our annual Veterans Day assemblies were held throughout our local schools last week.

This program is always one of the highlights of the school year. Grown men and women, as well as even the most jaded and cynical teen-agers, are always moved to tears by the presentations.

The first Veterans Day was celebrated at the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, the armistice that ended World War I. In fact, for many years, this holiday was known as Armistice Day.

Raymond Weeks of Birmingham, Alabama, was a World War II veteran who pushed hard for this celebration to become a federal holiday. He led the Armistice Day celebrations in his hometown from 1947 until his death in 1985. He petitioned President Dwight Eisenhower to name this observance as a national holiday,

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

which it became in 1954 and has been ever since.

The middle school has hosted this assembly for a number of years, with each year increasing in sophistication as far as the number of students involved in numerous activities. We have always had assembly programs for veterans in our community, but the one at the middle school has become the biggest. The school goes out of its way to find veterans and first responders at nursing homes, community centers, armories, military bases, hospitals, and other places throughout the community. Reporters and photographers from radio, television, and newspapers are present. There is a white table cer-

emony; a slideshow; dance routine; special music; flag and wreath presentation; guest speakers; and more.

Our students have a major part to play, as well. They serve as the masters of ceremonies, flag bearers, “Taps” performers, dancers, and various other roles.

The fifth-grade classes combine as a 100-member children’s chorus, as they perform patriotic music they have spent weeks rehearsing. There is nothing quite like listening to the innocent voices of children singing these songs.

Happy Veterans Day to one and all. If you see a veteran, thank them for their service to our great country. It is because of them that we have the freedom to read this newspaper today and attend school assemblies like the fine ones we hold in this community.

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.

Obituaries:

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth

Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.

Veterans Day will never be the same

I’ve always been a big fan of Veterans Day. Military service members are not honored enough, and it’s truly amazing what they do day in and day out — and what they volunteer to do, in many cases. I also think it’s a time of reflection. I have many military veterans in my family who are no longer with us, so it’s nice to have a day to really think about and remember them.

But this year, Veterans Day has an extra sting after the death of my brother-in-law, Dylan Gentry who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and died earlier this year. I have to wonder if Veterans Day will ever be the same.

I found myself at Jim Pearson Elementary School this morning for the school’s annual Veterans Day programs. The school had invited not just parents who were veterans but also veterans from around the community, and it was a packed house.

I sat close by some older veterans and members of the Alexander City Color Guard for some of the program, and to hear their voices and see their faces brought me joy. The young students sang their hearts out and really seemed to understand what it meant to honor these people who have given so much for our freedoms.

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

We are lucky in Alexander City to have leaders who have given their time to military service. Both Mayor Woody Baird and Alexander City Schools superintendent Dr. Beverly Price are veterans of the U.S. Army. I am proud to know they are leaders in my community, and they should be thanked for their service every day.

The program was just darling. However, when it got to a video production with a slideshow of veterans’ pictures, I just lost it. It tears me up to know my brother Dylan will never get to experience any of these types of programs, and he’ll never be thanked for his service again. Dylan was in the military for two years and seven months before his death. Some people have service terms spanning over decades and some people get in and out after their two years. Some fight on the front lines and others write speeches for generals. Others, like Dylan, just got combat ready day in and day out.

He and his soldiers were ready for anything.

It’s hard for me not to get emotional when I think about Veterans Day now. While Dylan did not die in combat or even on the job, he still ended up giving all his adulthood to the Army. He, like so, so many others, deserve to be honored and appreciated every day, and it will always make me a little sad to think about him and how he’ll never get to experience such wonderful programs dedicated to military service.

On this Veterans Day, I suggest you hug your veteran or your soldier just a little longer. Give them just a little more love and appreciation. Maybe even do something nice for a stranger who deserves a thank you. You never know when it’s going to be their last Veterans Day or last celebration. To all our veterans and all the people, I’ve gotten to talk with this week about their time in the military, I truly, truly thank you for your service. I, somehow, have even more of an appreciation for what you’ve done than I ever did before.

Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

BATTLES FOR THE ARMORY RECREATES CIVIL WAR BATTLES

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE Soldiers from the Union and Confederacy faced off Saturday and Sunday in the 26th Annual Bill Anthony Memorial Battles for the Armory. The reenactments showcased the life of Confederate and Union soldiers late in the war. The “battles” Saturday and Sunday had each side firing muskets and cannons at each other. Each side won a “battle.” In 1864 Union soldiers were searching for the armory near downtown Tallassee where a new carbine was being manufactured. Only 500 were made and only 12 are known to be in existence now.

Community Christmas was

by the Angel Tree that the Salvation Army and some churches do for the Christmas season. Applications to have an angel with Community Christmas are through Nov. 15.

Community Christmas begins for the holiday season

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

A modern twist on the Angel Tree comes to Tallapoosa and Elmore counties.

LIFT Ministries is starting up its Community Christmas. Founder Hannah Johnson explained Community Christmas was inspired by the Angel Tree the Salvation Army and some churches do for the Christmas season.

The Angel Tree is a Christmas tree decorated with paper angels. On the angels is a wish list from children whose families need a bit of Christmas support. This allows for an anonymous approach to holiday gift giving. Under this same concept, Community Christmas was born.

LIFT Ministries has been doing Community Christmas for the past six years and during that time they have given to 650 kids.

“With modern day social media, it gives me the opportunity to reach so many more people,” Johnson said. “Community Christmas is a ministry that aids women, families, grandmothers, aunts and several others raising children with purchasing their whole Christmas.”

The process of Community Christmas starts with families filling out an application to have an angel on the virtual tree. Johnson said for example a mom might have three children and each of the kids will write out their own wish list.

Johnson then posts on LIFT Ministries’ Facebook page the kid’s wish list with their gender and age, but that’s all — in order to keep the process anonymous. From there, people are able to adopt an angel by commenting on the post.

Johnson said the adoptees are required to get the child an outfit, shoes, underwear, socks and three items off their wish list. The kids probably won’t get everything on their list, but they will definitely have plenty for Christmas.

Overall, the aim of Community Christmas is to take the burden off the parents who may be down on their luck and allow for the kids just to be kids on Christmas Day. For families with multiple kids, Johnson said she ensures all the kids get the same number of gifts and works with other ministries to help supplement where needed.

“We have never turned anyone away and we have never not supplied a need for the kids,” she said.

The deadline for applications to have an angel on the tree is Nov. 15 and individuals can still come by on that day to fill out an application. The applications are at both Crossroads Learning Center locations in Reeltown and Holtville.

Those who adopt an angel will need to have all their items turned in by Dec. 2 in black trash bags, so the gifts come unwrapped, but still hidden.

Christmas parade to cross the Fitzpatrick Bridge

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The traditional Christmas parade route in Tallassee is set for this year. Other traditional Christmas activities for downtown are being planned too.

Work on the Fitzpatrick Bridge will not interfere with the annual Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade.

“The route is like it has been,” Tallassee Chamber of Commerce director Jerry Cunningham said. “We will start at the traditional spot at the East Tallassee Church of Christ and finish at the high school.”

The Tallassee High School homecoming parade traditionally crosses the bridge. But this year’s homecoming parade had to be rerouted on the Elmore County side of Tallassee as painting was occurring on the bridge.

Cunningham is hopeful the parade will be as big or bigger on Saturday, Dec. 2 this year than it has been in years past.

“The last few years we have had great participation in the parade,” Cunningham said. “We have had more people who have stepped up. It is what you want.”

Cunningham said the bands from Tallassee and Reeltown high schools are always some of the first entries into the parade.

“The Tallassee band will be at the front to lead us off and the Reeltown band will be in the middle of the parade,” Cunningham said.

Christmas parade registration forms can be found on the chambers website at www.tallasseechamber. com or by calling 334283-5151.

The route also takes the parade by Veterans Park in front of City Hall where the chamber is holding a holiday market Dec. 1 and 2.

Cunningham said when Santa is finished with the parade on Dec. 2 he will stop by Grove Station on Sistrunk Street to visit with children and parents.

Cunningham is hoping parade participants will go ahead and register so the chamber can better plan the parade.

“Historically everyone waits until almost the last minute,” Cunningham said. “A week or two before we will have about 20 entries. I have to get on the phone and try to encourage them to take part. It is usually not a problem.”

The chamber doesn’t select a theme for the

parade and leaves everything up to participants.

“We want everyone to be about the holidays as much as they can,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham helps to organize old time carolers in downtown Tallassee every year. This year they will be in downtown and Restoration 49 on Thursday, Dec. 7. Every year Cunningham searches for new singers — but not just any singer. He is looking for sopranos, altos, basses and especially tenors.

“We don’t want to sing in unison,” Cunningham said. “We want the different parts.” Carolers need to be able to read music as rehearsal time is very limited.

The carolers will also take part in the Downtown Christmas market Dec. 9. Cunningham said it gives businesses a chance beyond the parade to showcase what they have. He said there will be a children’s area with a train ride and more.

Cunningham said there are plenty of holiday activities and hopes residents and guests will come out to see all that Tallassee has to offer over the holidays.

“It’s a busy time, but it’s all good,” he said.

inspired

AMERICA

Continued from A1

a smile stretched ear to ear wearing medals her great grandfather earned in WWII — a man she knows little about and only knowing him as grandad.

“I find it amazing I get to honor him in this way,” Jankay said.

Jankay read a poem on how to greet a veteran or soldier. It has no known author but has been circulated for years.

When you see a soldier Be sure to shake his or her hand, And let that soldier know you’re grateful For the protection the military affords our land.

But most of all express your thanks For every soldier’s personal sacrifice, In order to serve our country, They risked their entire lives.

After all the students sang, marched and read, the ceremony came to a close with Taps played Tallassee High School band director Dr. Robby Glasscock.

“I feel honored to be able to do this,” Glasscock said. “It is important for students to learn about those who served our nation.”

ROBOTICS

Continued from A1

was one of eight teams not taking a robot to the first regional competition. But with work, a county competition in Wetumpka and the help of the Wetumpka High School team, Tallassee is now headed to the state competition next month.

Incision Decision is the competition created by BEST robotics this year. Teams are tasked with building robots to complete tasks to simulate various medical procedures such as removing plaque, installing stents and even brain surgery. A course is built to simulate the medical tasks by moving balls and spots from one place to another.

Junior Michael Moore said the team is trying to improve its robot for the state competition.

“A lot of us lacked a lot of practice,”

Moore said. “The teams that scored higher than us had a lot of practice. We need to practice more. We had things on the robot we didn’t really need. We are trying to make it more simple.”

Moore is charged with helping create the code the robot uses to operate.

“We are using block coding,” Moore said. “It is premade but you can still go in and change like gearing ratios. We have a controller and cortex that have to be paired.”

FOOD

Continued from A1

and non-perishable items for the food pantry at ACTS.

School counselor Tenea Stanton said there is competition among students during the

TEACHER

Continued from A1

Advanced coding allows the robot to be autonomous at times. In the Incision Decision competition, autonomous is necessary to complete brain surgery which in turn scores more points. Moore said Tallassee is quite there yet on that leveling of coding but are working on it.

Junior Madison Hughes has maintained the team’s engineering notebook for the last two years. It is massive and a big part of the competition. But it also tracks the team’s progress.

“You can see the journey we have made,” she said. “This year was a lot less messy than last year. We were able to do less trial and error because we had more experience. We were able to apply the new knowledge and experience this year.”

Just because the team can build a robot and know where they have been doesn’t mean they are done. Hilbish said there are marketing sportsmanship aspects to the BEST competition.

“They are going through a real life process,” Hilbish said. “It really encompasses a lot of career fields beyond STEM. The marketing team puts together presentations like you see on Shark Tank. It really is building a business from the ground up.”

The sportsmanship award goes to the team that not only has team spirit but goes above and beyond helping the competition. It could be loaning tools to a team that left something behind or

food drive.

“It is among colleges,” Stanton said. “Students get to select between Alabama, Auburn, Alabama State and Tuskegee when donating food.”

Students can bring food to school and place it on tables

a part of it and I wanted to do that for students. Then I just started loving math. I’m a nerd and kind of love it all. Math was just my jam.”

Patterson got her bachelor’s degree in mathematics but not because she no longer wanted to teach.

“My parents said I was too smart to be a teacher and wouldn’t pay for college unless I did something else,” Patterson said. “I fooled them. I got a master’s in education.”

She has spent her entire teaching career working with seventh and eighth graders in math.

“I love middle schoolers,” Patterson said. “Their energy is amazing.”

Patterson credits the students’ energy for helping with her battle with cancer.

“Last year I was diagnosed with cancer two different times, two kinds of

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE ABOVE: Tallassee Elementary School students marched, saluted and more to honor those who served in the military at the school’s annual Veterans LEFT: Day program. Tallassee Elementary School students asked veterans in attendance to stand and be honored at the school’s annual Veterans Day program.

lending a hand. Hilbish said it helps the students see what other teams are doing and improve their own robot. It is a process the team is currently working on as it readies for the state competition.

Senior Trey Bosch is planning on attending UAB and then medical school with the help of the Alabama National Guard after he graduates. He heads the display portion of the marketing effort.

“We had to document what we did, explain it and provide information to bring forth more interest in robotics,” Bosch said.

The team also helped with a summer robotics camp for younger students. Bosch helped present it on the team’s displays.

“We were able to help kids build robots and use the controllers,” Bosch said.

Bosch also helped with sponsorship letters to let individuals and businesses get involved in supporting the team. Sophomore Nolin Addio said the robotics team is helping him realize a STEM related career might be right for him. At the same time the BEST robotics competition is helping him connect the dots between all of his course work.

“I like to get my hands on things,” Addio said. “It reinforces the engineering I was thinking about. It is a lot of fun.”

for the appropriate school in the main hallway. Stanton said individuals without students who wish to make a donation can do so by dropping the items off at the front desk.

ACTS is located in east Tallassee. It was founded in

colon and two kinds of breast cancers and a mutation,” Patterson said. “I’m an overachiever.”

With the help of doctors at Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center, Patterson has undergone three surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. But she still teaches even if the chemo pump is on her.

“In October I had surgery in Houston on Tuesday and was back at work on Friday,” Patterson said. “I am committed to my students.”

Southside principal Brittany Spencer said Patterson is dedicated to her students.

“She takes her responsibility of providing mathematics instruction to her seventh graders very seriously,” Spencer said. “She always goes above and beyond to ensure they are provided with the very best.” Spencer is new to the school but she has taken notice of Patterson.

“I have been so pleased with the

the 1980s by Tallassee area churches as a way for the churches to work together to better serve the people seeking help. It has a food pantry, clothes closet and the ability to help individuals with bills after completing an application.

amount of rigor she provides her students,” Spencer said. “I look for incredible growth in the area of mathematics because of her devotion. She also has taken my definition of being positive to a whole new level. She exudes positive energy to all those who meet her.”

Patterson wants to be around her students and not at home.

“I do not want to be out any more than I have to be,” Patterson said. “Their education is important to me. My husband reminds me that I am important too. He wants to make sure I get the very best care and am around for a very long time. We are walking that balancing act.”

Spencer believes any time students and staff get with Patterson is special, not only for the education but for the energy she gives them all.

“We are completely blessed to have her serve as part of our SMS Family,” Spencer said.

Who Was President John F. Kennedy?

John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the 35th President of The United

in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was a part of a large family; he had three brothers and five sisters. He was a Boy Scout and made very good grades in school. His father was a politician and very involved in politics. During World War II, John served in the Navy. During his time in the Navy, a torpedo patrol boat that he was in charge of was hit and sank. John survived and was considered a hero. After the war, he was elected as a U.S. Congressman in 1947 and served for six years. On September 12, 1953, he married Jacqueline Bouvier in a lavish wedding. John ran for U.S. Senate in 1953 and won. In 1957, he won the Pulitzer Prize for his book Profiles In Courage. He wrote the book from 1954-1955 while recovering from back surgery. In 1960, he ran for U.S. President against Richard Nixon. It was one of the closest Presidential races ever, but he won. He was the youngest person ever elected as President. He took his oath of office at the age of 43 on January 20, 1961. His presidency was marked with many memorable events such as the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He is also known for being the President during the Space Race between the United States and Russia, in which each wanted to be the first in space and the first to have a man on the Moon. He challenged the Country to have a man on the Moon by the end of the decade. Sadly, what he is most-known for is being the fourth U.S. President to be assassinated. On November 22, 1963, while riding in an open-motorcade parade in Dallas, Texas, the President was shot and killed by a man named Lee Harvey Oswald. His legacy remains as one of the most interesting Presidents in United States history

Kennedy Word Find

Bay Of Pigs, Boy Scout, Congressman, Cuba, Hero, Jacqueline, John, Kennedy, Missle Crisis, Moon, Navy, Nixon, Oswald, Politics, President, Pulitzer Prize, Senator, Space Race, United States

A

915 Wildlife Rd. Dadeville, AL 256-786-9245

Why Be Thankful?

misty rain, and cooler temperatures on one hand make for dreary days, but they are a welcome change from hot and dry!

Next week is Thanksgiving. It is always the fourth Thursday in the month, regardless of the actual numerical day it falls on. Everyone knows that the end of November is the designated time for giving thanks. Most of us have learned that Thanksgiving is an important holiday, but it is much more than that. It is also more than a season for giving thanks. Again, most of us know deep down that every

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

day is a day meant for giving thanks. So why do we continue to think of November as the season for giving thanks? Has it become like Daylight Savings Time, with more and more people wondering why we continue to observe a human creation that has outlived its original purpose? The origin of Thanksgiving is mired in mixed messages, after all. Let’s break bread with the savages we want to run off the land,

but I digress.

In ministry, I strive to allow the word of God to inform human traditions and practices. Regardless of their origin, I find it helpful, when possible, to allow God to define our reasons for being. In other words, I am always willing to see what God does with the things we create.

November as the month for giving thanks is a perfect example. The month begins with All Saints Day. Yes, this originated as a religious celebration of the saints that have gone before us. It is easy to allow God to define the parameters and motivations for remembering the saints as the month of November begins.

As the month progresses, we happen upon the first Tuesday of

Tallassee Churches

every November, which is better known as Election Day. While there might not be elections in every corner of the U.S. every first Tuesday in November, Election Day is certainly a reason to give thanks. The freedoms we enjoy as U.S. citizens are defined in terms God would sanction. All citizens have the right to vote, even though our human structures continue to attempt to change those terms.

Every year on Nov. 11, we celebrate Veterans Day. Veterans Day is a day for remembering faithful service to something bigger than self. It is not a day to celebrate military might or victory. It honors and gives thanks for faithful service. Again, this fits with God’s definition of service.

By the fourth Thursday, we are ready to gather with friends and family, stuff our faces, and fall asleep on the couch watching football. While this tradition is enjoyed and anticipated by many, it is hardly the reason for giving thanks. Thanksgiving is meant to be a time for counting blessings. God defines the practice well. Being thankful involves more than showing gratitude. It includes stepping beyond the limitations of the human perspective and into the abundance of divine provision. In the earthly kingdom according to God’s design and creation, there are no such things as “haves” and “have-nots”. All are blessed by God in one way or another, and that is why we should all be thankful and share God’s blessings, each and every day that comes to us.

Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka.

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

4 Tallassee athletes sign NLIs

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Four of Tallassee’s best athletes are taking their talents to the college level.

On National Signing Day last Wednesday, the Tigers hosted their own signing ceremony where Macey Stewart signed a swimming scholarship to the University of Alabama and Michael Markham, Grant McCraney and Carter Davis all signed fishing scholarships with Faulkner University.

All four athletes that signed have found plenty of success at the high school level. Stewart, who is one of the best swimmers in

AHSAA history, has won seven state championships for the Tigers in her career and is looking to win two more this season.

Markham, McCraney and Davis helped lead Tallassee to the state championship in fishing this past spring, the

TALLASSEE WRESTLING LOOKING TOWARD STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

It will be hard to find another high school wrestling team with as much talent as Tallassee has entering the 2023 season.

The Tigers, who finished second in the Class 5A Duals Tournament and seventh in the Class 5A Traditional Tournament, return one state champion in junior Land Bell and eight state qualifiers and also brought in two talented wrestlers from Wetumpka.

“Every year, our goals and expectations are to win and have individuals do well and place as high as we can at state,” Tallassee coach John Mask said. “It is a blessing that we have the wealth of experience we have back this year. I’ve cautioned them that with these expectations, we have to continue to work hard and remain disciplined. We know we have a lot of talent, but there are a lot of other teams with talent too. So we have to do things to separate ourselves so we have a chance.”

Tallassee enters the season with around 45 members on the team, which is the most they’ve had in more than 10 years. That group is led by a plethora of talent and returnees, including sophomore Mason Nelson who finished last year 41-4, sophomore Nolan Addeo who went 31-11 and Christian McCary

who went 42-5.

The champion from last year, Land Bell, participated in the 132pound class. He finished the year with a 43-3 record and won three separate tournaments during the season, including the state tournament to cap off his championship season.

This year, he’s looking to repeat for the team.

“Land is a tough worker and gets better every day,” Mask said. “He has great characteristics and has what it takes to win. He was a leader last year and everybody around him respects him. He’s done a great job of coming into this season of motivating people around him.”

There are two major additions joining the team as well. Ramon Lozada and Roman McWilliams, who wrestle at 113 and 120, respectively, have both transferred in from Wetumpka.

Both of them were stellar wrestlers at Wetumpka last year.

Lozada finished with a 43-6 overall record and during his career has qualified for state four times and placed twice.

McWilliams, only a junior, went 29-13 and has qualified for state three times and placed once.

Both have found success at the 6A level and are now looking to help Tallassee in its championship dreams.

“It makes the room better,” Mask said. “You

have more depth and more experience. They make the whole team better, from high school all the way to junior high. They are adding a lot to our team. They have a lot of talent. They’ve done a lot in their careers already and we’re looking for more out of them.”

Tallassee didn’t graduate too much from last year’s team, but there are a few faces needing to be replaced this year. Rutland Phillips graduated after finishing runner-up at 106, and Thomas Patterson wrestled behind Phillips and Nelson. This year, he should be in the starting lineup.

In the heavyweight class, some names like Jude Rogers, Braden Arnold and Ja’Twon Griffin are just some of a handful of guys who are looking to make a name for themselves.

“I expect Thomas to have a big year in the smaller classes,” Mask said. “We also have about six heavyweights, which is the most we’ve had in a while. Those guys lack initial experience, but they’re talented. Whoever wins that spot is going to help us out this year.”

The list of talented wrestlers goes on and on for Tallassee this season, and they’ll have their chance to show their talent early and often this year.

The Tigers open their season on Thursday night in a home tri-match against Beulah and Central Phenix City.

Tallassee’s Brantley, Glass race in state championships

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Tallassee cross country runners Avery Brantley and Mallory Glass were the only two Tigers to qualify for the AHSAA Class 5A state championship, so they both ran as individuals instead of as a team. And both finished in the top 100 with Brantley having the best day of his in the championship.

Brantley finished with a season-best time of 17:54.67, which landed him 57th overall in the Class 5A boys race. He was the third best finisher of any county boy in the race, finishing behind Holtville’s Brenen

Miscisin and Elmore County’s Frankie Mann. In the girls race, Glass placed 96th for her time of 24:04.54. The talented freshman runner has now raced in two state championship races with three more seasons left in front of her. In addition to the two Tallasse runners, two Elmore County runners also hit the track on Saturday morning. Mann finished 54th by clocked in at 17:53.44, three spots and one second faster than Brantley from Tallassee. The Panthers other qualifier, Lucas Drost, finished 88th in 18:50.93

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

Since Aug. 18, 2022, Reeltown has lost only two football games. Those two games were last season’s opener to Tallassee and the team’s third round playoff matchup with B.B. Comer. Since the Comer game, Reeltown has won its last 10 games, including last

week’s playoff title with Wicksburg.

By no means was the Wicksburg game the prettiest Reeltown has played, but better to get the ugliness out of the way early before this week’s playoff matchup with Thorsby.

Reeltown’s 34 points scored last week were its second fewest on the

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee High School swimmer Macey Stewart signs her letter of commitment to swim for the University of Alabama as family and friends look on.

FILE THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee sophomore Avery Brantley finished 57th overall in the AHSAA Class 5A Cross Country state championship this past weekend in

Tallassee girls win LAMP tourney to begin season

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Tallassee girls basketball season is off to a hot start under first-year head coach Alfonzo Johnson.

Tallassee, which named Johnson head coach earlier this fall, started its basketball season with a big showing at the LAMP Tournament this weekend.

The Tigers went 2-0 in the tournament with wins over Sidney Lanier, 48-32, and LAMP in the championship, 38-17.

The 16- and 21-point wins were the two biggest Tallassee has had in a few seasons.

“I think the biggest thing for us was our effort and our attitude,” Johnson said. “I really think we went in with a mentality of trying to change the past and getting better and better every day. Defense is the name of the game for us. We have a lot of girls on our team who really care about playing defense.”

Defensively, the team took pride in playing man defense after a slow start in both games. After not having much of a lead in either matchup, the team went into halftime able to make some adjustments to improve in the second half.

WIN

Continued from B1

The games were close until the fourth quarter, when the Tigers pulled away for the wins.

That’s much different than the team on the court a year ago that had multiple close games in the fourth quarter not going their way down the stretch.

“We have a lot of experience,” Johnson said.

“When you talk to people and tell them you have three ninth graders, one eighth grader and one junior starting, people think you’ll struggle. But all of these girls started for us last year so they’re used to playing.”

A big factor in the 2-0 start is starting point guard Cheyann Easterling.

Tallassee fans already know Easterling as she has been a star on the softball diamond and the volleyball court for the last few years. She is looking to take that role again in basketball as she is the starting point guard.

In her first two years of her freshman season, she was named the Tournament MVP.

Easterling scored in double-digits in both games as she was the team’s leading scorer.

“She did a really good job taking care of the ball and barely had any turnovers,” “She didn’t get into foul trouble and

season. The 14 points it allowed to the Panthers were tied for its second highest.

On paper it looked like Reeltown struggled. But in actuality, a few bad calls, some slight rain and an untimely turnover on downs before halftime cost the Rebels major points that could have seen this game run the clock as early as the second quarter.

For the game, Reeltown outpaced Wicksburg 622 yards to 266.

“The first half, we shot ourselves in the foot,” Johnson said on Friday. “I don’t think we have put the ball on the ground all year long as much as we did in the first half. You can blame it on conditions, but either way, you have to tighten up.”

Much of that yardage came by way of freshman Traylen Roberts, who doubled his total yards output for the season on Friday with 220 yards, and matched his season scoring with three touchdowns.

Roberts took a large load off of a banged up Arthur Woods, who to his credit, still finished his day with 145 yards rushing and a score.

“Having depth is huge,” Johnson said. “Traylen stepped up and did a heck of a job for us.”

Next on the schedule for Woods, Roberts and the rest of the Rebels is Thorbsy.

Thorsby finished second behind Comer in Region 4, finishing its regular season 8-2.

The team blew by Chickasaw in their playoff opener, 50-16, but have never once beaten Reeltown.

In seven games, Thorsby is 0-7, including last year’s playoff loss 49-6. However, Johnson said his team was not looking past Wicksburg last week, and will likely be doing the same for Thorsby.

Thorsby is led in rushing by wide receiver Coden Cummings with 105 rushing yards per game. Cummings also leads the team with 18 total scores.

The defensive unit also has 12 sacks this season and nine picks. All together, Thorbsy has outpaced opponents 392 points to 226 in the team’s 11th season under coach Daryl Davis.

The Wicksburg game is in no way indicative of Reeltown’s season thus far. But sometimes getting a reality check at this late in the season is a necessary evil.

When the Rebels play their second round matchup at home, Johnson said he expects his team to be much crisper.

“We will be at home and that is always a plus,” Johnson said. “We have to clean some things up and get some guys healthy and start preparing.”

she played really good defense. She just really wasn’t making any errors. For a freshman, she really didn’t make any mistakes. She did a good job.”

Joining her on the All-Tournament team was junior Jhakhia Anderson. Anderson has been known for her rebounding abilities as she averaged 10 per game last year, and that was on full

display in the opening tournament.

Despite getting into foul trouble against Lanier’s bigs, she still led the team in rebounds and then bounced back in a more balanced way in the win over LAMP.

Both Anderson and Easterling were All-County players a year ago.

“She did a really good job rebounding,” Johnson

said of Anderson. “Lanier had some decent size but she was able to get down there and get rebounds. In the second game, she didn’t get into foul trouble and played well in all facets of the game.”

Johnson wants to take things one game at a time and to get ready for the real season when area play begins later in December.

“We have to learn

from the mistakes we did make and find ways to get better,” Johnson said.

“We have to improve our free throws and we fouled too much. We’re nowhere near where we need to be in terms of competing for area championships or going to the playoffs just yet, but there are things that we can fix to be a pretty challenging team come area play.”

Reeltown cheer successful under Rogers

BY HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

The Reeltown cheerleading program had about a month to adjust to new head coach Nastasia Rogers before football season began.

To say Rogers and her program were thrown into the fire together could be an understatement. While some may have folded in the hastiness of that process, the Reeltown cheer program excelled, concluding its competition season last week in regionals.

The team did not qualify for state but laid the groundwork for what is to come under the still somewhat green head coach.

“It was their first time competing and they did an awesome job,” Rogers said of her team at regionals. “They worked really hard and we will try it again next year and see what the outcome is there.”

Looking back on their first couple months as a team, Rogers said the team made things work from the beginning, only allowing for them to be stronger as the year went on.

“They adjusted well to the changes,” Rogers said. “They are some really hard workers. They have been up for the challenge

ATHLETES

Continued from B1

first fishing title in school history.

with increased practices and they enjoyed the extra time we take together.”

Even though her team’s season ended at the regional competition, Rogers wasn’t dismayed. The fact that her team was even competing at a high level by regionals was a testament to how hard her team had worked.

“(Regionals) was a good experience,” Rogers said. “Just being around to see the different teams and getting the feedback from judges on what we need to do.”

One of the main aspects of cheer the team needs to work on is not in terms of stunts or cheers themselves. The team simply needs a few more bodies to compete at an even higher level.

With that knowledge, Rogers said she has plans to groom

“This is a dream being fulfilled,” swimming coach John Mask said of Stewart. “It has taken a lot of hard work. This doesn’t just happen. Since she was 11, Macey has practiced six days a week for two to three hours a day. I’m excited for her. It’s not often we get athletes to go to the D1 level.”

Faulkner fishing coach John Pollard was in attendance for his team’s historic signing, and Wednesday marked the first time Faulkner has ever signed three fishermen from one school in the same class.

“I can’t wait to get them on the water next year,” Pollard said of the trio. “I know they have a little unfinished business trying to repeat for Tallassee. We are looking for big things out of them. It is pretty amazing to have three seniors who are all qualified, not only on the water but academically and to get them all to come to your school is awesome.”

Stewart is nearing the end of her high

some JV cheerleaders to help supplement the varsity squad and give the team a better edge when it comes to competitions.

“I know a lot of squads, that is what they do,” Rogers said.

“And they can do more things. So that is our plan. If our numbers are bigger, we can do more things on the floor.”

Being a cheer coach was and is something Rogers has always wanted to do. She wasn’t sure when it would happen, or how.

But now Rogers has found a miniature family in the arms of the Reeltown cheerleading team, and she is fulfilling her coaching dreams each and every time her squad hits a mat, field or baseline.

“It was exciting for me,” Rogers said of getting the Reeltown job. “I have been able to

school career as a swimmer. The coveted swimmer has won a state championship in every single season since her eighth grade year.

Only able to enter two state championship events per year, she has won all six events she has entered during her freshman, sophomore and junior years. She will attempt to win two more on Dec. 1-2 when she swims in the AHSAA state championships at Auburn.

She swims regularly at Auburn, despite growing up an Alabama fan.

“Alabama has always been my dream school,” Stewart said. “I have always been an Alabama fan and that’s where I wanted to be. Being around there and when visiting the team, they’re just all very friendly. They’re all together as a team and seem to have a lot of fun.”

For the fishing trio of Markham, Davidson and McCraney, they will be joining another young program. Faulkner officially allowed fishing to become a sponsored sport in 2016, and they will fish in the Bassmaster College Tour and MLF Tour against teams from any and every school, even teams such as Auburn and Alabama.

live out a dream that I have had.

I don’t have girls of my own, so I enjoy being able to transfer that love of cheer to them and also let them learn the hard work and dedication that comes with it.”

Though the competition season is over, cheering is hardly done.

While Reeltown football continues its run through the playoffs, Rogers’ team will be right there with them. After football, the cheerleaders will go right on to supporting the basketball team.

Cheering is hardly ever over as the girls are already circling the date when competition cheer begins again.

“They are already looking forward to the next season,” Rogers said.

Faulkner appealed to the trio as it is close to home, and now they hope to bring championships to the school much like they have at the high school level.

When the trio was in junior high, the school started its varsity fishing program. As freshmen, Davidson and Markham won individual state championships.

This past spring, they were named the top individual boat once again while McCraney also helped the standings with a Top 25 finish.

The championship is determined by the average weight of the top two boats from each team, so the trio, plus Eli McCraney, combined their top fish and earned the championship.

Now they’ll have a chance to show their fishing skills off against the collegiate world.

“This is what we started this program for,” Tallassee coach John Goodman said. “We just never imagined that we would have three seniors and all three of them would sign. It is typical of what they do. All three of them have great families and a great work ethic. They will do well in college.”

Tallassee’s Jahkhia Anderson (15) tries to keep the ball away from a Beauregard defender last season. Anderson was named to the LAMP All-Tournament team this weekend.

SUBMITTED THE TRIBUNE

Reeltown’s cheerleading team ended its season of competition at regionals last week. The team only looks to grow and improve in the first full year under coach Nastasia Rogers.

IHow I won the high school pick-em

was told a few weeks ago by a local coach I didn’t know what I was doing and tI had never watched football a day in my life. I won’t name names, as that accomplishes nothing, but I will write a column bragging about how well I did in our high school pick-em this year.

We brought back the season-long pick-em this year and it included mostly just TPI staff along with a few freelance writers and local sports personalities/fans from around the county.

We did it for 11 weeks, and we stopped this week due to only two teams — Ben Russell and Reeltown — still playing in the playoffs.

So through 12 weeks, here is how I did. I finished in first place, four games better than the next closest person. I finished nearly 30 games better than the worst person who played.

There were 123 games included in 12 weeks.

I went 99-24.

I’m really mad at myself for not getting 100, and I could’ve gotten there easily if I wouldn’t have made some very obvious mistakes (I’ll get there Reeltown) that should have been picked differently.

I’m going to go through each of the Elmore County schools with my record of each team, from best to worst. I tied for the first three, so I will go in alphabetical order.

HOLTVILLE

I am pretty proud of how I selected Holtville this year. I went 10-1 on the season. Usually, you miss a game or two early, but I was the complete opposite for the Bulldogs. I picked every single regular season game correctly and missed last week’s playoff game. I picked Holtville to beat Headland, and Headland won the game. Looking back on it, I’d do the same thing again. I think Holtville was the better team. Just can’t win when you fumble the ball twice in opposing territory.

ELMORE COUNTY

Just like Holtville, I picked Elmore County’s season almost exactly right with a 10-1 record. My only loss came in the best finish of any game I’ve seen this year. I picked Elmore County to beat Valley, and Valley spoiled more than just Elmore County’s hosting chances that night. The Rams threw a game-winning Hail Mary with less than 15 seconds left on the clock and ruined my perfect record with Elmore County. I’m not mad about it. It was a heckuva game and a wild finish. I can’t complain about that.

WETUMPKA

Wetumpka was the third team that I went 10-1 with. I had a pretty good feel for the Indians once I saw them play. The game I picked incorrectly, however, was before that. I picked Wetumpka to beat Benjamin Russell in Week 1. Maybe I was just being an Elmore County homer against my TPI co-workers in Alex City, but I really did believe Wetumpka would win that game. The Indians did not, however, and I knew after that game what was up with Wetumpka as I picked 10-straight correct to end the year.

EDGEWOOD ACADEMY

We picked only 10 of Edgewood’s 11 games as the Wildcats started a week earlier than everyone else. But I think that was helpful because I probably would’ve picked Edge-

DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

wood and it would’ve been wrong. Instead, I went 9-1 on the year. Honestly, Edgewood’s schedule was probably the easiest to pick for me. There weren’t many toss up games. There were either some really tough games where Edgewood was playing defending state champions, or the Wildcats were bullying some bad teams.

STANHOPE ELMORE

Strangely enough, I went 8-2 with Stanhope and the two losses came separated almost as far as they could. I picked Stanhope to beat Eufaula in Week 2 after the Mustangs bullied Shades Valley in the opener, but I think that said more about Shades Valley than Stanhope. Sorry Mustangs. The only other loss I had when picking Stanhope was the finale against Minor. I would pick Stanhope 10/10 times if they played again. That was a weird game, but Stanhope looked like the better team every single play. I watched the entire game and still don’t know how the Mustangs lost that one.

TALLASSEE

Looking through my record with Tallassee, I started laughing at the two I missed because it was obviously dumb. I went 8-2 with Tallassee as well. I picked Tallassee to beat Reeltown in the opener.

I’ll give you guys a second to laugh at me. Go ahead. I deserve it.

I’m now going to defend the pick by saying it was Week 1. I was honestly convinced in the preseason that Tallassee was going to be better than its 1-9 record at the end of the season. I also thought, “Oh yeah. 5A over 2A.”

I was more than wrong.

The only other pick I got wrong was actually Tallassee’s only win of the season, When the Tigers went to play Marbury, I actually picked Marbury. I don’t know what I was thinking. Marbury was the worst team I’ve seen all year. Now for my worst record.

REELTOWN I really didn’t do that bad with Reeltown, but it is my worst. I went 7-3 picking the Rebels. I picked Tallassee to beat Reeltown (read above) and was wrong by a lot. I also picked Highland Home to beat Reeltown. I didn’t think Reeltown had enough manpower to deal with the D1 athletes that Highland Home had, and I was proved wrong in a hurry. Now for my worst pick of the season of any team.

I picked Cleburne County over Reeltown? I don’t even know. I honestly thought I selected Reeltown, but I double checked the picks I sent to Henry Zimmer and I 100% picked Cleburne.

Reeltown won that game by 65 points, by the way. Big oof.

I think I have learned my lesson though. Reeltown fans, I will not pick against you guys again. You’re my pick to win it all. Go do the dang thing.

Dalton Middleton is the sports editor for The Herald.

Rogers ends career with hat trick

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

As football season came to an end on Friday night, so did the career of one of the best players to don the black and gold.

Wetumpka quarterback Nate Rogers played his last career football game for the Indians as Wetumpka fell to Helena, 58-28, in the first round of the AHSAA Class 6A playoffs. In the season-ending loss, Rogers totaled 268 yards of offense to go along with three touchdowns, much of what he’s done the entire season.

He finished with 75 rushing yards and touchdowns of 19, 4 and 15 yards to go along with 193 passing yards in the match-

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15

HIGH SCHOOL BOWLING

Benjamin Russell at Stanhope Elmore, 3:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOV. 16 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Montgomery Academy at Tallassee, 6 p.m.

Stanhope Elmore at Chilton County, 6 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

Prattville at Wetumpka, 4:30 p.m. 4 Russell County at We

tumpka, 4:30 p.m.

Beulah at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m. 4 Central Phenix at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m. 4 Holtville at Shelby County, TBA

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Thorsby at Reeltown, 7 p.m.

Hueytown at Benja

up. For his play in his final game, Rogers is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

“He is our special player,” Woods said last week. “High schools that are successful have really good players. He gives us an opportunity every week.” Rogers finishes his senior season with 22 rushing touchdowns, nearly double what his career-high was in a season from a year ago. He scored multiple rushing touchdowns in all but one game this year, and he rushed for over 100 yards in all but two games. His passing stats also increased from year-to-year, as he capped off another 1,000-

yard passing season and has rushed and passed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons. Rogers is a three-year starter for Wetumpka and has led Wetumpka to the playoffs in each of his three years leading the offense. Now as his football career comes to an end, he will turn his sights to basketball season before he chooses a college to play for. In basketball, Rogers was last season’s Elmore County Player of the Year after averaging 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals per game. He has multiple Division I football offers laid out for him.

Edgewood Academy at Sparta Academy, 6 p.m.

Notasulga at Tallas

see, 5:30 p.m.

Stanhope Elmroe at Prattville, 6 p.m.

Horseshoe Bend at Elmore County,

Wetumpka at Moun

tain Brook Turkey Jam, TBA

TUESDAY, NOV. 21

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

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4 Edgewood Academy at Lee-Scott Classic, TBA

4 Trinity at Elmore County, 3 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

4 Elmore County at Tallassee, 5 p.m.

Wetumpka at Ben Russell, TBA

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Wetumpka’s Nate Rogers (2) passed for 193 yards in Wetumpka’s season-ending loss to Helena in the first round of the 6A playoffs.

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SENIORS FIND FUN AND FRIENDSHIPS AT ECLECTIC SENIOR CENTER

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The building might be labeled Eclectic Senior Center, but there is little senior about it.

Yes, some of the services at the senior center on Fleahop Road are intended for the aging population, it doesn’t limit the fun.

Director Minnie Johnson said the center’s mission is to get seniors together to stay mentally and physically sharp.

“We want to have fun,” Johnson said. “It helps get you out of the house.”

The senior center services are for those 60 and over and includes lunch Monday through Friday. But it’s not just a group of elderly sitting around and watching the world go by.

“We play cards,” Johnson said. “We play dominos. We play Bingo.”

There are scheduled exercise times and Bible studies at the center, too.

Johnson said everyone is looking forward to a program in December.

“The first part of the month the kindergarten from Eclectic Elementary is going to come and sing Christmas carols,” Johnson said.

Robin Nummy retired to Santuck and was bringing her child to Eclectic Middle School everyday. She saw a chance to volunteer and help the senior center.

“I might as well stay in town,” Nummy said. “Often I go and pick someone up.”

Nummy also sees value in the senior center for the aging population.

“Playing games like cards helps keep minds sharp and

the interactions are good for everyone,” Nummy said. “It allows us to keep an eye on each other.”

Entertainment in the winter months is just outside the window looking over the park. In the window is a bird feeder that attracts wildlife.

“There are squirrels, birds,” Johnson said. “They entertain us.”

Johnson said the birds and squirrels can be seen jockeying for position to take advantage of the sunflower seed and more in the feeder.

Nummy does this before

helping to deliver meals for those who are homebound managed by kitchen director Pam Haskins.

Nummy starts her route about 11 a.m. and finishes up about 1 p.m.

The meals are funded by the State of Alabama and the Central Alabama Aging Consortium but there is a suggested donation of $1.60 per day. The center also has a handicap van to aid in picking up seniors who are unable to drive.

Once a month there are basic health screenings and sometimes nursing or medical school students help

with the checks.

“We have health providers that come and do programs but we don’t know too far in advance when they are coming,” Johnson said. “Everyday we play it by ear.”

The delivery of homebound meals is something Nummy and other volunteers do not play by ear.

Every Monday through Friday except holidays the meals are delivered to those who are unable to make it to the senior center.

“Many of them live by themselves,” Johnson said. “This is a good way to

check to make sure they are OK. We have been there and found people on the floor and other issues. It is a way to check on elderly.”

Nummy said the center helps seniors when nobody else can.

“Some families are out of state,” Nummy said. “It helps make sure they are fed. It keeps the seniors active. If they don’t have anyone else around, we are here for them.”

Those interested in taking advantage of the programs at the Eclectic Senior Center can call 334-5413917.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE OBSERVER

TOP: Eclectic Senior Center director Minnie Johnson plays cards with clients and volunteers before lunch. The senior center facility is provided by the Town of Eclectic and the meals come from state and federal funding.

ABOVE: Robin Nummy, second from right, is a volunteer at the Eclectic Senior Center. Nummy helps deliver meals to homebound seniors and give rides to other seniors unable to drive themselves to the center.