September 2015 Elmore County Living by Tallapoosa Publishers

Elmore County Living

LOCAL GIRLS IN WORLD SERIES!

Tallassee's Seven Gables LAKE JORDAN STOCKING PROGRAM AIMS TO BREED BIGGER BASS

Marianne Hudson with AU's 'War Eagle' September 2015 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

ARE YOU AN ARTIST? Now accepting submissions through September 23, 2015 Enter the

2015 Annual Lake Martin Living Art and Photography Contest

Winners will be featured on the cover and inside pages of our October magazine edition, and this year entries again will be on exhibit at Alexander Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wine Emporium and Gallery 128. Submissions accepted in acrylics, oil, watercolor, pastels, pencil and photography. All entries must reflect life and scenes in Tallapoosa County. Each artist may submit up to three works of art. All entries must be framed, matted or mounted on boards and ready to hang. There is no fee to enter, and no prizes or monetary awards will be made. The contest is just for fun! A panel of local artists will judge the entries. Clearly mark each entry with the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, address and telephone number and deliver entries to the office of Lake Martin Living magazine on or before 5 pm September 23. The office is located at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, across from Benjamin Russell High School. Please call magazine editor Betsy Iler at 256-234-4281 with questions or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. 2

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From the Managing Editor's Desk This month, Elmore County Living magazine brings you an outdoors kind of issue, as summer activities wind down and the fall season begins. Congratulations are in order for two local softball teams that ended the season at World Series events, with the Tallassee girls bringing home the trophy. Read about their experiences on page 18. And while Elmore County is one of the best places to fish in the state, it’s been a long, dry spell this summer as temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s kept anglers off the water and fish in hiding. Get your fishing fix on page 10 where you’ll meet members of the Kowaliga Fishing Club. These guys have fished together for more than 40 years, and while they’ve encouraged and helped each other develop skills in that time, there’s been a good bit of friendly competition as well. Our photographer, Megan Mullins, caught up with them at Cooter’s Pond one Saturday afternoon as they weighed the day’s catch. We also bring you news for the future of fishing at Lake Jordan on page 33 with Kevin Taylor’s report of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ recent stocking of the New Lake area. More than 225,000 fingerlings of the Florida strain of largemouth bass were released this year in the hopes of producing lunker bass for sport fishermen. Pull up a chair and join us for a visit on page 15 with Russell Lands Naturalist, Marianne Hudson, as she shares her passion for Russell Forest, teaching children to appreciate the world around them and training Auburn University's eagles. Then take a tour of Tallassee’s House of Seven Gables on page 27. This historic home on Gilmer Avenue is now a venue for elegant parties, weddings and receptions and corporate events. Knowing its rich history just makes those special occasions that much more unique. As temperatures cool and trees shed their summer foliage, movie buff extraordinaire Jeff Langham on page 38 brings you a heads up on what to expect from fall releases this year. Next month, we are excited to bring you an issue that will showcase entrepreneurship and business growth in Elmore County, highlighting unique products that are made here and shipped across the country and around the world. Until then, we’ll see you Out & About (page 47) in Elmore County.

STAFF President & Publisher Kenneth Boone

kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com

General Manager

Shannon Elliott

shannon.elliott@thewetumpkaherald.com

Managing Editor Betsy Iler

betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com

Assistant Magazine Editor Mia Osborn

mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com

Distribution Manager David Kendrick

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultant Jayne Carr

jayne.carr@thewetumpkaherald.com

Creative Services Audra Spears

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors Barry Chrietzberg Jeff Langham Mary K. Moore Willie G. Moseley Griffin Pritchard Jacob Saylor Kevin Taylor John Denney Cory Diaz David Granger Kathy Monroe Kyle Bolton Megan Mullins 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 Marianne Hudson offers guided seasonal tours of Russell Forest, trains the AU eagles and shares her passion for nature. Photo by Kenneth Boone

8 In Every Issue

Features

Columns 37

Back in the Day

Kowaliga Fishing Club

Extra! Extra!

Movie Man

Twenty Questions

Coming Up

Community Care

Running Home

Out & About

The Gamer

Crappie Catcher

52.

Where to Find Us

Southern Delights

Coosa Hall

Fall Film Preview As Routine as Car Care Hearthstone Ladder Fried Egg Sandwich

Forty Years Together Marianne Hudson World Series Play

Meet Dan Dannenmueller

Seven Gables

Tallassee's Historic Home

Boosted with Bass Stocking Lake Jordan

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News Briefs

Calendar of Upcoming Events In Elmore County Distribution List

Art Bolin

(334) 657-8385

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Reeltown ranked among top schools in nation

Tiger flags are first in country

ECHS alums dance the night away Tallassee High School became the first school in the nation to begin selling a new kind of car flag intended to market the school, its music programs and also serve as a fundraiser for the school’s Music Boosters. Music Booster president Don Bryant said, “It’s going to be quite a sight, seeing the THS caravan driving to these away games, with these Tallassee flags flying. Everybody knows how this town turns out to support our team, and this is just going to put the icing on the cake. Nobody—I mean nobody—else has this for their team and their school. Plus, being able to offer Auburn, Alabama and other colleges’ HardFlags gives us a product with appeal to almost anyone in our state and community.” The “HardFlags” were invented by brothers Shannon and Jason Bigham and are being developed in Montgomery.

The Elmore County High School Alumni Committee recently held its 2015 ECHS Alumni Ball at the Wetumpka Civic Center to raise awareness and invite new members to the association. The festivities included honoring alumni members Coach Terry Burt, Lois Ann Girdner, Marion Sanford, and David Colley who we have lost since the last ball. The night was spent socializing with fellow alumni and enjoying the band Union Road, whose band members are ECHS alumni members.

Extra! Extra! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Firefighting Explorers return Tallassee Fire Department chief Travis Jones announced that a youth-oriented firefighting program will be re-activated. Explorer Post 2010’s new initiative will allow persons under 18 to participate in firefighting training and certify as a firefighter through an online course. “This Explorer program

means they’ll be able to study and takes tests from the Alabama Fire College, and all that documentation is stored, so they’ll have their certification immediately upon turning 18, if they’ve passed the course,” Jones said. “They’ll have insurance, as well.” For information, contact Jones at 334-657-7429.

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Reeltown High School was recently cited as a national “bronze level” high school for the 20122013 school year by U.S. News & World Report, based on student performance on state exit exams and exams on college level course work. The U.S. News rankings include results for math and reading, according to principal Tom Cochran. “We were recognized among the top 108 schools in Alabama and the top 4,000 schools nationally,” Cochran said. Tallapoosa County Superintendent of Education Joe Windle was upbeat about the Reeltown High School citation, due to his longtime affiliation with that school. “I think there is an added sense of pride felt, being a Reeltown graduate and former principal,” Windle said. “We are very proud for the students, faculty, support staff and administration for being a Bronze Medal school.”

New trail to feature longest bridge

Tallassee Fire goes remote control

Elmore County may soon be home to the longest pedestrian suspension bridge east of the Mississippi River. Jimmy Lanier of the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) talked with members of the Red Hill Community Club in mid-August about the plans for a new hiking trail between Kent and Lake Martin, which will run the length of the old Lake Martin Railroad bed from Tucker Road to near Martin Dam. Probably the biggest highlight of the trail will be construction of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge east of the Mississippi, which will span Channahatchee Creek. CRATA already has a preliminary design for the bridge. Lanier said the trail would not be looped, but will require that hikers shuttle from one of the two parking lots at either end of the trail – one at Tucker Road in Kent and one at the boat ramp below Martin Dam. The trail is expected to feature a riverside park at the dam end and several smaller trails that will divert from the main trail along the old railroad bed, such as one that will lead to Saddle Rock. He also said the Kent end of the trail could possibly be extended to Tallassee in the future. CRATA is working with Forever Wild on the project, which will involve more than 5,000 acres.

The Tallassee Fire Department is operating on the cutting edge of technology, as the local volunteer organization recently was awarded a Mid-south Resource Conservation grant for the purchase of a remote control drone for firefighting and search-and-rescue. The new “eye in the sky” program can be used for outdoor search and rescue operations, storm damage assessment, building and wildland fires and hazardous materials response. The drone cost $2,084.

Holtville's Pace wins Eastdale Idol competition Kamryn Pace, 9, sang Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys to win the performance contest.

College and career night guides local students Flat Rock and Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Churches held College and Career night for students of all ages from around the Tallassee area Aug. 24. There were college and university recruiters on hand to offer information about various programs and financial aid options. “We just felt like there was a need to let students know that they have options,” said Michelle Cole, event coordinator.

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Many students took advantage of this event to find out first hand what these colleges and universities had to offer. Some students already knew what university or college and which programs they wanted to attend, while others were undecided with hopes that this event would guide their decisions. For those who started this event, it has been a mission to get the information to students about colleges and the options they may have.

Kowaliga Bassmaster Club has 40-year fishing legacy STORY BY GRIFFIN PRITCHARD & PHOTOS BY MEGAN MULLINS

he people in this club, it’s just a bunch of good people,” said longtime Kowaliga Bassmaster Club member Steven Ingram. Founded in 1974, the club has produced two professional anglers, including B.A.S.S. Elite Series competitor Greg Vinson and Reeltown graduate Shaye Baker who works with the Bassmaster team to produce events across the country. Ingram grew up in the club, as his father Billy Ingram was one of the club’s forebearers, along with Hank Golden. “I don’t remember ever not knowing about the club,” Ingram said. “I’ve been fishing since I was 2 years old with my father. I started tournament fishing when I was eight or nine and then fishing with him when I was 12. The club had a rule that you had to be 16 to join, but until that time, I remember going to practice fish with him for the tournaments.” “The Bassmaster Classic is the premier tournament in the world of bass fishing,” said Ricky Baker, a member of the club since he was 23 years old and current holder of the largemouth

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Kowaliga Bassmasters Club members Dan Bailey, James Godfrey, Hank Golden, Neil Webster, Bill Buchannen and Mike Jones finish a day of fishing at Cooter's Pond

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Bill Buchannen shows off his best catch of the day at 6.49 pounds

A bucket of fish and good friends at day's end

Club members come prepared with several rig options bass record on Lake Martin. “I won the state tournament in 1988 and again in 2003. Billy Ingram, club president, and Steven have won state. Hank has. We’ve had a few guys win the state tournament and go on to fish in other tournaments. Being in clubs like this gives the weekend warrior a way to fish into the Classic from a grassroots level.” But, he said, one of the main reasons he’s stayed involved with the Kowaliga Club is that he loves bass fishing and, through the years, has developed some close relationships. As members come and go, familiar faces remain. “There’s a core group, a bunch of old men,” Golden said with a laugh. “There’s about 10 of us, but we are dying off.” Members come from throughout the area, from Reeltown, Tallassee, Notasulga and Alexander City. “Hank was in business administration,”

Ingram said. “We’ve got a house builder, a mechanic. My dad was an engineer. I’m an engineer. It’s all walks of life. It’s weird how we all have that one thing in common, and it’s a love of fishing. That brings us together.” According to both Golden and Ingram, the club fishes throughout Alabama and Georgia, having hosted tournaments at Lake Seminole, Lake Eufaula, the Alabama River, Lake Martin, Yates Lake and Lay Lake. “Sometimes, the heat gets to them out there,” Golden said. “Sometimes, we’ll average six to eight anglers in good weather. But, it’s a core group of guys.” The next tournament – head-to-head fishing amongst the membership – is scheduled for this month and will take the club back to the Alabama River; however, this time it’s a different stretch. The anglers will launch and weigh at Cooter’s Pond in Prattville. “And we do our Cold Turkey tournament,”

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Mike Jones hopes his five-fish string will beat those of his buddies as he pulls up for the weigh-in Golden said. “It’s a lake we haven’t fished this year that’s within 100 miles of Tallassee. We’ll pick three and then vote. There’s no practicing. We just meet there on a Saturday morning and fish.” While most anglers fish for the big bass and the big bucks, anglers in the Kowaliga Club are focused on the sport itself. “It’s just guys going out and having fun,” Golden said. “We fish for a $2.50 plaque. I think that’s why we’ve been able to stick together for so long. We’re not fishing for some big prize. We’re just out there fishing for fun.” “Our club dues are $10 a month, and that goes to cover trophies and plaques,” Ingram said. “We give one away for the top three at the tournament and then six at the end of the year.” Baker said he believes that’s the key to the club’s longevity. “We don’t have anybody that likes to fight and argue,” Baker said. “Everybody pays their

dues. We have folks in the club that don’t have boats but love to fish. Our tournaments are partner tournaments. We always pair a boater and a non-boater, so that way, somebody is always fishing with somebody new and learning something new. The non-boaters usually pay the boater about $15-20 for gas money. We are out there having fun.” But the money from dues also goes toward a club trip that the club takes to Lake Wheeler in October. “We all go up there and stay at the state park,” Ingram said. “It’s a week of fishing, and our dues help offset the cost. It’s a great experience.” Baker said the weeklong trip falls in line with the World Series and college football. “We’ve been going to the Elk River Lodge for the past 30 years,” Baker said. “It’s the third week of October, so you have cool weather and college football in North Alabama. When we

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James Godfrey takes the day with his 7.99-pounds of bass

Godfrey shows off the best catch of the day

Cooter's Pond is just one of the club's tournament locations get there, we can watch the World Series or watch Alabama and Tennessee play. We come and go as we please. It’s just a really, really good time.” Around 15 or so anglers from the club each year make the trip north, as fishing is rife with tradition and family. Just like Ingram’s father introduced him to fishing, he’s already teaching his daughters – ages 5, 3 and 1 – to wet a hook. “My oldest has fished two tournaments with me, not club tournaments, little adult/ child events,” Ingram said. “I would like to see them get involved with fishing. It keeps them out of other things.” He said that as they get older, he’d love to see them get involved with the club. Baker said his sons are involved with the club. “We are dying out,” he said. “We lost four

members to death in the past two years. When the club was set up, it was a way for people who loved bass fishing to get together. And there is some youth involved. But there are so many activities out there today; so many conflicts. Most of the young people are going the avenues of the money trails, and a lot of the young people don’t have but one or two Saturdays a month off, and they are going to go fish for money.” The Kowaliga Bass Club meets monthly and is a part of the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation. Meetings have been moved from the clubhouse on Highway 229 to Baker’s office in Tallassee. “We used to freeze on 229,” Baker said. “We’ve been meeting in town for the past six or seven years. Some of my best friends on the planet are in the club. I would call on them anytime, 24-7 if I needed to.”

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Hudson conducts seasonal guided programs through Russell Forest in Elmore and Tallapoosa counties

20 Questions:

Marianne Hudson The Russell Lands Naturalist is passionate about education, Auburnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eagles and Russell Forest Photos courtesy of Kenneth Boone, John Denney and Marianne Hudson

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How big is the part of the forest open to the public and what sort of natural features (streams, cliffs, etc.) can be found? Russell Forest is over 25,000 acres of varied habitat. Much of the property hugs Lake Martin, and there are stands of both older and new growth timber. This interesting property features many different types of terrain, from soggy bottomlands to elevations that provide enviable views. Creeks crisscross the property on their way to Lake Martin and the 100-plus miles of managed trails offer both short and long loops for light or hardcore travel. Hikers, cyclists and horseback riders can enjoy this property during daylight hours after registering with the Russell Forest Trail Association at www. russelllandsonlakemartin. com/pdf/RFTA-membership-and-policies.pdf. Here, an eager adventurer can find information about the property’s policies and any fees that are First-grader associated with desired Ellis Claire activities. If you’d like Ingram would a guided tour of Russell love to become Forest on foot, you can a naturalist email me at naturalist@ like her friend russelllands.com. For a Marianne guided trip on horseback, Hudson contact The Stables at 256-794-1333. What sort of wildlife can forest visitors expect to see? Russell Forest abounds with Alabama’s native wildlife. The variety of habitats in this large parcel means that here you will find many species in one acreage. White-tailed Deer, Eastern Wild Turkeys and a variety of songbirds are commonplace on Russell Forest trails. Wildflowers, insects and seasonal mushrooms will delight the eye, and each season has a different chorus of sounds and sights to offer a visitor.

When people are in the forest, what can they do to respect and preserve the nature around them? Everyone who uses Russell Forest should stay on designated trails and take care to leave nothing but footprints behind. There are no trashcans or restroom facilities in the forest, so visitors should be sure to pack out whatever they packed in. Hikers and cyclists must yield to horses on the trail. If your hiking companion is a pooch, you must keep them on a leash. It’s a good idea to take a cell phone, a map and plenty of water on your trip. Russell Lands Security must be contacted when you enter and exit the property, and their contact information is posted at the trailheads. Russell Forest is a resource for connecting with nature and having a meaningful experience outdoors. Everyone will gain something different from a trip to Russell Forest, but all will benefit. Where did you go to school and what degrees/ titles do you hold? I attended the University of Maryland in Baltimore County and earned a degree in the Interdisciplinary Studies of Wildlife Biology and Wildlife Management. My concentration was White-tailed Deer population management. I graduated in 1997. Is there any dangerous wildlife in the forest this time of year? If so, what can visitors do to stay safe? Russell Forest is teeming with wildlife. In general, animals are wary of humans and even venomous snakes would rather move away than have a confrontation. Being careful where

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you place your steps, especially when around fallen logs or brushy areas, will help one avoid a snake encounter. Snakes are fairly ubiquitous, and a jaunt through Russell Forest is no riskier than any walk in Alabama woods.

Hudson is a 12-year veteran of Auburn University's raptor program

How did you come to be the official Naturalist for the area? Do you have a favorite memory of Russell Forest or a favorite spot to visit when you’re out there? I have been an outdoorsman my entire life and came to serve as the Naturalist for Russell Lands On Lake Martin in 2009. I take my role here very seriously, as I serve as an interpreter between the natural world and area residents. I want people to develop an interest in Russell Forest and learn more about their wild neighbors. Fostering this in both children and adults is part of my job, and to encourage a lifelong passion in someone is an honor. I am thankful and blessed to be able to work and play in Russell Forest. Some of my favorite memories involve seeing a light go on behind someone’s eyes when they make a connection with nature on the trail, be it through the discovery of a turtle, insect or plant that spoke to them in some way. How long have you worked at Auburn? What does your work at the Raptor Center entail? This is my 12th season working at Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center. I am the Assistant Director there and train the eagles that fly at the football games and other raptors (hawks, owls, falcons, etc.). In addition to the high-profile eagle flights at the Auburn games, we use the birds in hundreds of educational

presentations every year in schools all over the Southeast. What do you think is the best thing about working with Russell Forest? I revel in every minute that I am able to spend in this wild acreage and even more so when I am able to use a Russell Forest experience to ignite a passion for nature in a child. A recent favorite moment was seeing the first day of school photo of one of my frequent visitors at the Naturalist’s Cabin. Ellis Claire Ingram just started first grade, and her stats include her desire to be a naturalist one day. Watching youngsters grow to learn about and love the natural world makes my heart smile. Russell Forest is a classroom for eager students like this one. I am honored to be her guide. To learn more about Russell Forest or to see Marianne’s schedule of nature presentations, visit www. russelllands.com or call Marianne at 256-496-2710.

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Local teams win, place in league World Series contests

wo local ball teams this year competed in their World Series events with Tallassee's girls bringing home the championship for the second consecutive season and a pair of Holtville girls helping their team with a third place win in Dallas, Texas. The Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program is about more than wins and losses; for Holtville natives D’Maria Matthews, Paisley Wilson, and coaches, Krystle Wilson-Lawson and Lisa Wilson, this year it was about a third-place win at the World Series in Dallas. Competing this summer with their Montgomerybased 18 and under (18U) summer league softball team through RBI, a youth initiative of Major League Baseball, the Holtville players said placing third in a field of 200 teams at the World Series was just icing on the cake. As part of the 2015 RBI World Series event last month, the RBI River Region softball team shook hands with celebrities and sports figures that included Jackie Robinson’s daughter, Sharon Robinson, and country music singer and American Idol contestant, Scotty McCreary. They took pictures with pro baseball players at the Rangers-Astros baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas, where they sang the National Anthem on the field. The teams in the World Series were also featured in a 30-minute documentary that originally aired on the MLB Network on August 30 and will be scheduled for future airings on the channel. Before reaching the World Series, Wilson-Lawson’s team won the RBI Southeast Regional tournament in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the first-time in the team’s short history. The River Region team was one of six teams selected to compete in the regional showcase after the completion of the summer league season and an application process. “You can’t describe how wonderful this program is,” said River Region team head coach Krystle WilsonLawson, a former Holtville softball pitcher. “People don’t care if they win. This was about cherished moments. The girls were getting emotional, saying ‘is this really happening?’” “It was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure,” said Paisley. “We made a lot of memories as a family, and it was

great having my mom calling pitches and having my sister to motivate me. Both of them believing and pushing me to be better than I was yesterday.” On the field, Matthews and Wilson turned in some of the best softball of their careers. Matthews hit .375 with three RBIs in the four games at the Southeast Regional tournament but struggled to relocate her power, hitting only .125 at the World Series. She won two games pitching in Chattanooga and lost one in Dallas. In five pitching appearances through the regional tournament and the World Series, Wilson won three games and only gave up 11 earned runs. During the journey off the field, the team met and bonded with the other teams and girls there from all across the United States. Competing in nationally televised games and being a part of a documentary, Wilson and Matthews came back home with friends for life. “Having cameras follow you around filming everything we did, meeting famous people, meeting and making new friends from all over the US, even Hawaii,” Wilson said. “The experience is one of a lot of memories that I will never forget and hope to repeat it next year. I love my team.” Wilson-Lawson is not only the head coach of the RBI River Region team, but she also coaches Matthews and her little sister Paisley. A 2004 graduate of Holtville, Wilson-Lawson shined for the Lady Bulldogs where she set multiple pitching records, fourth-best earned-run average all-time at 0.24 her junior season in 2003, 0.59 career ERA sits tied for fifth-best. Wilson-Lawson’s 22 career no-hitters are 10th-most in AHSAA history. She had 1,152 career strikeouts and 75 victories in the circle. She went on to star at Southern Union State Community College in Wadley, Alabama, before becoming an instructor in Florida for five years. While she’s achieved all those records and accolades, she said the girls she now coaches and what they’ve accomplished has been the bigger reward for her. “Watching these girls win the regional tournament, man, I don’t know if there’s a word that can describe what I felt for them. I’m just so incredibly proud of them and so thankful that I got to be their coach,” Wilson-Lawson said. “It’s not about winning or losing. Especially as their coach, it’s getting the opportunity to help change these kids’ lives. I can’t think of a greater reward than changing their lives.”

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Running home Story & Photos by Cory Diaz & Griffin Pritchard

D'Maria Matthews rounds second against New Jersey during the RBI World Series competition

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The Tallassee team won the title for the second consecutive year

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Tallassee's girls celebrate the World Series win

“We figured out that our pitching performances were so well, we knew we were winning without hitting the ball ...” Coach Andy Davidson

For the second year, Tallassee represented their home state on a national stage. For the second year in a row, Tallassee’s All-Stars left that national stage with the championship trophy. “When we did all the fundraisers and bucket drops and asked for donations, we told people that we were going up there to bring the trophy home,” said Andy Davidson, coach of the 10 and Under (10U) Tallassee All-Star softball squad. Tallassee ran roughshod over opposing communities in the district and state tournament, then outscored World Series opponents 39-1 en route to winning the town’s second World Series trophy in as many years. “This was really cool,” said Mya Holt, one of Team Alabama’s youngest members. Tallassee ran through all-star teams from Tennessee, Louisiana (twice), Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina en route to winning the championship. “We figured out that our pitching performances were so well, we knew we were winning without hitting the ball and when the hitting came along, it got nasty,” Davidson said. The All-Stars were celebrated as conquering heroes upon their return home. The community turned out

as the players rode into town in fire trucks, to an awaiting celebration at Tallassee Recreation Department. “You girls went out there and got after it,” Tallassee Mayor Bobby Payne said. “Thank you for representing the town of Tallassee with pride.” Councilmen Terrel Brown and Rob Rygiel also stepped into the spotlight to laud praises of the twotime champions. “Thank you, parents, for teaching these young ladies the importance of setting aside individual goals to focus on the team goal,” Brown said. Mark Segrest, Tim Collier and Michael Royster joined Davidson as coaches of the 10U All-Stars. “I have an amazing group of coaches,” Davidson said. “They don’t panic. I panic. They are over there all cool and calm. But, they can be with this phenomenal group of girls. But I couldn’t do anything without this coaching staff.” Segrest, who coached these all-stars as members of the 8U team that won the World Series a year ago, was the last of the speakers. “I want to take my trophy and make an MVP trophy,” Segrest said. “There are a lot of girls in this league that could have made this team, but we were only allowed to choose 12. We had one alternate and the way she responded to that was amazing. She never missed a practice. She was out there three hours in the heat just like everybody else. She taught me and the other girls on this team what it means to be an MVP.” Segrest presented his trophy to Abby Davis. The Tallassee 10U All-Star players include Anna Catherine Segrest, Kylee Smith, Jenna Manning, Mya Holt, Chloe Davidson, Hadli Roberts, Kirstin Collier, Marlee Stewart, Sydnie Reese, Kenlee Roberts, Brooke Royster and Bella Studdard.

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Crappie Catcher

Millbrookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dan Dannenmueller talks about how to catch big crappie in Elmore County

ost fishermen Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve talked to are tethered to fishing for certain groups of fish. Even though all have caught many different types of fish, they eventually gravitate towards what they enjoy doing the most. You have those that fish primarily for several species of bass, striped bass, catfish, trout, crappie and bream. Many prefer to fish in lakes or ponds, while others

enjoy rivers, creeks and bayous. When it comes to professional fishermen, they dominate the realm of bass fishing, as these sporting fish always put up a fight. They also just happen to be where the money is. At this level, competition among fishermen is fierce and has produced many legends, including Bill Dance, Jimmy Houston, Roland Martin, Kevin Van Dam and Ray Scott, to name a few. Is there any other species of freshwater fish that has produced professional fishermen? Yes, there is! The

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Dannenmueller got hooked on crappie fishing after assisting with a tournament

Story by Fletcher Scott Photos by Fletcher Scott & Courtesy of Dan Dannenmueller crappie is a much sought after game fish, especially for the table. Two species are present in Alabama, the white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) and the black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus). These fish can be found throughout the state in most large rivers and impoundments. Some, such as Logan Martin, Weiss Lake, Neely Henry Lake and the Alabama River can be considered “world class” for crappie fishing. When it comes to crappie fishermen at the professional level, none are more suited to the sport than

The Crappie Now publisher is recognized as an awardwinning ambassador of the sport

Millbrook’s Dan Dannenmueller, along with his partner, country music star Garrett Steele. The duo are known as “Crappie Country” and are popularly known as ambassadors of crappie fishing. They were Angler Team of the Year for Crappie Masters in 2011 and 2012, and together, they have eight top 10 finishes on the Crappie Masters Tournament Trail. Dannenmueller also is publisher of Crappie Now, an online magazine dedicated to crappie fishing. Recently I sat down with Dannenmueller to learn more about the rising sport of professional crappie fishing. Dannenmueller is a retired Air Force veteran who happens to love fishing. He got his start, he said, fishing in bass tournaments. “Then I was asked by TJ Stallings to help out with a crappie tournament, and that was it. I was hooked,” Dannenmueller said. “We usually rig our boat with eight B’n’M poles, 12 to 16 feet long. Four are placed on each side of the bow. This is called spider rigging. With this set up, we troll slowly about .3 or .4 miles per hour,” he explained. “When you are fishing this way, it is called ‘pushing.’ If you rig up to fish out of the back of the boat, it is called ‘pulling.’ This technique is often productive in the fall using crank baits,” Dannenmueller explained. “Our main line is Gamma 10-pound test with an 8-pound leader. We use Mitchell 500UL spinning reels

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on all of our poles. They are inexpensive reels, but the is awesome for a crappie,” Dannenmueller said. drag is what I like about them. You can dial it in to Closer to home, he likes the Alabama River. be just as sensitive as you want. We do not cast with “I like to fish from Wetumpka all the way down to them,” he explained. Jones Bluff Lock and Dam. I fish the main river channel For baits, Dannenmueller said he likes to use Bobby and up into the mouths of creeks. It can be productive Garland plastics. Baby Shad Swim’R in blue chartreuse, all year. Also, Lake Jordan can be a good lake to catch key lime chartreuse and monkey milk crappie. A little farther from home, are some of his favorites. you have Logan Martin and Weiss “I like to fish from “I often use live minnows on my Wetumpka all the way Lake. Both are loaded with crappie, jigs as well,” he added. and during the spawn, you can catch a down to Jones Bluff “We heavily depend on electronboat full,” Dannenmueller said. Lock and Dam. I fish ics. Garmin marine finders, which “Lake Martin is a good lake to fish, are loaded with map features and the main river channel especially for bass and crappie, but transducers, are some of the best out and up into the mouths the age structure of crappie will althere,” Dannenmueller said. be in question,” he noted. “What of creeks. It can be pro- ways While crappie can be caught all year I mean is this: With older lakes, you ductive all year.” long, the best fishing in the Elmore have this problem of nutrient flow Dan Dannenmueller County area is in March and April into the reservoir. Crappie hatch out during the spawn. very soon after the spawn. Those tiny Depths usually vary from 8 to 12 fish depend mostly on phytoplankton feet this time of year but could go as deep as 25 feet. to survive their first month of life. If the nutrients aren’t His favorite places to fish? Dannenmueller said he there because of weather, such as spring floods, or uphas quite a list. stream impoundments, as is the case with Martin, you “Without a doubt, Grenada Lake in Mississippi is one can lose up to 80 percent of your fish hatch. of the best lakes in the country. In one tournament, 30 “That means you will have a gap in your age classes fish were caught that weighed over three pounds. That of fish. Crappie don’t live to be but about 7 years old, The team fishes with as many as eight poles, setting up four on each side of the boat

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and if you have two Dannenmueller bad years in a row, and fishing you will notice it partner, right away.” country music Stocking with star Garrett older fish that don’t Steele, are depend on phyto"Crappie plankton during Country" on their first month of the Masters life will go a long tour way towards establishing a balanced group of age classes without gaps, Dannenmueller explained. “They have done this in Lake Jordan, as well as many other lakes in Tennessee and Missouri,” he added. “I think Lake Martin would be a prime candidate for crappie stocking.” While Dannenmueller said he doesn’t think hybrid striped bass are a major player in crappie predation like they are for bass, he thinks large catfish prey on the crappie.

“I once marked a large catfish and moved him a mile away from my brush pile. Several days later, I caught him again at the same brush pile. I didn’t catch many crappie with him being there either,” Dannemueller said. To be a great crappie fisherman – and even compete as a pro – Dannenmueller suggested reading about the subject. “Read everything you can get your hands on. Don’t be intimidated by anyone. Meet professionals and ask them questions. They are eager to help new guys along,” he said. And of course, learn from experience and go fishing. “See as many sunrises and sunsets as you can, “ Dannemueller advised.

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Architect Robert Blount's French influences are evident on the Seven Gables grand staircase

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The grounds are popular for weddings and garden parties

Seven Gables Historic Tallassee home a site for special events Story by Carmen Rodgers & Photos by Kenneth Boone

he House of Seven Gables, nestled in the heart of Tallassee and surrounded by large oak trees with sprawling branches, serves as a beautiful landmark that captures the eye and offers welcome shade on a hot, humid summer day. The rich architecture and lovely landscape of this historic jewel now host weddings and elegant public events, though the manor once was a private home and later housed offices. It was in 1939 that Roberts Blount and his wife Mildred commissioned architect George P. Turner to design the house at 650 Gilmer Ave. on the foundation of a previous home that had been destroyed by fire. Turner, a Birmingham native, received his architectural degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned several medals and graduated the architectural design school with honors. After graduating, he studied at the École Nationale des Beaux-arts de Dijon in Dijon, France, and traveled through Paris, Versailles and the Riviera. During these trips, Turner sketched the landscapes, estates, citadels, townscapes and classical ruins he encountered in his travels.

Upon his return, he settled in Birmingham with his wife Dorothy and their two children. Several of Turner’s architectural designs are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and his extensive travels and research likely influenced the design of Tallassee’s historic ‘Seven Gables.’ Mildred Blount, a daughter of Charles Henderson who served as governor of Alabama from 1915-1919, also played a vital role in designing the home. In 1955, the Blounts donated the land and funds to build St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church next door to their home. With similar design and landscaping, the two are perfectly paired neighbors. Though the house has undergone several renovations over the years, including the addition of central heat and air-conditioning, much of the original craftsmanship and many of the home’s fine details remain today. Some of these original features include the grand chandeliers, heart pine floors and brass hardware on the handcrafted double doors, said Kami Scarborough of New Stone Realty, which acts as rental agent for the cityowned venue. “The house has 16 rooms – a foyer, living room, library/study, dining room, kitchen, butler’s pantry

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Seven Gables was built on the footprint of a previous home

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Brick walls and a fountain lend charm for special occasions

A modern kitchen provides ample space for caterers

Finely crafted woodwork can be seen throughout the home

Arched architectural features are repeated in the home's design

The home is named for its gabled roof style

Plaster details and crystal chandeliers complement the home's antiques

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The decor remains true to the original

An airy parlor offers visitors a comfortable rest

with wet bar, four bedrooms, four “In 2004, Seven Gables was purbathrooms, a solarium and milady’s chased by the Blount Foundation of office,” Scarborough said. Montgomery and donated to the City The exterior masonry is charmof Tallassee,” said local historian Bill ingly weathered, yet the house Goss. “On July 27, 2004, Judge Hornstands tall and strong with everlastsby and his wife donated some of the ing allure and character. original furniture and collectibles to Seven Gables was constructed on the City of Tallassee.” 9.61 acres of wooded land, and her Much like Nathaniel Hawthorne’s courtyards boast spectacular views novel, The House of the Seven Gables, and flawless landscaping with a which is shrouded in mystery, witchromantic motif. Water features and craft and the supernatural, Seven crafted brick patios surround the Gables in Tallassee is reputed to be exterior of the house and offer spahaunted. In July of last year, Seven GaA portrait of Roberts Blount cious outdoor venues for the events bles and the Tallassee Library were the hangs in the living room the venue now hosts. subjects of a paranormal investigation Designed with rococo features, by the Alabama Paranormal Research the house is adorned with intricate Team. The paranormal investigation details and fine craftsmanship. The crew spent several hours inside Seven carved poplar features inside the home lend a timeless Gables and said they believe they heard the voices and ornamental atmosphere throughout, and antique fursounds of children inside the house. niture and artwork add to the rich ambiance of Seven While Tallassee’s architectural jewel holds rich history, Gables, as if stepping into a time capsule. the home today hosts weddings, elaborate Christmas Former Alabama Chief Justice Sonny Hornsby, who parties and corporate events, charming guests with her grew up in Tallassee, bought the home in 1984 and lived grand design and intricate woodwork. there with his wife Judy and their family until 2004.

A formal living room feautres rococo design details

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More than 225,000 Florida bass fingerlings were released in New Lake

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Boosted with Bass Alabama Fisheries stocks Lake Jordan with Florida strain of largemouth bass to develop prize-sized population Story by Kevin Taylor & Photos by Kyle Bolton

labama has been known to be the best at a lot of things, including the automobile capital of the world, the best barbecue in the country and the best college football teams in the nation. So to find out that Alabama is on top of the world when it comes to fish, we really shouldn’t be surprised. A few years ago, fisheries across the country were concerned that Alabama was cornering the market when it came to record-sized fish. As a result, some of the state departments of conservation and natural resources decided to do a little fish trading. Alabama sent some of their prized largemouth and spotted bass to the Golden State of California. Since its fisheries had already produced world record lunkers, Alabama wasn’t too concerned – until Alabama’s fish flourished in California waters. It wasn’t long before California became home to some world records, courtesy of the state of Alabama. Here at home, Elmore County – and specifically Lake Jordan – has the distinction of being one of the top spotted bass fisheries in the country, according to Damon

Abernathy, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Development Coordinator. “Spots from the Coosa River and Lake Jordan are known world-wide,” Abernathy said. “We already have the best in the country right here.” But as the years went on, the number of prize largemouth bass coming out of Lake Jordan began to shrink, Abernathy said. And the size of the biggest largemouth bass out of Lake Jordan continued to decrease until it became common for the big catch to tip the scales just shy of 6 pounds. To remedy this, the fisheries division reached out to see what other bass species were flourishing. They only had to look to our neighbors to the south in Florida to find an answer. From 1980 until recently, the fisheries department introduced Florida bass to Lake Jordan and other fisheries in the state. The fisheries department decided to introduce a small number of fingerlings to the lake to see what would happen. They decided on the Florida strain of largemouth bass for Lake Jordan, because the reservoir has a high vegeta-

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Boats used to haul the fish were equipped with special tanks with compressed oxygen

Each tank holds nearly 35,000 fingerlings

tion level, much like that of the Florida reservoirs. “The Florida bass have several desirable characteristics, and they grow faster,” Abernathy explained. Florida bass also tend to be hook shy, so they are more prone to live and grow longer before ending up on the sharp side of a fishing line. “This will only enhance the fishery. It’s already phenomenal and at times gets overshadowed by the spots. By adding these Florida bass, we feel like Lake Jordan will only become a much better fishery,” Abernathy said. The first stocking of 20,000 fingerlings was more than 30 years ago, in 1980. Nine more stockings have been released since then, with the most being 27,000 at one time. But the fisheries department didn’t get the result it had hoped for. “The desirable traits did not persist in the population,” said Nick Nichols, WFF Fisheries Section Chief. “Habitat, timing, fertility, competition and poor isolation are all factors that may influence the success of a high-density fish stocking.” So Plan B was necessary. More than 225,000 Florida largemouth fingerlings were placed in the 700-acre Lake Bouldin embayment of Lake Jordan, known locally as New Lake. The Florida largemouth bass fingerlings, which were raised at the Marion and Eastaboga state fish hatcher-

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The fingerlings were released into areas with cover to increase chances of their survival ies, were transported to New Lake using boats equipped with fish hauling tanks with compressed oxygen. Each tank is capable of hauling 25,000-35,000 fingerlings to the stocking site. The targeted density of Florida bass in the area is about 350 fingerlings per acre from now until 2017. Abernathy estimates it will result in 750,000 bass fingerlings being stocked into the New Lake area. Abernathy said the fisheries section chose this area because it met requirements for the fingerlings to thrive. “The man-made canal connecting New Lake to the rest of the reservoir has poor largemouth bass habitat, which we hope will act as a barrier to keep the introduced Florida bass confined to New Lake. There, they will have a greater probability of outcompeting and ultimately interbreeding with the native Northern largemouth bass,” Abernathy said. The same has been done in other lakes in Alabama – Lay Lake, Lake Guntersville and Lake Wheeler – and the results have been positive. Abernathy said he feels optimistic that Lake Jordan will see the same positive effects as the other lakes. “The goal is to increase the size of bass in the lake and give anglers the opportunity to catch a trophy bass at some point,” he said. All we can do now is wait and see.

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Wetumpka’s Grand Hall Hotel served river town for more than 60 years

Joe Allen Turner

BACK IN THE DAY

Joe Allen turner was born in wetumpka in

1931 and has

been interested in the city's

history since he was a child.

A thriving riverboat town must have living accommodations for those doing business there. Wetumpka had several hotels during its heyday as the head of navigation on the Coosa River. The Coosa Hall, a three-story brick building with 50 to 55 rooms, was perhaps the most successful hotel in town and was in business for the longest period of time. It opened for business, according to an advertisement in a local newspaper, in 1844 on South Main Street – or the Montgomery Road, as it was called at that time. Its location was approximately where the Elmore County Museum now stands. Howell Rose owned the building at the time of his death in 1866. As executors of Col. Rose’s estate, William T. Hatchett and Benjamin Trimble sold the property to Thomas Williams, but by 1880, the property was back in the hands of Hatchett and Trimble who then sold it to Flora Campbell and David C. Campbell for $2,500. Archibald Graham Campbell, who also had a mercantile business in Wetumpka, then operated the hotel until his death on July 4, 1890. Mrs. Campbell sold the furnishings from the hotel and rented the building to Thomas McCrann of Indiana. Mr. McCrann refurnished the hotel and planned “to conduct and supervise it in first class style.“ By the end of November 1890, however, Mr. McCrann had resigned his commitment and with his family moved back to Indiana. In June 1896, the Coosa Hall was sold to Margaret Elizabeth Thomas for $2,400. Mrs. Thomas quickly set about to make the hotel a popular and profitable institution for a small town.

The following item appeared in The Wetumpka Democrat, the town newspaper, July 23, 1896. “Many people judge a town by its hotels. Der Drummer, ye polite commercial tourist, may have had excuse for giving your flourishing little neighbor a ’black eye’ in the past, but we want to say now as a matter of town pride that there is a new name on the door plat of the old Coosa Hall. “For some time the work of transformation has been going on; the sound of the hammer and the saw and the artistic touch of the paint brush has added broad verandas and a finished look to the old building known for years as the Coosa Hall. This property has recently gone into new hands and, as you will see, has been thoroughly over hauled from cellar to garret. “The proprietress will spare neither pains nor expense to make it first class in every respect, the pride of the town, and a haven of rest to the weary traveler. “Last Saturday evening, the young of the town were invited to a christening at the parlors of the hotel redivivus, where refreshments were served, and a new name was given to the old building that has stood sentinel over the history of Wetumpka so long. “Woman’s suffrage prevailed, and as the results of several ballots, in which it was alleged that there was stuffing done (not of ballots), the new candidate for public favor is The Riverside Inn.” All went well until Sunday afternoon Oct. 16, 1904, when it all went up in smoke. The following account of the fire that destroyed The Riverside Inn, formerly Coosa Hall, appeared in The Wetumpka Herald, dated Oct. 20, 1904.

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“On Sunday afternoon about 3 o’clock, fire broke out in the kitchen of The Riverside Inn and in less than an hour this magnificent structure was a mass of ruin, together with a large barn containing 800 bushels of corn. “The fire supposedly started from a fire left in the kitchen grate that was used to heat water to wash dishes. The hotel was insured for $5,000, about one fourth of its actual value, and there was $1,000 insurance on the furniture, making a total of $6,000 on the whole property. The barn and corn was insured for $500. “Fortunately for the balance of the town, the wind was favorable, and [due to] the heroic work of the bucket brigade no other building was caught. It was the opinion of all present that had it not been for the slate roof on the hotel, which kept heat inside the building, no power on Earth could have prevented the store house occupied by W.E. Thomas and a large cotton warehouse on the south from taking fire; and had these two buildings burned, it is very probably that others would have caught and the whole business section might have been destroyed. “At the time the fire started there was no one at the hotel except Mrs. Thomas, who was in one of the front rooms on the second floor reading to her little grandson, and when she discovered the fire it was too late to save the building with the facilities at hand. Almost all of the people in town were attending the funeral of Mrs. McDuffie Cain, and it was some time before they arrived and when they did come the fire had gotten into the hall and they could not get up into the second story except by ladders. “About the only furniture saved to amount to anything was from the rooms of Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Thomas and Mrs. L.B. Williams. Different pieces were taken from other rooms but amounted to very little. Both pianos in the hotel were gotten out but the one belonging to Miss Daisy Thomas was badly damaged. “We understand that Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Thomas had $300 insurance on the furniture in their room and that Mrs. L.B. Williams had a like amount on her furniture. Mr. W.A. Horn, a drummer of Georgia, lost something like $40 worth of milage in the fire. Four bales of cotton belonging to M. Hohenberg & Co., which were rolled down below the warehouse, caught fire and were damaged to some extent. The store in front of the hotel caught a time or two but was extinguished each time. “This disastrous fire again demonstrates the absolute necessity for some sort of water protection for our town. One man with a hose might have easily saved The Riverside Inn when the fire was first discovered. The natural advantages of our city would make it easy to install water works at a small cost. Can we afford to be without them any longer?“ Alas, Coosa Hall/The Riverside Inn was no more!

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FA L L MOVIE PREVIEW

As those autumn leaves begin to swirl around you, be assured that during this fall season, your local movie palace will treat you like royalty with these film treats due out this year:

September

A Walk in the Woods – Bill Bryson’s acclaimed 1998 memoir comes to the screen with an impressive cast: Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Nick Offerman, Mary Steenburgen and Emma Thompson. The film highlights the exploits of celebrated travel humorist Bill Bryson (Robert Redford) and his friend Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte) as they hike the 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Everest – Based on the real events of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster focusing on the summit and survival attempts of two expedition groups. The

film, shot in 3D and IMAX, boasts an impressive cast: Josh Brolin, Robin Wright, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson and Jake Gyllenhaal. Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials – Based on the second book in The Maze Runner trilogy, this sequel to the 2014 film, The Maze Runner, is for fans of teenage drama in a dystopian society who are prepared to be a-MAZED (Sorry, couldn’t resist the pun)! The Intern – A promising comedy from director Nancy Meyers whose films (The Holiday, Something’s Got to Give, It’s Complicated) always feature shimmering production values and superstar casts (Nicholson, Keaton, Streep). This latest film stars Anne Hathaway as the CEO of a fashion company who takes on senior citizen Robert DeNiro as an intern at her firm. Cue the comic mischief and fireworks!

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October

Steve Jobs – Michael Fassbender stars in the title role based on the life of Apple, Inc., co-founder Steve Jobs. Oscar winner Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) directs the screenplay adapted by Oscar winner Aaron Sorkin from Walter Isaacson’s biography, Steve Jobs. This film is not to be confused with the tepidly received Jobs, starring fresh faced Ashton Kutcher. Bridge of Spies – The can’t-miss trio of Steven Spielberg, the Coen Brothers and Tom Hanks will bring this historical Cold War thriller to your local multiplex just as awards season frenzy reaches its zenith. Will this be a good Spielberg/Hanks effort like Saving Private Ryan or a bad Spielberg/Hanks effort like The Terminal (which really lived up to its name in the eyes of moviegoers)? Secret in Their Eyes – Based on the 2009 Oscar winner for best foreign language film, this American remake features three dynamic actors: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts. New details, surfacing years after a murder case investigation has been abandoned, set this riveting drama into motion. Suffragette – A fall prestige project that centers on the early members of the British women’s suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, starring Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep. In the hands of these talented actresses, moviegoers can count on this not being a stodgy history lesson. The Martian – The latest science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott who has given us some of the classics of the genre, including Alien (1979) and Blade Runner (1982). Shot in 3D and based on the popular 2011 novel, The Martian by Andy Weir, the film stars Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig (yes, that Kristen Wiig from Saturday Night Live and Bridesmaids) and Jeff Daniels.

November

The Peanuts Movie – It’s “Charlie Brown for the New Millennium” when this 3D computer-animated treat reunites the Charles B. Schultz’s Peanuts gang in their first feature film based on the characters in 35 years, just in time for the 65th anniversary of the comic strip.

Spectre – Daniel Craig returns for a fourth time as James Bond. Christoph Waltz as Bond’s nemesis Franz Oberhauser is sure to immortalize yet another Bond villain to join the ranks of cinematic evildoers Dr. No and Blofield. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 – The fourth and final installment in The Hunger Games film series. All of your favorites are back – Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Jena Malone, Philip Seymour Hoffman (in his final film role) and Donald Sutherland – for a dynamic finish to this box office behemoth.

December

Christmas comes early with the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the eagerly anticipated seventh installment in the Star Wars film series. Directed by wunderkind J. J. Abrams (Lost, Super 8), it stars new faces Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac matched with Star Wars icons Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker reprising roles from previous films. The story is set approximately 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi (1983). The Force Awakens will be distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. In the Heart of the Sea – Director Ron Howard brings author Nathaniel Philbrick’s 2000 non-fiction book of the same name, about the 1820 sinking of the whaleship Essex, to the screen for the Christmas season. The film stars Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Rush) and Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later, Batman Begins). Its plot formula is simple: Enraged bull sperm whale + shipwreck + cannibalism = unforgettable screen adventure. Other fall treats not to miss: The remake of 1990 heist thriller Point Break; Tina Fey and Amy Pohler as Sisters; Adam Sandler animated fun in Hotel Transylvania 2; Jem and the Holograms; and Goosebumps, to name just a few of your additional choices. Looks like it is going to be a busy fall movie season, so moviegoers unite! And get busy seeing these promising films.

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Jeff Langham

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

Governmental Affairs and a lifelong lover of film.

Would you avoid changing the oil in your car?

Stop steering clear of routine care so to speak – navigates the system, coordinates If visiting your primary care provider (PCP) on your overall care, schedules screenings, refers you a regular basis is not part of your overall healthcare routine, it should be. People will take their car to specialists, interprets test results, manages medications and more. in on a routine basis Studies show that for an oil change and a patients who receive check-up while steering strong primary care clear of their healthcare Your PCP is your main healthcare proservices – from a proprovider’s office until vider in non-emergency situations. There vider who truly guides illness strikes. are many types of PCPs to choose from: and coordinates care – Preventive care for

Did You Know?

have fewer hospitalizapeople is important, Family Medicine Doctors provide tions and better overall too. A PCP is your care for individuals across their life span, health. The total health point person to help from childhood to adulthood. picture is clearer. Care take care of the basics of Internists provide care for adults for is less fragmented and your overall healthcare many different medical problems. the patient spends less needs. Even if you feel Pediatricians provide care for newtime explaining health fine, routine check-ups, borns, infants, children and adolescents. issues over and over to blood tests and health Nurse Practitioners and Physidifferent providers. screenings are the best cian Assistants both require a formal A strong and ongoindicators of your overdegree of education and training and ing relationship is all health. are well qualified to deliver healthcare important, because the Primary care providservices. PA’s and NP’s consult closely PCP must be someone ers are generally the with physicians. the patient trusts and first point of patient feels comfortable with. contact when an illness Knowing who or medical concern arisyou are is one thing, es. The PCP not only but knowing your health and wellness history is treats patients when they are ill, but also works another. Your PCP knows you and your health hiswith patients when they are healthy to establish tory and is able to provide a high level of personalgood preventive services. ized care. A primary care provider is reA primary care provider’s goal is to deliver the sponsible for screening all major care that is right for you, not to employ a one-sizehealth-related conditions. If you fits-all approach. Healthcare that is tailored to your have a chronic health condition specific needs is easier when you have a meaning– such as high blood pressure or ful relationship with your provider. diabetes – your primary helps The primary care provider is a patient’s go-to manage the condition and imcontact within the healthcare system – providing prove your quality of life. routine care, treating acute care issues and managYour PCP is the captain of the ship, ing the majority of any chronic health conditions. If specialty care is needed, the PCP makes sure patients receive the right care, in the right setting, by the most appropriate practitioner and in a manner consistent with patients’ needs and wishes. If you do not have a primary care provider, call Community Hospital at (334) 283-6541 to start your search today.

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Kathy Monroe

COMMUNITY CARE Kathy Monroe is the Assistant to the

Administrator and the CFO at Community Hospital.

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Climbing the Hearthstone Ladder Last year, I wrote about Blizzard Entertainment’s latest video game creation – Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft. We discussed the title and what it offered to players but never really delved much deeper. There have been a number of changes made to the game since I wrote about it, but this month we’re going to turn the spotlight on yours truly. Through a scathing number of hours spent in front of a computer screen, I finally achieved what the game calls “Legendary” status. There are 25 ranks of “ladder” play before players can achieve this status. Once players get to this point, they are assigned a numerical value based on their rank among players in the region. At my best, I was ranked number 411 among players in the Americas. This was the first time I ever achieved such an elite position with the Hearthstone community. I had come very close before – one win away, in fact – but I had never crossed the line. This is the story of how I finally stepped across and what I learned in the process. Early in the month of July, I had a lot of free time on my hands. We were in Connecticut visiting family, and my cousin had very graciously lent us a computer to use. Little did we know that he would later gift this to us – what a guy! At any rate, the machine he left with us ran Hearthstone better than any computer I’ve played on, which rekindled my interest in Blizzard Entertainment’s collectible card game. I jumped into the new season of ranked play in Hearthstone and got a good jump on the competition. I was almost Rank 13 by the time we were headed back to sweet

home Alabama. We got back and unpacked around July 10 and, after catching up with friends and running some errands, I was off to the races again. Something was very wrong though: I was not climbing the ranked ladder as fast as I would have liked. In fact, I was losing some of the progress I had made. There is a term called the “meta,” which is commonly used in collectible card games to describe the current play environment of a particular title. The meta in Hearthstone changes on a dime, and in the time it took for us to fly home from Connecticut, the deck I was using had become obsolete. There are three different types of decks in Hearthstone: aggressive, combo and control. I fancy myself a control player most of the time, opting to address issues placed on the field of battle, rather than proactively playing my hand out. The deck I was using, known in Hearthstone as “Freeze Mage,” was utilizing a mix of elements hailing from both combo and control methodologies. I would drag the opponent into later turns and finish them off with a powerful combination of spells and creatures. This strategy wasn’t working anymore, and I was forced to turn my approach into something even more control-based to address the aggressive strategies running rampant in Hearthstone.

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I started using a deck of my own creation, which emphasized a near-perfect use of my in-game resources. Each turn with this deck focused on having a play of some sort. Instead of relying on a dash of luck to bring me to the later portion of the game, I played resilient minions to address my opponents’ onslaught of threats. Aggressive decks were, on the broader spectrum, asserting their dominance in Hearthstone’s meta. There were still plenty of losses I had to endure on the climb, but I finally managed to get to Rank 3 somewhere around July 17. Over the next few days, I didn’t make or lose any progress towards the coveted Legendary rank. It didn’t matter how many hours I put in or how hard I thought about each of my plays, the wall I was bashing my head against was made of a gelatinous goo that seemed to mold itself perfectly against my assault. It was time to once again adapt to the ever-evolving game of Hearthstone. This time, I took an already-established deck into the fray: a deck known as “Face Paladin” that utilizes an extremely aggressive strategy, which, as its name implies, attempts to hit opponents as fast and hard as possible. Hearthstone games usually last around 10 turns

on average, but the Face Paladin deck commonly finishes the game by turns six or seven, although the deck’s hazardous one-way plan often leaves it dead in the water if it is not able to achieve its goal, falling prey to control-oriented strategies. As I began queuing into ranked games, I realized that the deck fit perfectly into the overarching meta. After a few crushing victories and a quick rise to Rank 1, it dawned on me how real the possibility of hitting Legendary was. As I neared my goal, people from my friends list began to spectate my games and cheered me on, which was perhaps the most meaningful part of the experience. I crossed the finish line in the company of friends and established myself as one of the best Hearthstone players in both North and South America. The question you might be asking yourself is, “Why is this man-child playing video games relevant to me?” Video games have been the subject of a lot of cynicism since their inception, with fans of the hobby labeled as the underlings of society. This applies doubly so to individuals who spend a lot of time gaming, like myself. I’d ask those of you who took the time to read this far into the article to think about how much thought and precision it takes to reach a high caliber in Hearthstone. A comparable amount of hard work and dedication is needed to achieve high-level play in almost any video game. One should never neglect homework or exercise, but maybe we can look at video games as one more source from which to learn valuable skills, rather than just a squandering of time.

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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.

Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 24-27 & Oct. 1-3 Love, Loss, and What I Wore

The Wetumpka Depot Players will stage this lighthearted and witty chick flick for the perfect girls night out or date night. Call 334-868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com for tickets.

Sept. 20 Bark in the Park

Bring your dog and join in the fun - or just come to watch. All pets must be good in public, around other animals, children and adults, leashed and have a current rabies tag on the collar in accordance with Alabama state law. Admission is $5 per person aged 13 and over. For information, call 334-567-3377 or email hselco@bellsouth.net.

Sept. 23 Chamber Business Before Hours

Troy University will join the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce at a “before hours” event at 8 a.m. at the chamber office on Main Street. One lucky chamber member will win a scholarship for a free class at the Montgomery campus. Call 334-285-0085 to register for this meeting.

Sept. 25 Second Annual Sporting Clays Shoot

Central Alabama Electric Cooperative will sponsor this four-person team event at Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club. Awards will given based on team average for first and second place teams, and a high shooter award will be given. Lunch provided. Sponsorships available. For information call Marietta Kouns at 334-285-0085 or visit millbrookareachamber.com/m/events/home.

Sept. 26 Autauga/Elmore County Miss United States Agriculture Pageant

The Prattville Mariott Hotel and Conference Center will host this preliminary pageant to the Alabama Miss United States Agriculture Pageant. Entry fee is $45 for the Autauga County competition and $80 for both county preliminaries. For information, contact Ciera Nitkowski at 334-618-3734 or email director@missunitedstatesagriculture.com.

Oct. 3, 2015 Coosa River Challenge

Two-person teams will take on three to six hours of biking, trail running and paddling in this 13th annual race that incorporates whitewater, Swayback Mountain and historic downtown Wetumpka. There’s a pre-event party on Friday, Oct. 2, and racers will meet at 7 a.m. at Gold Star Park to drop off bicycles and the race briefing. Look for entry fees and details at www. coosariverchallenge.com.

Oct. 10 Clean-up Day

Join the clean-up effort on Redland Road and Holtville from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring household and lawn trash to designated sites for free. Sponsored by Advanced Disposal. For information, call 334-252-0458.

Oct. 15-18, 22-25 Tuesdays with Morrie

Based on Mitch Albom’s poignant best-selling book by the same name, this play combines comedy and drama with a class in the meaning of life as the author is reunited with an old professor battling Lou Gehrig’s disease. Call 334-868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot. com for tickets.

Oct. 17 Cruise-in Car Show

Check out the cruise-in car show from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Super Foods on Gilmer Avenue in Tallassee.

Oct. 17 Angel Fest

Join the fun at the annual Angel Fest at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Millbrook from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop unique arts and crafts, the bake sale and silent auction. Live entertainment, a children’s carnival, concessions and a Boston butt sale. All proceeds help other in the Millbrook and West Elmore County communities. For vendor information or to pre-order Boston butts, call the church office at 334285-3905 or visit www.stmichaelandallangels.com/ angel-fest/.

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Bluegrass Time in Titus Titus Bluegrass Festival this year will feature four bands that each will take the stage twice throughout the day on Sept. 26 at the Titus Community Center. The 15th annual fundraiser for the community center and the Titus Volunteer Fire Department will include barbecue, beverages, arts and crafts and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities. Glory Bound, based in Prattville, will start the toe tapping at 10 a.m. This four-man band has been putting a new spin on older bluegrass and gospel music since 2011 with banjo, mandolin, dobro, guitars, stand-up bass and vocals. Glory Bound will play again at 2 p.m. Solid Blue of Huntsville will take the stage at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. While these five friends have played music together for some 20 years, they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t form an official band until 2012. Made up of four aerospace engineers from Huntsville and one Decatur schoolteacher, Solid Blue will bring a mix of modern and traditional Bluegrass sounds to the Titus stage. Magnolia Drive will play at noon and again at 4 p.m. Magnolia Drive is a four-man band based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Known for their skillful banjo work, the band has over 100 years of combined musical experience. They are currently recording a new CD. Baily Mountain Band will round out the day with performances at 1 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. Based in Decatur, Baily Mountain Band features members from all over the state. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and over; free for children, so bring a lawn chair and come ready to tap your toes or browse the arts and crafts booths. Titus Bluegrass Festival is 10 miles north of Wetumpka on Highway 231, then 6 miles north on County Road 29. Visit the Facebook page or email titusbluegrassfestival@gmail.com for information.

From top: Glory Bound, Magnolia Drive and Solid Blue are among the featured bands at this year's bluegrass festival

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Oct. 31 Craterfest Halloween Day

Music, food, arts and crafts, a kids zone and more from noon to 4 p.m. at Gold Star Park. The biggest thing to hit Wetumpka since the impact crater is free to the public. There will be face painting, pony rides and a petting zoo, bounce houses, swings and trains. Visit www.wetumpkachamber.com/Craterfest for details.

Season-Long Events Jasmine Hill Gardens

Alabama’s “Little Corner of Greece” will open Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 31. Admission is charged. For information, visit www. jasminehill.org or call 334-263-5713.

Electronics Recycling

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

Fridays on the Green

Music and games for the whole family will be offered every Friday through Sept. 25 from 6:30 to 8:30

p.m. on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Pack a cooler or stop by Catherine’s Market for food and favorite beverages. Local musicians will be featured each week.

Blue Grass Jam, Sit and Scrap and Sit and Sew

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

Santuck Flea Market

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month at 73300 Central Plank Road, Highway 9 in Wetumpka.

Children’s Harbor Thrift Store

Located at Children’s Harbor at Lake Martin on Highway 63, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children's Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for information.

The last Friday on the Green fun for the whole family will be Sept. 25

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OUT & ABOUT

5. William Timmons and Jennifer Carter

Fresenius Medical Care Clinic Open House Tallassee, Alabama September 3, 2015 1. Dr. William McGuffin and Caroline Lynn 2. Jon Banno and Ashley Owens 3. Michael Boothe and Tom Crain 4. Shirley Floyd and Mayor Bobby Payne 6. Betty Gail Clayton, Tania Hill and Patricia Dejarnett

Red Hill Labor Day Cookout hosted by Red Hill Volunteer Fire Department September 3, 2015 1. Ozzie Able 2. Sara Kate Price

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OUT & ABOUT

2 4

Russell Lands Labor Day Concert at the Amp Alexander City, Alabama September 6, 2015 1. Deputy Millergren 2. Carrie Edymon and Mary Draper

3. Zoey Hamilton 4. Wyatt Hamilton

5. Dennis Norwood and Keith Berg 6. Ariel Ryberg and Nathan Broach 7. Danny and Sara Jackson 8. David and Susie Allen 9. Dayton Green, Payton Torgerson, Sara Hunnlcutt, Kotte Ballard and John McKinley 10. The Vegabonds 11. Gabriela Vlachynskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Sherry and Kevin Ward, John and Beverly Anker, Reed and Kristi Anderson, Sam and Kimberly Bishop and Sheryl Wise

12. Owen and Conner Tomasello 13. Laine Meisier, Oliha Chew, Aura Walters, Maggie Beasley, Anne Cadman Graham, Kathryn Wason, Carly Glidewell 14. Matt and Banks Sheppard 15. Declan, Finn, Kelly and Sean McTear 16. Casey Meeks and Darbin McDaniel 17. Braylin Stroud 18. Livia Barrett and Virginia White 19. Robert Gunn

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11 13 14

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OUT & ABOUT

Quarterback Club benefit carwash at First Community Bank, Eclectic September 5, 2015 1. Justin Nettles and Wendel Jackson 2. O'Neil Williams 3. Jay Kujala 4. Joe Orr 5. Kyle Milner

World Series Champions Celebration Tallassee Recreation Department August 13, 2015 1. Barry Adair and Kristen Collier 2. Laurie Rygiel 3. Kat and Katelyn Raiford 4. Scott Hammonds and Harlee Hammonds 5. Becky and Shane Bagrish, Shirley and Seap Eicero, Anna Catherine Segrest and Miley Segrest

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OUT & ABOUT

Tiger Night, J.E. "Hot" O'Brien Stadium August 14, 2015

1. Kevin and Kade O'Rear 2. Patricia and Gavin Hill 3. Christy Russell, Ivory Russell, Chaney Thornton, Chesney Russell, Hartli Thonton and Zayne ThorntonBush 4. Margaret Ann Burnham, Madison Grice, Kaitlyn James and Rio Reyes 5. Shandra Skipper and Jadarion Davis 6. Emma Burnham, Hope Sharp, Lara Katherine Fomby, Courtney Collier and Hope Smith

5 4 5

Piggly Wiggly Fundraiser for An Eclectic Christmas September 5, 2015 1. Inez Gates 2. Lester Lee Billings 3. Norma Billings 4. Emma Shaye 5. Rodger Ingram

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

(334) 300-2085

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

Bark the Park 2015 in

Sept. 20 • 1-5 PM

Fort Toulouse, Wetumpka (Rain Date Sept. 27)

The Humane Society Of Elmore County

255 Central Plank Road • Wetumpka, AL 334-567-3377 hselco@bellsouth.net

Call today 334-567-7811.

Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic

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

Lake Martin

Russell Lands Russell Marine Nail’s Cotton’s BBQ

Millbrook

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

Montgomery

Publix – Atlanta Highway

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

Prattville

Publix – Cobbs Ford Road

Slapout

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

Tallassee

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

Wetumpka

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

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

Our Advertisers â&#x20AC;˘ To Join, Call 334-567-7811 Alabama State Employee Credit Union............. 5

Jackson Thornton...................................................... 2

Art Bolin, Realty Central.......................................... 7

Karen's Mane Tamers.............................................52

Collier Ford.................................................................41

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

Community Hospital................................................ 3

Lake Martin Hospice...................................................... 5

Cousins Insurance Agency..................................... 2

Mark's Service Center & Body Shop, Inc.................21

Elmore County Hospital.......................................... 7

PrimeSouth Bank............................................................... 5

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

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

First United Methodist Church of Wetumpka........... 7

Russell Lands.............................................................56

Gassett Funeral Home...........................................41

Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC.............................41

Holley's Home Furnishings..................................55

The Gab.......................................................................52

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

Wetumpka Health & Rehabilitation LLC..........21

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Don't see your ad in this issue of Elmore County Living? Neither did the thousands of potential customers who read our magazine monthly. To advertise please contact Shannon Elliott or Jayne Carr At 334-567-7811 or stop by our office located at 300 Green Street, Wetumpka AL 36092

Praise for the Fried Egg Sandwich M.K. Moore

DOWN HOME DELIGHTS Mary Katherine Moore is an Alabama State Fair pepper jelly

champion, has butchered a wild hog in

her kitchen and grows

heirloom to-

matoes in her backyard.

Not too long ago, some disturbing information popped up on my social media news feeds. Egg shortage! Nothing, besides the looming coffee shortage, could strike any more terror in my heart than the loss of eggs. Seems this bird flu thing is affecting egg production. I eat eggs. Lots of eggs. I bake with them. I put them in tuna salad. I make egg salad that is to die for, if I do say so myself. So an egg shortage is cause for panic. And after the Great Backyard Chicken War of 2012 in Wetumpka, I was plotting how I could keep my own chickens in some sort of hidden, camouflaged coop and thus ensure a never-ending supply of my favorite protein. Although I haven’t noticed a shortage of eggs, except at Easter, I have noticed steadily rising prices for these self-packaged, single-serve wonders. Sure, eggs have gotten a bad rap over the years. Too much cholesterol! Bad for you! I ignore these stern warnings and keep on eating eggs. Now, they are good for you again! Or maybe bad. I can’t keep up. What I do know is that they are an excellent source of protein and still one of the least expensive proteins you can buy. And they make one of the earth’s most divine sandwiches: The fried egg sandwich. It can’t be beaten for availability, because most of us have eggs and bread on hand. It can’t be beaten for ease and speed of preparation. It can’t be beaten for pure yumminess. When all else fails – like when you haven’t been to the grocery store in a while – I’m betting you could round up an egg or two. And surely, there are two bread heels lurking in a deflated bread bag or a single hot dog bun in the back of the breadbox. Oh, yes, I’ve eaten a fried egg sandwich on just about every kind of bread. I once ate an egg sandwich with bread heel on one side and half of an English muffin on the other side. Besides an egg and some bread, the only other things you need are a pan and a heat source and some type of fat. I highly recommend a pan. In college, coming in from, um, let’s just say a late night college activity, I once tried to fry an egg directly on an up-

turned iron. Take it from me: This doesn’t work. As for the fat, butter is best, but I’ve used lard, olive oil and bacon grease with good results. Caving to a new food trend, I recently tried to fry an egg in coconut oil. Everything I read said that virgin coconut oil doesn’t have a coconut taste; I disagree. My egg sandwich had a hint of piña colada. So let’s talk speed. It takes 30 seconds to get out your pan and get it on the stove to heat. Put the fat in the pan. While the pan and fat are heating, get the bread and put it in the toaster. That’s another 30 seconds. Crack your egg into the pan and fry for a minute; flip; and fry a minute more. I like my sandwich eggs a little on the done side. That way, the yolk doesn’t squoosh out with the first bite. Your toast will be ready by the time your egg is ready, and there you have it. Food in three minutes. Even less if you forgo bread toasting and simply mash your egg between two pieces of soft white bread. It’s a little more time if you have to toast the bread under the broiler or on a stick over a campfire. Yes, I’ve made eggs over a campfire. I’ve done fried eggs over an upturned large tin can set among the coals. I’ve also poached eggs and made Eggs Benedict over a campfire when trying to impress Sweetheart during a “glamping” trip. I’ve fried an egg in a microwave in a saucer of butter. Have to say that is a last resort texturewise but good in a pinch. And I’ve deep fried quail eggs in olive oil, but nothing beats an egg fried in butter between two pieces of toasted white bread. Quick, easy, cheap and yummy.

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A 55 Year Tradition in Alexander City

Montgomery

WE’RE COMING! 256.234.4141 Alexander City

334.279.3101 Montgomery

WWW.HOLLEYSHOMEFURNISHINGS.COM

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PRESENTING THE NEWEST COLLECTION OF LAKE HOMESITES RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM | 256.215.7011 | LAKE MARTI N, ALABAMA 56

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