Moving on to new chapters

W

ith a blessed heart, I pen today’s editorial, one of my last official acts as the publisher of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Next week I will be moving on to a new chapter of my life when I start retirement in South Dakota. Yes, it will be cold, but as I told the staff, one does not get to choose where your grandkids live.

Since I was hired as publisher of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc, I have been able to really understand, over time, the culture and fabric that makes this community special.

Despite some tough economic challenges, the communities we serve have exhibited an admirable resiliency, rebounding into thriving communities with promising futures. I admire the fortitude of many groups, including the chambers of commerce, area city councils, business leaders, and city administrators whose neversay-die attitude helped make that

STEVE BAKER

possible.

Looking back, I am proud of the many things we accomplished, including major changes in our digital presence, the incredible recognition we received from the Alabama Press Association which includes four consecutive General Excellence awards, and most importantly, assembling a team of VERY good people.

Editorially, we put out a fine product that focuses on being the local comprehensive source of news and information. Our community and our readers have embraced these efforts as our digital circulation is growing by leaps and bounds. With the tremendous growth of our digital components, we cement Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. as the most attractive advertising avenue for area businesses.

I’m so proud of the tremendous progress made by TPI since the day I first walked through the doors. Although those improvements happened while I was here, they were the result of a team of caring, devoted people. Most have lived in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties all their lives and are dedicated to providing you with a great community newspaper. Rest assured that drive and dedication will remain long after I walk out the door the final time.

I hope you continue to embrace your local newspaper, as it really is your paper. I would like to express my gratitude to the community and Kenneth and Mary Lyman Boone for making Kim and me feel at home. I wish you nothing but the best in the future. I truly thank you for six and a half very special years.

By Rea Cord Executive Director

Halloween is upon us and Alabama’s tallest scarecrow rises again!

Featuring scarecrows towering over 20’ high, “Fear on Grier” is an annual spooky display put on by Ryan and Tyler Burgener at 5066 Grier Road, October 27 - 29, 7-9 p.m. and October 30-31, 7-10 p.m. “Everyone that has spent time in the woods knows that hair raising feeling of coming across something unexpected, and that is what we hope to capture each year.” Ryan explained. Guests should expect to spend 10-15 minutes to take photos and enjoy candy, while also doing some

Pet of the Week – Neptune

Neptune is a Lab/Pit looking mix, male, almost nine-months old, about 45 lbs. He came to the shelter as a stray and is a bit shy in nature but not timid. He is playful but not hyper, loves attention and treats — but who doesn’t! Just a wonderful young dog seeking a family he can call his own.

The adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under oneyear-old; cats over one-year-old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if good as they are accepting donations for our Shelter as well – see our Needs List here: http://www. elmorehumane.org/hsecwish-list.html. Ryan said that family and friends help bring this to life over several weeks, with the help of local groups including Rental Solutions and the Wetumpka Theatre Guild. Parking is limited, so visitors are asked to carpool if possible.

Halloween is a lot of fun for us humans but does have come dangers for our pets to be aware of. Chocolate and the artificial sweetener Xylitol, found in many candies, can be toxic to pets not to mention the danger from swallowed candy wrappers and lollipop sticks! Please keep all candies safely out old enough, free health exam with your participating veterinarian. of reach of your pets and don’t leave pets unattended with a big bowl of candy at the front door. Make sure your children are aware that their Halloween Candy should NOT be shared with pets. Perhaps make a special ‘pet candy bowl’ with small doggy or kitty treats that your children can safely share with them they have their own ‘treats.’

If you are interested in meeting Neptune or any of the pets at the shelter, the first step is an adoption application you can do here: https:// elmorehumane.org/adoptionapplication-online-form2.html. Once approved, the shelter will coordinate with you to set up an appointment to meet and adopt.

The Humane Society of Elmore County shelter is located at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, the phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org for more information.

Glow sticks & rings help our children be more visible but best kept out of reach of pets as the contents are very bitter and could cause distress to your pet if chewed.

Wild and fun costumes are part of the holiday, but our pets may not feel the same way and could become scared of even protective so best to keep your pets safely apart from humans in odd and scary costumes. Keeping them separate from party antics will also help protect them from being fed inappropriate food, treats and candy by kind, but uninformed party guests.

Some pets are fine wearing a costume while others find it quite stressful. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume doesn’t constrict its movement, hearing or breathing. Never leave a pet wearing a costume unattended and also check to make sure there are no dangling pieces that your pet could get caught in or chew on. And if your pet seems distressed then please don’t force your pet to stay in a costume.

Please also keep your pets in another room or part of the house if you are opening your door for trick-or-treaters! It would be easy for a pet to escape, and we certainly don’t want a pet to be freaked out by scores of children in all manner of costumes resulting in either a lost pet or, worse, a bite. And make sure pets and ‘candle lit’ Halloween decorations are not left alone to help prevent them being knocked over and an accidental fire!

And just to be safe, make sure your pet is properly identified (microchip, collar and ID tag) in case it does escape through an open door while you’re distracted with trickor-treaters.

Happy Halloween!

Every year on October 31, children of all ages enjoy Halloween. This fun holiday occurs each year in the United States and is a fun day for many people. Adults and kids dress up in costumes, and children often go door-to-door in their neighborhoods in the evenings to receive candies and treats after saying “Trick or Treat!” Today, the most important thing to remember when “Trick or Treating” is safety. Many kids no longer go door-to-door. Instead, they attend “Trick or Treating” events at places such as malls, churches, and community centers. When going out, be sure to always have a large group of people with you at all times, and remember to include an adult. Wear costumes that are bright in color, and use a reflector if you are walking in the dark. After the fun and before you enjoy your treats, have a trusted adult verify that your candy is safe to eat. Be courteous to other “Trick or Treaters” and to those who hand out candy. Don’t forget to say “Thank you!”