AREA BASEBALL TEAMS GET READY FOR 2016 SEASON. SEE SPORTS, PAGE 8.
OPINION: GET INVOLVED BECAUSE YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
FRIDAY
THE
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 January 8, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 6
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Local gun shops see sales shoot through the roof By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Some of the most popular handguns for sale at Sure Shot include these revolvers and semi-automatics.
Local retailers have seen an increase in gun sales in the past few years and especially the last few months following events in Europe and the U.S. “We are seeing an extreme spike in sales,” Sure Shot’s Wood Baird said. “After Paris sales went up. After San Bernardino, CA, they almost doubled.” Baird and Tim Hunt with the
Sportsman Outpost in Waverly have seen a trend in the sales. “I am selling more now to first time buyers than I ever have,” Baird said. “I have elderly couples coming in to buy for the first time. I have young couples coming to buy for the first.” “We have a lot of first time buyers coming in,” Hunt said. “ We are also having a lot of people coming in who have handled guns all their life but are now going and getting a conceal carry permit and
Same-sex licenses still issued locally
purchasing handguns.” Both Baird and Hunt said that Tuesday’s remarks by President Barack Obama did not spark the recent sales. “They have been going up for months,” Baird said. Since Obama took office in 2009, background checks due to gun sales in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) have almost See GUNS • Page 3
COULD THIS BE YOUR LIFE’S CALLING?
Archer: Despite Moore, U.S. Supreme Court ruling is ‘law of the land’ By MITCH SNEED Editor
Despite an order issued Wednesday by Alabama’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, the Tallapoosa County Probate Court along with several others across the state have decided to follow directives handed down by the United State Supreme Court when it comes to same-sex marriages. Moore issued a document called an administrative order Wednesday, which ordered the state’s probate judges not to issue marriage license to same-sex couples. The order contradicts a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court last year that legalized samesex marriage in America. Tallapoosa County Probate Court Judge Leon Archer said Thursday that his office would still issue licenses to any couple who walks through the door who requests them,
Photo illustration / The Outlook
The Alexander City Fire Department is seeking recruits to fill a number of positions and, “see things they never thought they would see.” T
Alex City Fire Department seeks recruits looking for a career
See LICENSES • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
60 50 High
Low
Lake Levels
486.98 Reported on 01/07/16 @ 6 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
54708 90050
8
USPS Permit # 013-080
If you are looking for a job, what the Alexander City Fire Department offers may not be for you. But if you are looking for a career – listen up. The Alexander City Fire Department is seeking recruits to fill a number of open slots with their
team. “I ask people who come to us that question,” ACFD Training Capt. Jeff Brewer said. “I ask if they are looking for a job or a career. This is a career that comes complete with an education. It’s truly a career that can become your life’s calling. That’s the kind of people we are looking for – people who want all that.”
Recruits will go through an extensive 15-week training program that includes firefighting and emergency medical technician education. “It’s not easy and this isn’t for everyone,” Brewer said. “But if you are the kind of person who is willing to make an investment in yourself See FIREFIGHTERS • Page 3
Lake Martin Young Professionals to host Polar Plunge a charity,” Meacham said. “We got to looking around. We are hosting it at Lake Martin, we are the Lake Martin Young Is a polar plunge on your bucket list? Or Professionals, so why not do it for the Lake maybe you are looking to do something fun Martin Resource Association. They do so much for the lake with clean ups and buoy to help raise funds for a worthy cause? repairs.” Either way the Lake Martin Young LMRA helps protect the lake with Professionals are organizing a polar plunge at Kowaliga Beach, Saturday Jan. 23 at 11 its buoy program and played a role in advocating for the higher winter pool level a.m. in addition to other advocacy roles. “After we reorganized back in Meacham says it will be fun for all ages. September, we started looking around at “We are going to do a count down,” things we could do,” Lake Martin Young Meacham said. “At noon everyone will Professionals’ Jacob Meacham said. take the plunge together. Then we will have “We were looking for fun things to do four hours of music from local musicians. and organizations to support. Looking at Kowaliga Restaurant will be there as well January and it being cold we thought it with food and drink.” would be fun to do a polar plunge.” It costs $10 to attend, $20 to get a t-shirt Proceeds from the event will go to and plunge and $30 to get a t-shirt and not the Lake Martin Resource Association plunge. (LMRA). It is open to all ages with fun and games “When you look around the country at for the entire family. polar plunges, they almost always benefit By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Lake Martin
6
By MITCH SNEED Outlook Editor
Celebration of Life Memorial Service For Rev. Lawrence Maxwell Will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016 At Passion Church 2pm 3340 Hwy 63 N Alexander City, AL 35010
Now Playing:
Star Wars 3D – PG-13 The Revenant – R The Forest – PG
Submitted / The Outlook
Lake Martin Young Professionals will be hosting its polar plunge on January 23. Proceeds will benefit the Lake Martin Resource Association.
Page 2
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Helicopter mom turns girls’ squabbles into adult irritation
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Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com
Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com
Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Guill Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.guill@alexcityoutlook.com Debbie DeWildt Advertising Sales, Ext. 214 debbie.dewildt@alexcityoutlook.com
Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com
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Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Lake Martin Living, The Outlook is published five times Kenneth Boone a week, Tuesday through Saturday Photography and mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, a commercial web printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. ReproPOSTMASTER: Send address duction of any part of any issue requires changes to Post Office Box 999, written publisher permission. Alexander City, AL 35011.
DEAR ABBY: Do you think parents should intervene in arguments between 10-yearolds? My daughter, “Amy,” was playing at a neighbor’s house with two other girls and they had an argument over something stupid. The neighbor’s daughter, “Kathy,” started to cry, so her mother asked my daughter and the other girl to leave because they had upset Kathy. Afterward, she called and wanted me to punish my daughter for upsetting hers. I didn’t do it because I think 10-year-olds are old enough to make amends with each other. When Amy explained the situation, I concluded that Kathy started to cry because she didn’t get what she wanted. The girls were playing with each other again two days later. This isn’t the first time this has happened, but it’s annoying because they make a big deal out of it. Kathy is an only child and we have three children. What do you think about this?
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-- AMY’S MOM IN ANTWERP, BELGIUM DEAR AMY’S MOM: Hang onto your sense of humor and take “Helicopter Mom’s” suggestions regarding parenting your child with a grain of salt. Kathy’s mother means well, but she should stop trying to fight her daughter’s battles for her. DEAR ABBY: I have two brothers and two sisters. We all earned a modest but comfortable living and made plans for our retirement -- except for one. He blew his money on cars, vacations and gambling. He retired as early as possible, and because of it he doesn’t get much Social Security. Now he’s broke.
Mrs. Sara Futral Patterson 1941-2016
Funeral service for Mrs. Sara Futral Patterson, 74, of Alexander City, will be Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church. Rev. Steve Arnberg, Rev. Wayne Cowhick and Rev. Bill Stinson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 8, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Patterson passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. She was born on July 12, 1941 in Alexander City, Alabama to William Leroy Futral and Willie Vernon Tankersley Futral. She was an active member of First Baptist Church where she taught a Sunday School class, served in the preschool department for 42 years, and was a part of the Partners in Mission WMU group. Mrs. Patterson graduated with a degree in elementary education from Jacksonville State University and went on to earn her master’s degree. She taught in the Alexander
Mr. Willie Glenn Talley 1936-2016
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DEAR ABBY
Funeral service for Mr. Willie Glenn Talley, 79, of Sylacauga, will be Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Valley View Church of God. Pastor Keith Owensby, Rev. John Limbaugh, Rev. Mahlon Felkins, Rev. Samuel Hardie, III and Rev. Michael Price will officiate. Burial will follow in the Fayetteville United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 8, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Talley passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at his +
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He thinks one of us should take him in and complains that we are a “bad family” because no one has offered to let him live with us. None of our retirement plans were made with provisions for him. He is selfish, irritating and untrustworthy. I don’t want to spend my retirement being miserable. What do I do? -RETIRED IN CHICAGO DEAR RETIRED: If taking your irresponsible brother in would ensure that your retirement would be miserable, you shouldn’t do it. Your brother has lived his life the way he wanted, without consideration for the consequences. If his retirement plan was gambling that you and your siblings would support him for his poor choices, it appears he has lost that bet, too. As a kindness, direct your brother to resources that help low-income seniors. DEAR ABBY: My husband and I decided to go our separate ways and have filed for
divorce. Although I moved out, we agreed to keep prior engagements. One of them is a trip to Europe to visit family and friends. When we talked about traveling together, my understanding was that it meant sitting next to each other in the car and on the plane. Now he is making the hotel arrangements and has asked me if he should book a room with two beds or two separate rooms. This is confusing and it’s making me feel awkward. How should I answer? -- THE EX-MRS. IN MICHIGAN DEAR EX-MRS.: Be honest. If the idea of sharing a room with your almost-ex-husband makes you uncomfortable, tell him you would prefer separate accommodations. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
City school system for 30 years and was chosen as Teacher of the Year for her school and her city. After retirement, Mrs. Patterson joined the Russell Medical Center Auxiliary where she volunteered and also served as secretary. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, loved going to church, cooking, playing Bridge, and was an avid Auburn football fan. She is survived by her daughter, Robyn Mann (Barry), of Alexander City; son, William Andrew Patterson of Louisville, KY; sister-in-laws, Dawn Waters and Betty Daugherty; and brother-inlaw, Hugh Holley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Joseph Patterson; parents; sisters, Margaret Cleo Long and Nancy Holley; and brother, William Robert Futral. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Alexander City, P.O. Box 400, Alexander City, AL 35011, or Russell Hospital Foundation, P O Box 939, Alexander City, AL 35010. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. residence. He was born on July 7, 1936 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama to Thomas Lee Talley and Carrie Jones Talley. He was an active member of Valley View Church of God and he dearly loved his church. He was a big Alabama fan and enjoyed fishing, being with people, and going to the beach. He worked for many years as a police officer and was shot in the line of duty in Goodwater. He loved his God first and then his wife. He also loved children especially his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Laura Susan McCain Talley of Sylacauga; son, Jason Bradley McDonald of Sylacauga; daughter, Kelly McDonald of Sylacauga; grandchildren, Joshua McDonald, Natalie McDonald, and Abigail Williford; sister, Sandra Oliver of Alexander City; brother, Thomas Michael McCain of Sylacauga; special friends, Ralph Merrill, Leigh Anne Marshall, Michelle Cooner, and ReGina Hawkins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edgar Paul Talley; and sister, Carrie Ann Talley. Pallbearers will be fellow law enforcement personnel. Friends will serve as honorary pallbearers. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the family. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Friday, January 8, 2016
Licenses regardless of the gender. He said that the Association of County Commissions of Alabama also distributed a memorandum saying that judges should continue to issue samesex marriage license or they could face personal liability. “Regardless of how you feel about it personally, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on this,” Archer said. “Judge Moore – well I just don’t know what he’s thinking. “He does this without any warning or thought at all. I’m just glad that the Association of County Commissions of Alabama acted quickly and gave us this direction. I spoke with County Attorney Thomas Radney and he said much the same thing.” Moore claimed in his
continued from page 1
order that the Supreme Court of Alabama had upheld the state’s ban on same-sex marriage in March of last year. Moore seemed to ignore the fact that three months later, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, in Obergefell v. Hodges. “Confusion and uncertainty exist among the probate judges of this state as to the effect of Obergefell on the ‘existing orders’ “ — that is, the March 2015 instructions that bans on same-sex marriage should be enforced, Moore wrote in his order. He also claims that the Supreme Court decision invalidates the marriage bans in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee — that is, the specific laws
Guns doubled according to the FBI going from just over 14,000,000 in 2009 to over 23,000,000 in 2015 with over 3,000,000 in December. The background checks do not correlate to one to one with gun sales Tuesday night, Obama in an emotional announcement, spoke about his intentions to issue executive orders to strengthen gun control through more background checks. The new background checks are aimed at gun sales at shows and from individual to individual. Baird does not think it will help. “There is no system in place
Firefighters and an investment in your community, this is the perfect opportunity. “It’s a career where you will get to do things that not many people can say they get to do. You will see things that you never thought you would see. To top it off , you get the opportunity to help people and make a difference here in Alexander City. That’s what this opportunity is all about.” Brewer said that it’s not hard to find examples of firefighters who started their careers as recruits here and have stayed through retirement. “We have a lot of guys like that,”
named in Obergefell — but not necessarily in Alabama. The Southern Poverty Law Center said in a released statement that Moore’s Wednesday order was another example of the judge pushing a personal agenda. The SPLC released called Moore’s order a “dead letter,” writing that “in no way does his administrative order supersede Judge Granade’s federal injunction.” “If probate judges violate the injunction, they can be held in contempt,” the release stated. “This is Moore yet again confusing his role as chief justice with his personal anti-LGBT agenda.” Archer said all Moore has done is create confusion at a time when most people had
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moved forward. “My job is to serve all the people of Tallapoosa County and I’m going to obey the law of the land and do all I can to meet the needs of the people,” Archer said “That’s just the way it is. We don’t need this kind of confusion, especially from someone who should understand the judicial system and the consequences of what a U.S. Supreme Court ruling means. “I think the whole thing is that Judge Moore hasn’t been in the spotlight in about six months, so he has to go stirring the pot to get back in the limelight so he can run for governor in a couple of years. That’s what I really think this is all about. ”
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continued from page 1
to support an individual doing a criminal background check,” Baird said. “An individual wanting to sell to another can come into the store and we can submit the information for a NICS background check, but that is it.” Baird said that despite the increase in sales they are taking their time. “”We take our time especially with first time buyers,” Baird said. “They come in saying they are scared. We sit down with them and take our time making sure we sell them what they want or need.”
continued from page 1
Brewer said. “In this day where businesses come and go overnight, this is something that you know you can do for life.” Sold? Brewer and the command staff at ACPD want to hear from you. For more information on how you can become part of the Alexander City Fire Department team, stop by either of the local fire stations. Brewer can be reached at Station II at 256-329-6788.
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Outlook The
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Our
The uncle your parents warned you about
Opinion Get involved because you can make a difference
W
e cover a lot of opento-the-public government meetings in our
business. City council meetings, school board meetings, budget meetings to name several broad categories, and there are more. With the exception of several “hot topic” meetings a year, most public meetings are lightly attended by the public. Yet, we hear people griping and complaining in public and on social media about what’s being done, or being done too much, not being done enough, or being ignored by our local government. Here’s the deal: a truckload of gripes doesn’t have any weight. But one person who stands up in a public meeting and makes a well thought-out request to one of our local governing bodies can pull a lot of weight. More people, working together for the same cause have even more influence. Why do so many choose to gripe and so few speak out? In order to stand up and plead your case you’ve got to know what you’re talking about. Often complainers are simply parroting what they heard from another – they are not personally involved. It takes personal initiative to research and fully understand a situation and individual thought to outline steps to make a positive change. Also, it takes courage and conviction to put your reputation on the line and take a stand in public. If you think about it, none of that is required to complain, gripe or gossip … which means complaining is simply an easier response to something that strikes you wrong. Next time you feel the urge to gripe, complain or gossip about an issue, we’d like to respectfully suggest that instead, you spend some energy thinking about what you can do to get involved, how you can speak out with honor and good intent, and what you can do to make our community a better place.
Friday, January 8, 2016
I
t is time I stop railing at politicians and start making fun of my family again. The focus groups who read my column seem to want to hear more about my Uncle Mac. Everyone but my family wants me to talk about him. When you are beguiled into the beauty of becoming a part of my family, he is that tattoo you find out about later. At the risk of sharing too much, here are more reflections on the blackest of the herd of black sheep in my family, that great American, Uncle Mac. I call him my “Drunkle.” He drinks a lot which, along with cigarettes, explains his whiskey voice. In fact, drinking is an integral part of his persona. He said he drank so much vodka last Saturday night that he woke up Sunday speaking Russian. Yet he’s philosophical about his drinking. He said excessive drinking was like watching soccer or opera: It is its own punishment. To this day, he is the only person I have ever seen drinking bourbon from a bell pepper. Uncle Mac is astounded that my son drinks these craft beers that he considers syrupy, warm, stupid and expensive. He drinks only Budweiser. He says he “likes his beer like he likes his violence: domestic.” He applied for Obamacare and under “main source of income,” he said “robbing liquor stores.” He was accepted but didn’t send in any money. He just wanted to mess with them. When he sees one of those baby-
RON HART Guest Columnist
changing stations in the men’s restroom, he calls over the manager of the place and points out the design flaw. Just to make his family mad, he is an Auburn fan amid all our University of Alabama grad family. Once while watching the BamaFlorida game, I asked him whom he was rooting for. He said, “I hope it ends up tied 0 to 0 with a lot of injuries.” He always says, “I have two favorite songs. One is Elvis’ rendition of ‘Dixie,’ the other is not.” To further illustrate his enlightened philosophy, he is also against gay marriage. Uncle Mac is old-fashioned; he believes divorce should only be between a man and a woman. When I asked him how his current marriage was going, he said, “We took out large insurance policies on each other. Now it’s just a waiting game.” I’m not saying Uncle Mac is immature, but he once cussed out a 14-yearold. He is equal parts child and intellectual - the latter being more in a W.C. Fields genre. He is the one family member whom all the kids crowd around during family reunions to be told life’s unvarnished realities. Listening to my Drunkle is sort of like experiencing an oral presentation of writ-
ings on a bathroom wall. I remember every one of them. For years my uncle dated ugly women – ones who couldn’t get any action if they were the only cocktail waitresses on an oil rig. He said of one date that she looked like she ran a 100yard dash in a 90-yard gym. That was the kind of romantic prose that made him a babe repellent. Yet he felt compelled to have “the talk” with my son. I had to remind him twice that a sex talk with a young boy need not involve how much to pay and the proper amount to tip. My “Drunkle” is one of the great characters of all time, a true slice of Americana. He worked in construction, as a sheet metal worker, and at a plant. He’s kind of the Ryan Seacrest of Locust Fork, Alabama. He is one of the blue-collar guys who will support Trump because illegal immigrants have undercut his wages for years. He said knowingly of the San Bernardino terrorist shootings, “Ron, if it could happen in California, it could happen in the U.S.A.” And he always says, “Son, I was around for the Reagan Administration, so I know how things are supposed to be done.” A libertarian op-ed humorist and awardwinning author, Hart’s a frequent guest on CNN. He can be contacted at Ron@ RonaldHart.com or @ RonaldHart on Twitter.
Today’s
Scripture “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” –Psalm 103:8
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Mission The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following.
What’s your
Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Opinion?
Robert Bentley Luther Strange
Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. Tom Whatley His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
“For the happiest life, days should be rigorously planned, nights left open to chance.” – Mignon McLaughlin
How to
Officials
Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@ gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Mark Tuggle Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.
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was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Luther Strange Montgomery.
Today’s
Letters to the Editor
Peer specialists need statewide support Dear Editor, A Peer Support Specialist is a person with significant life altering experience who works to assist individuals with chemical dependency, mental disorder or domestic abuse and other life effecting issues. Because of their life experience, such persons have expertise that professional training cannot replicate. This is not to be confused with peer educators who may not consider recovery a suitable goal for everyone and may focus instead on the principles of harm reduction. There are many tasks performed by peer support specialists that may include assisting their peers in articulating their goals for recovery, learning and practicing new skills, helping them monitor their progress, assisting them in their treatment, modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies based on the
specialist’s own recovery experience, and supporting them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services. As of September 2012, 36 states had established programs that train and certify individuals with lived experience who have initiated their recovery and are willing to assist others in the recovery process. Friends of Recovery, a statewide organization of recovering peers, has 25 years of experience training Certified Peer Support Specialists. As of this date there are more than 4,000 in the state of Alabama who have been providing this level of care to people in recovery from substance use disorder and other mental illnesses. These certified peer support specialists work in drug courts both state and federal, community corrections, veterans administration, recovery support housing, drop in centers and multiple treatment providers in
the state of Alabama both profit and nonprofit. The Alabama Department of Mental Health has now decided that they are going to use paid state employees to provide this training. They have also decided to designate who is in recovery and who is a peer. The cost incurred will be much greater, when the dollars could be used for treatment services. We are asking the governor to stop this turning over recovery services to a state agency. We are also asking the public to please support us and call the governor’s office and request this be stopped immediately. Switchboard 334.242.7100. Email Gov. Bentley (http://216.226.177.218/forms/contact.aspx) Mike McLemore Decatur, Alabama Formll President
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
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Friday, January 8, 2016
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Daniel Forbus, Kennedy Hawkins, Jared Hawkins, Modesta Gravette , Catherine Davis, Timothy Grant, Amanda Vickers , Trey Jones, Kennedy Nelms, and Helen Armour are celebrating birthdays today.
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January 9
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Church will host a pancake breakfast with sausage and/ or bacon Jan. 9 from 6 a.m. till 10 a.m. for $6 a plate. It is all you can eat dine in only and plates to go are available.
January 10
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
HAIR AND FASHION SHOW: Gloria Boleware celebrates 37 years of service with a community hair and fashion show Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. at Passion Church on Highway 63. It will feature Hair 4 Daze, Dea Love’ Reesie Williams, Adrian Young, Team Katlin,Sharmaine Stowes, Nalarence Davis Show Models, GoGetters, Marilyn Owens, Lebron Spradley and the Grande Finale Charlene Benton. MISSIONARIES SPEAKING: Calvary Heights Baptist Church will host international missionaries Greg and Laura Sharp. They will speak Jan. 10 at the 11 a.m. worship service. Everyone is invited to hear about their mission to Africa. A love offering will be taken. CONCERT: 4 ONE Quartet from Michigan will be in concert Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. at Family Worship Center at 1676 Swell St. Pastor Tony Harris is pastor and everyone is welcome.
January 11
SURVIVOR’S OF SUICIDE: The group Survivor’s of Suicide support group for those who have lost a friend or loved one to suicide will meet Monday, Jan. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lake Martin Family Therapy at 393 Green Street in Alexander City. For more information or directions please call 256-329-3002.
January 16
Thanks for a Great Year!
TRADE DAY: The Bibb Graves School in Millerville is hosting Trade Day Jan. 16 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
January 17
Tuesday - Saturday 11am-1:30pm
GOSPEL SINGING: Hillabee Baptist Church will host a gospel singing and concert with Adam Crabb and The Griffith Family Jan. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A love offering will be taken.
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January 19
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MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet Jan. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
January 21
WINE TASTING: Emporium Wine will host a wine tasting event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 128 Calhoun Street, Alexander City. There is no charge for this event. PUBLIC MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Commission/Emergency Management Agency is scheduling a public meeting on January 21 at 10 a.m. to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting will take place at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse, Dadeville in the Extension Auditorium downstairs. the public, private nonprofits, municipalities, school board, universities/colleges, utility/water/sewer boards, fire departments, and elected officials are among those invited and encouraged to attend. participation is required in order to apply for federal hazard mitigation grants in the future.
January 22
haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
MARDI GRAS AUCTION: St.
James Episcopal Church will host live and silent auctions at this inaugural event to support the Feast of Sharing ministry, which provides free meals twice a week at First United Methodist Church to some 100 people in need. Auction items will include original art, a Russell Marine wakeboarding package, framed photography by Kenneth Boone, handmade pottery items, a vacation at the beach for the whole family, the Rev. Rob Iler’s handyman services for a day and more. There will be beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and entertainment. Tickets are $25 per person and can be reserved by calling St. James Episcopal Church at 256-234-4752. For information, contact Heidi Ross at 256-794-7010 or Susan Mange at 601-431-8239. FREE SPEECH AND HEARING SCREENING: The Auburn University NSSLHA and SAA are having a free speech and hearing screening Friday, January 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.. No appointment is necessary. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Please note that very young or handicapped individuals may not be able to respond to the speech hearing screening and may require a more formal evaluation at a later appointment date. Services will be provided by the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic Room 1199 Haley Center.
January 23
BINGO NIGHT: Bibb Graves School in Millerville is hosting family bingo night Jan. 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. TRASH WALK: The next PATH Trash Walk is scheduled for Saturday, January 23 at 9:00 AM. We will meet at the fountain in front of Jake’s Restaurant to receive supplies and assignments. Come out and join your friends and neighbors for a healthy walk while removing unsightly litter from the roadways of the “most scenic” county in Alabama. For additional information contact John Thompson at jthompson@lmra.info LAKE MARTIN POLAR PLUNGE: Lake Martin Young Professionals hosts its inaugural Polar Plunge, 11 AM, Saturday, January 23 at Kowaliga Restaurant on Lake Martin! Join LMYP as they take the PLUNGE to support the Lake Martin Resource Association and Lake Martin by diving in during the dead of winter. Tickets are $20 to take the plunge and $30 if you’re too chicken. Tickets include a LMYP Polar Plunge tee shirt, all-day access to live music, games, food/drink specials to Kowaliga Restaurant, and a whiskey warm-up tent. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
January 25
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Steve Flowers will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Jan. 25 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
January 30
ART WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a Zantangle Art Workshop Jan 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the United Way Conference Room. Cost is $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers, all supplies included. Call Martha McKnight at 256-8256503 or Dottie Holdren at 256-3774918 with questions or to register.
January 31
BIG DAY: Lake Pointe Baptist
Alexander City native and pharmacist Diane Welcher will be at the Adelia M. Russell Memorial Library signing her new book “Pills I Have Known” Thursday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune
Season Speaks
Church invites everyone to celebrate a Big Day for the church on Sunday, January 31, 2016, beginning at 10 AM. Lake Pointe is a new church and the new pastor will be introducing the church strategy of “Come! Let Us Build!” in the morning worship on January 31st. The worship music will be led by Anthony Counts, former pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church in Wetumpka. Faron Golden, pastor at Lake Pointe, will be sharing the church’s plan for serving the community and surrounding area through the message from God’s Word. Lake Pointe is located at 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, Alabama 36853, and is just a short drive from Tallassee. Everyone is welcome.
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February 1
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HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. Mark Conversino will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 1 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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February 7
PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill will celebrate it’s 7th Pastor’s Anniversary honoring Rev. and Sister Melvin C. Kelley, Jr. Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.
February 8
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Troy Jones will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 8 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
February 11 - February 27
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: Steel Magnolias will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players Feb. 11- Feb. 27. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
February 16
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MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet Feb. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
February 22
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Julie Williams will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 22 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
February 29
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Jerry Armor will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 29 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
March 7
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Susan Webb will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited March 7 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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March 15
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
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April 19
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
256.234.4281
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ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 8
AREA SCHEDULE Upcoming local high school basketball games: Friday, Jan. 8 Childersburg at Central-Coosa, TBA (Girls, Boys) Reeltown at Holtville, 5 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys)
Saturday, Jan. 9 Dadeville at Auburn, 4 p.m. (Girls), 5:30 p.m. (Boys)
Monday, Jan. 11 Woodland at Horseshoe Bend, 4 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys)
Tuesday, Jan. 12 Benjamin Russell at Russell County, 4:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Dadeville at Holtville, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) Lanett at Horseshoe Bend, 5 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) LaFayette at Reeltown, 4:30 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys)
Thursday, Jan. 14 Beulah at Central-Coosa, TBA (Girls, Boys) Reeltown at Loachapoka, 4:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys)
Friday, Jan. 15 Lanett at Reeltown, 4 p.m. (Girls), 5:30 p.m. (Boys) Valley at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Central-Coosa at Dadeville, 6 p.m. (Girls), 7:30 p.m. (Boys)
Monday, Jan. 18 Horseshoe Bend at Wadley, TBA (Girls)
Tuesday, Jan. 19 Benjamin Russell at Auburn, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Central-Coosa at Prattville Christian, 6 p.m. (Girls), 7:30 p.m. (Boys) Reeltown at LaFayette, 4:30 p.m. (Boys)
Thursday, Jan. 21 Opelika at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Dadeville at Wetumpka, 4:30 p.m. (Boys), 5:30 p.m. (Girls)
Friday, January 8, 2016
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FIRST PITCH Baseball teams begin throwing in preparation for 2016 season By Robert Hudson Outlook Sports Editor
The turn of the calendar from December to January marked the beginning of on-field preparation for the 2016 high school baseball season. The Benjamin Russell Wildcats joined hundreds of Alabama High School Athletic Association teams that were allowed to begin throwing on Tuesday. While the Wildcats opted to begin throwing on Thursday when classes resumed, Coach Richy Brooks said the team was ready to begin yesterday afternoon. “Right now, mainly what we can do is throw and condition, and that’s what we’re doing is getting our arms in shape,” Brooks said. “We condition a lot at school. They all have an athletic P.E. class, so we weight lift and we condition at school more than we do out here. But we do a little outdoor conditioning because it’s a little different than indoors.” Brooks said the emphasis on Thursday was to ensure players understood the importance of polishing up on their throwing skills because it is often the difference in winning games for pitchers and fielders alike. “This is long toss. We’re really going to focus on getting our arms in shape and building as we go,” Brooks said. “We talked to them about the importance of throwing as a skill. A lot of people overlook that. You tell them to go throw and they throw to get loose and expect when they’re in a ball game to be able to throw it across the diamond from an infield position or from an outfield position. We want them to learn that throwing is a skill you work on every day to get better at.” Teams will be allowed to start hitting two weeks from Monday. Moving forward, Brooks said the Wildcats will shift to working on pitching. “In the game of baseball it’s hard to play and it’s hard to win baseball games if your guys can’t throw. This is a very important period for us and we’ve used
it ever since it was put in,” Brooks said. “We’ll work on our pitchers to where when we can hit on the field that we’re able to get them out there quicker. We’re hoping for good whether even though we know it’s going to be a bit cooler.” And so far, the Wildcats have been working with varsity and JV players, with middle schoolers expected to join practices on Monday. “Right now, we’ve got four that are still playing winter sports and we’ll have about 30 kids JV and varsity and then we’ll have 20 kids with the middle school,” Brooks said. “Then on Monday the middle school kids will come out here on the field with us and they’ll work on their throwing. We’ll do a lot of our work toward the end of school and then the middle school players will come in after school and get their work in.”
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
At top, Benjamin Russell’s Austin Elliott releases a throw during Thursday’s drills at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. At bottom, Darius Jackson hauls in a catch.
Saturday, Jan. 23 Booker T. Washington at Dadeville, 3 p.m. (Girls), 4:30 p.m. (Boys)
Monday, Jan. 25 Fayetteville at Horseshoe Bend, 5 p.m. (Girls), 6:30 p.m. (Boys)
Tuesday, Jan. 26 Montgomery Academy at CentralCoosa, TBA (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Elmore County at Dadeville, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Reeltown at Lanett, 4:30 p.m. (Girls), 6:30 p.m. (Boys)
Thursday, Jan. 28 Elmore County at Reeltown, 4:30 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) Horseshoe Bend at Holtville, TBA (Girls), 5 p.m. (Boys) LaFayette at Central-Coosa, 4:30 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys)
Friday, Jan. 29 Dadeville at LaFayette, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) Beulah at Reeltown, 4 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) Wadley at Horseshoe Bend, 4 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys)
Saturday, Jan. 30 Dadeville at Benjamin Russell, 1 p.m. (Girls), 3 p.m. (Boys)
Monday, Feb. 1 Randolph County at Reeltown, 5 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) Childersburg at Dadeville, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys)
Tuesday, Feb. 2 Auburn at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Randolph County at Horseshoe Bend, TBA (Girls), 7:30 p.m. (Boys) Holtville at Reeltown, 5 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) Dadeville at Central-Clay County, 5 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys)
Wednesday, Feb. 3 Central-Coosa at Winterboro, 4:30 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys)
Tigers return to diamond with throwing drills, conditioning By Robert Hudson Outlook Sports Editor
Like hundreds of other teams around the state, the Dadeville Tigers got a jump on preparing for the start of the 2016 high school baseball season. Alabama High School Athletic Association baseball teams were allowed to begin throwing on Tuesday, as the Tigers were one of the many squads that returned to the diamond this week. Dadeville Coach Randy Nolen said teams are limited in what they can work on during this three-week period, but added it is a valuable time for teams to work on one of the game’s most important aspects. “They’re just throwing and I just try to get them in situations where we emphasize to them that they have to move their feet,” Nolen said. “We’re doing some relay drills and stuff like that. But the biggest thing right now is to get some throwing in so we can get our arms in shape and get their legs up under them. That’s all we can do right now because we can’t have the bats out right now.” Nolen said that when the throwing period concludes the Tigers will be allowed to bring out the bats and work on hitting, and after three weeks of practice they will begin games. “In a couple of weeks we’ll bring the bats out,” Nolen said. “We have the three weeks throwing and conditioning and then we’ll have three weeks of practice before we play.” Along with the varsity team, the JV and middle school squads are also allowed to work on their throwing skills. Nolen said that by the middle of next week the Tigers will
look to focus on pitching in particular. “The young kids and the middle school kids have just gotten out here and they’ll do the same things that the older guys do during fifth block,” Nolen said. “We’ve got about 15 or 16 out here on the varsity team and have about 12 or 13 on the B-team, so the numbers are fine. We’re inexperienced and we’ve got so much to do as far as getting our arms ready to go. We need to be throwing bullpens right now, but we’re nowhere near ready to throw Robert Hudson / The Outlook bullpens just yet. By about the middle of next week we’ll get At top, DHS Coach Randy Nolen, left, instructs Zander McClendon the bullpens ready and they during drills on Thursday at McKelvey Park. At bottom, Dadeville’s will start there.” Landon Wilson winds up to throw during relay drills.