OPINION: ALEXANDER CITY HAS LOST ANOTHER LEGEND. PAGE 4. MAJOR THURSDAY THE
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Games to circle on the prep football schedule.
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Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 June 2, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 110
www.alexcityoutlook.com
City mourns loss of beloved ‘Toot Toot’
Thomas Jacob ‘Toot Toot’ Marbury Jr. poses for a picture with Scott Blake. Marbury died Wednesday in BIrmingham, where he had been hospitalized following being struck by a vehicle on May 22.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Alexander City has lost one of its most beloved citizens as Thomas Jacob “Toot Toot” Marbury Jr. passed away this morning in Birmingham. Family and friends confirmed Toot Toot passed at the University of AlabamaBirmingham Medical Center. Family members said that Marbury suffered heart failure Wednesday morning and was revived, but
Submitted / The Outlook
passed away before noon. “We are all suffering a big loss right now,” said Marbury’s sister Alice Thomas-Hall. “Toot passed this morning and we thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are pending. We know it’s a big loss for everyone in Alexander City. It’s a tough day for all of us.” Marbury had been hospitalized for serious injuries that he received on May 22 when he was struck by a vehicle as he crossed See MARBURY • Page 3
CACC Compass testing, boot camps set for June, July
Cornerstone Ministries to hold benefit for Salinas family
Camps can help students avoid remediation courses
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Cornerstone Ministries of Jackson’s Gap is hosting a benefit Sunday, June 5, for the family of a brother and sister severely injured in a single-vehicle accident near New Site in April. Abigail and Samuel Salinas both suffered multiple fractures and other injuries and were transported by air to UAB Hospital following the accident on Saturday, April 16, the day of New Site Trade Days. Both siblings spent significant time in the Birmingham hospital. “They both had extensive stays at UAB,” said Cornerstone minister Jay Burkhalter. “They were there quite a while. We don’t believe they had any medical insurance and, of course, the bills were very high. They have been such good friends of ours here at our church and they have given so much to the community that we decided to try and do something to help them with those hospital expenses.” On Sunday, Cornerstone, which is located behind Dollar General and Rozetta’s Red Barn off Highway 280, will hold a benefit lunch plate sale, baked goods auction, general auction See CORNERSTONE • Page 3
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
On a day when temperatures rose above 90 degrees in Tallapoosa County, the temperature inside a car hit 120 in less than 15 minutes after the vehcile was parked in the sun. At those temperatures, children and pets can suffer serious health problems quickly, prompting officials to remind residents to be mindful of the heat as they travel this summer.
Exercise caution in hot vehicles By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Summer means more travel and more travel with children with most being out of school. Parents and drivers need to be aware of the dangers from heat for both children and pets as more than 600 U.S. children have died from heat in cars since 1990 according to the safety group Kids and Cars. “You never want to leave a young child in a car alone,” Russell Medical Center
Chief Medical Officer and Emergency Department Medical Director Dr. Michele Goldhagen said. “Besides heat, children can open doors and walk around parking lots. If they do not open the doors, this time of year they can overheat quickly.” Cars can heat up quickly. One unscientific study conducted by The Outlook saw a cool car go from just having the air conditioning running climb to 120 degrees in just minutes. See TEMPERATURES • Page 3
Central Alabama Community Colleges will provide Compass placement testing and a summer boot camp for those students looking to improve math, reading or English placement scores and avoid non-credit remedial courses beginning today and continuing through July 28. “Students who make over 20 on the math, English and reading portions of the ACT are not required to take the placement tests,” said Kathleen Thompson of CACC, who coordinates the boot camp. “All of our incoming students who have turned in their information for fall should have gotten a letter. If they tested into any developmental courses, then they can take the placement exam and come to the boot camp.” Thompson said the boot camp is designed to allow students to improve their math, English See CACC • Page 3
Lake Martin
Dixie Sailing Club offers introductory sailing courses 490.65
Lake Levels
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
First time sailers take advantage of the Introduction to Sailing event at the Dixie Sailing Club last summer. +
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Have you ever thought about what it would be like to cruise around the lake without a gas-powered motor? If so, the Dixie Sailing Club (DSC) has the event for you, Introduction to Sailing. “We hope to give people an idea of what sailing is all about,” DSC’s Keith Bennett said. “Everyone that comes out will get a chance to sail. And it’s for all ages, starting at about five years old and up to adults. It is for everyone.” Bennett explained that knowledge of knots, spinnakers and jives is not needed. “We will start the day with a basic class,” Bennett said.
“Then we will have tip drills and finally give everyone an opportunity to sail.” The day starts at the Dixie Sailing Club at its New Hope Church Road location at 10 a.m. and will last until 4 p.m. If you go, do not worry about lunch. “We will have hotdogs, chips and drinks for lunch,” Bennett said. The club’s recommends bringing a swimsuit, towel and a change of clothing. Bennett also suggested to those interested to register at dixiesailingclub.com “I think we are going to have a big crowd,” Bennett said. “We have had a lot interest.”
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Boyfriend with secret child isn’t worthy of woman’s trust
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@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 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 Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Audra Spears Graphic Artist, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Graphic Artist, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Graphic Artist, 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, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
How to Submit Obituaries
Thursday, June 2, 2016
The Outlook
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
DEAR ABBY: I have been seeing “Russell” for about a year. Last March he told me he had to move in with his grandmother because “he was the only bachelor in the family who could take care of her.” Stupidly, I believed him. Not long after that, I found out he had a pregnant girlfriend. I didn’t let on that I knew, and we didn’t see each other for about three months because he was “busy getting promoted at work.” Now I have started seeing him again, and I just can’t seem to let it go. The problem is I still haven’t told Russell I know about the girlfriend and the baby. I’m not sure how to go about letting him know I know what’s going on. I can’t bear the thought of him walking away from me again. How should I confront him? I’m in love, confused and heart-
DEAR ABBY Advice
broken at the same time. -FOOL IN LOVE IN MIAMI DEAR F.I.L.: Try this -- a full-frontal assault of plain honesty. Tell him you know he slept with another woman and got her pregnant, and that story he told you about his grandmother was pure guano. Tell him you know he has stayed away because he preferred to be with someone else. Say that although you love him, you realize that as far as he’s concerned, you’re going cold turkey. THEN DO IT. And if you haven’t already, see your OB/GYN and ask to
be checked for STDs now that you know the “man” you’re in love with can’t be trusted. There’s an adage I’ll share because it applies to you: The truth will set you free. DEAR ABBY: If your office or family has a $20 limit on gift exchanges, and you find a $20 gift on sale for $10, is that considered a $20 gift or a $10 one? -- PINCHING PENNIES IN OHIO DEAR PINCHING: Prices are so fluid during some of the holidays that no one really knows the true “value” of what’s being purchased anymore. If there is a $20 limit on what you’re supposed to spend, it means you shouldn’t spend any MORE than $20 -- and not much less than $20. If you find something marked $20 and can get it for less, you are a wise shopper -- not a piker. P.S. You can also just buy
a $20 gift card and avoid the uncertainty. DEAR ABBY: If a single woman is having relations with a married man, then she is known as his mistress. But what do you call a single man who is having relations with a married woman? Would he be a “mister” -- or what? -- CURIOUS IN MACON, GA. DEAR CURIOUS: He could be referred to as her lover or paramour. According to the Urban Dictionary, he could also be called a “manstress.” (If there is financial support involved, then he’s a gigolo and she’s a “sugar mama.”) 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.
Obituaries Perry Jackson Browning Funeral service for Perry Jackson Browning, age 68 of Ashland, will be held on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Jason Watkins and Reverend Richard East officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Browning passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the Clay County Hospital. A native and lifelong resident of Clay County, he was a 1965 graduate of Bibb Graves High School. Mr. Browning was the owner and operator of Ashland Tire Company for over 33 years. He served in the Alabama Army National Guard for six years, qualified as an
Sheldon Hinder Sheldon Hinder, 54, passed away Monday May 30, 2016 from injuries sustained in a car accident. He was a 1980 graduate of Prattville High School Hinder and 1984 alumni of Auburn University of Montgomery. Sheldon served with The American Red Cross in the Middle East during Desert Storm. He continued to support Freedom
Expert Marksman and remained in the Reserve Force for another six years. Mr. Browning was a great cook and enjoyed hunting, fishing and helping anyone in need. He was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, the Church Brotherhood and the Adult Sunday School Class. Mr. Browning is survived by two sons: Shannon Jackson Browning (Kristi) of Alexander City and Jamie Jackson Browning of Ashland; six sisters: Florine Gilbert of Ashland, Alice McDonald of Ashland, Bobbie McGuire of Georgia, Peggy Jacobs of Georgia, Jane Childress of Huntsville and Joan Carraway of Auburn; two brothers: John Browning and Danny Browning, both of Ashland; two grandchildren: Megan and Haley Browning. He was preceded in death by his
and Liberty through his work with General Dynamics in Montgomery, Alabama. Sheldon was a true friend, loyal neighbor, proud uncle, dedicated brother and Loving Son. Mr. Hinder is survived by his parents, Morris and Marjorie Candee Hinder. Brothers, Randy (Michele) Hinder, Ricky (Allison) Hinder, Sister, Donna (Gary) Ricks and niece Brianna Hinder. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his honor to Equality, AL Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Memorial information to follow. Bass Funeral Home and Cremations directing. bassfuneralhomeandcremations.com
WHATLEY MONUMENT Company Better Service A Family Tradition 1049 Hillabee Street Alexander City, AL C.M. “Mike” Whatley, Owner
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parents: Daniel Jackson Browning and Edna Earl Saxon Browning and three sisters: Pauline Stiles, Marrietta Kerr and Dorothy Taylor. Pallbearers will be Don Adams, Harold Saxon, Josh Nelson, Marty Brown, Ronald Mattox, Alan Ryals, Jimmy Smith and Randy Mitchell. The deacons of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland tonight, Thursday, June 2, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Send on-line condolences at www.benefieldfuneralhome.com Benefield Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. David (Mickey) Fail August 22, 1958 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mr. David (Mickey) Fail, 57, of Equality, will be Friday, June 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Equality Methodist Church. Rev. Gene Fail Lankford and Rev. Mark Fronduti will officiate. Burial will follow in the Equality Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 3, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Equality Methodist. Mr. Fail passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at University of Alabama Hospital (Birmingham). He was born on August 22, 1958 in Montgomery, Alabama to David T Fail and Pat Durden. Mr. Fail was a member of ABATE, Christian Motorcycle
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Association, Godspeed Ministries, and BAMA Rides. He loved motorcycles and guitars. Mr. Fail was fatally injured by a hit & run driver in Montgomery. His life will be celebrated by bikers all over the state. He is survived by his spouse, Charlotte Fail of Equality; sons, David (Amanda) Fail of Deatsville, Jeremy Fail of Phenix City; step-sons, Billy Wayne Moore of Tallassee, Jamie Moore of Tallassee; mother, Pat Durden of Deatsville; step-father, John Durden; brother, Gary Fail of Montgomery, James Fail of Montgomery, Richard Fail of TN, Christopher Fail of GA; sister, Laura McCrary of Phenix City; granddaughter, Kyra Moore; and niece, Ashley Fail. He was preceded in death by his father. 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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The Outlook
Marbury
continued from page 1
Tallapoosa Street in downtown Alexander City. Friends and family said that Marbury, 68, suffered head trauma as well as broken ribs and multiple fractures of his leg as a result of the accident. Toot Toot had surgery on his leg just days after and had come through it reasonably well, his friend Scott Blake said. “He did OK after surgery, but you know how he was,” Blake said. “I think he was so used to moving around that his body just didn’t know how to handle what he had been through and just shut down. It’s hard to imagine this. It’s just tough to think about Alexander City without him being around.” Marbury’s friend and local television personality Sean Bland said he couldn’t believe the news when he heard of Toot Toot’s passing. “I’m in shock,” Bland said. “It’s just a tough, tough thing to swallow. I know it’s a tough time for his family and all concerned.” Bland’s feelings mirrored many in Alexander City. Mayor Charles Shaw said that Marbury will be missed. “It’s a sad day in Alexander City,” Shaw said. “He was pretty much a fixture around here every day and no matter where you went in town he was there. He was a likeable person who knew everyone and everyone knew him. If it was happening in town he knew about it. He was so knowledgeable – he knew all the news and sometime he would tell us stuff we didn’t know. “He was a genuinely good person and he will be missed by everyone in Alexander City.” Toot Toot was a fixture at virtually every
city function. He had been at the baccalaureate service at Benjamin Russell High School and was walking home at the time of the accident. According to Alexander City Police Department Deputy Chief Jay Turner, Marbury had crossed the eastbound lane and appears to have walked into the path of oncoming 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. The accident happened just east of the Chamber of Commerce Building on Tallapoosa Street, with the impact point being just shy of the curb near Strand Park. “The report has been finalized and it appears that the driver of the westbound Nissan saw something approaching from the left and was unable to stop before striking the pedestrian,” Turner said a few days following the accident. “Witnesses indicated that the vehicle was only traveling at about 35 mph. There was no evidence that speed or alcohol or any other factors played a role. There are no charges filed at this time and no indication that there will be.” Blake and fellow friend Bill Young said they are helping the family pull together arrangements. “He was a special person and we know there will be a lot of people who want to pay their respects,” Young said. Councilman Tony Goss said that it feels like the entire city has lost its best friend. “I’m sad to hear of the passing of the city’s friend Toot Toot,” Goss said. “I’ve known him since 1994 and I always enjoyed our good-natured picking at each other. “There will always be an empty seat somewhere downtown to remember him by.”
Cornerstone
continued from page 1
and gospel singing for the Salinas family. The event starts at 10 a.m. and will last until it’s over. Featured performers include The Dyes, Lee Burns and 49 North. Plates will include a meat (ham, chicken fingers, meat loaf, barbecue chicken or chicken dressing), two vegetables, cornbread or roll and a drink for $6. Child’s plates, including a meat, a vegetable, bread and a drink, are $3. Desserts are $1. There is no admission to the singing, but love offerings will be accepted. Cornerstone is accepting donated items for the auctions. Any items or baked goods persons wish to donate can me dropped off at the church on Saturday, June 4, from 12 p.m.- 2 p.m. and after 4 p.m. The accident that injured the Salinas siblings occurred when a Ford Ranger driven by Abigail Salinas, 19, left the roadway on Highway 49 South near Veazey Road at approximately 12:45 p.m. on April 16. The
Salinas were en route home from New Site Trade Days. Samuel, 21, was a passenger in the truck, which rolled an estimated five times into a yard just off the road, ejecting both of the siblings from the vehicle. The vehicle is believed to have rolled over Samuel Salinas. The two were lifeflighted from New Site Town Hall, where Trade Days were in progress, to UAB. New Site Mayor Curtis Mims said at the time that once the young victims got back to Town Hall where the father of the siblings was working as a hot dog vendor at Trade Days, the community rallied around the family as they were being transported by the awaiting helicopters. “The New Site community immediately responded by coming together at the event to pray for the injured victims and their family,” Mims said. “Attendees – adults and children alike – gathered around the family to support them through prayer and monetary donations.”
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CACC or reading skills so that they are proficient enough to survive in college-level courses rather than spend time in remedial courses that don’t count toward a degree. “We only had about 60 students take advantage of this opportunity last year,” said Thompson. “We hope to get those numbers up this year. Students need to realize that this test is important and that they need to take whatever steps they can to try and avoid being placed in developmental or remedial courses. They don’t count toward graduation and they will not transfer to another institution.” Those who failed to make the required ACT scores of 20+ must first take the placement test before qualifying for the boot camp, Thompson said. “This is only for those persons who have earned a high school diploma or a GED and are ready to enroll at CACC,” Thompson said. “We get calls about whether underclassmen or dual-enrollment students can come, but this is just for those ready to attend CACC fulltime in the fall.” Placement tests and two-week boot camp sessions will be held at the Alexander City campus in Room 213 of the Business & Science building, Childersburg campus in Room 3 of the Bill Nichols Building, Talladega campus in Room 110 and in the Stanhope Elmore media center in Millbrook. Testing dates are today, June 13, June 27,
Temperature “The first thing someone left in a car will experience is heat exhaustion,” Dr. Goldhagen said. “That includes heavy sweating and dehydration. What follows is heatstroke. This is a real critical time. If you do not begin the cooling process it can lead to permanent damage.” Dadeville Police Chief David Barbour thinks someone should never forget about a child in the car also and offers a suggestion to help remind someone. “Be mindful of children in the car,” Barbour says. “I don’t know how you can forget a child in a car but if you need to, come with something. Maybe a Postit note at the bottom of the windshield. This goes for pets as well.” Barbour hopes it never happens. But if a child is locked in a car with the summer heat, he does offer some suggestions. “Call 911,” Barbour said. “If you think things are not going well, maybe break the window to get to the child.” Animals can suffer just like children left behind in the car.
continued from page 1
July 11 amd July 18 in Alexander City, June 15, June 29 and July 13 in Childersburg, June 15 and July 13 in Talladega and June 14 and July 12 in Millbrook. Testing begins at 9 a.m. at all sites except Millbrook, where testers should arrive by 1:30 p.m. Photo ID is required. Once the student takes the placement test, they will learn their scores and whether they have been placed in remedial courses immediately. The student who is placed in a remedial course based on his or her initial score may then attend as many of the boot camp sessions as they like before retaking the placement exam. The cost for the retest is $8. College instructors are on hand at the boot camp to provide assistance to students and to answer questions. The two-week boot camps sessions begin June 6, June 21 and July 18 at CACC, June 6, June 21 and July 19 in Childersburg, June 20 and July 18 in Talladega and June 21 and July 19 in Millbrook. Times for the sessions vary and are available by calling Thompson at 256-215-4332 or on the CACC website by clicking the “Title III Program” link on the left-hand side of the page and scrolling to the bottom of the linked page for “Boot Camp Session Dates.” CACC’s summer boot camp is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
continued from page 1
“It can be fatal for dogs,” Lake Martin Animal Shelter’s Mia Chandler said. “Dogs do not sweat, so even a few minutes is not good. It is best not to make pit stops and leave your pet in the car.” Chandler offers more advice for those who have outside pets. “If you have an outdoor pet, make sure they have water,” Chandler said. “ It could be considered animal cruelty. Pet owners may also want to consider summer haircuts for their animals. Not only does it help keep them cooler, it is easier to monitor for parasites like fleas and ticks.” Chandler offers a few words of advice for those that travel to the lake with pets. “With all the travel associated with the lake, collars and tags are a must,” Chandler said. “As well as microchipping. You would be surprised how many pick up what they think are strays and take them home to Birmingham and Atlanta.”
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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
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Page 4
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Thursday, June 2, 2016
AARP, senior coffee and the wisdom of age
Involved
Alexander City has lost another legend I
J
ohn Steinbeck wrote in “The Winter of Our Discontent” about the passing of a loved one: “It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.” That describes the feeling that our community is experiencing today following the death of Thomas Jacob “Toot Toot” Marbury Jr. No matter if you called him Too Too, Toot Toot or Thomas, if you had been to Alexander City, you knew him and he knew you. He probably even knew where you lived, where you worked and what kind of car you drove. That’s just the way that he was. There are people in town who might get more votes in an election, have a bigger house or were better dressed, but there was no one in Alexander City who was more loved than Toot Toot. Out hearts and prayers go out to his family as they plan a memorial service for the town’s best friend. In less than three hours more than 20,000 people had viewed the news of his passing on social media and here is what some of our readers had to say when they heard the news. “So sad. I will miss seeing him walking main street and in front of the courthouse.” – Becky Vinson “My prayers and thoughts are with the family. I think the Alex City Police Department should let people start a memorial on the bench were Toot Toot used to stay all the time in front of the old courthouse. Alexander City has lost another legend.” – Missie Bell “RIP Toot Toot. You were always so kind speaking and waving to everyone. God be with this family in their time of need.” – Carolyn Turner “So sad to hear this news! I will always remember times he sat and talked to me in my office before I retired from City Clerk’s office at City Hall. He would come in sit down and say Mary Still, you got some candy? Sometimes, he would doze off for a few minutes. He will be missed, was loved by all!! Praying for peace and comfort for his family.” – Mary Barron Still “Breaks my heart that we have lost such a wonderful man. Sending prayers and warm hugs to his family and friends.” – Tina Parrott
had never been one who worried too much about age. Most days I still feel much younger than someone with as many years and miles on my body should. But today, I think hitting 55 was made worse with the help of the American Association of Retired Persons. For almost a month, I have been getting offers to become a card-carrying member, which comes with all sorts of benefits like discounts on travel, insurance and the like. I guess opening the repeated offers hammered a point home – I’m getting old. So today I qualify for senior coffee at McDonald’s. Goodwill, Salvation Army and some thrift shops have Senior Discount Days for people over the age of 55. Woo hoo! Denny’s offers a senior discount menu for people age 55 and over and I’m told my auto insurance company offers a discount for us seniors. Is all that really worth celebrating? It was 37 years ago, on June 2, 1979, that I turned 18 and graduated from North Clayton High School in College Park, Georgia. I have a 1979 Mercedes 450 SL that qualifies as a vintage car in Alabama. Am I vintage? An antique? It only has 97,523 miles. I wish I could say the same for these knees. Before I start throwing out all the cute lines like being like wine and getting better with age, I want to tell you some of the things that I have learned
MITCH SNEED Editor
and realized with all the experience that I have gained in my 55 years. • I have discovered that it doesn’t matter how old you get, if you get your mind right, rolling out of bed is still a breeze. Now, getting up off the floor after you roll off is a little tougher, but still… • One thing that has made my life better is that I no longer drink or do drugs. No need for that. At this age, standing up real fast has the same effect. • Every day you have less hair on your head and more hair in other places where there shouldn’t be hair. Does it fall off your head and stick to your back and in your ears or what? What’s up with that? • They say your memory starts to fail you as you get older. But I don’t remember a single time where I’ve been forgetful. Or have I been? I forget. • What you thought wouldn’t wait until tomorrow when you were young, will still be waiting on you tomorrow as you get my age. • I used to lie about my age to make people think I was older. Now when I tell people the wrong age I’m not lying, it’s just that I forgot exactly how old I am. • I’ve noticed that there real-
ly is something to the whole second childhood syndrome for those of advanced years. Think about this. When you are born you are in diapers, can’t tie your shoes and you’d wake up every four hours wanting something to drink. All I can say about that is that my shoes have Velcro and I keep a bottle of Powerade on the nightstand. I’ll settle for two out of those three, you can Depend on that. • As you don’t remember names as well as you once did, if you see a familiar face and they say hello and call you by name, you can answer with “Hey there big guy,” or “How are you young lady?” Those are called terms of endearment. • Happy hour used to be a time to go hammer drinks after work. Now my Happy Hour is any day when I can squeeze in a nap. • The older I get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for. I’ve found that I can usually get the same thing if I go back when the people are gone. • I’ve found that even at my age I still have a chest like Charles Atlas. It’s just that mine has fallen down around my waist. When you see an attractive young woman and you think, “where were all these pretty girls when I was younger” just remember the answer – the playpen. Mitch Sneed is the editor of the newspapers of Tallapoosa Publishers.
represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.
Bob Howard represents District 3. His phone number is 256-2342225. His address is 241 8th Street West, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.
Bob Howard
Billy Ray Wall represents District 4. His phone number is 256329-8060. His address is 101 Scott Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.
Billy Ray Wall
James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-3299758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.
James Spann
Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-7493355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
Tony Goss
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Sherry Ellison Simpson
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Today’s
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.
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Bobby Tapley
“If fear is cultivated it will become stronger, if faith is cultivated it will achieve mastery.” – John Paul Jones
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represents District 1. His phone number is 256329-9671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.
Quote
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Know Your Charles Shaw is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256234-7395 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 98 Heritage Drive Alexander City, AL, 35010.
Today’s
I
haven’t slept well for years. Sometimes it takes hours to fall asleep and when I do sleep, it’s not good sleep. If I hear anything out of the norm, I’m on high alert for the rest of the night. It wasn’t always like this. One night, just a few years ago, I slept at a friend’s house, and the next morning was told about the neighbors’ house burning down over night. The neighbors came over to the house I was staying at to call 911. Later, in the wee hours of the morning, the house was full of people, including police officers and firemen, and I slept right through it all. Back in February, my doctor at the VA prescribed a sleep study for me. Because only certain places work with the VA Health Net program, I had to go out of town to have the study conducted. When I set up the appointment, they asked if distance was a factor, and I told them that it wasn’t. When I got the notification in the mail, my appointment was in Montgomery—Montgomery, Maryland. Distance turned out to be a factor. It was a simple mistake and was easily corrected. I finally had it done on May 24 at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery—Montgomery, Alabama. The young lady taking care of me was fantastic and professional in every way,
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
but I was a bit nervous. My blood pressure usually hovers around 120/80 but when I got there it was 152/122. I’ve been blessed with pretty good health over my lifetime, as evident by this being the first night I’d ever spent in a hospital, but I was uncertain of the outcome, which had me a bit on edge. She hooked me up to all kinds of wires like a cyborg and puts globs of goo in my hair and then started hooking up little jumper cables to places all over my body—to some places I couldn’t neither see nor reach. I thought that was bad enough but then I had to go to the bathroom. I had visions of electrocution. It was not a pretty sight. Just before lights out, she taped stuff to my face and shoved some more tubes up my nose. Comfort was not in my future. In my mind, I didn’t sleep worth a toot, and when she woke me the next morning, I was wide awake. “How do you think you slept?” she asked. “Not very well at all,” I
replied. “I was up all night. I didn’t want to get up to use the bathroom, and I’m not used to sleeping on my back.” “Well, we start grading sleep apnea at 5 and it can go to, well, whatever. We had you at 2.5, and you were asleep 93% of the time,” she said. “That’s amazing! You’re in great health.” And, I really did feel good, and I have been sleeping better. Three days before the doctor prescribed the study, I decided to cut down on my drinking and haven’t had a drink since, not that I’ve quit. I’ve also lost 22 pounds since the beginning of the year. There’s no doubt those two factors are contributing to my better sleeping habits. Perhaps the key is to cover my body in wires and goo each night. Who knows? It’s worth a shot. It also didn’t hurt that I didn’t have to battle for space on the bed with my dog and cat. It is their bed, after all; they just let me sleep there, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@ jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www. jodyfuller.com.
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.
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Thursday, June 2, 2016
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CommunityCalendar Season Speaks
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June 2, 2016
Today’s Events
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Today’s Anniversaries
Rev. and Mrs. Bobby Ned Duck are celebrating their anniversary.
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Larry Wilson, Patricia Jones, Charlotte Allen, June Thrower, Ximenia Price, Jean Morway, Mort Thurman, Willie F. Brooks Jr., Danny Searcy, Ann Paul and Tara Jackson are celebrating their birthday today.
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Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Aaron Shaddix with the Alex City Recycling Center presents a check to the Salvation Army’s Tabitha Glasburn recently. The funds come from the center’s recycling efforts and the group awards the proceeds to area organizations.
June 3
GOSPEL CONCERT: The Hyssongs will be presenting a concert of Gospel Music at Bay Pine Baptist Church Friday, June 3 at 7 p.m. Dell, Susan, and Richard Hyssong travel full-time as the award-winning Hyssongs. their energetic family ministry combines family vocal harmony, humor and brass instruments to delight audiences through the powerful medium of music. The group has been singing together as a family for 20 years.
June 3-5
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: The Kellyton Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible school June 3 from 5:30 p.m.to 8:30 p.m., June 4 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and June 5 at 4 p.m. For more information contact Glenda “Tater” Eason tatereason@ hotmail.com
June 4
INTRO SAILING: The Dixie Sailing Club is hosting a introduction to sailing event June 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The introduction includes an oral presentation and on the water capsize and recovery. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to skipper a sailboat. It is open to children as well as adults. FARM TOUR: Lake Martin QDMA and Tallapoosa County Treasure Forest Assoc. will sponsor a Wildlife Habitat Tour June 4, including timber management and wildflowers on Jerry and Genelle Brown’s Farm near Hackneyville, Al. (1030 Saxon Rd. Goodwater, Al.) Whiskers Catfish will provide lunch after the tour which will begin at 8:30 a.m. The event is free but everyone is asked to call the Tallapoosa County Ext. Office at 256825-1050 to register, or Jerry Brown at 256-839-5154. PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: New Adka Church is hosting its 21st Pastoral Anniversary Banquet for Rev. and Sis. Edward Milner June 4 at 5 p.m. CHURCH HISTORY CELEBRATION: Trinity United Methodist Church invites everyone to join in a celebration of its past and future Saturday, June 4 at 4 p.m. Trinity will look back at its ministries of the past with history, photographs, and memories of members and former pastors will be shared as we look to plans for the future. Refreshments and fellowship will follow. CRUISE IN: Lord’s Cruisers are hosting a cruise in at Arby’s on Highway 280 Saturday, June 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All antique cars, trucks and bikes are welcome. Listen to the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. For more information contact Rod Sizzers at 256-794-3844. GOLDFISH SPRINT and TURTLE RACE: Wind Creek State Park will host a goldfish sprint and turtle race June 4. Activities will begin at 3 p.m. and the race starts at 5:15 p.m. Dress your turtle for best dressed
turtle. There will be $1 goldfish for sale . First, second, and third place winners will be recognized for best dressed turtle, turtle race and the goldfish race. Park entrance fees apply to noncampers. YARD SALE: Heaven United Methodist Church is hosting a yard sale Saturday, June 4 at 354 Christian Street. There will be miscellaneous items and clothing along with hot coffee, sausage and biscuits will be available.
June 5
CHURCH HOMECOMING: Bay Pine Baptist Church is hosting homecoming June 5 at 10:30 a.m. Guest singers will be Redemption Song. The pastor is Edward Frantz. Everyone is welcome.
June 5-8
CHURCH REVIVAL: Comer Memorial Baptist Church at 341 East Church Street is hosting revival services June 5 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and June 6-8 at 6:30 p.m. with evangelist Rev. Harold Cummings.
June 5-9
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Orr Street Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible school June 5-9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8-30 p.m. serving a meal at 5:30 p.m. A kick off celebration will be held Wednesday, June 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with pre-registration, hotdogs, games and prizes. For more information contact Sandra Fuller at 256-329-8863.
June 6
SUMMER READING KICKOFF: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is kicking off the Summer Reading program June 6 at 10 a.m. at the Sportplex Gym. There will be a fun run, entertainment and kids free lunch. SUMMER ARTS ENRICHMENT: The Tallapoosa County Schools are hosting summer arts enrichment programs at Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown schools this summer. The program is available for students in kindergarten through the tenth grades. The program will focus on music, art and drama. There will be an end of camp program for parents. The program will be June 6-9, June 13-16, June 20-23 and June 27-30 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily. No transportation will be provided and students must be picked up no later than 12:10 p.m. Children may bring a snack. Registration is handled through the child’s school. BENEFIT SINGING: Cornerstone Ministries in Jacksons Gap is hosting a benefit singing for Sam and Abby Salinas June 6 from 10 a.m. until. Singing will be The Dyes, Lee Burns and 49 North. A love offering will be taken and dinner plates will be sold for $6 with one meat and two vegetables. You can add a desert for $1. There will also be a bake auction and a misc. item auction.
Any items or baked goods can be donated and dropped off Saturday, June 5 between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and after 4 p.m. and are greatly appreciated. If you cannot bring items to the church on Saturday but still want to donate contact Jay Burkhalter at 256794-3063, Roger Watts at 256-3075541 or Tommy Hickman 256-2344590.
June 6-8
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: New Adka and Pleasant Valley churches are hosting vacation Bible school at New Adka Church June 6 - June 8 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
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June 6-10
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: First Baptist Church Dadeville is hosting vacation Bible school June 6-10 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The free event is open to children from four years old to sixth graders. You can register online at www.fbcdadeville.com. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: First Baptist Church of Alexander City is hosting vacation Bible School June 6-10 from 8 a.m. to noon for 4 year olds through sixth grade. Everyone is welcome and you can register at www. fbc-ac.org
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
June 7 - 9
CHURCH REVIVAL: New Harmony Baptist Church in Camp Hill will be hosting revival services June 7-9 at 7 p.m. nightly. Guest speakers will be Rev. Eddie Marbury, Rev. Joe Johnson, and Rev. Richard D. Jacobs. Pastor of New Harmony Baptist Church is Rev. Melvin Kelley, Jr.
June 10-11
CLASS REUNION: The BRHS Class of 1976 40 year reunion will be Friday, June 10 at Jazz Fest,and Saturday, June 11 at the Elks Lodge. For more information call: Todd Hayes at 256-786-0076.
June 11
MISS LAKE MARTIN PAGEANT: The 2015 Miss Lake Martin queens return to crown their successors. Beautiful contestants will compete this year in evening gown and casual wear. 22 titles will be given out and the new 2016 Miss Lake Martin will win a minimum of a $1000 scholarship. The pageant will be at Dadeville High School and admission is $10. JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL: Goodsell United Methodist Church in Lanett is hosting the Greater Valley Juneteenth Festival June 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. The free event includes activities for the children, story telling, health fair, car show, voter registration, and live entertainment. There willbe a performance by the Korean Village and Chotaw Nation from Mississippi. GOSPEL SINGING: The Holloway and Drake Singers are celebrating their 35th Anniversary Saturday,June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the New Canaan Baptist Church in Camp Hill.
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Thursday, June 2, 2016
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JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
Is new talent the right remedy for Auburn Tigers? When folks are sick, they often receive an injection (steroid shot, antibiotics, whatever) designed to cure whatever ails them. Following last season’s 7-6 mark, Auburn’s football team could use an injection of sorts in the form of improved talent, depth and playmakers as the 2016 season approaches. Below are five newcomers whose abilities could give this team the lift it needs: • John Franklin III, quarterback: It’s a no-brainer that quarterback is Auburn’s strongest area of need following a 2015 season that saw former Heisman hopeful Jeremy Johnson regress into a glaring weakness and freshman Sean White attempt to resuscitate the offense before getting hurt. As long as Auburn has a mobile quarterback who is a serious threat in the running game, the Tigers are potent offensively. That wasn’t the case last season, and it took one element of attack completely out of the game plan. Franklin, a former track guy and JUCO transfer, is arguably the speediest member of the offense and figures to give the Tigers that extra running weapon that defenses must defend. First, however, he must win the starting job as White probably has the better arm. • T.J. Neal, linebacker: Auburn lost a combined 220 tackles when senior linebackers Kris Frost, Cassanova McKinzy and Justin Garrett graduated. To fill that gap, Auburn turns to Neal, a senior transfer from Illinois to shore up the middle. The Tigers can certainly use Neal’s veteran presence at linebacker as only Tre’ Williams had significant playing time in 2015. Neal registered 109 tackles (14 for loss) last season. • Nate Craig-Myers, wide receiver: Losing veteran Ricardo Louis doesn’t help the passing game, but Auburn signed three standouts in CraigMyers, Eli Stove and Kyle Davis. Craig-Myers stands 6-foot-2, 205 lbs., and gives the Tigers a physical presence across the middle – something Auburn had with Duke Williams. If either of these freshmen contribute, including redshirt freshman Darius Slayton, Auburn will be set at receiver. • Marlon Davidson, defensive end: With sophomore Byron Cowart not meeting the masses’ expectations in 2015 (he was rated as the No. 1 prep player in America by many), the Tigers are turning to an in-state product to help anchor the defensive line for the next three to four years. Davidson, a true freshman from Greenville, started the A-Day Game (he graduated from high school early), and figures to contribute, along with JUCO transfer defensive end Paul James and senior Carl Lawson. With that talent – and if Cowart continues to develop – defensive end should be a strength at Auburn. • Derrick Brown, defensive tackle: Five-star players are always expected to contribute early, and the 6-foot-3, 310-pound Brown who was rated among the nation’s top 10 high-schoolers in 2015, should be no exception. He has eagerly looked forward to stepping on campus at Auburn since signing day in February and got that chance this week when freshmen reported. He might not start right off the bat, but he will have an impact. Expectations are always high for celebrated newcomers, particularly when they fill positions of need. Funny thing, though, there’s always that player or two who wasn’t decorated with multiple stars via recruiting web sites who comes out of nowhere and becomes a Saturday afternoon hero for four years. Joe McAdory is the Communications Editor at the Auburn University Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and is the former Sports Editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.
Kenneth Boone / The Outlook
NeColby Maxwell, with ball above, ran for more than 1,800 yards last season and should help the Wildcats in several key matchups this fall.
MAJOR MATCHUPS
Ten games that fans should circle on the prep football schedule Mouth. … Should be another classic. 3. Sept. 9, Leeds at Dadeville: The Tigers will get an early season chance to gauge their squad against the As soon as high school football defending state champion. After taking schedules are released, fans seemingly some lumps last year, the Tigers hope always take a long look and analyze for a little revenge as they have Leeds their team’s chances. on the Tigers turf this year. On those schedules, there are always 4. Aug. 25, Horseshoe Bend at some games that fans put a star beside, Donoho: The first game of the year is or circle in red, as a reminder of a always a tough one to predict, but the game not to miss. Aug. 25 road game is an important one For area prep football teams, this for the Generals. year’s schedules feature plenty of The Generals are coming off a intriguing matchups that should prove losing season, one where they finto be measuring sticks for the teams’ ished winless. Donoho was 3-6. The strength. Generals should find a team that they With that in mind, here are the can match up with well when they games The Outlook sees as the area’s arrive in Anniston. The result in this top matchups of the season as we head game should give players, coaches and into the regular season: fans an idea of what this season will be 1. Sept. 16, Benjamin Russell at like. Opelika: Opelika is always the team 5. Aug. 26, Benjamin Russell at that Benjamin Russell has to measure Clay Central: This early season road itself by. Despite having a talent-laden trip is one that is intriguing, largely due team, the Bulldogs have gotten the best to the connection that Wildcats coach of the Wildcats in recent years. The Danny Horn has to the community Wildcats have some deep holes to fill. there. The Wildcats will have to replace It should be another physical test for 27 seniors from last season’s 12-2 Benjamin Russell. squad that finished in the Class 6A 6. Sept. 30, Reeltown at Ranburne: semifinals. If the Wildcats can stun the Ranburne has developed into a wideBulldogs at home, fans can start makopen powerhouse football team. The ing plans for a deep run in the playoffs. contrast in styles between the Bulldogs 2. Aug. 25, Reeltown at Dadeville: and the Rebels should make for a game It doesn’t matter who the coaches or where the Rebels look to play keepthe players are, the Battle of Highway away from Ranburne. 49 is one of the area’s top games each If the Rebels are successful, it could season. This year promises to be the be a sign that this team is ready for a same. playoff run. Jackie O’Neal will be missing from 7. Aug. 19, Coosa at Montgomery the sidelines for Reeltown, but they Catholic: Central and Catholic have have a man who is no stranger to this never played each other, but the searivalry. Matt Johnson played for the son opener for the Cougars is one that Rebels and said their won’t be a lot of should be interesting. big changes for the Rebels. This year The team is coming off its first playDadeville will have some holes to fill, off appearance in a generation and a but they will benefit from the experispring where despite heavy losses to enced gained by Margarius Buchanan graduation, they looked strong. at quarterback last season. He finished The next step up to being a competiwith 1,399 yards passing, 1,538 yards tive team is to show it has the abilrushing and 23 touchdowns in the ity to dominate a team that it should Tigers’ up-tempo offense. beat. Montgomery Catholic went 4-6 Spread and wide open vs. Smash last season and the first-ever meetBy MITCH SNEED and DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
ing between Coosa and Catholic is a chance for the Cougars to show that their rise up the football food chain will continue. 8. Sept. 9, Horseshoe Bend at Reeltown: This is not only a Tallapoosa County rivalry game for both schools. It’s also a Class 2A, Region 5 contest. Horseshoe Bend showed some improvement in the spring and while Reeltown can be counted on to have talent, the new coaching staff in south Tallapoosa County will still be settling in. In all likelihood, the winner will remain in the thick of the race for the region title while the loser will face an uphill battle to the playoffs. 9. Oct. 21, Benjamin Russell at Wetumpka: The Wildcats and Indians haven’t met since 2011, but as Class 6A, Region 3 opponents now, the two teams will mark the 40th renewal of a rivalry that dates back to 1925. Benjamin Russell’s program is the stronger of the two, but the Indians showed improvement in the spring and, since the game is the regular-season finale for Wetumpka, should improve still more. Still, even with the Indians at home, Ben Russell will likely be a favorite. More than anything, the game marks the beginning of what should grow into an important and competitive series. 10. Sept. 30, Dadeville at Tallassee: These two are old rivals with football programs that are somewhat intertwined. Dadeville has played no one more times (63) than it has played Tallassee. Tallassee has played only Wetumpka more times. Tallassee’s legendary coach J.E. “Hot” O’Brien, who led to Tallassee to what was once the nation’s longest high school football undefeated streak (58 games), was a product of Dadeville. The coach of the undefeated Dadeville team of 1965, Jack Williams, was a product of Tallassee where he played under O’Brien. Is it any wonder that both teams are nicknamed Tigers? This one is always a good one.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Margarius Buchanan, above being congratulated by Dadeville Coach Richard White, returns at quarterback this season for the Tigers. He finished with 1,399 yards passing, 1,538 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns in the Tigers’ up-tempo offense last year.