Issuu

November 2016

Elmore County Living

A hundred years of tractors

Creeks float historic river Eclectic Christmas Growing Christmas trees ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

FOR INFORMATION CALL (334) 567-5147 VISIT WWW.CITYOFWETUMPKA.COM

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From the Managing Editor's Desk If you haven’t already made reservations to visit Falk Farm for this year’s An Eclectic Christmas presentation, do it now. My husband and I saw it last year, and this annual retelling of the Christmas story tops any I have ever seen. There just aren’t enough adjectives to describe the wonder that this event evokes with more than 250 volunteers, including Roman soldiers on horseback and a chorus of angels that really do appear as if by magic on the hillside. Turn to page 34 for details on this year’s production and make it a point to take a drive to Eclectic for this holiday favorite. This month, Elmore County Living also took a drive to Millbrook to visit Gene Jones and see his collection of tractors, farm implements, arrowheads and general antiques particular to farm living. Jones said he never really set out to collect more than 40 tractors that trace the history of a century of farming; he just found them and fixed them and never let them go. We are delighted to share his museum-quality collection with you on page 12. But we aren’t the only ones who were driving to find the history and beauty of Elmore County this month. Mitch Emmons spent a day in Tallassee with a contingent of Muscogee Creeks who traveled from Oklahoma to float the Tallapoosa River. The particular stretch of water here was significant in the lives of the Creeks, and this was a journey to connect with the traditions of the ancestral nation. Mitch took his own kayak down the river with them, and you’ll find his story and photos starting on page 18. Though Mitch’s photos tell the story of a beautiful fall day, the calendar tells us that Christmas is right around the corner. Local merchants have stocked their shelves with inventory for gift giving and merry making, and it won’t be long before it’s time to put up the tree. Meghan Price Fuller and Suellen Young spent an afternoon learning just what it takes to grow those trees that are so central to our celebration of the season. Go along on their visit to Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm on page 24. We were at other places and events all month long as well. Turn to page 36 to see if our cameras caught you or anyone you know Out & About.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

STAFF Chairman

Kenneth Boone

kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com

President & Publisher Steve Baker

steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com

Managing Editor Betsy Iler

betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com

Assistant Magazine Editor Lonna Upton

lonna.upton@alexcityoutlook.com

Distribution Manager David Kendrick

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultant Molly Brethauer

molly.brethauer@thewetumpkaherald.com

Marketing Consultant Stacy Adams

stacy.adams@thewetumpkaherald.com

Creative Services Audra Spears

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Suellen Young Jeff Langham Mary K. Moore Carmen Rodgers Jacob Saylor

Corey Arwood William Carroll Amanda Hannon Bill Goss Mitch Emmons

Meghan Price Fuller

To subscribe to Elmore County Living, $25 a year for 12 issues, please call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 For Advertising Inquiries 334-567-7811 For Editorial Inquiries 256-234-4281 All content, including all stories and photos, are copyright of

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 99 300 Green Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-7811

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Trusted. Rooted. Affordable.

Since 1969, one name has served our great community with the care and compassion it deserves — Jeffcoat. We celebrate the beauty of a life and make it our purpose to honor each one respectfully and affordably. Please take the time to compare our prices and services with those of other funeral homes... we know you will be pleasantly surprised. Our family would like to thank you for placing your trust in us for nearly 50 years.

255 Friendship Road • Tallassee • (334) 283-6801 • jeffcoatfuneralhome.com • Since 1969

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER Gene Jones of Millbrook drives one of his favorite tractors, a MasseyFerguson that he restored to nearly original condition. Photo by Suellen Young

30 Columns

Features

In Every Issue

28 The Gamer

12 The Outback Museum

30 Movie Man

18 Tracing the Tallapoosa

10 Business Spotlight

32 Communtity Care

24 O! Christmas Tree

36 Out & About

Paragon Characters The Movie Gift List

No Christmas Heart Attack

33 Back in the Day

Millbrook Tractor Collection Oklahoma Creeks visit Tallassee A year-round farming operation

News Briefs Barks & Rec

In Elmore County

42 Coming Up

Fun Activities for Everyone

A Tale of Embezzlement

44 Where to Find Us

46 Southern Delights

Distribution List

Thanksgiving Gravy

Extra! Extra!

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Brown invited to 2017 National Team Camp

Elissa Brown, former Eclectic resident and Elmore County High School softball star, currently a University of Alabama freshman, received an invitation to participate in the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team Selection Camp, taking place over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Clearwater, Florida. The 20 initial invitees, along with any additional athletes that may be extended an invitation prior to the camp, will be competing for 17 spots on the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team roster.

Wetumpka Elementary hosts Frankenstein Fun Run Both children and adults enjoyed the Frankenstein Fun Run at Wetumpka Elementary. In the 5K race, Kent Disbrow was top male runner. Debra Weldon, a teacher at Wetumpka Elementary School was top female runner.

Leaders attend Main Street Basic Training Wetumpka area leaders attended Main Street Alabama’s “Basic Training” course, the Main Street Four-Point approach, a nationally proven model that Main Street organizations throughout the country use to help return life to their downtown areas. The four areas are organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring. Participants in the course were treated to two days of indepth training covering each of the four points with three-hour classes for each of the points. According to Main Street Alabama President/State Coordinator Mary Helmer, Main Street is a volunteer-driven organization. “Our goal is to impart knowledge to our participants so that they can train the volunteers,” Helmer said. “We offer in depth knowledge as to how each of the points work.”

Millbrook honors Councilman Fred Watts After serving 16 years, Councilman Fred Watts was honored at a retirement party in October. Senator Clyde Chambliss read and presented an Alabama Senate proclamation recognizing Watts for his years of service. Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley presented a plaque that will hang on the Freddy J. Watts Conference Room at Millbrook City Hall. Kelley said. “The city council will be indebted to you for what you have done.”

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Extra! Extra!

Tallassee hosts Pow Wow

News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Pet Stem Cell Therapy Michelle Mitchell, DVM, is one of only three veterinarians in the state of Alabama to offer adult stem cell therapy for pets. You may think this type of cutting-edge technology only exists in the hustle and bustle of a big city; however, this innovative treatment for pets is now available in Tallassee at Mitchell Veterinary Hospital. After monitoring the productive effects stem cell therapy has on humans, it was only natural to see how this therapy could benefit man's best friend. As pets age they experience medical conditions much like those seen in humans. Stem cells are valuable because they have the ability to transform other cells. Pet stem cell therapy allows an animal's own body to replace cells not viable with more-suitable new cells. According to Dr. Mitchell, the treatment process is safe, simple and effective. “Stem cells, simply explained, are your animal’s own repair cells,” she said.

Veterans gather for dialogue on war Veterans gathered at the Dialogues on the Experience of War program to discuss their personal accounts of experiences with war. In the photo, Edward Stevens, 96, displays a German Luger pistol he brought home after his time in Europe during World War II.

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The Tuckabatchee Pow Wow was a three-day event hosted by the Tallassee Historical Preservation Society. This Native American event is a fundraiser for the society. Numerous demonstrators participated, including: flint knapping, arrowhead manufacturing, basket weaving, archers, beadwork and more. There were several Native American arts and crafts vendors and all products were 80 percent authentic Native American made. Period food vendors were also present, as well as modern food vendors. The main attraction was the Native American dancing in the arena, accompanied by professional Native American drums and singing handed down from their ancestors.

Business Spotlight Sarah Glenn plays with dogs in the yard at Barks & Rec

Barks & Rec

Popular Prattville boarding, doggie daycare and vet service opens new facility in Wetumpka

Story by Lonna Upton & Photos by Suellen Young

ogs and their owners are in for a treat when they visit the new Barks and Rec in Wetumpka, and we’re not just talking about dog biscuits and bones. Yes, dog treats are available, but the real treat is for the owners who find a safe, clean place for their best friends to socialize with other dogs and receive personal human attention. Dr. Amy Carter Myers, owner of River Region Veterinary Services in Prattville, and Stephanie

McDaniel, practice manager for the Prattville office, are co-owners of Barks and Rec, a new business offering boarding, daycare, veterinary services and grooming for dogs. The Prattville clinic sees Wetumpka dogs regularly, and the owners of those pets were very clear about the need for doggy daycare and boarding in their own town, Myers said. “We wanted to feature the best care with interactive supervised play. The group care is great for interaction. It’s good exercise, and it’s good for obe-

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dience. The dogs actually learn from each other,” Myers explained. When dogs are dropped off for care, usually between 7 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., they are kept indoors in a holding area that includes a ball pit and a beach bed until all the dogs have arrived and are ready to head outside to play. The 30-foot by 60-foot outdoor area is enclosed with a 6-foot fence and mulched, so the dogs can run and explore. The enclosure includes a rocky area with wading pools in which the dogs can cool off after running. Furry guests can run under a sprinkler or climb on a huge tire and other play equipment or rest in the covered shade, but the best part of the outdoor area might actually be facility manager Sarah Glenn. Glenn spends three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon playing with the dogs. Tennis balls, rope toys and Frisbees are standard fun for the canines. After the three-hour playtime, dogs come in for naptime in the crates, which are supplied with clean bedding. “Diesel, one of our regular customers, comes in so happy and tired, he can hardly hold his head up,” Glenn said. “He brings a snack each day but just falls asleep with his head in the bowl.” The staff is diligent about keeping the indoor facility clean and fresh, Myers said. “We are fanatical about the cleanliness. I tell customers, if they smell animals in a facility, it is not clean. We do a thorough cleaning, top to bottom, of our facility every night,” she explained. The indoor area has three large runs for big dogs, 16 small-to-medium dog crates and two bedroomtype suites. Each private suite has a bed, decorated walls, nighttime lighting and a flat-screen television. All of the suites, runs and crates have clean bedding. Dr. Myers and Dr. Jessica Caver from River Region Veterinary Services offer veterinary care by appointment. The Wetumpka facility has an examination room with everything the vets need to care for their clients. Also, Barks and Rec offers a full complement of grooming services by appointment. To find out more about Barks and Rec, visit their website at www.barksandrecwetumpka.com or give them a call at 334-312-0219. They are located at 42 Coosa River Parkway, Suite D, Wetumpka.

The dogs love to cool off in wading pools after running in the yard

Dr. Amy Carter Myers and Stephanie McDaniel recently opened the Wetumpka facility

Exercise is an important part of the facility's doggie daycare program

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One Millbrook man’s backyard treasure has inspired history buffs and nostalgic visitors who wanted a taste of the past. Gene Jones, born and raised in Elmore County and a graduate of Holtville High School, is the owner of Gene Jones Insurance Agency; however, he is also the proprietor of a vast collection of tractors, Native American artifacts and vintage items. His backyard museums are advertised through Alabama Travel, and he has had people from as far away as Israel and Germany visit his backyard tractor treasure trove. Jones said his wife once asked him where he would go if he could go anywhere in the world. His response was “Outback.” She knew he did not mean Australia. He meant his own backyard where he spends hours doing what he loves, talking to God and perfecting his skills at refurbishing antique tractors and other farm implements. Three years ago Jones’ brother had a large ‘Outback’ sign made for Jones’ museum building, giving the area its official name. Jones grew up on a farm, learning the joy and the heartache inherent in cultivating and harvesting fields. Af-

ter he left his family home and began to work, he missed the dirt, so he started farming on his own in 1978. “I just love the dirt. There’s something about it. Come the spring, I can still smell the dirt and the diesel from the tractors,” Jones explained. He started with 100 acres of soybeans, which he grew to 1,500 acres. Then the rains came. He said in 1982 the area got 25 inches of rain, too much to harvest the soybeans quickly enough before they rotted, and the crop was lost. Jones began collecting tractors shortly after he left farming. Some of the tractors were in his family, and some were given to him. He said he often receives calls from people who have tractors that have been sitting in fields for years, and they just want him to come and get them. He not only steam cleans and repaints the antiques, but also, he refurbishes everything else – the engine, the brakes, the wheels, the batteries and all parts in between – so the tractors actually run. Jones has 41 tractors and 20 small push-pedal tractors for children; some are stored inside his museum building, and some are out under the trees on his 15-acre outback. “I just love to take something

A number of tractors and other equipment are parked under a shed in Jones' backyard

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The Outback Museum Millbrook collector showcases tractors in his backyard Story by Lonna Upton Photos by Suellen Young

The British Massey-Ferguson model features rounded edges while the U.S. equivalent (left) has sharper lines

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Jones has collected 20 children's models of tractors, as well as more than 40 full size and operational vehicles

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The collection includes Native American pottery, pipes and arrowheads

old and make it new again. The fever just hits you,” he explained. Jones can name the previous owner of every tractor on his property, and he can relate detailed statistics on when a particular tractor was built, who built it and how the next model was different, as well as any other information requested. He has original plows, seed planters, cultivators, stalk cutters and other implements that were pulled by horses or mules. He said one of the oldest contraptions he owns is a trip rake, which was pulled by two horses or mules and was used to gather hay. When the rake was full, the farmer “tripped” a gear, lifting the teeth off the ground, so the hay fell. The hay was then loaded onto a wagon with pitchforks and taken to a stationary hay baler. The system was not quite as sophisticated as the hay balers of today, which handle all the steps at once, Jones explained. His days on a tractor helped him discover yet another hobby: collecting Native American artifacts. This fascination began when he plowed up arrowheads in the field, and the collection grew. Soon he began framing his collection and buying collections from others. His arrowheads now hang on every wall of a building that no longer accommodates all of the pieces. “I believe I have over 12,000 artifacts, but at one point I just stopped counting,” he said.

This McCormick model is in the process of being restored

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The tractors keep Jones connected to his farming roots

The collection includes tractor accessories and equipment

He added purchased items to his own collection of arrowheads

Most of Jones' tractors have been repainted and fitted with original or replica labels

With 15 acres, Jones has plenty of room to store and display his museum pieces

Jones welcomes visitors and loves to tell them about the history of each piece in his collection In addition to the framed collections, Jones has jars and boxes of arrowheads, given to him for the museum, tucked away. He also has artifacts on shelves: paint pots, peace pipes with and without the stems, tomahawk and war club heads, bowls and implements used for scraping hide. Jones said he’s happy to offer visitors a look at collector’s guides with photos and price guides of artifacts, as well as an original copy of a brochure that described the Creek Indian exhibits in a museum operated by the Holtville School District that he remembers visiting as a boy. Vintage items from his boyhood are the largest piece

of his third museum collection. In a small building, Jones has collected everything from clocks and watches to radios, from a German soldier’s helmet to his grandmother’s egg basket, which was hand-woven by his grandfather. He has butter churns, tools, post cards and framed newspaper pages and said he finds great happiness in watching the faces of people who come in and recognize something they had forgotten. “They say, ‘Oh, Mr. Gene, my mama had one of those,’ and they get tears in their eyes. That is the reason I collect,” Jones said.

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Tracing the Tallapoosa Representatives of the Oklahoma Muscogee Creek Nation float the Tallapoosa River to honor connection with ancestors

Story & Photos by Mitch Emmons 18

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John "John-John" Brown, Pogie Freeman, Charles Chambers, Andra Freeman and Cecelia Chalakee discuss the river's many uses by the Native Americans

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Sunrise on the river

A delegation from the Creek traditional dugout canoe on disThe Creeks conducted a Nation last month canoed an anplay there. The dugout is one of blessing ceremony cestral route along the Tallapoosa two such canoes that the Creeks River at Tallassee as part of a tour carved from a poplar tree cut from of historic sites in their native the banks of the Tallapoosa River homeland. as part of a special project in which “We made this a part of several the cut trees were taken from stops,” said John “John-John” Alabama to Oklahoma for the Brown, a special projects coordinacanoe building. The second canoe tor with the Cultural Center and remains with the Muscogee Nation Archives located at the Muscogee there, and the two serve as a symNation in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. bolic link between the Oklahoma The group’s ultimate destinaCreeks and their native Alabama. tion was Moundville, Alabama, “The canoe really is what drove where they participated in an anthe Tallapoosa River float,” said nual Native American festival and Charles Chambers, a resident competed in a traditional archery of the Red Hill Community in shoot. Elmore County and an avid Native Accompanying Brown were American history scholar. sisters Pogie and Andra Freeman, Chambers first met and was along with their mother, Cecelia Chalakee of Tulsa, Oklabefriended by the Oklahoma Creeks as a participant in the homa. dugout canoe project last year. “We shoot competitively using bows that we make in “Since they were bringing the canoe back to Alabama the traditional way,” Pogie Freeman said. to put it on display, and since they also were coming to The delegation also made a stop at Horseshoe Bend participate in the festival at Moundville, we talked and National Military Park at Daviston, Alabama, to see the decided that a float along the Tallapoosa following the his-

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Water spills over a dam along the Tallapoosa River

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The trip followed a route that the Creek ancestors used

toric route of their ancestors and traveling past significant centers of Creek culture would be a great thing to include in their trip.” “It really made the trip more special,” added Andra Freeman. “The river has always been central to Creek life,” said Brown. “The river gave us life – fish, game, many other things – and it served as major travel routes. The river is sacred.” The Oklahoma delegation floated a section of the river that is well known to local canoeists and kayakers. They put boats in the water at the public ramp at the falls, just behind the Caseworks plant on Highway 229 and took out about five hours later at the 229 Bridge. This part of the river flows gently with no whitewater, and it contains several sand bars that make good rest stops, depending on the water level. Due to the drought, the water was low on the day of the historic float, but the current was steady. At the beginning of the Tallapoosa River canoe float, the Oklahoma delegation conducted a ceremony blessing the river in their traditional way, speaking the words in the Muscogee language. “We do this because this is who we are,” Brown said. “We still are the Creek people. This is the home of our ancestors. This land and this river are sacred.” The trip began at about 7:30 a.m., and when the boats

were pulled from the water at about noon, the Friends of the Tuckabatchee Committee of the Talisi Historical Preservation Society had spread a table with lunch for the tour group. “We also have interest in the river cane that grows in abundance here,” Brown said. “The river cane is used as arrow shafts and the stalks are split to use in our traditional basket weaving.” Brown is an expert in and teaches the Creek traditional bow-making craft and skills. The Freeman sisters are traditional basket weavers. Brown said that keeping the Creek traditions and ways alive among the people is an important undertaking, but it is one that can be difficult to do. Before Alabama was even a part of the Mississippi Territory in the early frontier settlement and westward expansion of the United States, most of the land belonged to the Native American Muscogee (Creek) Confederacy. This powerful culture had thrived for hundreds of years in organized towns and villages that dotted the banks along Alabama’s rivers and streams. One of the four mother towns of the Creek Confederacy, Tuckabatchee spanned a broad flat overlooking the Tallapoosa River just outside of what today is the City of Tallassee. Laid out in a deliberate array of homes with courtyards, civic buildings and a central town square, Tuckabatchee was a metro-center of

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Creek society, rich in trade, travel, politics and all manner of cultural activities. From its overlook above the flowing waters of the Tallapoosa River, it remained a highly significant place in the lives of the Creek people until most were removed from the Southeast to the Oklahoma Territory in the 1830s. As European influx grew in America, so did the dilution of traditional Native American ways. White settlers and Native Americans intermarried. Cultures merged. Pure traditional ways became less prevalent, and with the War of 1812 and the Creek Indian War that waged as a part of that conflict along the western frontier of a young United States, the situation was more pronounced. Even the Creeks themselves, who were divided as Upper and Lower Creeks, were embroiled in their own politically driven civil war. Most Lower Creeks aligned with the American government and supported the adoption of new ways. Most Upper Creeks rejected American encroachment into their ancestral lands and hostilely resisted. Those Creeks that banned together to war against the American expansion became known as the “Red Sticks” because they adorned their war clubs and other symbols of battle with red paint. After General Andrew Jackson’s army of well-armed regular U.S. soldiers, frontier militia and Native American allies overwhelmingly defeated the determined but

out-numbered and lesser-armed Red Stick Creeks at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814, life for nearly all Native Americans in Alabama grew harder. By the 1830s – under the presidency of Jackson – the Indian Removal Bill was passed. Most of the Native American people living in the southeastern United States were forcibly removed to reservation lands in the Oklahoma Territory. This epic is known in the history books as the “Trail of Tears,” the name given to it by the victims because of the hardship and heartbreak endured. Brown and the Freemans are descendants of those Creeks who were removed from Alabama. To them, returning to their native home is significant and key in keeping their cultural traditions from becoming lost altogether. “Following removal, traditional ways were frowned upon, and the Creek people were discriminated against for participating in traditional ways,” Brown said. “Few things were written down. Because of that, many have been lost, including much of our language.” Representatives from the Muscogee Creeks in Oklahoma make pilgrimages like this one every year to keep the cultural traditions alive and to maintain the connection between the people and their ancestral grounds. The river remains a forever-flowing vein linking the people to the land.

The Friends of Tuckabatchee Committee of the Talisi Historical Preservation Society treated the visitors to lunch on the riverbank

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O! Christmas Tree Holiday trees are a year-round business for Wetumpka farmer

Story by Meghan Price Fuller Photos by Suellen Young

Trees are trimmed to help them maintain their classic shape

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isiting Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm is not simply a visit; it’s an experience. It’s an experience that owner Frank Wadsworth and his family have carefully cultivated over the past 37 years on his 10-acre farm just a few miles north of Wetumpka. Wadsworth began growing Christmas trees in 1976 when his father-in-law gave him 2,000 Virginia pines. He had little idea at the time what kind of maintenance the trees required, but gazing out across his farm and talking to him today, that might be difficult to believe. The official opening day for the Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm is the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 25th, and according to Wadsworth, that’s when customers begin asking one of their most popular questions, “What do you do the rest of the year?” He emphasized that Christmas tree farming is a year-around process, consisting of numerous time-consuming tasks. Planting begins early in the year, typically during January or February. Then by late March or early April, the grass is thriving and requires weekly mowing. Wadsworth and his staff give the trees a major shearing, or pruning, at least twice a year, and the initial shearing occurs during the spring. The second shearing of the trees occurs during the late summer, usually in August. “Many people think that Christmas trees naturally assume their filled-in symmetry, but, like kids, trees need discipline or else they will grow wild,” he said. In addition to giving the trees a couple of “haircuts” to keep them looking their best, the farm staff members spray herbicide three to four times a year to control weed growth. They also apply fungicide around the

trees about five times during the summer to prevent potential damage. Perhaps it is surprising that these trees require little to no fertilizer. The Christmas tree farm sprawls across old farmland, and sandy loam soil makes up its fields. This type of soil is ideal for the growth and maintenance of the trees, Wadsworth said. Most of the trees are sold right there on the farm. These include three types of cypress trees (Leyland, Murray and Arizona), along with Eastern red The bonfire area sits cedars and Virginia at the base of the Big Tree pines. Wadsworth supplements the Southerngrown varieties with two other kinds of trees, Fraser firs and Black Hill spruces from North Carolina and Michigan, where the lower temperatures better suit their cultivation. Depending on the tree type, desired size and environmental conditions, most trees are ready to sell after four to five years, but some can grow as long as 10 years before they’re available for purchase. The Fraser firs and Black Hill spruces from the North tend to take longer to reach marketable heights than the trees that are grown locally. In pricing the inventory, Wadsworth said he takes into consideration many factors, including the age, size, type of tree and, most importantly, the quality of the tree. He employs an easy-to-use pricing system that includes tagging each tree with a colored ribbon that corresponds to a specific price. The most common prices of his trees range from $30 to $95, but they could run higher if the trees are 10 feet tall or larger. The advantages to choosing real trees over artificial are several, Wadsworth said. “Real trees are recyclable,” he explained. Real trees could be used to create mulch, for example, or they can be dropped into a water source as fish habi-

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The wagon carries families into the field to find their trees

tat. In addition to offering cut trees, Wadsworth also sells live trees that can be planted after the Christmas season and enjoyed for years to come. But the most important advantage, he said, is the experience of getting the tree. It’s the hayride around the farm with the whole family, the careful selection of that perfect tree, the hot cocoa sipped around the bonfire and the time spent with family and friends that makes a real tree special. Local schoolchildren travel to the Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm each year to select trees for their classrooms, enjoy a hayride on the North Pole Wagon and listen to a story around the bonfire. Wadsworth said that he knows he’s getting old when someone who came to the farm on a fieldtrip as a child shows up as an adult with his or her own family to select a holiday tree. Despite returning customers being an everpresent reminder of his age, he knows they’re the ones creating and continuing the season’s best-loved traditions. He’s in the business of memories, after all, and that, he said, makes labor-intensive care of the trees worth every ounce of effort. Customers also can choose a bucket tree, which can be replanted

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The price of each tree depends on its size

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Paragon is the game everyone’s talking about recently. The video game takes the foundation laid by titles such as DOTA, League of Legends and Smite, and delivers a profound experience. Developed and published by the illustrious Epic Games, Paragon features a garrison of 24 characters that grows every three weeks. In addition to an ever-expanding group of heroes, Paragon is still in a testing period known as a “beta.” During this time, the game isn’t technically finished, but it’s free for all to play until its kinks are worked out. Currently, you can play Paragon on either the PlayStation 4 or PC platforms. It’s a gorgeous game, and you’ll need a pretty powerful rig to take it on if you want to get the full experience. It’s completely worth the monetary sacrifice, as Epic Games has created a game that takes the best of all creations within the genre, combining them into one ambitious title that’s improving with each new patch. Given the game’s dynamic nature, shifting character roster and in-beta status, there isn’t a definitive list of the best characters with which you can play. One conclusion we came to was that Paragon comes equipped with a pantheon of heroes that are extremely well balanced. Some are certainly more powerful than others, but with some skill and dedication, any character can be a deadly force on the battlefield. Let’s take a look: Iggy and Scorch aren’t the best when doing battle

with enemy heroes, but beware – leave this duo alone and you’re liable to pay in dire consequence. Iggy and Scorch are some of the best lane-pushers in Paragon, and they can kill minions with reckless abandon. With the first phase of many Paragon matches usually reaching the 20-minute mark, Iggy and Scorch are always a solid choice, even among professional players. Murdock is one of the best-ranged characters in the game for his ability to clear waves of enemy minions with ease. He has strong basic attack power and skills that give him the ability to deal damage to multiple enemies at once. In addition, Murdock has some very good evasive tactics, allowing him to escape from scenarios, which other ranged characters might be unable to do. Extremely weak early on, Kallari makes up for her failings in the later portions of the game. She’s an assassin who can take enemies out before they know what’s happening. With high mobility and ability power, Kallari falls short in the durability area. If a surprise attack is stunted or she’s compromised elsewhere, her efficiency in killing enemies falls drastically; however, she’s one of the best characters in late-game skirmishes, which helps to push her higher on our list. Feng Mao’s a true terror on the battlefield, with a basic attack power that can make even the most stalwart and armored brutes run screaming. If that wasn’t enough, his ultimate ability can put an end to nearly

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any hero in front of him. He’s also very mobile, making it easy for him to capture fleeing enemies. He falls just short of greatness for his lack of crowd control abilities. Muriel falls into rare company with a skill set that chooses power over variance. She’s a ranged support character with abilities allowing her to make allies stronger. At high levels of play, she can singlehandedly dominate zones and destroy towers before the other team can respond. She’s also adept in team fights, oftentimes swaying the battle in favor of whichever team she’s on through her arsenal of strengthening abilities. An extremely unique character, Gadget uses her skills to control areas and avoid damage. She can place robots to cordon off zones, making it hard for the enemies to navigate the map. She can be hard to utilize in team fights, but her elusiveness almost always keeps her controller far from harm. Her skills are also optimized for range, making her a poignant threat from afar. Sevarog is another highly agile tank; he can move quickly and take an extraordinary amount of damage. In the early portions of a game, Sevarog is a decent match against any opponent; in the later ones, he can cleave opponents away from their allies. Sevarog is also a good choice for players wanting to step away from the lanes and into the arena’s

“jungle,” as his abilities can sustain him without support from allies. Perhaps the best ambush-type character in Paragon right now, Grux comes equipped with an armory of skills that make him a nightmare on the battlefield. While he’s a good choice for lane play, Grux shines mostly when making plays across the map. He can surprise most characters and win fairly easily, making him an absolute machine. When his strength as a solo hero is combined with another ally, opponents have almost no chance of leaving the arena alive. Dekker’s label as a support character can be deceiving. She’s got a stun ability that’s hard to hit but pays in dividends when it lands. She can make minions and allied heroes stronger as well. Dekker is frequently utilized by elite Paragon players for her abilities to deal damage, disrupt enemy activity and improve allies’ stats. One of the best tanks – and overall characters – in Paragon, Rampage comes equipped with a number of impressive stats. In addition to being a defensive bulwark for the team, he’s also extremely agile. Most video games rarely include a hybrid character such as Rampage. He can tear enemies away from fragile damage-doers while inflicting frightening injury upon them, which makes him one of the most frequently high-ranking characters in Paragon.

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Jacob Saylor

THE GAMER Video games journalist

Jacob Saylor has covered the massive

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles. Follow Jacob on Twitter @skulldrey.

Give the gift of movies As the holiday season is now upon us, here are a few suggestions to add to your Christmas shopping list for the movie lover in your life. These films have already arrived or will arrive in the home video market in the coming weeks: Finding Dory – Walt Disney/Pixar’s sequel/spinoff to 2003’s Finding Nemo has already achieved megablockbuster status in theatres, grossing over $1 billion worldwide and will likely surpass that amount in home video sales. Ellen DeGeneres lends her voice once again in the further adventures of amnesiac fish Dory. The perfect stocking stuffer for kids (and adults) of all ages! The Secret Life of Pets – Illumination Entertainment produced this box office winner, a computer animated delight featuring a dream cast of vocal talents, including Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet and Kevin Hart. Jason Bourne – This summer blockbuster featured Matt Damon’s return to the role in this fifth film in the Bourne series and the sequel to the 2012 film, The Bourne Legacy. Though Damon has not played Bourne since 2007, he, along with co-stars Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander and Julia Stiles, overcame mixed reviews to make this one of the biggest box office winners in recent months. The BFG – Based on the novel by celebrated author Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), directed and produced by the iconic Steven Spielberg and written for the screen by Melissa Mathison (E.T.); I predicted prior to its release that this fantasy adventure would be a “can’t miss proposition.” Unfortunately, The BFG proved to be the rare box office disappointment for Spielberg, but that should not dissuade you from seeking out this charming film as a potential holiday gift. Florence Foster Jenkins – One of my favorite films of 2016, this is a biographical account of a New York

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heiress who became an opera singer in spite of her excruciating lack of singing ability. In the title role, Meryl Streep will likely garner another well-deserved Oscar nomination. The cast also includes marvelous support from Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg and Rebecca Ferguson, all under the skilled direction of Stephen Frears. Perhaps for that perfect gift for the movie lover, you may want to surprise them with tickets to the local multiplex to enjoy some of these movies arriving between now and the end of the year: Allied – The trailers for this upcoming romantic true story, featuring screen heartthrob Brad Pitt and the luminous Oscar winner Marion Cotillard and director Robert Zemeckis, promise box office gold. Hollywood insiders are concerned that the “Brangelina” divorce scandal could have an impact on the film. Stay tuned. Moana – The buzz is strong for this computer animated treat featuring “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson as one of the vocal leads. The film’s songs were co-written by LinManuel Miranda, the same guy who was responsible for the wildly successful musical Hamilton that has taken Broadway by storm. Rules Don’t Apply – Eighteen years have passed since screen legend Warren Beatty has graced us with a movie, so it is understandable that anticipation is high in this upcoming effort in which he serves as star, director and producer. As always, Beatty knows how to assemble a top notch cast, and Rules Don’t Apply features a winning ensemble, including Beatty, Annette Bening, Matthew Broderick, Alec Baldwin and Candice Bergen. Three key elements of the film are 1950s Hollywood, romance and Howard Hughes. Enjoy! LaLa Land – This modern day musical is set in Los Angeles and stars the appealing screen duo of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Many are excited about the Gosling and Stone screen reunion in that they garnered much critical acclaim for their romantic antics in 2011’s Crazy, Stupid, Love, as well as 2013’s Gangster Squad. The Oscar buzz is at fever pitch for this eagerly awaited film. Miss Sloane – If recent events have not

provided you with enough Washington political intrigue, this power packed drama is just the ticket. Veteran director John Madden and the dynamic Jessica Chastain have combined forces for this riveting film. Mark Strong, John Lithgow and Sam Waterston round out the cast. Star Wars: Rogue One – Last year, Star Wars: The Force Awakens blasted off to extraordinary box office receipts and enthusiastic response from both audiences and critics. Expect more of the same with the release of this next installment that is centered on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. This surefire blockbuster is the first standalone Star Wars Anthology film. Collateral Beauty – In the past few years, Will Smith movies released during the Christmas season have proven a mixed bag, as evidenced by successes (Seven Pounds), mild disappointments (Concussion) and resounding flops (After Earth). Surely, this inspirational drama with an extraordinary ensemble cast, including Smith, Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, Edward Norton, Michael Peña and Naomie Harris, will live up to the “beauty” in its title and not be an “ugly duckling” at the holiday box office. Passengers – Columbia Pictures is releasing this futuristic science fiction adventure with box office golden children Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. An intriguing premise and early buzz could make this a solid box office winner. Fences – Based on August Wilson’s award winning play, this long-awaited film version is directed by Denzel Washington, who also stars along with celebrated actress Viola Davis. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, Denzel, in the lead role of a former baseball star who has lost his way in life, may place yet another Academy Award on his mantel. Have I provided enough items to your holiday movie gift guide? Whether you seek out recently released DVDs or Blu-rays or provide tickets for upcoming releases at the local multiplex, it is important to note that movies provide hours of enjoyment and fond memories far beyond the gift giving experience. In the weeks ahead, have a wonderful and memorable holiday season!

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Jeff Langham

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

Governmental Affairs and a lifelong lover of film.

How not to have a Christmas heart attack Amanda Hannon

COMMUNITY CARE

Amanda Hannon is marketing director

at ivy healthcare and is

working to-

ward her business degree

at Faulkner university.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the state of Alabama, and during the holiday season death rates from heart attack and stroke spike. According the American Heart Association, 80 percent of heart attacks are preventable; therefore, it is necessary to know the risk factors; check blood pressure; know cholesterol numbers; get plenty of exercise; maintain a healthy weight; follow a healthy diet; and manage stress levels. Heart attacks are on the increase during the holiday season; research concludes that several factors come into play, such as cold weather and influenza. Cold weather can constrict arteries and increase demand on the heart. The flu season coincides with the winter holiday, and influenza is a known heart stressor. There is no doubt the holiday season is a stressful time. Most people are faced with many extra demands on their time and pocketbooks; it is no wonder that health concerns are often ignored and doctors’ visits delayed by those symptomatic of heart trouble. Another variable could be the hectic nature of the season, which can cause people to forget to take their statins and blood thinners. Another risk factor during the holiday season is excessive use of alcohol, which has a known toxic effect on the heart muscle. Heart related deaths increase 5 percent during the holiday season, according to the Journal of Circulation, and fatal heart attacks peak on Christmas Day, the day after Christmas and New Years Day. Some researchers believe this could be due to smoking, alcohol consumption, holiday stress and delays in getting medical check-ups. People tend to ignore themselves during the holiday season and tend to overeat and overdo things and ignore the warning signs their bodies send them. Some symptoms that may be easily ignored are abdominal or chest discomfort. People often think they think have indigestion from overeating, acid reflux or heartburn. Another

symptom is a feeling of chest pressure that has been described as feeling like an elephant sitting on the chest. Anyone who has symptoms of heart attack should be safe and get medical attention as quickly as possible. There are some preventive measures that could ensure good health and a happy holiday season. n Remember to keep warm and avoid exposure to very cold temperatures. Cold temperatures constrict the blood vessels, could cause blood clots and increase blood pressure. n Get a flu shot. Infections and fever are heart stressors. The flu tends to spike during holiday season, usually due to being around more crowds and attending social gatherings. n Manage stress and anger. Easy stress management techniques include taking deep breaths and getting enough sleep. Limit alcohol and caffeine, which have been known to worsen anxiety. n Seek medical help. If you are not feeling well or are having shortness of breath, chest pains or hot or cold sweaty sensations, get help. These could be signs that you need immediate medical attention. n Finally, celebrate in moderation. It is so easy to binge-eat or overindulge in alcohol consumption, but these two factors could increase the risk for heart attack. Most importantly, if you are having symptoms of heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately to get the medical attention you need. Time is muscle; the longer there is restricted flow of coronary blood flow, the more damage there is to the heart muscle. If you live in Elmore County and need immediate medical attention call 911 or go the emergency room. The ER is open 24/7 with a physician on staff at all times. The staff of Ivy Creek Health Care wishes you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, wishing good health for you and your family in 2017.

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A Tale of Embezzlement The First National Bank of Tallassee After the 1915 fire in block two of downtown Tallassee, a third bank was chartered and opened. It was The First National Bank of Tallassee and was located at the east corner of Barnett Boulevard and Sistrunk Street. Today, the location is 201 Barnett Blvd., where the Tallassee Falls Museum is located. In 1930, it went bankrupt, and its president, Emmett Andrew Cox (1885-1940), and cashier, Charles Forest Fincher Sr. (1897-1965), were arrested and charged with embezzling a total of $250,856.07 from the bank. Their signatures appeared on all of the national bank notes issued by The First National Bank of Tallassee, Charter No. 10766. They were arrested by federal officers on warrants sworn out by E. F. Anderson of Tallassee after an examination of the bank’s records. Cox was charged with making false entries in accounts with Fourth National Bank of Montgomery, Alabama, and Citizens and Southern National Bank of Atlanta, Georgia. He also was charged with embezzling approximately $145,474. Fincher was accused of making false entries and embezzling $105,381. On Saturday, Nov. 14, 1930, Cox and Fincher entered pleas of guilty to violating the National Banking Act in the United States District Court in Montgomery and were sentenced to four years each in the federal penitentiary in Atlanta. Between 1863 and 1935, national banks were chartered by the United States in all 48 states and territories. National banks were considered more secure and prestigious than state banks. More than 12,000 national banks were authorized to issue national bank notes. These bank notes were U.S. currency and were usually backed by United States bonds, which the bank deposited with the U.S. Treasury.

In addition, national banks were required to keep a redemption fund of 5 percent of any outstanding note balance in gold or “lawful money.” The banks could then issue bank notes worth up to 90 percent of the value of the bonds. National bank notes were retired as a currency by the U.S. government in the 1930s during the Great DepresBill Goss sion. These notes are still legal tender today. BACK IN All national bank notes are very collectible. The THE DAY photocopy of the July 14, 1915, $5 note, pictured with this story, was given to the author by a TalTallassee's lassee doctor who collects them. He owns several bill goss has original Tallassee notes. been writing The First National Bank of Tallassee printed historical $309,800 of national currency. This was the accounts for standard output. area magazines During its 16 since 2003. years of operation, the First National Bank of Tallassee issued six different denominations of national currency. It printed 5,698 sheets of 1902 blue seal national bank notes of $5 with President Benjamin Harrison on the front. It issued 3,508 sheets of 1902 blue seal national bank notes of $10 with a portrait of President William McKinley on them. The Tallassee bank also printed 3,508 sheets of $20 1902 blue seal national bank notes. And it issued 366 sheets of Type 1 1929 national bank notes of $5 with a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. To get the actual number of bank notes printed for each denomination, multiply it by six. Most banks never printed $50 and $100 national bank notes. There were other national banks in the River Region, including The First National Bank of Alexander City, The First National Bank of Wetumpka, The First National Bank of Prattville, The First National Bank of Goodwater, The First National Bank of Auburn and The First National Bank of Opelika.

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An Eclectic Christmas An Eclectic Ministry invites everyone to experience the joy of Christmas as they present the ninth annual An Eclectic Christmas Dec. 1-10. On an outdoor walking trail, guests will become part of the live drama set during the time of the Roman Empire. Guests will hear the decree issued that all must be counted in the census. They will visit the field where shepherds received the angel’s news of the Messiah, visit the wise men who were in search of the newborn King, then make their way to Bethlehem where they will encounter the live Nativity.

Admission is free for the walking tours that will take place at the Falk Farm, located just south of Eclectic on U.S. Highway 63 at 1733 Claude Rd. Tours begin at 6 p.m. and run in 15-minute increments until approximately 8:30 p.m. Handicap accessible tours are offered at the 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. time slots. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 334-578-4846, by emailing reservations@aneclecticministry.org or by visiting www.aneclecticministry.org.

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OUT & ABOUT

5 4

Angel Fest

St. Michael and All Angels, Millbrook October 15, 2016 1. Trey and Lisa Dunn, Jessie Knight, Jacob Dunn and Teri Wilson 2. David Daniel, Jim Freeney and Karen Daniel 3. Goheun Suh and Jin Park

4. River Grace Stewart and Melissa Stewart 5. Chance, Antionio, Brayden, Jacob and Tommy 6. Sylvia McGowin and Lisa Hunter 7. Elizabeth Crouse, Denise Allen and Johann Rathbun 8. Judy Roberts, Joanna Speigner and Adalie Paulene 9. Sunny and Kerry Stanfield and Elaina

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OUT & ABOUT

Eclectic Cotton Festival, Downtown Eclectic October 29, 2016 1. Janice Keaton, Sandra Adams and Olive 2. Iris Doris, Jason and Simon Donath, Robert Tucker and Chico 3. Steve and Vanessa Powers and Chrys and Robert Bowdens 4. Jesse Harper and Bernard Jones 5. Brandon, Caitlin and Callie Wright 6. Caleb and Eli Green

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OUT & ABOUT

Dam Century Ride Tallassee Chamber of Commerce October 15, 2016

1. Bishop Adolphus Gauntt 2. Katrina Raiford 3. Dustin Funderburk, Whitney Hester, Stephanie Weldon and Victoria Suggs 4. Jerry Cunningham, Karen Stankard and Dana Alexander 5. Laura Leigh, Bentleigh and Kaden Peters 6. Michael Morgan 7. Eric Blair, Don Bridgers and Richard Niepo 8. Raymond Butler 9. Cecil Hollinquest, Drew Griggs, Doc Ferguson, Jaleel Dumas, Travon Skipper, Zachary Ware, Mintuez Greer, Joshua Griffin, Dorian Williams, Tyler Winchester, Lincoln Oliver and Eric Randolph Jr.

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OUT & ABOUT

Fall Break Art Lesson Jasmine Hill Art Studio September 29, 2016 1. Anslee Krauter 2. Jenna Wood 3. Alyssa Huggins 4. Harlie Barrett 5. Gracie Thornton 6. Sarah Kate Morgan and Cali Saunders

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OUT & ABOUT

Wetumpka Candy Walk, Dowtown Wetumpka October 25, 2016 1. Karlee Sheffield, Kitti Lynn Vanostrand, Joshua and

Kynsleigh Farris 2. Rachel and Grayson Huggins 3. Emmett and Natalie Collins 4. Nora Thames, Gracie Hepburn and Lily Thames 5. Shakira, Amaizya and William Brooks II 6. Jenna, Billy and Dorothy Lewis 7. Estrella Campos, Alana Brown and Asher and Kim Fulmer

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OUT & ABOUT 3

BooFest, Millbrook October 29, 2016 1. Amanda, Colson and Logan Johnston and Shari Staton 2. Jennifer, Bret, Quinn and Camille Cofer 3. Kyion Young, Amiya Thomas, Shyniya Thomas, Kamori

Gipson, Malachi Hollinghead and Talmia Young 4. Liam Harris and Peyton and Taylor Brown 5. Brandon, Jack, Madeline and Mandy Garrett 6. Trey Wall and Crystal and Corabeth Taylor 7. Danny and Ashley Smedley and Kaylee 8. Crystal, Zoey and Zachary Lee

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Now thru Jan. 20 America the Beautiful Exhibit

Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery proudly presents this photographic celebration of America’s places, faces and activities, featuring the works of several local photographers. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 408 S. Main St., Wetumpka. For information, visit thekelly.org or email thekelly36092@gmail.com.

Nov. 19 Third Annual Christmas Faire

Alabama River Region Arts Center will host a juried arts and crafts show for local artists to show and sell their works from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Only handmade items will be displayed and sold at this show, located at 300 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka. For information or to reserve booth space, contact Marilyn at 334-324-3614.

Nov. 19 Turkey Shoot

Red Hill Community Club will host a turkey shoot fundraiser from 10 a.m. until noon to raise funds for building renovation and maintenance. For information, visit www. redhillcommunityclub.com.

Nov. 25-27 Christmas at Crossroads

hem, a glorious choir of angels that appear on the hillside, a village street and a humble stable. More than 200 volunteers take part in this incredible show that transforms a rural Elmore County pasture into the historic setting of Christ’s birth. Event takes place at the Falk Farm, 1733 Claude Road, Eclectic. Donations are welcome to help with expenses, and handicapped visitors can be accommodated at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Visit www.aneclecticministry.org. For reservations, call 334-578-4846 or email reservations@aneclecticministry.org.

Dec. 1 Spirit of Christmas in Millbrook

The City of Millbrook’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on the Village Green. There will be caroling, a live Nativity and refreshments for sale in addition to the lighting of the tree.

Dec. 2-3 Tallassee Christmas Kick-off

Join this annual holiday event at Tallassee Veterans Park in front of city hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Kids will give their Christmas lists to Santa from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and shop at the holiday vendor booths from noon until 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday. And don’t miss the Christmas parade at 10 a.m. For information or to enter the parade ($10 charge), contact the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce at 334-283-5151.

Enjoy a weekend-long opening of the Christmas Season. Shop the Company Store for Christmas gifts from Cloud Nine and hand crafted items created by local artisans. Stop in at Catherine’s Market for discounts and giveaways. Bring the entire family to admire the town decorations and revel in the Christmas spirit while shopping the arts and crafts from local and regional artisans at the Holiday Market at The Stables. Santa arrives in town to see all the boys and girls, too. For information or to register as a vendor, call 256.794.1397 or visit www.russellcrossroads.com.

The theme for this year’s Spirit of Christmas Parade in Millbrook is “An Old Fashioned Christmas.” Senior citizens will be the grand marshals for this year’s event, which starts at 2 p.m. at the sportplex behind Smokehouse Bar-B-Q and ends at City Hall. For parade entry or vendor booth information, call Kathy Kelley at 334-322-9871 or call Barb or Linda at 334-85-7231.

Dec. 1-10 An Eclectic Christmas

Dec. 3 Christmas Open House

Admission is free, but reservations are suggested for this annual Nativity event that draws thousands to Eclectic each year. The tour, accompanied by Roman soldiers on horseback, includes a visit to a peasant cottage enroute to Bethle-

Dec. 3 Millbrook Christmas Parade

A Christmas open house will be provided by merchants in the Town of Eclectic beginning at 11:00 a.m. The traditional Christmas parade will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree.

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Dec. 3-4 Jingle Arrgh the Way!

Wetumpka Depot will present Jingle Arrgh the Way!, a show specifically staged to present Christmas fun for all your Wee Pirates.

Dec. 8 Wetumpka Tree Lighting

Santa will be available for photos at 5 p.m. at Gold Star Park, and the annual lighting of the City of Wetumpka Christmas Tree will take place at 6 p.m. For details, visit www. cityofwetumpka.com.

until 6 p.m. at Gold Star Park, and the car show from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Then, line up along the parade route for the 2 p.m. street parade. Santa will ski in for the fireworks show at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.cityofwetumpka.com.

Dec. 13-18 Cinnamon Grits: Christmas in the South

Tree lighting ceremonies are scheduled across the county through the first week of December

It’s holiday fun with this companion piece to last season’s Grits: The Musical. That’s Girls Raised in the South, y’all, with a little cinnamon Christmas seasoning. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 15-17 and 2 p.m. Dec. 18 at Wetumpka Depot Theatre.

Dec. 8 Music of the Season

Under the direction of Mr. Jerry Cunningham, local singers present a program of Christmas and seasonal musical selections. Choral, ensemble, and solo pieces will be included, all guaranteed to get you in the mood of the season. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Tallassee High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and can be purchase at the door. For information, contact Mona Mills at 334-201-4892.

Dec. 12 Community Christmas Party

The Red Hill community will celebrate the season at 6 p.m. at the Red Hill Community Club, 3554 Red Hill Road, Tallassee. For information, visit www. redhillcommunityclub. com.

Dec. 31 Wetumpka New Year’s Eve Celebration

Dec. 10 Tallassee Farmers Market

Visit the Tallassee Farmers Market on City Hall grounds for Christmas sweets and treats. Call the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce for information at 334-283-5151.

Dec. 10 Christmas on the Coosa

The annual Christmas event kicks off with the Character Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. There will be arts and crafts on display and available for purchase from 10 a.m.

Shower in the new year with the Strike of Wetumpka’s Meteor! The celebration will begin with POW/MIA recognition at the Old Elmore County Courthouse. At 9:30 p.m., behind the Wetumpka Civic Center, Shawn Singleton with DJG Entertainment will entertain the crowd with a variety of tunes from all genres. Then, at 11:59 p.m., the countdown will begin for the midnight Meteor Strike and Fireworks, sponsored by Wind Creek Wetumpka, to start the New Year with a bang.

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Business & Service Directory Tail’s End Thrift Store Great Deals on Clothing for the whole family. New & unique housewares every week.

ADOPT • DONATE • VOLUNTEER

BARGAINS ON NICE KIDS CLOTHES AND FALL DECOR

NEW FACILITY COMING SOON

The Humane Society Of Elmore County

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

334-567-7811 Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic

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

Prattville

Publix – Cobbs Ford Road

Slapout

Lake Martin

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

Millbrook

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

Russell Lands Russell Marine Nail’s Cotton’s BBQ

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

Montgomery

Publix – Atlanta Highway

Wetumpka

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

Tallassee

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

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

Our Advertisers • To Join, Call 334-567-7811 City of Wetumpka......................................................................................................................2 Collier Ford...................................................................................................................................7 Community Hospital................................................................................................................3 Jackson Thornton....................................................................................................................4 5 Jeffcoat Funeral Home.............................................................................................................5 Karen's Mane Tamers.............................................................................................................4 4 Kowaliga Whole Health.........................................................................................................4 4 Lake Martin Mini Mall...................................................................................................................... 4 7 Mark's Service Center.........................................................................................................................7 Russell Lands on Lake Martin...................................................................................................... 4 8 Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC...............................................................................................7 The Humane Society of Elmore County..........................................................................4 4

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

Part 2: Thanksgiving Gravy

Holiday yumminess for your table It’s here! The most wonderful time of the crusty bits left in the pan. Pour off most of year! The holiday most focused around food, the fat. Then while the pan is hot, add a cup and my favorite food at that. Ah, Thanksgiving. or so of the stock and swirl and scrape up the Turkey, gratitude and our annual tussle over yummy bits. Pour it all back in the pot with iconic dishes. the other stock. Last month, This step is a little Gravy Recipe I implored you tricky with the M.K. Moore (Makes four cups, can be doubled) – unashamedly hot pan and all, SOUTHERN 4 cups turkey stock begged you – to but so worth it to DELIGHTS 4 tablespoons flour make turkey stock get the last bit of 1 tablespoon soy sauce yumminess from Mary Kather- for one of the most Salt and pepper important, yet that turkey you ine Moore is 1 tablespoon sherry (optional) overlooked, dishes slaved over so an Alabama on the Thanksgivlong. State Fair Reserve 1/2 cup stock. Heat remaining stock ing table. And as In a jar with a pepper jelly in large sauce pan; add turkey pan drippings. lid, add the flour champion, has promised, I will Combine reserve stock with flour in jar; shake give you the gravy and 1/2 cup of butchered a well. Whisk flour mixture into hot stock and let recipe, complete the stock. Shake wild hog in simmer until thick. Add soy sauce and salt/pepwith secret ingreuntil you have a her kitchen per to taste. Add sherry or other spirit if desired. dient. slurry. Don’t skip and grows Serve hot. Before we get to this step, as this heirloom tothe recipe, here are is the secret to matoes in her a few notes. Make lump-free gravy. backyard. more gravy than you think you need. A conser- And please no cornstarch. Save that for pie. vative estimate is that each diner will use about With the stock at a simmer, whisk in the 1/4 cup of gravy. I think that is on the low side, slurry. Keep whisking until the gravy starts to especially when counting second helpings, thicken. Do not boil it. Just a gentle simmer will leftover hot open-faced turkey sandwiches and do. And stop with the whisk and use a spoon sopping up gravy with a roll. The recipe can be once the flour slurry is incorporated. You don’t easily doubled. want to whip in any air. Make sure the gravy is hot. Like hot hot. Hot Now add the secret ingredient. Soy Sauce. gravy will hot up the turkey and dressing that I kid you not. This gives the gravy a deep, may have been at room temperature during salty flavor that no mere sprinkle of salt can the putting final dishes on the table, rounding give. Now taste. Add more salt if needed and up the kids and figuring out who is saying the a couple grinds of pepper. I usually add a blessing. teaspoon of sherry at this point, too. Keep the You made your stock right? If you did and gravy cooking at the lowest heat until after the have it frozen, take it out of the freezer and pop blessing. It needs about 20 minutes. Then pour it in the fridge for a few days before the big into a heated gravy boat. Or a bowl. With a day. straw ’cause people will want to suck it up. What!? You didn’t make stock!? I’m rollIf you must add giblets and eggs, have them ing my eyes here, but OK. Get out your cans pre-cooked, chopped and ready to go. Add of broth and get it in a pot cooking with the them right before serving. This is what I do turkey neck, onion and celery. You are going to to keep the peace. And know that I am gratewant at least 4 cups. ful for every Thanksgiving dinner I have ever Once your turkey is out of the oven, move spent with family and friends. Even with two that bad boy to a platter or cutting board dressings, two cranberry sauces and two grabecause you are going to want the delicious vies, there is always room at the table for more.

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BLACK FRIDAY SALE! NOVEMBER 27TH

10 % Off Everything In Store!

We Believe in Quality Products & Service Wed.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 9-4 • Sun. 1-5 • Closed Mon. & Tues. 7995 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 • 334.857.3900 www.LakeMartinMiniMall.com ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Memorable occasions at our place or yours Make an iMpressiOn.

catherine’s Market, kOwaliga, and springhOuse offer an enticing array of catering options sure tO leave their Mark On yOur cOrpOrate event , private dinner , Or lavish hOliday party . Holiday parties and dinners h Intimate in-home gatherings h Personal celebrations Business breakfasts, lunches or meetings h Private chefs at your location h Your venue or ours We’ll take care of the details, so you don’t have to.

Our catering planners are at yOur fingertips. Just cOntact us, and we’ll help yOu

make your occasion one to remember.

Contact: Vicki Shamblin

256.215.7070

www.CatherinesAtCrossroads.com 48

Contact: Caitlin Grace 256.215.7080

www.SpringHouseAtCrossroads.com ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Contact: Stacey Jones 256.215.7035 www.KowaligaRestaurant.com