tallassee quarterly

Vol. 1. Issue 1Vol. 1. Issue 1 1st Quarter 20141st Quarter 2014

"The Treasure on the Tallapoosa.""The Treasure on the Tallapoosa."Tallassee is a historic town with a hometown

atmosphere - but a growing town in south central Alabama.It is strategically located 10 minutes from I-85, 20 minutes toAuburn and the State Capitol in Montgomery. Tallassee is theindustrial core of Elmore County. Our Public City SchoolSystem continually outranks all neighboring systems.

The natural resources are bountiful with the Tallapoosariver running through the heart of the City. Lake Martin is inthe backyard of Tallassee. Hunting, fishing, and all types ofoutdoor activities are easily accessible. Opportunities fordevelopment on the riverfront are outstanding.

The historic millsites provide a base which couldinclude a new museum, walking paths, restoration of the oldbridge and much more. Tallassee is truly a treasure for its residents and vistors.

Come visit. We think you will want to stay a while.Come visit. We think you will want to stay a while.

TallasseeTallasseeChamber Chamber

of Commerceof Commerce

Published by Alabama Gazette Publishing, LLC12 East Jefferson StreetMontgomery, Alabama 36104www.alabamagazette.com

Printed by: Publications Press

Tallassee, alabamaSouthgate to Lake MartinSouthgate to Lake Martin

The Tallassee QuarterlyThe Tallassee Quarterly

Photo by Jo Oswald

Photo by Jo Oswald

2 Tallassee Quarterly 1st Quarter

Welcome...Tallassee – noted as the “Treasure

on the Tallapoosa” – is a real gem, offering its residents and visitors aunique small-town flavor full of friendlyneighbors and true southern hospitality.This east-central alabama city of just over 13,000overlooks the shimmering waters of the Tallapoosa river,

with a position approximately 30 miles from thebig cities of montgomery and auburn, and justtwo hours from birmingham and atlanta,Georgia.

The Tallassee area is a great place for people of all ages and in all stages of life.Families revel in the availability of a first-class education through Tallassee City Schools,and retirees take pleasure in home options and range of leisure activities. The city alsofeatures an award-winning hospital, an active civic and spiritual community, modernbusiness sites and a rich heritage, as seen through many well-maintained historic sites.Plus, its location, coupled with an appealing year-round climate, gives way to exceptionalrecreational opportunities. In addition to the river, the Tallassee area boasts three sparklinglakes, many parks, an active Parks & Recreation Department and a nationally renownedmotocross park.

All in all, Tallassee is a place where one can enjoy itsquaint charm, complete with familiar faces around every corner,and where one can visit the hustle and bustle of surroundingcities and come home to a quiet and relaxing evening withfamily. So come and experience for yourself the welcomingand laid-back Southern lifestyle discovered here – who knows,you may never want to leave!

TallasseeTallasseeChamber Chamber

of Commerceof Commerce

Calendar of upcoming events

BEN ATKINSON MOTORSBEN ATKINSON MOTORSHwy. 14 - 1618 Gilmer AvenueTallassee, Al 36078 Toll Free: 800-255-5650

650 Gilmer avenue Tallassee, al 36078

334-283-515

AnnualFather/Daughter Dance

February 22 6pm-9pm - Tal la ssee High SchoolProceeds go to Mt. Vernon Theater Restoration

Sponsored by Communit y Development Corporation

Contact : Laurie Rygiel - 334- 233-3792

sPOrTs reGisTraTiOns

Tallassee recreation Department334-283-4726

softball - February 7th, 6pm-8pmrec. CenterFebruary 8th, 8am-1pm,rec. Center

T-ball - February 24 - march 14,rec. Center

baseball - January 31, 6-8 pm,THs Field HouseFebruary 1, 1-4 pm,THs Field HouseFebruary 8, 1-8pm,THs Field

FebruaryFebruary 1 - Chamber of Commerce annual banquet

6pm Tallassee elementary schoolspeaker: roger Holliday, VicePresident, russell landsContact Chaamber Office for Details

marCHmarch 1 - annual arbor Day Tree Give away

7:30 am - Tallassee Welcome Center

march 1 - annual Heart Walk8:00 am - Tallassee Welcome CenterContact Tallassee recreation Department334-283-4726

march 8 - County Wide Clean-up

www.TallasseeChamber.com/hone/upcoming-events

Victoria Jeffcoat 5 South Ann AvenueTallassee, AL 36078334-283-2464

COME VISIT TALLASSEE!Enjoy a Great Town with a Big Vision!

Ward 1Robert [email protected] (hm)Chair, Parks & Rec

Ward 5Terrell Dewayne [email protected], Street, Storm Drains & Sanitiation

Ward 2Heather M. [email protected], Annexation & Cemetary

Ward 6Bill [email protected], Finance & UrbanRevitalization

Ward 3Charles C. BlalockChair, Public Safety, Utlities and Shop

Ward 7 David [email protected], Airport

Ward 4Darrell [email protected], Buildings & Grounds

MayorRobert E. “Bobby” [email protected]

mayor robert e. “bobby” Payne

Tallassee City CouncilTallassee City Council

It is true that time goes by faster theolder you get! It seems like only a few monthsago that I was crawling into the attic to storethe artificial Christmas tree for 2012. It wasmore painful on my knees recently when I wasstruggling to get the tree back out forChristmas 2013.

It was evident, especially during theChristmas season, that we have a caring andgenerous community. Our clergy, churchcongregations, and other community outreachactivities helped with the needs of so many whowere hurting, sick, and hungry. We appreciateall they do.

We have suffered some deep losses offriends and loved ones this past year. Ourmemories of shared experiences and goodtimes with them in Tallassee are precious.Some things will never be the same withoutthem.

Many in our community have family

members who are serving in our military awayfrom home. Let them know how grateful we arefor their service and the sacrifices of theirfamilies.

The vitality of Tallassee is the productof the people who serve. Our volunteers are thereason for our high quality of life. Volunteersin civic clubs and organizations work manyhours to plan events and projects for thebenefit of our citizens. Our volunteer firefighters risk their own safety to ensure thesafety of our citizens. We appreciate yourcontributions.

In 2013, we strived to increaseefficiency in all our operations and reduceexpenses. We had a goal to cut overtime, andhave saved by not automatically filling allpositions when they become available. Theeconomy still dominates all our decisions atCity Hall. We have tried to do more with less.

Year 2014

My top priority for 2014 is to find newways to keep Tallassee a great place to live andwork by improving services and programs.New challenges will arise that we cannotforesee now. By developing for our future,while holding the great values of our past,Tallassee is moving in the right direction.

Serving as your mayor is a greatprivilege and honor. I serve with a outstandinggroup of leaders, and I want to thank them forall they do. I look forward to a bright future forall of us.

As always, my door remains open toyou, so please feel free to stop by or to contactme with any questions or comments you mighthave. If you have difficulty meeting with meduring the week, I plan to open my office onthe first Saturday of each month from 9-11 am.You can call before you come or just drop by.

Seated (L toR): Bill Godwin, Mayor Bobby Payne, City ClerkBarbara Garnett, Mayor Pro-Temp Charles Blalock

Standing (L to R): Darrell Wilson, Heather Johnson, Terrell Brown,David Stough, Robert Rygiel

1st Quarter Tallassee Quarterly 3

Mom

ent

with th

e Mayo

r

Photo by Suzannah’s Photography

Growing a City for It’s People!

Tallassee Redevelopment AuthorityTallassee Redevelopment AuthorityThe Tallassee Redevelopment Authority is a municipal corporation similar to an industrial development board which was created by the City of Tallassee. Its purpose is to revitalize the central business district. The central business district was defined by the City Council and includes all of the downtown area, East Tallassee, the Jordanville area, and most of the four-lane area. Its actual jurisdictionextends three miles beyond the borders of the defined business district, so that the Redevelopment Authority can work with projects most any-where within the City limits. It is vitally interested in working with the City, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Community DevelopmentCorporation in attracting retail into the City's business district. Its powers include the power to assist entrepreneurs with financial arrange-ments, up to and including bond issues. An example of its efforts is Studio B Dance Studio in the downtown area. The Redevelopment Authority feels strongly that retail development is essential to the overall development of the Tallassee community. TheRedevelopment Authority has a seven-member Board of Directors. The current Directors include Steve Burak, Hank Golden, Jason Griffith,Holcomb Kerns, Houston Martin, and Heather Weldon. There is one vacancy. Directors serve a six-year term, with three classes of staggered memberships.

Tallassee Awarded $100,000 to develop walking trail.

Construction opens upnew corridors for

Tallassee.

Tallassee’s plan is to develop a 4/10th of a mile extension of the Riverwalk that will be nature trail too. Thenew part of the trail will meander through the woods fromthe current riverwalk to Eubanks Street. In addition to thetrail construction, the grant will provide striping on Eubanks and Knox Street for pedestrians and bicycles.There will be safe walking opportunities for the residentsand guests of Tallassee from the River through the woodsto the adjoining neighborhood. And from the neighborhoodone can walk to the downtown area and to the high schoolstadium for a little exercise on the track!

The Riverwalk currently extends from the boatramp to the shore adjoining the Guest House. The GuestHouse adjoins Ann Street, although there is no access atthat point. This creates the possibility that later the walkingtrail and Riverwalk could actually extend into thedowntown area.


Proposed River Walk extension

Restoration!

HelP restore this beautiful historical peforming arts theatre. You can become

a part of this restoration by sending donatIons to:

tallassee Mount Vernon theatre Inc.P. o. Box 781202, tallassee, al 36078

334-283-2564all donations are tax deductable!

Tallassee Community library. 99 Freeman Avenue. - (334) 283-2732

[email protected]/tallasseecitylibrary

Mon. & Fri.....9am-5pm

Tues, Wed, Thurs.....9am-6pm

Sat.....9am-1pm

Sunday....Closed

Staff: Mrs. Sharon F. Kipatrick, Director

Mrs. Margaret I. Lumpkin, Assit. Director

1 Twin Creek Drive, Tallassee, alabama, 36078

(334) 283-3113

american structural needling Co.bell Contracting, llCCapital X-ray, inc.Gulf Packaging, TallasseeJ. royal

sebWeF(south eastern boll Weevil)

Thrifty Portable buildingsTallassee bonded Warehouse

Treeco, inc.

Seated left to right; Suzanne McElroy, ExecutiveAssistant; Richard Dorley, Chairman; Ann Christian,

Secretary; Standing left to right; Ronald Cullars;Steve Beasley, Treasurer; Darryl Pendergrass;

Timm Timmerman; Don Heacock, Vice Chairman


Education

ADMINISTRATORSFront row (l to r); Lynell Carr, Kenneth Varner,

Tessie Williams, Shanikka BeacherBack row (l to r); Matt Coker, Bruce Dean,

Chet Stewart, Dr. Brock Nolin, Wayne Pressley

Students growing not onlyin academics...but in LIFE!

Kenneth VarnersuperintendentTallassee City

schools

matt CokerHigh school

Principal

Tallassee High schoolTallassee High school

mr. matt Coker334-283-2187 ~ Fax [email protected]

I graduated from Tallassee High School in 1990. I attended CentralAlabama Community College for a short time and received my undergraduatedegree from The University of Alabama. I attended and received my MastersDegree from Alabama State University.

I taught three years at Collins Riverside Junior High School inTuscaloosa, Alabama. In 1998 I returned to Elmore County and served in theElmore County system until 2012. I taught and coached at Elmore County HighSchool and then at Stanhope Elmore High School before beginning my careeras an administrator. In 2003 I was offered and accepted an assistant principal'sposition at Eclectic Middle School. I worked as an assistant principal atWetumpka Elementary as well before joining the staff at the new RedlandElementary in February of 2011. In May of 2012, I returned to my alma mater,Tallassee High School.

I am married to Paula and we have four children. Morgan is 20 and aJunior volleyball player at Faulkner University. Lindsay is 16 and junior at Tallassee High School. Her twin Preston is also a Junior at Tallassee. Ouryoungest daughter Grace is 12 and in the 7th grade at Southside Middle School.We also have two dogs. (Lucy and Koda)


meeting the needs of every student

Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or thesame way. -George Evans

No two students enter a classroom with identical abilities,experiences, and needs. Learning style, language proficiency,background knowledge, readiness to learn, and other factors canvary widely within a single class group.

The diverse composition of each classroom brings manychallenges as well as many opportunities to educators. Studentsare diverse in their needs and interests. To assure that all studentshave the opportunity to reach their potential, every effort must bemade to meet these unique needs and foster individual interests.

Tallassee City Schools strives to meet the needs of "all"learners through a variety of programs offered such as Special Ed-ucation, Career Tech, Talented and Gifted Education, FederalPrograms, One-to-One Initiative, and many more opportunitieswhich can make a difference in finding the key to each student’ssuccess.

It is our challenge as educators to take each student as faras he or she can go.

it's a great time to be a Tallassee Tiger!

mr. bruce Dean

I am excited to begin myfirst year as principal of South-side Middle School. I began myjourney at SMS as a student overthirty-three years ago! I’m thank-ful for the former teachers andadministrators that have hadsuch a profound impact on mylife. These professionals helpedme become the person I amtoday. I have great memories ofSouthside Middle School, and Ihope that all our students that attend can say the same abouttheir time spent here.

This will begin my twentieth year in the TallasseeCity School system with all twenty years being at South-side. I spent fifteen years as the eighth grade history teacherand coached numerous sports. I spent the past four years as the assistant principal at Southside.

Curriculum and extra curricular activities are going to be paramount at SMS this school year.We are going to see a record number of SMS students make the A/B honor roll and be involved in clubsand sports. The SMS staff is committed to giving more options to our students in the way of electives.It is not always easy to step out of our comfort zones, so I commend our staff for doing that in thename of enriching our student’s educational experience. We have added an Agriscience class and several enrichment classes to give our students options. Students now have band, enrichment, technology, and Agriscience as possible electives.

We are going to live out our school motto of “Give One” on a daily basis. I look forward toworking with our newly appointed assistant principal, Dr. Brock Nolin. I believe that with the stellarstaff we have at Southside Middle School we can make it one of the best schools in the state.

If you have any questions about policy and procedures or how you can become more involvedwith Southside Middle School, please feel free to contact us at 334-283-2151. This is going to be agreat year at SMS!

“WE ARE SOUTHSIDE”

Education

bruce Deansouthside middle

schoolPrincipal

Wayne PressleyTallassee

elementary schoolPrincipal

brock nolin, Ph. D.assistant Principalsouthside middle

school334-283-2151

Tallassee elementary school

mr. Wayne Pressley

I graduated in Elementary Education in 1991 at Auburn University.I also received my Administration Degree, Master's Degree, and EducationSpecialist Degree from Auburn University at Montgomery. I began my teach-ing career at Southside Middle School teaching Sixth Grade Math for sixyears. I was also the Assistant Principal at Southside Middle School for threeyears.

I have been married for thirty-seven years to my high schoolsweetheart, Cindy Pressley. She is happily retired from Southside MiddleSchool. We have two great children, Andrew and Robbie. Andrew is incollege and Robbie is teaching at Shelton State College in Tuscaloosa. He is

married to a wonderful girl who is also a teacher. They have a five year olddaughter and a three old son.

I have been the principal at Tallassee Elementary for nine years. Ourschool is one of the original sixteen schools that were invited to become amember of the Alabama Reading Initiative. Our school was also invited toparticipate in the Team-Math Program and the Alabama Math, Science, andTechnology Initiative. These three programs offer support and training forour teachers to enable them to effectively teach our students.

Tallassee Elementary School has 770 students in grades Kindergartento Fourth Grade.


My name is BrockNolin. I graduated from

Eufaula High School in 1997 and enrolled inAuburn University that same fall. While atAuburn I completed the School of Forestryand Wildlife Sciences summer practicum. Iwas an active member of the Auburn Univer-sity Collegiate FFA. I graduated with my B.S.in Agriscience Education. I then took a jobteaching at Wetumpka High School. I was therefor two years and then moved to TallasseeHigh School. I am married and have a son andtwo daughters. I am an avid outdoorsman andenjoy hunting, fishing, SCUBA diving,falconry, and farming. I also enjoy music. Iplay guitar and piano in my church praiseband.

Dr. Bice was the principal of Rene Dickersonwhen she was in school in Alex city.

He came on this day to volunteer in her classroom now that she is a certified teacher.

southside middle schoolsouthside middle school

Tallassee Parks and Recreation450 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, Al 36078

334-283-4726www.tallasseerecreation.com

January

s M T W T F s

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

Men’s Basketball Begins

February

s M T W T F s

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28

Archery Registration 2/10 - 2/21

Heart Walk - 3rd Annual

T-Ball Registration 2/24 - 3/14

March

s M T W T F s

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

Archery starts 2/25 - 3/25 (Tues)

Girls softball opening Day

swim/Dive Registration 3/24 - 4/4

April

s M T W T F s1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

May

s M T W T F s

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

lifeguard Training

Church Co-ed softball Begins

June

s M T W T F s

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

Pool opensDixie Youth Baseball opening Day

T-Ball season Begins (Boys and Girls)

Church softball Registration 4/7 - 4/25 Please note: These dates are set in advance and may change without notice.

P.o. Box 780607 • 304 Barnett Blvd.

(334) 283-7000

Member FDIC trustmark.com

Rick Golden

Executive Director

Tallassee Parks and Recreation Department

Ph. 334-283-4726

email:[email protected]

Tammy Merrett

Programs Coordinator

Tallassee Parks and Recreation

450 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078

334-283-4726

ww.tallasseerecreation.com


4125 Rifle Range Road, 4125 Rifle Range Road, Wetumpka, Al 36093Wetumpka, Al 36093

shuttleservice from

eastMontgomery

noah Webster and the founders of our nation believed that education "comprehends allthat series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding,correct the temper, and form the habits of youth, and fit them for their usefulness in their

future stations."schools in america took that seriously for two centuries. schools taught the moral law

from the bible, they taught the great literature and History of the Western World, thattaught the rise of liberty and the greatness of brave and noble character. They crushedthe threats of Tyranny that rise in every century, and they understood what made americaunique in all of World History.

emerald mountain Christian school invites families of faith in biblical Christianity,believing that God has a plan for the children He created in His image. We want to helpyou educate and equip those children with Knowledge, Truth, and Virtue. We have donethis for hundreds of families for nearly 50 years, and we invite you to visit us soon. Call567-0555 to request an interview with Jeanne riley, registrar. additional information canbe found on our website:

God ~ Family ~ Country

334-567-0555334-567-0555

EMERALD MOUNTAINCHRISTIAN SCHOOL

EMERALD MOUNTAINCHRISTIAN SCHOOL

emcspatriots.com

Tallassee Music Boosters PresentsTallassee Music Boosters Presents

Fabulous

FolliesFabulo

us

Follies

17th Annual

Friday & SaturdayFebruary 7th & 8th

Tallassee High School Auditorium ~ 7 pm

On February 7 and 8, the Tallassee Music Boosters willpresent their seventeenth annual Fabulous Follies. That’s right…thiswill be the SEVENTEENTH year for the lip-synch-and-dancing foolishness that serves as a super fund-raiser for theBoosters.

Pat Merrett organized and ran Follies for the Stillwaters Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for 20years, and has been doing the same for the Music Boostersfor each of these past sixteen. She does it all--selects thenumbers; corrals the “volunteer” actors; works up the props,scenery, and costumes; arranges the rehearsals; performs,and directs.

Her “volunteers” range in age from three years, toseventy-something. From pre-schoolers, to the Superinten-dent of Education. From preachers, to teachers. From the band andchoir students who benefit from the profits, to their directors; from thestudents’ parents and grandparents and siblings, to willing andgenerous townspeople interested in supporting the music programs inthe high school and middle school. Because that’s where all the money

goes. It’s entertainment for the whole family ($5 each--- free for ages6 and under). Lots of show tunes, pop and rock-and-roll hits, production

numbers…anything that can be worked up for laughs. Morethan one audience member has called it the “cheapest nightof family fun” to be found.

This year’s line-up includes Ray Stevens’ versions ofthe “joys” of owning an RV, and the problems encounteredwhen “Sitting Up With the Dead”; the Carol Burnett methodof selling Girl Scout cookies; entertainment by The MidgetGymnast; unlikely versions of the “Blues Brothers” and“Stayin’ Alive”; and a dazzling dance number complete withoptical illusions.

All that, and at least a dozen more numbers, will beserved up at 7PM, Friday and Saturday, February 7 and 8, at

the Tallassee High School auditorium. Tickets will beavailable at the door.

Don’t trust me—check out these pictures from pastperformances, and you’ll see why you really DON’T want to miss it.

Admission $5.00

(6 and under F

REE)

Pat merrett


“A Short Story of The Tallassee JazzFest”By Michael Bird - Band Director at Tallassee’s Southside Middle School

Organizers of the Tallassee JazzFest had no idea of the interest and suc-cess that was to come. That first year was set to be a fundraiser for Mount VernonTheatre renovations. Donations were collected at the gate, and barbecue wasserved.

“The first year, we talked with Ray Smith, who was then the jazz banddirector at Troy University, about coming and performing at our school. It hasjust grown from there.”

The first year, Susan Woody from Q96.1 in Montgomery, who is alsoan accomplished jazz vocalist, agreed to be our MC. Before long, we had notonly the Troy University band, but four hours’ worth of music from bands thatcame from all over Alabama. We had a capacity crowd in our middle schoolgymnasium.

One draw is that the jazz festival does not require a performance fee,and it is really “more of a showcase than a competition-type event. It is designedto allow students to play for one another and entertain a crowd.”

aPril is Jazz eDuCaTiOn mOnTH in the United States, so the festivalnaturally seemed to fit in the spring.

The second year saw enough growth to spread the festival over a week-end, and began a new tradition: an Iron Bowl of bands.

The second year, I was blown away when I received an email from theband director at the University of Alabama, who asked if we’d be interested inhaving them. I had already booked Auburn’s band. So, in only our second year,we had the top two bands in the state performing in our little gym.

Bands from as far away as Saraland, near Mobile, and Dora, near Jasper,also participated. Another annual participant has been Central High School ofPhenix City. Their band director, Roger Redden, was so encouraged by our suc-cess that he has started a jazz festival in the Phenix City/Columbus area theweekend after ours.

Elmore County High School’s award-winning band, led by AnthonyVittore, and Auburn Jr. High School’s band, led by Josh Wine, have alsoparticipated.

Having Auburn and Alabama didn’t just draw out the high schools, italso brought other college bands here. Last year, we had Montevallo andHuntingdon, and they will be back this time. And we also had two professionalstage bands: the Montgomery Recreators and the Up-Beats.

The Tallassee JazzFest is patterned after the Ozark JazzFest that washeld for many years at the Flowers Center in downtown Ozark. Its organizer,

David Bolich, was once my supervising teacher.After the Ozark festival shut down, we went for several years with noth-

ing for jazz bands in this area of the state. I did not realize how hungry peoplewere for something like this until we tried. Mr. Robby Glasscock, the band di-rector at Tallassee High School, and Mr. Mike Hammonds, our jazz band director,were instrumental in getting this event off the ground.

Mr. Hammonds was a jazz band leader in the U.S. Army before leavingthe military and settling in his hometown of Tallassee, where he has spent thepast several years volunteering in the band program of his alma mater.

Last year, an unnamed benefactor awarded the Don bryant musicscholarship in the amount of one thousand dollars for a musician to spend partof his summer at the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Camp in Louisville, Kentucky.

Mr. Don Bryant was once a member of the Tallassee and Auburn bands,and after a career in the United States military, taught science at Tallassee HighSchool for twenty years. He also serves as President of the Tallassee MusicBoosters.

The winner was Andrew Webster, a junior alto saxophone player. Andrew represented our community at the Aebersold camp—which is like theMecca for jazz players. He also has been a member of All-State Band and All-State Choir. We have many deserving students, but I was especially proud ofAndrew.

Other successful students have moved on from JazzFest to success atuniversities. Stanley Lacey, a sophomore music major at the University ofAlabama, is such a success story.

When the University of Alabama band came, their band director allowedStanley to ‘jam’ with them on his trombone. Later, he received a letter tellinghim he had received a full tuition scholarship to the University of Alabama. Itwas his dream come true.”

So what does the 2014 Tallassee JazzFest have to offer? Weare movingthe festival to the Tallassee High School Auditorium, which will provide muchbetter acoustics and seating. We also have confirmed that the University ofAlabama and Auburn University bands will be returning, along with Hunting-don College and Faulkner University. We also expect to have high schoolbands from Eclectic, Wetumpka, Auburn, Phenix City, and a few other schools.

“The interesting thing, though, is that I promised the band directors fromAlabama and Auburn that whoever won the Iron Bowl would get to go on last,but I guess we’ll let the directors work it out when they get here!

This is a great family event. admission is a donation to the Tallassee music Department.

saturday april 12, 2014Tallassee High

schoolbegin - 4:00 pm and continue

until 9:00pm or 10:00pm

4th annual

university of AlABAMA Jazz ensembleDirected by Dr. Chris Kozak

AuBuRn university Jazz ensembleDirected by Dr. Mike Pendowski


Extolling the virtues of our little townA testimonial …By Michael Bird

They say that the best thing about living ina small town is that everyone knows your business.

They also say that the worst thing aboutliving in a small town is … everyone knows yourbusiness.

But I wouldn’t trade my experiences in Tallassee for anything.

I’m a Montgomery boy, born and raised.Graduated from Robert E. Lee High School with adream of becoming a band director.

I attended Troy University and met a girlfrom New Orleans named Sena Thibodeaux. We’vebeen married over fourteen years, and have sixchildren -- five girls and one boy.

And of my seventeen years of teaching, I’vespent almost a decade in Tallassee. It’s going tohopefully be my last stop on the teaching journey.

When I started out, I was driven by the desire to be a “big time” band director, with mymotivation being my experiences at Lee as a student. I did eventually get to work at Lee, so mydream came true. But when that experience ended,I came knocking on the door of Tallassee – a placeI knew about because of the Fitzpatrick Bridge, theHotel Talisi, and Mount Vernon Mills – but alsohome to several of my college roommates at Troy.

In other words, I was familiar with the territory, but entered as a citified fellow.

It didn’t take long for me to fall in love withthe purple and gold. I noticed that students showedrespect for teachers, and that teachers had a lead-ing role in the community. I loved the Mayberry-like Homecoming Parade that took over the townduring the fall football season.

Did you know that the Mt. Vernon Mill No.1, whose bell is located at the entrance to town,was also the only Confederate Armory not destroyed during the Civil War? Or that MountVernon Mills was the longest consecutively oper-ating cotton mill in the United States? How about

that the Fitzpatrick Bridge, at 173 feet in the air, isone of the longest curved bridges east of the Mississippi River?

Perhaps you didn’t know that we wereTuckabatchee, home of the Creek Nation, or thatTecumseh once visited here. On the religious side,I find it interesting that America’s most well-knownCatholic talk show host of the 1940s and 1950s,Archbishop Fulton Sheen, preached the first Massat St. Vincent de Paul parish in Tallassee, and assisted the Blount family with plans for the designand appearance of the church.

Maybe you’d be interested to know thatHank Williams and His Drifting Cowboys onceperformed at the Mount Vernon Theatre and hissignature is still backstage. Or that the Hotel Talisiwas just about the finest place to eat in the RiverRegion if you loved a good, old-fashioned countrystyle buffet.

But all those things are in the past. Let metell you what I love about Tallassee’s present.

I know that if I go out of town, my neigh-bors will keep an eye on my house. And if they seesomething suspicious, they’ll let me know (or wordwill get to me somehow!).

Most of the time, I can leave my car unlocked without fear of theft. I can leave myhouse windows open at night.

My children can ride their bicycles up anddown the street and all around the neighborhood,playing with the other kids they see.

The aforementioned Homecoming Paradeis but one facet of the school pride held within thiscommunity. On the night before Homecoming, theclass from 20 years ago and the current seniorclass sing the Alma Mater by candlelight, then thewhole town attends a bonfire pep rally. The nextday, after the parade, a Queen is crowned duringthe football game, and the band puts on a specialshow. But there’s also the Christmas Parade, theMissoula Children’s Theatre productions, thedance recitals, and much more.

People in this town are proud to be musicians. Everywhere one looks, there are groupssinging or playing. We have the largest choral program in the state, led by one of America’s finest

educators, Jerry Cunningham. Any choral directorwho can recruit nearly 75% of the student popula-tion to be in choir must be doing something right.

Our band program is the largest of anyschool in Montgomery, Elmore, Coosa, or Tallapoosa County. This year, we have 128 begin-ners and 41 intermediate band members at the mid-dle school, and 112 band members at the highschool. Our band program is led by Robby Glasscock, who has served our students for 13years. When we go to contests, we are often thelargest band in our classification. And we sure dohave some devoted musicians here, many of whomhave gone on to study music or at least participatein music in college.

If I need anything, I can call City Hall andit is handled. I once reported dangerous tree limbsnear my home, and action was taken the same dayI called.

I can be a schoolteacher at the greatestschool in the world, with the finest co-workers onthe faculty, who genuinely care about the studentsthey teach. I am privileged to work for the bestschool administrators for whom anyone could everask.

My after-school jobs at Super Foods andWACQ Radio provide links to other areas of thecommunity, which I truly enjoy. I also have writtena weekly newspaper column in the Tallassee Tribune for nine years – another dream come truefor me.

My aunt, mom, and dad have all movedhere – and my father is now one of the managersat Super Foods, my secondary place of employ-ment. So I have the honor of working for my dad,a longtime grocery man. The owner of the grocerystore is a longtime family friend, and the co-owneris my college roommate. What’s not to love aboutthat?

The best part of being here is that I knowmy children are growing up in a safe, caring environment in our house, our neighborhood, ourschools, and our church. I am just happy to havelanded in a community like Tallassee, and hope tonever leave.


baPTisT CHurCHesbethlehem east7561 Upper River Road

bible baptist Church2680 Lower Tuskegee Road

Calvary baptist Church293 N Wesson Street

Carrville501 Sims Avenue

Carrville baptist Church2436 Notasulga Road

east Tallassee baptist Church314 Central Boulevard

elam baptist Church4686 Notasulga Road

First baptist Church101 S Dubois Street

Flatrock missionary baptist Church1024 Flat Rock Road

Friendship4345 Friendship Road

liberty baptist Church574 Liberty Road

mount zion baptist Church64 Log Circle

Providence Primitive baptist Church4850 Chana Creek Road

refuge3098 Red Hill Road

refuge baptist Church440 Martin Dam Road

river road239 Lower Tuskegee Road

riverside Heights Hispanic mission495 Little Road

rock springs375 Rigsby Road

rock springs baptist Church2810 Rock Springs Drive

Tallassee First1279 Friendship Road

Talleweka baptist Church1419 Gilmer Avenue

Westside baptist Church1825 Gilmer Avenue

CaTHOliC CHurCHesst Vincent De Paul Parish620 Gilmer Avenue

CHrisTian-OTHer CHurCHesapostolic Church Of Jesus Christ1072 Muskogee Trail

east Tallassee Church Of Christ501 Central Boulevard

light Of Jesus Outreach ministries140 Gin Street

macedonia Christian Church2685 Macedonia Road

mount Olive Congregational ChristianChurch naccc492 Kent Road

Oak Heights Church Of Christ74 Manning Circle

reeltown Christian academy401 Powers Avenue

Tallassee Church Of Christ209 Gilmer Avenue

Wind rain & Fire ministries international1201 Gilmer Avenue

ePisCOPal CHurCHesepiscopal Church Of The epiphany2602 Gilmer Avenue

meTHODisT CHurCHeseast Tallassee united methodist Church101 Central Boulevard

First united methodist Church1 Jordan Avenue

new zion3523 Ashurst Bar Road

st. Paul Tallassee101 Herren Hill Road

Wall street71 Zion Street

inDePenDenT CHurCHesabundant life Church2634 Lower Tuskegee Road

saint mark all nations PentecostalFoundation Church30 Stewart Street

Tallassee Church Of God134 Adams Street

Tallassee Holiness Church194 Honeysuckle Lane

Tallassee ~ A Community of Faith

Quality Living in Tallassee

Tallassee has many beautiful

subdivisions that make for a

great Quality of Living!

Custombuilt

retirementCottages.

Call for toursand details

334-799-7723.

retirees subdivisionon beautiful tree covered

lots - minutes fromlake martin.

a tucked awayretreat to the beautiful

lakes and rivers ofTallassee.

bill PattersonDeveloper - 41 years experience

Tallassee family heritage since 1843!

bill Patterson334-799-7723


4BR/2BA BEAUTY ON OVER 1 ACRE - QUIETCUL-DE-SAC, GREAT SHAPE. MASTER HASGARDEN TUB & SEPARATE SHOWER. ZONEDGREAT TALLASSEE CITY SCHOOLS. $144,500

3BR/2BA BEAUTY IN HEART OF TALLASSEE.OVER 1 ACRE, SPARKLING POOL & WIREDWORKSHOP. NEW ROOF, OVER 2000 SQ. FT. UP-DATED. STONE FRONT. ONLY $174,900. CALLTODAY! INTEREST RATES STILL HISTORICALLYLOW! USE YOUR TAX REFUND WISELY!!!

Sell Phone:

(334) 657-9596www.lisalynn.netBUY-SELL-BUILD-RELOCATION

Tallassee ResidentSpecializing in Families over 20 years

Selling Tri-County - Lake Martinand Gulf Shores Beaches

$0 DO

Wn

$0 DO

Wn

Call Bill or Lisa for a personaltour of Tallassee.


Tallassee Seniors...

Complete Line of Monuments84632 Tallassee Hwy. • eclectic, al 36024

334-639-4730www.linvillememorial.com

“THAnKs” to all the citizens of Tallassee who have supported DeRamus over the years.

senior services Available through theTallassee senior Center and the

Tallassee senior services DepartmentDirector: Mike Woodall

334-283-2766

445 Main Street

P.O. Box 780604

Tallassee, ALMission Statement: It is the goal of the Senior Services Department toprovide services so that older persons can live lives of dignity and independence through information on community services, cost effective preservation practices and activities that will improve health and the quality of life. To provide innovative, affordable options of care and support that will provide an array of choicesabout how and where to live.

City of Tallassee website

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:Games, Fellowship, Social Activities that include trips interestingplaces (May Fest, Zoo, Museums)~~~Day and Evening Activities.SERVICES INCLUDE: Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouch-ers, Transportation to Doctor appointments, Home delivered mealsas well as meals at the Senior Center, Legal Assistance, AlabamaElder Law Helpline, Elder Abuse Information and Prevention, YellowDot Program, Disaster Recovery, Senior RX/Wellness Program, Sen-ior Employment Services, Medicaid Waiver for the Elderly and Dis-abled, Medicare Fraud Prevention, Insurance Counseling through theState Health Insurance Assistance Program, Nutrition and Wellness.

William (bill) GossCurator

TallasseeHistory Abounds...

TallasseeHistory Abounds...

Tallassee mills

blackHeritage

ofTallassee

The Tallassee black indians - 1930’s

robert russa moton High schoolFootball - 1962

Pioneer lifeConfederate Heritage

Bicentennial of theBattle of Horseshoe Bend Commemorative EventsFRIENDS OF TUCKABATCHEE TALISI HISTORICAL

PRESERVATION SOCIETY TO PERFORM AT THEBICENTENNIAL OF THE BATTLE OF HORSESHOE BEND

The Friends of Tuckabatchee, (Talisi Historical PreservationSociety), will be performing the outdoor drama Tecumseh atTuckabatchee on Friday, march 28th at 7pm. This historicaldrama depicts the legendary Tecumsehs speech of 1811. Thegreat chieftain encouraged the Muscogee Creek people to unite together in war because ofthe white encroachment of their Indian lands.

All events are free and food is available on site, but attendees need to obtain theirtickets at the visitors center prior to the production. Please bring lawn chairs for theproduction. Plan to arrive by 6:45 p.m.

Thursday, March 27th - Luminary event on the battlefield beginning at 6:30 pm and endingat 8:30 pm. A luminary will be placed on the battlefield to represent every life lost in theBattle of Horseshoe Bend.

Friday, March 28th & 29th - Come experience what life was like 200 years ago while beingpart of the historic Bicentennial events at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. Over eightydemonstrators will have camps set up showing what life was like for Creek Indians, CherokeeIndians, the Tennessee Militia and the US Infantry. There will be Creek Stomp Dances, cannon firing demonstrations and black powder musket firing demonstrations on March 28thand 29th throughout both days. School groups should contact Heather Tassin at thepark at 256-234-7111 to sign up by March 14th.

Bicentennialof the

War of 1812 andthe Creek War

1813-14

Tallassee Historical Society Museum Open Hours:

Thurs., Fri., Sat. - 10 am-2 pmSunday - 1-3 pm

Tallassee ArmoryTallassee Armory

The Tallassee Armorywas the only Confederatearmory not destroyed byFederal forces. Colonel

Gorgas (CSA Flag)ordnance chief, had the

carbine shop movedinto Tallassee Manufac-turing Company mill in

spring 1864 as war threatened Richmond, Virginia armory. War ended before the plant

reached its goal of 6,000 carbines per year. In1864 Rousseau's raid bypassed it. 1865: forces

under General Wilson (USA Flag) misled byfaulty map, marched 10 miles east; threat of

Forrest (CSA Flag) barred their return.

Alabama Historical Association 1965


Tallassee Falls museum, 201 barnett blvd., - Tallassee, al 36078

BRAD PARKER

1508 Gilmer AvenueTallassee, AL 36078(334) 283-4979

The Community Development Corporation is a 501-3C organization dedicated to

improving the quality of life in Tallassee and the surrounding areas.

We are working to promote, integrate, and enhance all aspects of our greater

community: retail, industrial, civic,educational, recreational, religious,

governmental...whatever it takes to make Tallassee an even better place in

which to live and work!


The CDC partners with the Chamber of Commerce, industrial Development board, redevelopment Corporation, planning commission, civic clubs, churches, city government... creating a vibrant network that moves all of us forward. Over $100,000 was raised through bbQ sales to benefit our Tailgating Partners.

TailGaTinG ParTners inCluDe: scouts, athletic clubs, fire departments, band boosters, His eyes ministry, Historical Preservation society, prom committee...and any worthwhile community endeavor.

Join us as we fulfill our mission: “Community Working Together”. Contact us at 334-252-0036.

Become part of our growing community!annual Tallassee nOW!

This event includes art exhibits, crafts, 5K race, car shows, bbQ cookoff,

music, town tours and history, and farmers market.

BBQ’sthat helpbuild a

community!

tallassee quarterly

Documents

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