​ I finished this story the day before Byrd Stewart passed away.I’m leaving the story just as it was written. I am so honored to have had the privilege to do this and get to know Byrds wonderful daughters. My heart goes out to this great family.

              A Man of Character
       I wonder how many people can say that they were born in World War I, lived through the Great Depression, fought in World War 2 and can speak of it today? Not many, if any, I’d say but we have such a person right here in Randolph County. His name is Mr. Byrd Stewart. At 103, he still lives at home, enjoys a good book, conversation and watching the birds outside his picture window.

Byrd Stewart enlisted in the Army in June of 1941, at the age of 25. He went in as a mechanic and as soon as his training was complete, he was loaded on the Queen Elizabeth, seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time, and shipped off to Scotland to eventually join the 6th Cavalry Mechanized Division.

In his service, he witnessed the tragedy of war. The effects of bombs, bullets, fire and inhumanity were obvious everywhere. As his exit paperwork shows, he was there in the Battle of the Bulge in Normandy, Central Europe and Ardennes Rhineland. In all, he was in three different campaigns that were called the Bronze Service Star Campaigns.

For his service, Sgt Stewart earned the Bronze Star as well as the European-African- Middle Eastern service medal with one silver star.

To read more about Mr. Stewart, pick up your copy of Southern Holiday Life.

​Tags: #Community   #Local Flavor  #CharleyNorton

​On a sunny, fall-like Wednesday afternoon in October, the Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association and all of their volunteers stopped for a meal at Rice Pavilion at Lake Wedowee. The 37 volunteers had just wrapped up another solid day of cleaning trash and other debris around the lake, as part of the “Renew Our Rivers” campaign, that has just wrapped up their 27th year. 

Following the wonderful lunch of ham and cheese sandwiches, Brunswick stew, and cookies provided by WM Grocery; Sheila Smith, Bob May, as well as Marlon and Betty Glover,  sat down for a discussion on how far the campaign has come over the last two decades, and how much the local community has helped the cause. 

Today’s journey has improved since beginning in 1992, says Bob May, one of the organizers of “Renew our Rivers.” May says that the effort began with less than 10 people on one boat, and would last upwards of six days, from 8 AM to dark. 

“We would spend two days just on one cove, it was a lot of work,” says May of the first lake cleanup. “I’d lose ten pounds in the week that we were doing it.”

Not only has the number of volunteers increased, but the amount of trash collected has dropped since the project began. 

Marlon Glover told us that the number of refrigerators, washing machines, tires, and even stranger items such as bowling balls were alarming. 

More volunteers began to come out, and the event became more organized and was then given the title of “the Tallapoosa Trashout,” says Sheila Smith of the Alabama Power Shorelines, who has also been a part of the efforts since the inception. Alabama Power then began to consolidate all 37 cleanup efforts into one campaign and became what it is known today as “Renew our Rivers” 19 years ago. 

The Lake Wedowee version of “Renew our Rivers” has been called the most organized lake cleanup efforts in the state, and it all goes back to the volunteers. 

In 2018, “Renew our Rivers” on Lake Wedowee averaged 36 volunteers per day, ranging from members of the Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association to community members who took a few vacation days to help out. Even the Randolph County High School fishing club sent members out to help with cleanup efforts. 

The volunteering does not stop at just cleanup. Local restaurants and grocery stores have donated food and water to volunteers, and others have donated boats to provide transportation around the lake. 

“This community is wonderful at donating,” says Betty Glover. Mrs. Glover took the time to thank Lakeside Marina, WM Grocery’s deli, and Crystal Barnes with Hunter Bend Realty for feeding the volunteers, in addition to Small Town Bank and Perryland Foods, who donated water and snacks respectively.  

“Renew our Rivers” has also seen an abundance of boats donated to aid in cleanup efforts. Randy Morris at Wedowee Marine donated three boats, as well as gas; Alabama Power and other local donations had the number up to nine donated boats. 

From humble beginnings filled with bologna sandwiches and six-day efforts to a growth in community involvement, “Renew our Rivers” is stronger than ever. Marlon, Betty, Bill, and Sheila all say that the event is more than just collecting trash and providing a better lake for residents and wildlife, it has become a fun experience full of memories and meeting others who share a love for our lake. 

For more information on “Renew Our Rivers”, as well as everything going on with the Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association, visit www.lakewedoweepoa.com

​For many, many years and trips back and forth from the North Pole visiting places where I could have stayed I kept coming back to Lake Wedowee. I always have the best time here with my crew from the far north region and decided to make this our annual stay over, during our off season. Fishing, sunshine, friendly people, hospitality on & on I could go but Lake Wedowee is the place to be.

A typical day for Santa K at Lake Wedowee...First I am awakened by my Elf Alarm. I jump up with glee for a new day on the lake. I normally will have my hot cocoa, (not too hot, shaken not stirred and strong with chocolate.) Today I have some of my elves helping me at the secret reindeer barn. We must replace some of the oatmeal and carrot feeders, which I need wood and nails for. I always stop at Wedowee Building Supply for everything to build with. Of course, I know everyone there from delivering toys when they were children. Most of them were on the nice list but, of course not all of them. HO HO HO Joe and all the boys are so helpful with advise and great prices. They even have a special parking place for my sleigh.

We are so anxious to get to work but, I haven’t had my special coffee and morning delights yet so, we are off to Miss Amber’s Main Street Coffee Shop for that. They are always open early and I know we can have goodies and lots of coffee and be on our way. I always love smiling faces and I know Miss Amber will give me that. Since this is a work day, we are packing our lunches so, we won’t have to stop. I’ve been there many times in the past and I love WM grocery. Santa’s favorite is always the homemade chicken pot pies...mmmm good! We load up with all we need, most importantly the cookies, (of course) and they have plenty to choose from!

When I was out on my boat the last time I almost ran out of gas so, I stopped at Wedowee Marina at 48 bridge to gas up. It was so easy to to get in and out. They have so many beautiful new boats to look at, I almost didn’t leave. Randy and his staff at all locations are easy to work with, they remain on my nice list, (at least for now.) HO HO HO

I want to especially thank Wedowee Life Magazine for all their help in telling me about this wonderful community and all the great people. They have been family for Santa K and the elves since all of them were kids and I delivered toys to them. I am so excited about living and playing at Lake Wedowee during my off season. Remember, if you see me on  the water I will always have my Santa K hat on. Wave to me and if i can, I will stop and give you a special card, (just for you!) Well, it’s work time and it’s hot so, let us get hammering.

​See you soon Santa K

Discussions at a recent Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees work session has local residents rallying in support of Southern Union State Community College’s Wadley campus. On June 13, an item on the agenda of the monthly work session was presented by Susan Price, the Vice Chancellor for System Development and Strategic Advancement for the Alabama Community College System, on behalf of Southern Union Interim President Mark Ellard, who was not in attendance. The item was a request to move Southern Union’s main campus from Wadley to Opelika and would be voted on in mid-July, as first reported by Kara Coleman of the Opelika-Auburn News. 
The proposal came as a surprise to many, including District 37 Representative, Bob Fincher. “I found out about it when people started messaging me, and I started getting phone calls from those who were present at the meeting (on June 13),” said Fincher in a phone call. “I did get a message that afternoon from the Chancellor’s office as to what had happened.” In the proposal, Price stated that the potential move would recognize Opelika as the main campus for purpose of correspondence, as well as financial aid by the U.S. Department of Education. Price also described the differences in population between Wadley and Opelika, as well as enrollment numbers 
with Opelika’s campus serving more than 4,000 students, while Wadley has approximately 600 students. However, one quote from Price has caused confusion among the Southern Union service area. Once the proposal was voiced, an unknown member of the Board of Trustees asked Price if there was any pushback from the Wadley community in regards to this possible shift. Price said that Ellard had not expressed comments from the community, but felt that the numbers were enough to advance the item to the voting process. “I know that the Wadley staff, members of the community, are very supportive of this action item,” said Price. “They think that the data itself  ​illustrates that it’s time for this change.” Carol Knight, a member of the Southern Union Foundation and adjunct professor at the college, says that the responses that she has received from the community, as well as members of the Southern Union staff, on this matter are contradictory of Price’s statement. “I have not spoken to a single person who has said, “I think that this is a good idea,” or “I helped get these numbers together.” Not one person is supportive of such a move. Southern Union is a family. Loyalty here to this campus and what it has meant to this community... No one here will say “we should just relocate the main campus” because it would be devastating to our little community and our service 
area.” “Devastating” seems to be a fitting adjective for the potential move from Wadley to Opelika. Wadley Mayor Donna McKay used the term when discussing the idea with local postal workers, due to the College using Wadley’s post office and bank, as well as the possible departure of Bison athletics and the top-notch fine arts program. McKay also mentioned that the move would go against why the two-year system was initially created. Bob Fincher feels that the overwhelming support is a step in the right direction, and assures supporters that he, and so many others, are fighting hard to shut this item down, to preserve the tradition and economic impact that Southern Union has established in Randolph 
County. “We need to remember that Southern Union was originated from the Wadley campus, that community has continuously fed and supported the college over the years, and has kept it afloat,” says Fincher. “We are going to fight this as hard as we can to try to prevent this. The fear is, that if the administration has moved, that other entities will follow and that it will be very detrimental to the Wadley campus.” Key dates to remember: the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees will vote on this item during their next meeting, which is set for July 11. If the item is passed, Opelika will become the main campus of Southern Union State Community College on January 1, 2019.

For more on the story read... Southern Union Builds Students To SUCCEED 

#WeLoveSouthernUnion #LakeWedoweeLife #LWLJuly2018

Students who attend Southern Union’s Wadley campus are treated to a four-year college experience, in a two-year setting. With a dormitory that houses up to 230 students, a cafeteria, student center, and state of the art classrooms, with most facilities on campus built or renovated within the last ten years, it is easy to see why students from all over Alabama, and even a few surrounding states, choose to attend Southern Union, and why it holds such a special place in their memories when they leave. Southern Union is highly regarded for having a top-notch fine arts program. Each dance, music, and theatre production is held on the Wadley campus, and are performed by some of this area’s most talented students, either on stage or behind the scenes, and are instructed by 
experienced industry professionals. Most students who come to Southern Union on Fine Arts scholarships go on to continue their careers on big stages, including Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who has competed on tv’s ‘So You Think You Can Dance”, has appeared in over 10 movies and television shows, and is currently a DJ on “Ellen.” Brad Cotter, another SUSCC Alum, won “Nashville Star” in 2004, a singing competition that launched the career of Miranda Lambert, Chris Young and Kasey Musgraves. 2007’s Miss Alabama Jamie Langley is also an SUSCC alum. The most recent notable success is Desmond Nunn, who is currently on tour with the Broadway smash production, “Hamilton.” Nunn says that he credits most of his success to his days spent in Wadley. “Southern Union is a great launching 
pad for everyone,” says Nunn. “As someone who grew up not too far from the campus, I did not think that one day I would be traveling the country with a hit musical.” Wadley is also the home for all Bison athletics. Southern Union offers six sports, where all athletes have access to some of the best facilities in the Alabama Community College Conference. Southern Union Sports Arena is home to Bison Basketball and Volleyball, its’ bowl-shaped design provides comfortable environment for fans with chairback seats. The arena also offers student-athletes a weight room and rehabilitation room, as well as offices and conference room that are available for multiple purposes. Baseball and Softball have received recent upgrades. The baseball stadium, recently named in honor of Coach Joe “Jabo” Jordan, was completed in 2010, while softball has been competing in their stadium since 2015. In 2017, a field house was built to serve as a facility for both sports. The field house features indoor batting and pitching cages, as well as locker rooms for both teams. Being a Bison athlete has its’ benefits. Not only do they play in state-of-the-art 
venues, but the chances of continuing their career as a student-athlete at a four-year institution are significantly high. Following the 2017 season, 13 Bison baseball players elected to continue their athletic career at four-year colleges, including Jackson Hesterlee and Cooper Criswell, who recently competed in the College World Series in Omaha, 
Nebraska with North Carolina. Softball has 10 players who are on four-year college rosters, while both basketball teams have an estimated 13 players playing at the next level. Everyone who comes to Wadley has a story, whether it be girl from Trussville with a dream of playing college softball, a boy from Mobile who has aspirations to sing at Carnegie Hall, or someone from Roanoke who is making a transition close to home so that they can later attend their dream school. No matter the story, it is clear that everyone who attends Southern Union is built for success. From making memories with new friends, to receiving life-changing advice from a professor. It is apparent that you leave Southern Union as a better person, and have been groomed to succeed in any situation that life may throw your way. 

More info on the local Southern Union story... Wadley Area Concerned with SUSCC's Future


#WeLoveSouthernUnion #NewsToKnowWedowee #LakeWedoweeLife #LWLJuly2018

Tue May 22nd 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Rice Family Pavilion, 2554 Co Rd 32, Wedowee, AL 36278, USA 

Kids are coming to fish on Lake Wedowee. Open to all children between 2 and 15 years of age. Children must be accompanied by an adult and have a rod and reel. Bait will be provided. There will be games, face painting, door prizes, snacks and grilled hot dogs by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office. Sponsored by Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association and local businesses.

Randolph County’s third annual Bingo for Boobies event benefitting Tanner Medical Foundation’s Mammogram Assistance Fund will return to the Randolph County High School Auditorium in Wedowee, Ala., on Saturday, March 3.
 
Over the last two years, the event has raised more than $22,000 to provide life-saving mammograms for local women who could not otherwise afford one. Annual mammograms are considered the first line of defense in the detection and treatment of breast cancer, yet many women go without an annual mammogram because they fear they can't afford it.
 
This year, breast cancer survivor and Randolph County resident Sharon Campbell Easter will be honored at the event.
 
There will be door prizes, raffle prizes and bingo prizes — including the Bingo Finale Grand Prize: a two-night stay at the Holiday Inn Hotel by the Opryland Resort in Nashville.
 
The Woodland Area Civic Club will provide delicious concessions, and there will be a silent and live auction, with items being added daily. The live auction begins at 1 p.m. CT.
 
Auction highlights last year included a children’s peddle tractor donated by Sam Duke and a kid’s party donated by Tickled Pink Petting Zoo. Auction donations are still being accepted and are appreciated.
 
“Mammography on the Move,” Tanner Health System’s mobile mammography unit, will also be on-site in the parking lot to provide mammograms on a walk-up or appointment basis.
 
“This event is so worthwhile and we make sure everyone has a good time,” said “master” bingo caller Jerry Hall. “It’s just a good day for a good cause.”
 
Hall and his team will call the first bingo card at 10 a.m. CT at this family-friendly event. Admission is free and a $5 to $20 donation is suggested to play.
 
Organizers Pat Laney, Carol Ann Traylor and Donna Maner started planning for the event in September and have worked for months to prepare.
 
“There are many community supporters who make this possible,” said Laney. “Lake Wedoweee Life magazine and all of our local bank, merchant and business sponsors are the real champions of this event.”
 
“We are also grateful to Randolph County High School principal, Darren Anglin, for hosting us again this year,” said Traylor.
 
“Without our generous sponsors and auction donors, Bingo for Boobies wouldn’t be possible,” said Maner. “It’s wonderful to be part of a community who really cares.”
 
Sponsorships are still available and additional information can be found on the Bingo for Boobies Facebook page.
 
Tanner Medical Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the services of Tanner Health System through the philanthropic efforts of the community. Tanner Health System serves the healthcare needs of west Georgia and east Alabama. To learn more about Tanner Health System or Tanner Medical Foundation, visit www.tanner.org.
 
#LakeWedoweeLife #BingoForBoobies #ThinkPinkWedowee
#ILoveLakeWedowee #TannerEastAL #WedoweeCommunityCalendar 

#AshlandTheatre #LWL2018 #Events2018