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

​A dream is coming true for the residents that call Randolph County home. The finishing touches are being put on our brand new hospital and in a matter of weeks as Tanner Medical Center/East Alabama invites the community to “See the Future of Care in East Alabama” at its open house on September 30. “The hospital itself will not be operational that day,” Tony Montcalm, Communications Manager for Tanner Health System, said. “But it will be to a point where we want to show what the communities efforts have accomplished.” The Hospital is slated to open some time in October depending on final approvals from the state. “It is just a process,” Jerry Morris, Tanner Medical Center/East Alabama hospital administrator, said. “We would love to be able to move in as soon as possible, but there are some Regulatory and Compliance things that have to be done before we are move in ready. “We are shooting for October for sure,” Montcalm said. “ We don’t want to say a date and that not happen. We want to make sure if there is a medical emergency that the person knows where to go. So until we get more things accomplished, we don’t want to talk about a specific date.” Finishing touches are well in hand and the Open House is just part of the process. “We want the community to share in the success of opening this hospital which is why we are having the big celebratory open house event at the end of September,” Morris said. “We know how big this is for the community and make no mistake, we know that Tanner has been entrusted to manage this facility…But this hospital belongs to Randolph County. We are proud and humbled to play our part.”

After the Open House, a specific cleaning crew will come in to sterilize and sanitize the facility to get it “hospital ready” after that people from the state will come in for a final inspection of the facility and paperwork and all that is required to get the state seal of approval to open a hospital. In addition to overseeing the management and operation of the hospital, Tanner Health System also agreed to provide more than $6 million in equipment and furnishings. “This is the same equipment that is at the other Tanner facilities. There is a 64-slice CT scanner here in Wedowee and its the exact same equipment that is at Tanner in Carrollton, Villa Rica and Bremen,” Morris said. “ Tanner Medical Center/East Alabama will feature 15 private inpatient beds, eight emergency department exam rooms, a dedicated ambulance bay for medical emergencies, state of the art diagnostic imaging services which include CT, X-ray and ultrasound, onsite laboratory with modern analyzers and instrumentation and a state of the art surgical suite. According to Tanner’s press release, the relationship with the system also gives our local hospital patients access to Tanner’s medical staff of more than 300 physicians representing 34 specialties. 

You are invited to an Open House Celebration to see Randolph County's new premier rental venue at Whispering Pines Farm at 639 Co Rd 91, Roanoke, AL, Saturday, July 22, 2017 from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Live entertainment and refreshments. Come out and see this beautiful venue that is the perfect place for weddings, reunions, corporate functions and more. 

https://www.whisperingpineseventbarn.com/

Hey Lake Wedowee fans it is time to vote for your favorite Pets Of Wedowee photo entry.  
​
You may vote for your favorites once a day until midnight August, 20, 2017. 

The winner will be featured in the September Issue of Lake Wedowee Life. 

There are 43 entries so continue to 
​Scroll down and meet all the contestants.
Let The Voting Begin!