River Region Shoutout to Mill Collective

and Randy Sewell

The Mill Collective: Where Treasure Hunting Begins

Step into the heart of Tallassee’s charm at The Mill Collective—the best little flea market in Alabama. Located at 103 South Ann Ave, this local gem is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a community haven where friendly faces, unique finds, and endless possibilities meet.

Whether you’re on the hunt for vintage treasures, handcrafted goods, or a rare gem to complete your collection, The Mill Collective has something for everyone. Stroll through our inviting space, filled with one-of-a-kind items lovingly curated by local vendors. From timeless antiques and rustic home décor to eclectic art and upcycled furniture, you’ll find inspiration at every turn.

Tomorrow, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, discover what’s new at The Mill Collective. Experience the joy of supporting local artisans, connecting with fellow shoppers, and bringing home that perfect piece that tells your story.

So y’all come on down—103 South Ann Ave., Tallassee, AL—and see why we’re known as Alabama’s most beloved flea market.

Jokes Of The Week

A farmer in Alabama had a mule named Earl, and Earl was known for his stubbornness. No matter how much coaxing, shouting, or prodding the farmer did, Earl never moved an inch unless he felt like it. One day, the farmer walked out into the field and saw Earl standing stock-still in the same spot he’d been for three days. Just as the farmer sighed and turned to leave, Earl casually leaned down, grabbed a mouthful of grass, and said, “I’d move more if you stopped calling me a jackass.”

A Montgomery barber had a sign in his shop that read, “Haircuts $10—Jokes $5.” One day, a customer asked for a haircut and said, “Skip the jokes.” The barber finished up and handed him the bill: $15. The customer complained, “You said haircuts were $10!” The barber smiled and replied, “The jokes are free with every haircut. It’s skipping them that costs extra.”

A group of kids in Selma decided to host a lemonade stand on a sweltering summer day. Business was slow until one boy got the bright idea to write “Guaranteed to Cool You Down!” on the sign. A customer stopped by, paid a dollar, and took a sip. “This isn’t very cold,” he said. The boy grinned and pointed at the sign. “It says ‘Guaranteed to Cool You Down.’ It doesn’t say when.”

Charred Oak Brisket with Herbed Smoke Infusion

When you think of brisket, you may picture a slow oven roast or a long, tender bake. But this isn’t just any brisket—it’s Charred Oak Brisket, kissed by fire and smoke, and infused with fresh herbs and bold flavors. Cooked entirely on the grill, this recipe takes the classic comfort of brisket and gives it an outdoor twist, creating a meal that’s rich, aromatic, and unforgettable.

Recipe @ Bottom of newsletter

Secret Little Hacks

Keep Your Ice Cream Soft

Store your ice cream container in a zip-top bag before placing it in the freezer. It helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the ice cream scoopable.

Restore Shrunken Sweaters

Soak a shrunken sweater in warm water mixed with a few tablespoons of hair conditioner. After 10 minutes, gently stretch it back to its original size.

🎉.Weekly River Region Highlights March 12 – March 18, 2025🎉

Here's everything you need to know about upcoming events in Montgomery, Autauga, and Elmore Counties. Check out the lineup below, and don’t miss the chance to experience the best of our community!

🎭 The Sleeping Beauty – Performed by the State Ballet of Ukraine
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, Montgomery, AL
✨ Details: Experience the classic ballet The Sleeping Beauty performed by the renowned State Ballet of Ukraine. A night of enchanting dance and music awaits.
🎟️ Tickets: Purchase here

🎤 Whose Live Anyway?
📅 Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, Montgomery, AL
✨ Details: Get ready to laugh out loud! Enjoy a night of improvised comedy and music inspired by the hit TV show. Audience participation makes each show unique.
🎟️ Tickets: Purchase here

🎷 Montgomery Smooth Jazz Fest
📅 Dates: Friday and Saturday, March 14–15, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Riverwalk Amphitheater, Montgomery, AL
✨ Details: Relax to the smooth sounds of live jazz by talented artists along the beautiful Alabama River. Enjoy food vendors, art displays, and the perfect vibe for a spring evening.
ℹ️ More Info: Learn more

🎨 Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood
📅 Dates: Thursday to Saturday, March 13–15, 2025
⏰ Times: Various showtimes
📍 Location: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery, AL
✨ Details: A comedic twist on the Robin Hood legend brought to life by Ken Ludwig. This family-friendly performance promises laughter, romance, and daring adventures.
🎟️ Tickets: Get yours here

🎾 Free Community Tennis Day
📅 Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: O'Connor Tennis Center, Montgomery, AL
✨ Details: Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious beginner, join us for free tennis activities, tips, and fun. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm!
ℹ️ More Info: Event details

🛍️ Eclectic Trade Days
📅 Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Eclectic Town Hall, Eclectic, AL
✨ Details: Explore local treasures, crafts, and fresh produce at this monthly market. A wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and discover unique finds.
ℹ️ More Info: More details here

🧑‍💼 Community Hiring Event
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: North Highland Community Center, Prattville, AL
✨ Details: Meet local employers, find job opportunities, and get resume tips. This is your chance to connect with resources that can help boost your career!
ℹ️ More Info: Event information

🌟 Stay tuned for more weekly highlights, and be sure to mark your calendars!
Questions or suggestions? Reply to this newsletter or reach out directly. We're here to help you make the most of your time in the River Region!

This Week We Have Alabama Trivia

Answers @ Bottom of Newsletter

1. What ancient impact event created a geological structure visible today in Wetumpka, Alabama?
A) Volcanic eruption
B) Meteorite impact
C) Earthquake fault
D) Glacier movement

2. What is the official state amphibian of Alabama, and when was it designated?
A) Spotted Salamander, 1989
B) Green Tree Frog, 1995
C) Red Hills Salamander, 2000
D) Eastern Newt, 2015

3. Alabama is home to the first electric streetcar system in the world. In what city was it located, and in what year was it introduced?
A) Birmingham, 1901
B) Montgomery, 1886
C) Mobile, 1893
D) Huntsville, 1879

4. What Alabama town was the first state capital before Montgomery, and what year did it lose this status?
A) Cahaba, 1826
B) Tuscaloosa, 1835
C) Selma, 1850
D) Huntsville, 1822

5. The Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in U.S. history, trained in Alabama. What was the name of their primary training base?
A) Maxwell Air Force Base
B) Dannelly Field
C) Moton Field
D) Redstone Arsenal

Interesting Fact

A mysterious “lost town” near Prattville vanished in the early 20th century:
A once-thriving settlement along Autauga Creek faded from maps as its industries and population dwindled. The area is now overgrown, and only fragments of foundations and old wells hint at the community that once existed.

St. Patrick’s Day Festivities in the River Region
March 15–17, 2025

Get ready to paint the town green! From festive pub crawls to family-friendly events, the River Region is bursting with ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Here’s your guide to the top happenings in Montgomery, Prattville, Millbrook, and beyond.

Montgomery's Almost St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
Saturday, March 15 | 6:00 PM onward | Tower Taproom, Montgomery, AL
Gear up for a lively evening of bar-hopping, drink specials, and a sea of green-clad revelers! This downtown pub crawl promises plenty of Irish spirit (and spirits!) to keep the fun going all night long.

‘Irish Voices’ Program at The NewSouth Bookstore
Sunday, March 16 | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM | 105 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Ireland with readings of Irish poetry and prose, accompanied by traditional Irish tunes. It’s a cultural celebration you won’t want to miss.

St. Patrick’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo
Monday, March 17 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Montgomery Zoo, Montgomery, AL
What’s more fun than spotting a leprechaun? Seeing it in a zoo full of amazing wildlife! Bring the whole family for a day of exploration, adventure, and a bit of Irish cheer.

Lucky Ducky Spring Kick-Off
Saturday, March 15 | 1100 Maxwell Boulevard, Montgomery, AL
Get into the festive spirit with this family-friendly event. Expect fun games, activities, and maybe a pot of gold (or at least a few golden ducks) waiting to be discovered.

Fifty Shades of Green Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Brunch
Sunday, March 16 | CT Entertainment, Montgomery, AL
Start your Sunday with an indulgent brunch filled with Irish-inspired eats, live entertainment, and plenty of festive flair. Don’t forget to wear something green!

Leprechaun Hike
Saturday, March 15 | 2222 N College St, Auburn, AL
Take a themed hike where you might just find a bit of Irish luck along the trail. A great outdoor event for the whole family.

Pat N Snack Gathering
Sunday, March 16 | 80 Saint Thomas Way, Montevallo, AL
Join the community for an afternoon of snacks, games, and cheerful camaraderie. Fun for all ages!

Citrus Social: St. Patrick’s Day Edition
Saturday, March 15 | 702A Commerce Ct, Prattville, AL
Enjoy refreshing drinks, music, and mingling as you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a bright, citrusy twist.

Bunco Nite
Tuesday, March 18 | 13 S Ann Ave, Tallassee, AL
Roll the dice and try your luck at this fun and fast-paced Bunco night. Perfect for those looking for a relaxed, social way to celebrate after the big day.

St. Patty’s Day Party
Monday, March 17 | 81 Wisteria PL, Millbrook, AL
Wrap up the holiday with a lively party featuring great music, food, and plenty of Irish cheer. Millbrook knows how to throw a celebration that’ll leave you smiling.

Alabama Trivia Answers

Answer Key:

1. B) Meteorite impact
2. C) Red Hills Salamander, 2000
3. B) Montgomery, 1886
4. A) Cahaba, 1826
5. C) Moton Field

Charred Oak Brisket with Herbed Smoke Infusion

Ingredients

• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for seasoning
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• ½ cup olive oil
• 4-pound beef brisket
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 6 large shallots, peeled and halved
• 2 cups dry red wine
• 16-ounce can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 1 handful fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 handful hickory or oak wood chips, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Grill
   Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 325°F. If you have a smoker box, fill it with the soaked wood chips. If not, wrap the chips in foil, poke a few holes in the packet, and place it on the hot coals or directly over a burner. Close the grill lid to start generating aromatic smoke.

2. Make the Herb Paste
   On a cutting board, mix the minced garlic, sea salt, thyme leaves, and rosemary. Chop the mixture finely until it becomes a rough paste. In a small bowl, stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

3. Season and Sear the Brisket
   Pat the brisket dry and season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. Brush the remaining olive oil on the brisket. Place the brisket directly on the hot grill grates over direct heat. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until you see a golden crust.

4. Add the Flavor Base
   Slide the brisket to an indirect heat zone. Scatter the shallots around the brisket on the grill. Brush the thyme-garlic paste generously over the top. Pour the wine and crushed tomatoes into a grill-safe drip pan or cast-iron skillet. Place this underneath the brisket to catch the drippings, infusing the sauce with smoky richness. Toss in parsley and bay leaves.

5. Smoke and Grill
   Close the grill lid. Cook the brisket for about 4 hours, maintaining a steady temperature of 325°F. Check every 30 minutes, basting the brisket with the wine-tomato mixture from the drip pan. Add more wood chips as needed to keep the smoke flowing.

6. Rest and Finish the Sauce
   Once the brisket reaches fork-tender perfection, carefully remove it from the grill and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. While the brisket rests, place the drip pan directly on a burner or a hot grill zone and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the sauce by half, skimming any fat that rises to the surface.

7. Slice and Serve
   Slice the brisket against the grain and arrange on a serving platter. Spoon the reduced sauce over the brisket and shallots for a smoky, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• To add an extra layer of smoky complexity, you can swap the hickory or oak chips for mesquite or pecan, depending on your flavor preference.