By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
Rosalee Wade is one of the happiest people you may ever meet in your life. Well known and loved in the Millbrook community, her forever smile, her hugs, her crazy holiday hats and her loving heart have made a lot of frowns turn upside down.
Rosalee was honored Friday at the Millbrook Economic Development Center/Millbrook Chamber, recognizing her retirement after 14 years of service. Chances are, if you had business anywhere in the building, you would have been greeted by Rosalee. She would go above and beyond to make sure you had the information you needed or put you in front of anyone who could help you.
It was a festive affair, with a Mardi Gras theme, thanks to the creative efforts of her friends and KP Studio and Events. Friends and associates waited for a hug, giving congratulations. There was a beautiful arrangement of hors d’oeuvres. A giant balloon creation, beads and other decorations greeted guests.
On behalf of Rosalee’s closest friends, Millbrook Chamber President and CEO Brenda Dennis presented Rosalee with a beautiful necklace. Rosalee was proud to show it to everyone, saying how much it meant to her.
Dennis said there is no way she can ever express how much Rosalee has meant to the city, and the Chamber in particular.
As Rosalee was opening her gift, her friend Millbrook’s First Lady Brenda Kelley said, “We all want to grow up and be like you one day!”
Mardi Gras was the perfect backdrop for this event, for multiple reasons. Rosalee has been selected as the Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Parade Marshal, for the Millbrook Revelers’ Mardi Gras parade coming Feb. 15. She and her late husband, James, were the first-ever Mardi Gras Queen and King couple in 2005. James passed away in 2022, but the two together were always a force when it came to community service, public events, fundraisers and fun.
In fact, it was Rosalee and James who led the charge to gain interest in establishing the Millbrook Revelers.
“At that time, Mayor Al Kelley asked me to try and organize a meeting to help bring Mardi Gras to Millbrook,” Rosalee said. “We had eleven people at that first meeting, but fortunately interest grew very quickly. The first year we had only a Mardi Gras Ball, but the first parade followed the next year.”
Chamber Executive Director Dennis said it would be impossible to put into words how much Rosalee has meant to her personally, and to her many friends.
As for her enduring spirit, and positive outlook on life, Rosalee offered some advice. In life bad things will happen, there will be so many challenges. But anyone has the ability to control their attitude when the clouds or darkness come.
She understands the darkness. Aside from the death of her husband, the couple lost their only son, Sidney, tragically when he was young. Rosalee is also a cancer survivor.
She understands there will always be challenges, life-altering incidents. She just chooses joy.
“Sometimes I will come across someone, and they just look sad,” Rosalee said with that smile so many have come to love. “I will just offer them a hug and ask if they want to borrow one of my smiles.”
While this event was to celebrate her retirement, we all know Rosalee will not be going anywhere. She has her 85th birthday coming at the end of the month. However, she said she does not see a future that does not include continuing to volunteer with multiple agencies, taking part in area events, or simply offering her smiles.
Rosalee, the EAN thanks you for all you have done, and all that we know you will continue to do. Fortunately, this is not goodbye. We hope to be taking photos of your smiles and funny hats for many years to come.
So, come out Feb. 15 for the Millbrook Revelers’ Mardi Gras festival and Parade Feb. 15 and celebrate Rosalee who is currently perfecting her parade wave.
Below is a letter about the event, so mark it on your calendar. Sign up your business or organization to take part.
From the Millbrook Revelers
Mardi Gras Season in Millbrook this year is (February 15, 2025) and this is your invitation to come join us for a fun time by entering the parade. We take pride in the fact that there is no entry fee for your participation.
(Visit their website at https://www.millbrookrevelers.org/ for parade entry and vendor forms.)
As in the past, the main assembly area is at Mill Creek Baseball Park at the end of Shirley Lane behind the Smokehouse Restaurant. A secondary assembly area is alongside the Dollar General in Southgate Plaza on Main Street, just across from the Smokehouse. After receiving your application, we will send you an email giving you your assembly area. We will have workers to direct you to your place in the parade. The parade ends at Millbrook Shopping Center (where Climate Control Storage is located) on the left side (west) of Main Street. The parade distance is right at one mile.
All details about the Festival and Parade, including how to buy “throws” at a reasonable price, and vendor information can be found on our web site at: www.millbrookrevelers.org
Vendors need to call Charles Prevel at 520-482-8454 for information on becoming a vendor.
You can be of tremendous help by simply mentioning this event to your friends, family and neighbors. REMEMBER—DETAILED INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE: WWW.MILLBROOKREVELERS.ORG
If I can help you in any way feel free to call me at (334) 318-0039 (Cell) or 361-1074 (Home)
Let the Good Times Roll
Keith Yarbrough
Parade – Chairman
