LAKESIDE LIVING and
Private island paradise
LOGAN MARTIN HOMES
MAGAZINE
With tiki torches and palm trees, couple brings a touch of the tropics to Logan Martin Lake
Covering life along Logan Martin Lake since 1994
STAFF
Editor and Publisher CAROL PAPPAS Advertising director PAM ADAMSON
Distribution KANDI GEORGE
6 ON THE WATER THIS MONTH
Houseboat cruise Ultimate pontoon boats ART by the water
Logan Martin Homes Section
Lakeside lookout
Home has perfect view across the water
12 24 44 51
30
COVER PHOTO BY BRIAN SCHOENHALS
2
Photography BOB CRISP BRIAN SCHOENHALS Design GRAHAM HADLEY Writers LAURA NATION-ATCHISON BRANDON FINCHER DAVID ATCHISON CHRIS NORWOOD JUNE WINTERS KENDRA CARTER KATHERINE POYTHRESS HEATHER BAGGETT
A product of
The Daily Home Talladega, P.O. Box 977, 35161-0977 Phone (256) 362-1000, Sylacauga, 22 N. Broadway, 35150 Phone (256) 249-4311, Pell City, Towne Park, 1911 Martin St. S.,Suite 7, 35128 Phone (205) 884-3400
www.dailyhome.com
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
When it’s time to remodel or recarpet your home, count on us for the highest quality carpet at the lowest prices. Choose from name brand carpeting in many styles and colors. Also check out our tile and hardwood floors. •BERBER •PLUSH •INDOOR/OUTDOOR •FLEXITEC VINYL •BOAT CARPET •FRIEZE •CERAMIC TILE •TRAVERTINE •HARDWOOD FLOORS •HANDSCRAPPED •LAMINATE •CUSTOM CABINETS •GARAGE DOORS
Open Monday - Saturday 9-5 FINANCING AVAILABLE w.a.c.
I-20 CARPET WAREHOUSE & DESIGN CENTER
190 OLD COAL CITY ROAD, PELL CITY, AL
205-814-9883
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
248120
CONTRACTORS WELCOME
3
Keeping Lakeside Magazine fresh Logan Martin Lake is famous for its waterside Fourth of July fireworks show that can be enjoyed on land or from a boat.
From the editor… People often ask me how we can keep the magazine fresh with new faces, new places and new stories. It must be hard to come up with ideas month after month after month, they say. And I just smile and reply, “I’m glad Logan Martin is known as the lake of a thousand coves. There’s a story around every bend.” Such is the case with this issue of Lakeside, which features a Pell City couple who bought a small island and turned it into their own personal paradise. Complete with palm trees and tropical plants, the island even boasts a buried treasure. You’ll meet Laurie and Jim Regan and read the story about their island getaway just around the bend from their real home (and mine). You will read about Judy Denard’s home makeover and you will continue the trek across Logan Martin in a kayak with writer David Atchison. Those are some of the stories we found this month, and there are plenty more up and down Logan Martin Lake. It’s July. It’s Lakeside. It’s where you want to be. — Carol Pappas, editor and publisher
4
Photo by Bob Crisp
RICHEY’S GROCERY “Specializing in Fresh Cut Meat and Fresh Produce”
•BLUE BELL ICE CREAM •MILO’S TEA •GAS •CIGARETTES •PROPANE •ATM
CHECK OUT OUR PRICES AT “YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY STORE” HWY. 231 S., CROPWELL
205-525-5361
RICHEY’S THIS & THAT NEW GIFT SHOP
PURSES • JEWELRY • CANDLES • CHRISTIAN SHIRTS • GOURMET FOODS • BABY ITEMS & MUCH MORE!
We also have personal booth rentals. They vary in size & price so please come look.
RV & BOAT STORAGE AVAILABLE HWY. 231 S., CROPWELL
205-525-0099
Store Hours: Mon.-Wed. 10-5, Thurs. & Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-6 248107
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
5
Jim and Laurie Regan used tiki torches and palm trees to create their own island resort on Logan Martin Lake.
6
Private island paradise
Grand Island “fires the imagination” Story by Katherine Poythress Photos by Brian Schoenhals
At 50 feet by 75 feet, it’s barely larger than a living room, and visitors can only get to it by boat, but Jim and Laurie Regan’s Grand Island is one of their most prized possessions. The couple, whose Logan Martin lakefront home is only about a mile from Grand Island by water, set their eyes on the real estate treasure more than 10 years ago, but they had a problem — they were not able to persuade owners Randy Royster and Sandra Mullinax to part with the island. “We pestered them beyond belief,” Laurie said. “For years, we were always bringing it up, and then one day
last summer (Sandra) said something that sounded like ‘maybe,’ and I said, ‘Don’t tell Jim; call me if you’re serious, because his birthday is in a few weeks.’” Sandra, who serves on the Pell City Library Guild Committee with Laurie, called a few days later. When Jim answered the phone, she purported to be calling on “library business.” Before handing the phone to his wife, Jim said to her for what he did not realize would be the last time, “and again, if you ever think about selling us the island, keep us in mind.” Laurie executed the transaction without her husband discovering it, and for his birthday last August, she and some of their nieces, nephews and friends decorated the
Continued on Page 8
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
7
The Regans tried for years to persuade former owners Randy Royster and Sandra Mullinax to sell Grand Island.
Island
From Page 7
island with streamers and balloons in preparation for introducing Jim to his new acquisition. But they returned to the mainland to experience one of the worst flash storms they had seen in years. “It was a get-in-the-basement storm,” Laurie said. “I looked at my niece and I said, ‘Crepe paper’s not gonna take that. How are we going to surprise him with the island now?’” After the storm passed, the niece begged Jim to take her out on the water in the pontoon boat one last time before she went back to college. He reluctantly assented, and everyone loaded up in the boat to pilot around the lake. As they approached the small island, Laurie handed Jim a can hugger that said “Congratulations on your new island!” and watched her husband launch into the water and swim to the shore of his very own islet. “It’s about 15 degrees warmer right here in the chest area, when you own an island,” said Jim, tapping his chest with a sincere earnestness in his voice as he prepared to pilot a group of people out to tour his acquisition. “At one point, Sandy said she would sell her half of it to me, and I said, ‘I don’t think I can share an island with you.’” For Jim, it was all or nothing — and preferably all. He doesn’t mind sharing, but there is something magical about the ownership. “An island just fires the imagination in all of us. It’s a great place to go — especially for kids to go. And as much fun as boating around the lake is, it’s nice to have a destination. It really adds something to the boating experience.”
Continued on Page 10
8
The Regans have even buried treasure on the island.
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
JAY & CINDY BORDES
We would like to thank our family, friends and neighbors for helping us open The Tavern of St. Clair. There are too many names to mention, but please know how much we appreciate you! Now open, we invite everyone to join us and our staff for a delicious meal and relaxed dining experience. Proprietors, Jay & Cindy Bordes
The Pub Servers - Andrew & Brian
The Tavern
Hostesses Hannah & Melissa
Kitchen Staff - Andrew, Daniel, Stu, Chef Clint, & Josh
Servers - Stephani, Chassity, Ashli, Shannon, Renee, Amanda & Jill
4852 Cogswell Ave (Hwy. 78) Pell City
205-338-8900
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
248148
9
Island
From Page 8 Grand Island is silhouetted by the sun setting across Logan Martin Lake.
SAVE UP TO 35% THRU JULY 29 CALL OR EMAIL FOR DETAILS
10
2107 Martin St. S., Suite 103, Pell City • 205-884-0663
Bridal Registry • Gourmet Foods • Barware Giftware • Fine Wines • Coffee • Crystal Custom Gift Baskets • Purses • Jewelry
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
248139
107 North Norton Ave., Sylacauga, Alabama 35150 256-245-1888 fax 256-245-1810 www.cupboardsonline.com 247885
The Stafford House
The tiny Grand Island is located close to Bird Island about a mile from the Regans’ home on the eastern side of Logan Martin Lake, where they have lived for approximately 15 years. Despite the islet’s name, the Regans have no grandiose illusions about their new and unusual possession. “Really, we’re just the new maintenance people,” Jim said. He and Laurie will be the first to joke good-naturedly about the diminutive size of their piece of water real estate. “When we get out there, everybody needs to stay together,” Jim quipped. “We may not get to see it all in one day, but we don’t want anybody wandering away from the group. You could get lost out there.” But the couple have transformed what used to be a small patch of water-marooned wilderness into something special. Boaters who used to fly right on by this postage stamp piece of real estate now slow down and circle around, curious. “There’s a lot of hesitation, but this is a popular spot, and we don’t discourage anyone from coming over here as long as they clean up after themselves,” Laurie said, pointing out how much effort they have made to preserve the island without evidence of human blight. “We want people to come out here and enjoy it and take their trash with them.” The water gently laps up to the sandy shore as a sunset frames silhouettes of the three palm trees Jim had imported. One palm tree bends precariously over the water, but once it has taken root, he said, it will form a tree seat. He also had tropical flowers and fauna imported to the island, not only for looks but for shoreline preservation. “When you only have 75 by 50 feet, you can’t afford
much erosion,” Jim said. “I just hope this inspires other island owners to do something with their islands.” The unusual botanical treasures are scattered among a fire pit and a buried treasure chest. They fixed it up not only for their own enjoyment, but for their 22 nieces and nephews who look forward every year to visiting their Uncle Jim and Aunt Laurie at the couple’s lakeside home. The islet has served as a setting for all kinds of new adventures for relatives and friends. One neighbor in his 60s has taken his grandchildren out there to camp and fish. The Regans took some of their nieces and nephews to the island at night over Memorial Day weekend to tell ghost stories. “I’ve been here less than a week, and we’ve already been out (to the islet) two or three times,” said nephew Brett Collier, who just graduated from college and is spending the summer with the Regans while he applies for jobs. While the Regans play around the island, a boat carrying the previous owners arrives, and they climb down, goodnaturedly claiming squatter’s rights on the real estate. “Once you’re an island owner, you’re always an island owner,” said Randy Royster. “When I sold it to them — and it’s not written down anywhere or anything, but we agreed — that I have squatter’s rights. The group holds an impromptu evening party around the campfire, surrounded by tiki torches and gentle post-rainstorm lake waters. “Some things in life are not supposed to make any sense, and this is one of them,” Jim said, smiling in the sunset as he lay swinging gently in a hammock hung between two of his island trees. “You don’t try to explain it; just enjoy it.”
101 Marina Street, Riverside, AL 35135 • 205-338-2291 Website www.abriversidemarina.com
YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR BOATING AND FISHING TACKLE NEEDS! Deep discounts on life jackets! Many below cost! All sizes...even for your pets!!
Come in to see our complete selection of water toys...now. Now available at
Riverside Marina Only
$
23.99
(Cord not included)
SALE PRICED!!
Open 7 Days A Week Riverside Marina is the local dealer for Permafloat Float Drums We Sell Hunting and Fishing Licenses
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
aur 248125
11
Houseboat cruise An ideal party venue on Logan Martin
Johnny Johnson’s double-decked houseboat made the perfect wedding party spot on the lake. Story by Carol Pappas Photos by Bob Crisp When the captain, Johnny Johnson, steered his 98-foot, double-decked houseboat out from the dock and skillfully guided it onto the main channel of Logan Martin Lake, the more than 60 guests aboard could sense a special evening lay ahead. With a mixture of music from the Drifters and Jimmy Buffett courtesy of DJ Randy Jinks, guests were already getting into the spirit of the occasion – a floating party along Logan Martin Lake. As late afternoon turned into early evening, the sounds of Motown and other requests brought guests to their feet to dance or to grab a microphone to sing along. Billed as “Tori and Caj’s Sunset Cruise,” it was a cocktail party honoring my niece, Tori Shamblin, and my nephew-tobe Caj Anderson, who married June 6 at Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Birmingham. It was an ideal kick-off to a week full of events honoring
12
them in what we came to lovingly call our “Big Fat Greek Wedding.” My family and I had wanted to host a party for the couple to bring the two families and their friends together, but we wanted to do something a little different than a traditional cocktail party. I ‘borrowed’ the idea from the St. Clair County Economic Development Council, which hosts a similar cruise for its business partners every fall to thank them for their support and to “show off” the lake. We banked all our hopes on a sunny day, and we weren’t disappointed. It was the first break in the weather in weeks of rainy days leading up to it. Guests arrived at the docks of Images, a lakeside, gated community in Pell City, and boarded the boat late on a Saturday afternoon. Pell City caterer Polly Warren, who is also Greek, was there to greet them with a feast of her own specialties – from classic Greek fare of spanakopetas and
Continued on Page 14
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
Floating & hydraulic lifts by Boathouse lifts by
Portable pontoon lifts by
Visit our showroom next to Lakeside Landing on Hwy 231 South.
205-338-7500
www.tradesmanco.com
Houseboat
From Page 12 Partygoers gather on the top deck of the boat.
The Magic Hour
Echelon 660s Stand Alone
That garden time when everyone gathers around the Firemagic Grill, with the features to please even the most demanding grilling chef.
ANNISTON FIREPLACE & PATIO Mon. - Fri. 8-5; Sat. 9-12 kurtnelson@cableone.net abbybass@cableone.net
14
247394
3815 Leatherwood Plaza, Hwy. 431 (256) 236-1114
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
Bride and groom, Tori Shamblin and Caj Anderson
tiropetas (feta cheese mixture wrapped in filo dough and baked) to filet mignon sandwiches with a special sauce to strawberries dipped in white chocolate. The buffet covered countertops in the living and kitchen area of the boat on which Johnny lives when he hasn’t booked it for a party, and there was plenty more upstairs on the open deck — fresh tomato salsa over crostini, chicken strips, fruit and cheese. Bars were located on both decks as well, and guests moved freely up and down, seeing Logan Martin from various vantage points throughout the evening. Curious boaters would circle the houseboat throughout the evening to get a closer look at the party as it traveled slowly down the main channel past River Oaks’ majestic homes and turned at the bend leading to Logan Martin Dam. It then headed back to Images as the sun made its spectacular
Continued on Page 16
WOODS SURFSIDE MARINA WE PUT FUN in owning a BOAT with Come check out our 2010 models and test ride before you buy!
• Dry Storage with Full Service Launching • Boat Cleanup • Full Service Gas • Certified Mechanics • Wet Slips • Marina Store With Parts Dept. • Deck Boats, Ski Boats, Pontoon Boats
NEW AND USED BOAT SALES AND SERVICE YEAR ROUND! 37 Marina Drive, Cropwell, AL 35054 2 miles off 231 on Rabbit Branch Road on Logan Martin Lake Check us out at: www.woodssurfside.com
205-525-5533
248126
SERVING LOCAL AREA OVER 20 YEARS
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
15
The family gets in on the fun with traditional Greek dancing. From left, Chris Sebastian, an aunt, Vickie Pappas, bride’s mother, Tori, the brideto-be, Blanche Pappas, bride’s grandmother and Virginia Karalis, an aunt.
WE DELIVER
Houseboat
descent, quite a scene to behold. Bob Crisp of Bob Crisp Photography LLC captured the entire evening for us in pictures, allowing us to be hosts and mingle with guests rather than spend our time being amateur photographers. As evening fell, the music and laughter continued. American music gave way to Greek dance music and no matter the country of origin of the guest, it seemed as though all wanted a •Candles • Frames •Stationery •Jewelry •Baby Items •Lake Items •“U-Paint-It” Ceramics •“Life is Good”™ Visit Our Web Site!
2715 Stemley Bridge Road - Pell City, AL 35128 Next to the Pell City Civic Center (205) 338-4004 www.littleredbarn.net 248143
16
From Page 15 chance to join hands, learn the steps and get into the festiveness. Shouts of “Opa!,” a Greek expression of jubilance, underscored their newfound tradition. As we pulled back into the dock, there seemed to be a certain reluctance for the evening to end. It had indeed been a special time to savor, giving new meaning to a day at the lake and one our family hoped would be as special as the marriage all had come to celebrate.
MATTRESS & MORE
1911 Martin St. S., Suite 8, Pell City, Al
205-338-2335
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
249774
SCHEDULED TO OPEN JULY 2009 fresh casual cuisine
I.20 E XIT 158
NEAR
W ALMART
WWW.LAKEWOODGRILLE.COM
IN
P ELL C ITY
(205) 525-4030
C ATERING . B REAKFAST . P RIVATE P AR TIES S EE
OUR
M ENU
AT
R UMORSDELI . COM
T HE S UMMER ’ S H OT SO M AKE IT C OLD G ET
YOUR
FA VO R I T E SANDWICH OR COFFEE DRINK HOT OR COLD HOWEVER YOU
C OME VISIT US M ONDAY -S ATURDAY IN C ROPWELL C OMMONS NEAR THE P ELL C ITY C IVIC C ENTER (205) 535-4133
LIKE
IT
P ELL C ITY
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
17
Picking blueberries for fun and profit Story by Kendra Carter Photos by Brian Schoenhals
They wanted to pick something to do in retirement, but now Mike and Jeanette Wadsworth leave most of the picking to their customers. The Wadsworth’s Cropwell farm has been a lakeside summer staple where people can come and pick fresh blueberries. For the Wadsworths, however, the farm isn’t just a business — it’s a family tradition. Mike is the third generation member of his family to own the farm. His grandfather, William Lee Wadsworth purchased the farm’s intial 80 acres in 1911. Mike said he remembers being on in the fields as a young boy, picking the cotton his grandfather grew. “And I can tell you, I didn’t like it,” he said. William Wadsworth sold the farm to his son Edward after World
Chapel in the Pines
Come worship on the shores of Lake Logan Martin Located at Pine Harbor Services begin at 8:30 am each Sunday
SAVE
on Serta Mattress Sets
PREACHERS FOR JULY Monsignor Sexton Rev. Dr. Tommy Gray Rev. Roger Kendrick Rev. Ava Rozelle Rev. Lori Carden
For more information call: 205-338-3374
18
Offer good through August 31, 2009 248124
July 05 July 12 July 19 July 26 August 02
up to
$1300
SERTA BLOWOUT SALE! ASK THE STORE FOR SPECIAL SERTA BLOWOUT OFFER!
501 Davis Loop Oxford
(256) 831-3995
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
258 W. Ft. Williams Sylacauga
(256) 249-8412
War II. Mike said his family raised cattle and chickens, which he tended to — cleaning their eggs and putting them in cartons to be sold at the local A&P. The family also grew and canned peaches and tomatoes. In fact, Mike and Jeanette have a few of the family’s old canning labels framed in their kitchen. Now the farm has swelled to 335 acres with beef cattle, timber and, of course, the 3,000 blueberry plants that occupy around 6 acres of the property. Jeanette, who retired from working with the state, and her husband, who worked for the government and as a member of the Coast Guard Reserve, wanted to pick the perfect crop in their retirement. They planted the first of their berries in 1987. “And then the second year, we replanted,” Jeanette said. “We should have put the irrigation system in first, but we really experienced more.” Mike said now around 14,000 feet of irrigation system runs
Mike and Jeanette Wadsworth’s Cropwell farm has been a summer staple for local residents.
Continued on Page 20
talking about your ? Lots of people are in your shoes. We know, because they talk to us every day. We might talk about consolidating loans for lower payments. Or we talk about restructuring loans during a furlough or layoff. We often talk about refinancing toxic mortgages and overpriced auto loans. We can’t make tough times go away, but we can make them a lot easier to live through. Talk to us today. Childersburg (256) 378-5559 Sylacauga (256) 245-7110 Chelsea (205) 678-3600 Pell City (205) 338-5401 www.coosapinesfcu.org
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
19
Blueberries underneath the plants, bringing water from a well that he said meets purification standards. Jeanette said the blueberry farm employees all use safe food handling practices when picking their berries. “We want to make sure we’re selling a product that’s safe,” she said. This year the Wadworths will open for business on Monday, June 22, accepting call-in orders for pre-picked berries, as well as opening up the U-Pick stand in the field. The little stand is complete with bags and baskets for people to collect their berries in and a box for them to leave their payment. “It’s a complete honor system out there,” Mike said. Jeanette said they’re keeping the prices of the berries set from last year — $10 per gallon for the U-Pick and $15 per gal-
From Page 19 The Wadsworth farm has grown to more than 330 acres.
Continued on Page 22
SUMMER IS JUST GETTING STARTED. You still have plenty of time to plant annuals, perennials and vegetables as well as trees and shrubs. We still have a good selection of all of these and many of them are on sale.
COME BY AND SEE US!
(Located behind Miller-Sutherlin Chevrolet, off of 231 N.)
(205) 338-3952
20
Hwy. 78 East
Riverside
(205) 338-7420
WORLD’S GREATEST
CATFISH & SEAFOOD
rs ✮ Gulf-fresh Shrimp & Oyste ✮ Choice Charbroiled Steaks Breasts ✮ Grilled, Skinless Chicken
Serving This Area’s
BEST CATFISH
For More Than 79 Years
A FAMILY RESTAURANT 248147
925 23rd Street No. Pell City, AL
The Ark
at qy
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
227794
Hazelwood’s Greenhouse
Find Your Summer Fun at Poor House Branch Marina and let us put you on the water today!
Dealer for: Honda Marine, Avalon Luxury Pontoons, Waco Fishing Boats, Centurion, Moomba and Supra Wakeboard and Ski Boats
We offer: Outboard, Inboard, Jet Boat, PWC Repair Dry Storage, Launch Service Open 7 g n Days Financi and e l A b a W l eek Avai Pontoon Boat Rentals
Stop by and let Eddie put you on the water today!
ALAN MANOR, General Manager 205-405-1154 alan.poorhouse@charterinternet.com
Sales Office 256-268-5213
MIKE MORRIS, Owner 256-268-2939 poorhouse@charterinternet.com
POOR HOUSE BRANCH MARINA Since 1998
7062 Stemley Road on Logan Martin Lake • Talladega
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
248940
Located South of Embry-Lincoln Exit 165, off Interstate 20 256-268-2939 • www.poorhousebranchmarina.com
21
Blueberries
From Page 20
lon for pre-picked. They plan to keep the blueberry farm open for six to eight weeks, but Jeanette said if the temperature keeps rising, they may have to limit their open time to six weeks because the berries don’t do well in the heat. “There’s no way to know that until you get there,” she said. While there are some rules to the pick-your-own stand, like not picking berries off the ground and vacating the premises if it starts to thunder, the stand has no set hours. “If the sun’s shining, it’s open,” Mike said. Wasdsworth Farms is located at 330 Wadsworth Road in Cropwell.
The Wadsworths plan to keep the farm open for six to eight weeks this year unless it gets too hot.
Pell City Flower & Gift Shop impressive
36 Comer Ave. Pell City
With sculpted lines, a generous Cruiser® seat and the best fuel efficiency in the industry, the VX
205-338-2226
Cruiser broke down barriers between comfort, luxury and affordability, creating a class of watercraft that embraces all three.
www.pellcityflowers.com
Pell City’s Leading Florist Since 1945
®
YAMAHA-MOTOR.COM
©2009 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Ride responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always ride within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and ride. For more information, visit yamaha-motor.com. This document contains many of Yamaha’s valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only, and are not intended to be an endorsement.
BAMA POWER SPORTS
455 Davis Loop, I-20 Exit 188, Oxford, AL 36203-3414 (256) 835-3335 Fax (256) 832-2929 www.bamapowersports.com
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
250111
248138
22
VX CRUISER
CUSTOM DOCKS LLC Premium Docks and Boathouses Without The Premium Price! “Approved by Alabama Power”
Yes, We Do Steps!
OR D N A L R WATE K OR W L L A ED! E T N A GUAR •Seawalls Waverunner Lifts Manual & Electric
SALES & INSTALLATION
•Boathouses •Boat Lifts •Decks •Gazebos •Piledriving •Floating Docks •Step Systems •Additions and Repairs •Metal Roofs
All You r Buildin g Needs !
FREE Estimates
FREE
Now Through August!
RECEIVE A FREE ALUMINUM LADDER WITH EACH BOATHOUSE!
Please give us a call before you build!
Bobby Hubbard
Tony Hickman
(256) 362-7793 (256) 223-1944
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
23
Pontoon Boats With all the bells and whistles
This boat from Poor House Branch Marina is a floating entertainment facility.
Story by Elsie Hodnett Photos by Brian Schoenhals When spending your summer on the lake, what better way to enjoy it than with the new bells and whistles available for pontoon boats? “There are a lot of neat things you can get for your pontoon boat,” said Diana Woods, who owns Woods Surfside Marina with her husband, Jerry. “With the new pontoon boats, what a lot of people like is a raised platform for the driver
24
and a captain’s chair,” she said. “They like the tilt steering wheel a lot, too.” Woods said the pontoon boats themselves come in a variety of styles and colors. “Vinyl floors with snapping carpet is a popular feature,” she said. “You can unsnap the carpet and take it out of the boat, then store it over the winter so it won’t get moldy.” Woods said removable carpet also makes it easier to clean the boat.
Continued on Page 26
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
25
Pontoon
From Page 24
University Marine at Pine Harbor Marina shows off one of their boats with the canopy extended.
26
“Most of our pontoon boats have a fresh-water sink,” she said. “You can get Corian countertops and even a refrigerator.” Pop-up changing rooms are another family favorite. The changing room pops up with curtained sides for privacy. “You can put a portable toilet in the area and use it for a bathroom if you want,” she said. Many of the pontoon boats come with ski tow bars. “We put larger motors on our pontoon boats, which allows people to ski off the back of the boat,” she said. Wake towers for wakeboarders can also be added. “Some of the models have a table in the front of the pontoon boat,” she said. “You can get an umbrella to shade the front table, in addition to the Bimini top.” For those who enjoy the sunshine, Woods said, some pontoon boats offer a pop-up sunning lounge chair. “There is even a fishing version,” she said. “That version has fishing seats with rod holders in front, and live wells.” Woods said some of the new pontoon boats have three pontoons, allowing the boat to perform more like a fiberglass boat.
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
Top-of-the-line pontoon boats come with high-tech controls (top) and even pop-up bars, sinks and stainless storage areas (facing page, bottom).
“These are not your typical mom-and-pop pontoon boats,” she said. “These are boats that are perfect for young couples with children. The whole family can take the pontoon boat out for a day of fun on the lake. The kids can take naps, and with a fridge and changing room, they can stay out the whole day if they like.” Woods said swim platforms with ladders make it easy for children to enjoy the lake safely. The pop-up changing room can be taken out, and that area can be used for storage. “We carry a large selection of pontoon boats and features,” said Mike Morris, owner of Poor House Branch Marina. Morris said GPS units are a popular feature. “The GPS gives you your speed, the direction you are traveling in, where you have been, how to get back to where you started from, and much more,” he said. Morris said mp3 player connections, Sirius satellite radio, and CD players remain popular.
Continued on Page 28
FREE MOON BOUNCE • FREE FACE PAINTING • FREE LIVE SHOW AT NOON
Every Tuesday In July
UPCOMING MALL EVENTS TERRIFIC KID TUESDAY • TUESDAYS IN JULY • 11:30 AM - 1 PM Enjoy a free moon bounce, free face painting and a free live show at noon with Anniston Museum of Natural History. SPONSORED BY HOWELL VENDING & PARTY RENTAL & QUINTARD MALL
SUMMER KID FLICKS AT AMSTAR • TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS IN JULY • 10 AM For $3, you can enjoy popcorn a drink and great kids movie at AmStar. Visit our website for a schedule of movies!
Mall Sale 4th of July Weekend
Friday, July 3 - Monday, July 6 Stay cool inside and find hot deals this summer at the Quintard Mall July 4th Weekend Sale! Our stores are clearing out their summer merchandise, so step inside for fantastic summer savings! Special Hours Saturday, July 4 • Most stores will close at 6 pm, Saturday, July 4th. AmStar, Department Stores and Restaurants May Differ RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE • JULY 8 & 9 • 10 AM - 8 PM Save Lives and GIVE BLOOD. Great prizes and t-shirts.Pre-register on our website! SPONSORED BY 97.9 WVOK AND QUINTARD MALL
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
27
This luxury pontoon boat at Woods Surfside Marina has a canopy and an extra umbrella stand in the front for shade
Pontoon
From Page 27
“We have a hydraulic lift for the Bimini top,” he said. “It raises the Bimini top with just the push of a button.” Morris said some pontoon boats have a hydraulic wine rack that raises and opens up as well. “A lot of people like the double Bimini tops with the stainless steel frame,” said Chuck Phillips, who is in service and sales at University Marine at Pine Harbor Marina. Phillips said stainless steel hardware in general is popular. “They like the movable stainless steel cup holders,” he said. Phillips said tilt steering wheel and front reclining bucket seats are also very popular. “Our pontoon boats have berber carpet, which is very long-lasting,” he said. Phillips said additional features for pontoon boats include a cooler table, single door fiberglass bar, swim raft, quick inflate/deflate sleeper system, spare filler seats, and more. “Our pontoon boats also have an adjustable transom, which makes for a better ride,” he said.
FIBERGLASS & ALUMINUM BOAT REPAIR
Enjoy Your Home and Outdoors Again! Introducing
Custom Built Pontoon Boats
227057
Southern Star MFG, LLC 2700 OLD BIRMINGHAM HWY. 256-245-8177 SYLACAUGA, AL
28
www.southernstarmfg.com
Spider Be Gone Systems
Of Central Alabama To Logan Martin Lake A New Revolutionary System To Rid Your House Exterior, Deck, Boathouse & Yard From Spiders And Almost All Other Insects And Eliminate Those Nasty Spider Webs Forever. ALL AUTOMATICALLY! See a working demo at the Tradesman Company Showroom
Free Call For A oday! Estimate T
205-296-8340 www.SpiderBeGone.com
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
248176
We Sell Comfort
Foote Brothers Furniture
Stressless® Living –it’s all about comfort.
Downtown Sylacauga 888-229-8480
241163
www.footebros.com
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
29
Lakeside lookout
30
Lakeside living in
STYLE Story by Laura Nation-Atchison Photos by Bob Crisp
Home perched with a perfect view across Logan Martin They had a destination in mind, they just had to find the house. Carleton and Judi Denard had already decided to move to “that little town on the lake in-between Birmingham and Atlanta,” they just needed the right house. They looked for 10 years, and finally, two years ago, there it was. It had been sitting vacant for several years. The house on Coosa Street in Pell City had the right amount of space, the right lot on the water and lots of other “rights.” With so many of the rights in place, the Denards decided to take on the project of changing the house’s “so 70s” look and updating it into a modern and much more sophisticated style. But before getting started, Mrs. Denard admits she turned to her husband and wondered out loud “if maybe we should bulldoze it and start over. …” The Denards didn’t give up on their hopes of reworking the house, though, and now, it’s the perfect place for relaxing, sharing
Continued on Page 32
The Denards have a beautiful view of the waters of Logan Martin Lake.
31
Lakeside living in Continued from Page 31
STYLE The sunroom is where Mrs. Denard likes to spend her time relaxing.
32
A wall Denard took out in the foyer got added back in after Mrs. Denard saw it and felt it looked like a barn. So Denard redesigned the wall, up it went again and this time, there was a coat closet on the foyer side and a closet in the dining room designed to hold glassware and entertaining pieces. Walls in the dining room are a deep mahogany, and molding is painted white to contrast. A metal chandelier is designed with curves that hold large golden crystals and hangs over the square table for six.
Continued on Page 34
The Cabin on Cedar Lane Antiques & Gift Shop From Trendy to Traditional, there is something at the Cabin for everybody...Home Decor, Lamps, Furniture and Great Gift Ideas.
Look For Discounted Items Throughout The Cabin! Follow Airport-Mays Bend Rd. To Cedar Lane Or Call For Directions
205/338-3866
A little out of the way but worth the drive.
5014 Cedar Lane • Pell City Judy Potter, owner
a u
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
248141
their love of cooking and entertaining and for each of their own special interests. Mrs. Denard is artistic, making fabric art in many forms, in purses and other accessories — even carry-all bags to use for walkers and pretty pads for crutches. She ventured into crafting the pieces for walkers and crutches because of a personal experience with having to use them for a time, but that’s another story for another time, she says. One of her large crazy quilts hangs in the front hall, a piece made as a tribute to her mother, made using old department store labels from her mother’s clothing, buttons and fringe and lots of other effects. Her husband encouraged her to use her artistic instincts in the house, and between that and his building abilities, the house happened. Mrs. Denard describes her taste as eclectic and likes to be bold with her choices. Animal prints and rich designs are used against details such as elegant columns and ceilings, creating a luxurious and exotic effect. The Denards took down walls and ceilings, changed flooring and painted, you name it, to get their “new” house. The dark paneling that was in the kitchen, den and laundry room “had to go,” Mrs. Denard said. “The house was so dark,” she said. They created vaulted ceilings in the kitchen, den and dining room, which added a more spacious feel, and created double tray ceilings, where some of Mrs. Denard’s favorite chandeliers now hang.
“Beautiful, Uncompromising Quality Engineered into EVERY Cabinet we build.” Let us design your dream kitchen!
Actual photo, not a computer created picture.
Founded By Perry Kerr In 1974
Counter Top Specialists 2009 Barry Street - P.O. Box 3270 Oxford, AL 36203
LEE KERR, Owner Phone (256) 831-8270 (800) 535-8270
Fax (256) 831-8271 www.KerrCabinets.com 250143
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
33
Lakeside living in
STYLE
Continued from Page 32
An Oriental rug in beiges and golds covers the bamboo flooring used throughout most of the house. Chairs are covered with fabric in a broad black-and-white stripe and chairs are tied at the seat with thick gold tassels. Windows are lined with plantation shutters, bordered with sheer champagne-colored drapes edged with delicate fringe. On the dining table, Mrs. Denard has arranged a large candle holder that supports a trio of ivory candles. White columns are set into the corners of the hall that leads from the dining room to the open kitchen and living room, placed against camelcolored walls. One of the themes in the Denard house is elephant accessories, and the hall holds one of Mrs. Denard’s largest elephant pieces, a 3-foot -tall elephant planter filled with ivy. Above the planter hangs a painting the Denards bought during the Mardi Gras Gala and Art Auction, a yearly benefit for Antique
Continued on Page 36
The master bedroom is decorated with a variety of animal prints. The ceiling was vaulted to create a spacious effect.
Lakeside Living Woods Surfside Marina
Complete Marina Services for all Boats
RV Park & Marina
BOAT SALES & SERVICE 37 Marina Drive Cropwell, AL 35054 On Logan Martin Lake
www.woodssurfside.com Jerry & Diana Woods Owners 205-525-5533
Lake Logan Martin at Riverside
(205) 338-2291
205-525-5701 Boat, RV & Mini Storage Open 7 days a week
River’s Edge
UNIVERSITY MARINE
79 Rabbit Branch Cir • Cropwell, AL 35054
205-338-3831
Chevron Convenience Store 4600 Martin St. S. • Cropwell
Boating Supplies, Water Toys & Tackle Open 7 days a week
Marina
4604 Martin Street South Located on Hwy. 231 South of Pell City Next to Lakeside Landing Cropwell, AL. 35054 Loganmartinboating.com
Lakeside Landing
(205) 525-5562
Dry/Wet Storage•House Boat Slips Pump Out Station • Gas on/off water RV/Mobile Home Lots Store/Picnic Area Boat Sales/Service/Parts Paul Emerick
www.lakeloganmartin.com
At Pine Harbor Marina Since 1974
LUXURY AND HIGH PERFORMANCE BOATS FROM CREST The Only Deep Water Special Financing through Honda Harbor Marina on 4.99% APR Logan Martin Up to 120 mos. 2120 Fraim Dr., Pell City, AL 205-884-2628 cell 205-999-8874 www.universitymarine.com
247047
34
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
Room Air Conditioners
Prices for 5000 to 25000 BTU
Starting as Low as
$9900
While They Last Some Models Feature Energy Saver and Remote For More Information, Call: 1-800-273-7210 or 256-362-4180
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
35
Lakeside living in Continued from Page 34
STYLE
The Denards lightened up the kitchen, added trim and a new island and countertops along with bamboo flooring. Talladega and the Ritz Theatre. The kitchen, they say, was really the biggest undertaking in the house. “Since we both like to cook, we had to keep in mind that we would both be in it at the same time,” Mrs. Denard said. Ease of traffic flow was accomplished by centering a large work island with seating on one side, offering walkthrough space at either end. The island is topped with black and beige flecked granite, and three wrought-iron barstools face into the work area so company can visit with the cooks while meals are prepared. Cabinets are warm maple, brushed with a chocolate-colored glaze and are topped with three tiers of crown molding, painted a deep chocolate for contrast. Assorted greenery and cookware are arranged on top,
36
along with a small parade of elephants, which have a nice spot for keeping an eye on the cooks and greeting guests. Recessed lighting the Denards added in the vaulted ceiling adds to the light in the room. The laundry room is off the kitchen, and an old linoleum floor had to be addressed, Mrs. Denard said. With help from Bobbie Bradshaw of Pell City, she covered the floors with layers of brown paper bags, polyurethaned them five times and now has an interesting and easy-to-maintain floor. Natural light was added in the kitchen by installing double glass doors on the back wall, where a large new deck was designed. That’s where some of Mrs. Denard’s handiwork with plants is shown, along with the adjacent screened porch that overlooks the water. The porch is “her spot,” a favorite place to spend time.
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
Owners Judi and Carleton Denard
“This is where I like to stay,” she said. There’s a rattan rug placed underneath dark wicker furniture, where bright terracotta cushions are used against floral cushions with yellow accents and the same shades of terracotta. A pot of yellow orchids sits on a side table, they’re one of Mrs. Denard’s specialties, and her signature elephants dot other tabletops and floor space. Potted palms are also used in the room, and a tiered shelf holds an assortment of other plants and votive candles. The porch opens from the living room, where a 400-pound elephant figure used as a table stands guard. A stack of old books pieced together is the pedestal for another table, topped with glass and places beside a cozy reading chair. Soft seating in deep brown is used in the room and in one corner, a decorative ladder holds framed photographs and tiny lights. Chair cushions are covered in stripes, and animal prints and a zebra-print case is open on the floor, filled with favorite magazines. Passing from the living room to the hall and bedrooms, Mrs. Denard stops in the foyer to point out her “upside-down” chandelier, hanging from the double tray ceiling added in that space. A guest room is decorated in reds and corals, and a tapestry rug in the same shades is used. Mrs. Denard used spots of zebra print fabric on pillows to cut the color, along with framing windows in
Continued on Page 38
Bridge To Faith GRACE MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH
35950 Hwy. 21 N. Talladega 256-761-1004 Sunday School - 10:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study - 6:00 p.m. Pastor, Bro. Randy Howell “Love Abides”
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Sylacauga 10 S. Broadway SERVICE TIMES Sunday 8:30 a.m.-Classic Worship 9:45 a.m. - Bible Study for all ages 11:00 a.m.- Celebration Worship 6:00 p.m.- Worship Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Mid-Week Service www. sylacaugafbc.org Rev. Tim Childers, Senior Pastor
TALLADEGA CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH
214 Maine St. Talladega, AL Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM Sunday Night Study 6:00 PM Sunday Night Worship 6:00 PM Wednesday Night 6:30 PM Pastor: Wesley Johnson
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
247776
37
Lakeside living in Continued from Page 37
STYLE
Carlton and Judi Denard completely reworked their home on Coosa Street. Denard did a majority of the work himself.
the print against plantation shutters. Bedside tables are covered in the print, too. The chandelier chosen for the room features an upsidedown shade surrounded in crystals and tassels. “This is my most whimsical room,” she said. But her bathroom is the place she calls her “happy place,” and color is bright pistachio against black and white. Cabinets are white, and a black-and-white crystal chandelier is overhead. Another bedroom is Mrs. Denard’s work area, and stacked shelving stores fabric and trims used in making her purses and quilts. A large work table offers a place to cut and measure fabric. Furnishings in the master bedroom are mission style, with a slatted bed fitted with black trim and a matching dresser with small storage drawers stacked on top. Side tables are topped with matching brass lamps and have the same design, and the bed covering is leopard print. Elephant- and tiger-print pillows are placed against zebra- and giraffe-print pillows, and there’s a bench covered in tiger print at the foot of the bed. Walls are camel, and dark exposed beams line the vaulted ceiling. Gold silk drapes frame the windows in the bedroom. The adjoining bath was gutted and enlarged, and an oak chest was reworked to hold a marble sink. Walls are camel and hold a variety of animal prints. There’s a full basement downstairs, and a large den for
38
Denard where he has his Alabama Crimson Tide collectibles. The floor was done in the brown paper bag method used in the laundry room. A leather couch offers seating to take in a view of the lake and also the garden Denard has put in out back, complete with tomatoes, cucumbers, even a little squash and corn. The Denards joke about who has the greener thumb in the household, she with her orchids and houseplants or he with the vegetable garden out back. Ask them about it and they both answer, “I do,” in unison. Mrs. Denard says there might be someone else in the house with them at times — she suspects the former resident who passed away. “When the walls started tumbling down, the door started slamming,” she said. “Carlton was in the house by himself working from dusk until dawn and kept hearing weird noises — so did the electrician. “One day the sheetrock hanger asked me if I had slammed the bedroom door, but I had been in the front part of the house.” The Denards met in Panama City and have been married 13 years now. They’re happy to be in their perfect spot on Logan Martin Lake and enjoying the lakeside lifestyle. “We love it here,” Mrs. Denard said. “And the work was all worth it.”
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
BUSINESS HOURS
Monday through Thursday - Lobby 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. • Drive Thru 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday - Lobby 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Drive Thru 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday - Lobby 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon • Drive Thru 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Metro Bank
MB
“Come Home To Us”
MAIN OFFICE 800 Martin St. So., Pell City, Al 35128 (205) 884-2265 1164 Main St. Ragland, AL 35131 (205) 472-5000
Teller Station: 18500 US Hwy. 231 Pell City, AL 35125
47537 Highway 78 Lincoln, AL 35096 (205) 763-2265
2325 Hwy. 77 Southside, AL 35907 (256) 456-0099
Teller Station: 1920 Martin St., South Pell City, AL 35128
1022 Coleman St. Heflin, AL 36264 (256) 463-8900
35489 US Hwy. 231 Ashville, AL 35953 (205) 594-7400
2603 Moody Parkway Moody, AL (205) 640-6100
MEMBER
COMING SOON TO SPRINGVILLE AND ODENVILLE
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
39
Taking to the water Story and photos by David Atchison
David Atchison, the Pell City news editor for The Daily Home, heads down the Alabama Scenic River Trail, which includes Logan Martin Lake.
40
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
It’s not all smooth sailing
When strong storms hit, boaters should head for shore
Riverside Mayor Rusty Jessup is trying to help the city obtain lakeside property for public access to Logan Martin Lake for local residents. EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a continuing series written by David Atchison, Lakeside Magazine writer and Daily Home Pell City news editor, about his experiences as he travels down the Logan Martin stretch of the Alabama River Trail. This trip down the Alabama Scenic River Trail was one threatened by a familiar summer event – a thunderstorm along Logan Martin Lake. The wind kicked up, forming whitecaps on the lake as I heard thunder in the distance. It was enough to send my long yellow kayak and me to the nearest shore as fast as I could paddle and away from the approaching storm. As I headed to shore, it felt as if I was paddling in an ocean rather than a lake. The water really got rough, fast. I later talked with Capt. Michael Patrick with the Alabama Marine Police — and what I did was exactly what I should have done. “Head to shore as quickly as possible,” Patrick said. With the summer weather pattern, scattered afternoon thunderstorms are common. I was trying to get in a short, three-mile paddle from Lock 4 Slough to close to the center of Riverside when this storm came racing across the lake. In the distance, I could see the hard rain hitting the
surface of the lake as the storm passed ahead of me as I continued my trip down the Scenic River Trail. I picked up my paddle double-time and was actually able to avoid the worst of the storm. “If you can hear thunder, you can get struck by lighting,” Patrick said. He said most lake property owners understand the need to escape the open waters during a thunderstorm and most don’t mind boaters taking temporary shelter under docks or boat houses scattered along Logan Martin Lake. Patrick said generally two to three people are struck by lighting on Alabama waterways each year. So, when you do hear thunder or see an approaching storm, head for the shore. Within 15 minutes after a big, ominous cloud rushed across the lake, the water settled back down and I continued my journey down Logan Martin Lake. This trip I passed right by Riverside Mayor Rusty Jessup’s lakeside home. Rusty is a really nice guy, and I believe he cares about his job as mayor and about the future of Riverside. Rusty said he bought his lake property and started building his new home in early 2000. “I love it here,” he said.
Continued on Page 42
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
41
Water
From Page 41
This is one of a pair of eagles that recently hatched a juvenile bird. The family appears to be doing well along Logan Martin Lake. His favorite time on the lake is actually not during the summer months but during the winter. The winter scenery and the quietness of the lake during that time appeal to him. “I just love that time of the year,” Rusty said. “The summer is fun, but there’s a lot more activity on the lake. “I like it when it’s more quiet, watching the birds and trying to catch a fish or two.” Rusty points to the lake as the biggest asset for Riverside. He said it is important that the lake is kept clean and healthy for economic prosperity as well as helping maintain the quality of life for area lake residents, especially for his constituents in Riverside. “That river is what Riverside is all about. It’s what we are,” he said. “Everybody in our town is tied to the lake, directly or indirectly.” Rusty said he wants to make the lake connection for Riverside residents even stronger, and the town is trying to move forward with obtaining grant money to secure public access for Riverside residents. “We want a city-owned park,” Rusty said. “And we’re real close to obtaining land for that park. We want public access for our town.” I finished my latest journey at Roxanne Bukacek’s Riverside home. She is a friend of my wife, Laura. Roxanne and her husband, Tom Douyard, have a beautiful, historic home along the river. After I had completed my trip, Tom said something to me that I had not even thought about. He said I was about half way between Neely Henry Dam, where I began my trip, and Logan Martin Dam, where I plan to end my kayaking trip. I wonder if it will take me another year to complete my journey. I guess we’ll see, but until then have a safe and wonderful time on the lake.
42
The sun highlighted this spider web, which I spotted next to the river.
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
Installation
Sales&
Shower Doors Windows & Blinds Flooring Closet Shelving Bathroom Accessories Kitchen Accessories
SUPERIOR PRODUCTS SUPERIOR SERVICE
Call or come by today to schedule your personal consultation with one of our design consultants and let us help you with professional installations.
We Install it All!
WEBB CONCRETE
& BUILDING MATERIALS
800.568.1569 Serving North Central Alabama for over 60 years Pell City 205.338.9178
Heflin
800.600.2195
Oxford
256.831.9177
Roanoke 334.863.6699
Centre
256.927.4778
ART BY THE WATER Lawyer carves niche outside courtroom
Talladega attorney Mike O’Brien finds relaxation in his woodworking.
Story by Brandon Fincher I was turning a piece over the Memorial Day holiday Photos by Brian Schoenhals weekend, and I remember at some point looking at In a job with high stress and long hours, art can be a great way to ease one’s mind. As a practicing attorney in Talladega, Mike O’Brien can probably tell you about the rigors of his profession, but he can also tell you the enjoyment he gets from woodturning and woodcarving. “It takes me into a whole different mindset,” O’Brien explained. “I can get lost in it. For example
44
my watch and it was like one o’clock in the afternoon, and the next time I looked at my watch, it was six. I had no idea that much time had passed. It’s a change of pace for me.” O’Brien said he has always had a proclivity toward making art, though he does not consider himself an artist, instead just calling himself someone with some
Continued on Page 48
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
LAKESIDE MARKETPLACE
Business Opportunity
Pre-paid Legal Services Inc. Providing quality legal care for North America’s families since 1972 . If you are interested in a full or part time marketing opportunity, or would like to know more about our legal service plans, call you Independent Associate Today. Clarence Cook 256-245-5335 www. prepaidlegal. com/ go/ clarencetcook clarencetcook@ prepaidlegal.com Help Wanted
Pre-paid Legal Marketing Assoc. Needed Unlimited income potentialComplete Training Clarence Cook Independent Associate 256-245-5335 www. prepaidlegal .com/ go/ clarencetcook clarencetcook@ prepaidlegal.com Wanted
to
Buy
in. Serious Inquiries only 205-663-3730 No money down loans if you own your land. 5% FHA loans available. Can you afford $399@ month To own your own home? Call now 205663-3295 “Yard Tool Spectacular” Free Lawnmower ($775 value) W/New Home Purchase for The month of JUNE Apply by phone to prequalify Clayton Homes/Pelham 205663-6810 Autumn Trace Apartments Sylacauga 1-$350, 2-$400, 3$475, bedrooms, total electric, private balconies & patios, 24 hour maintenance and courtesy officers. 1.256.249.2126 Unfurnished Apartments
for rent
Move in special $99.00 Will accept Housing Vouchers Willow Apartments C’Burg, Al. 35044 256-872-2130 2BR/1BA
Vintage Wrist or Pocket watches any cond. running or not. 1 or an entire collection also old clocks, watch maker tools, equipment & sup“Move In plies Bobby Quick 205- T’dega, Special” Call Deborah @ 338-9526 256-362-3412 for more info. on our special. Also Mobile Home Sales available newly remodNEW 3 BR/2BA Only eled one brs with hard13 Payments Remaining. wood floors (Beautiful). Make 1 payment & move Pineview Landing Apts.
Resort Rentals/Vacation
Panama City Beach Condo on Thomas Dr. Balcony, Kitchen, Pool, $100/day + tax 256820-4319 or 256-5915157 Waterfront Property
100 ft. waterfront lot in Lincoln, year round water, Shelton Shores, $65,000, 256-2362173. Grading Services
BIRD Excavating Company LLC Grading, Hauling, Clearing, Septic Tanks. Please Call 205-640-4547 Painting Services
E A S T E RW O O D PAINTING Licensed Professional Quality Reasonable Rates 20 Years Exp. *Free Estimates* 256-3756580 Home 256-4932738 Cell Spring Specials Pressure Washing Services
|One Man & A Pressure Washer Houses, vinyl siding, decks, boathouses, driveways. Lic. & Ins. Dependable. Call 205-814-1534 or 205613-7827
Call Today to Place Your Ad in the Lakeside Classified Marketplace 256-362-1000 • 256-249-4311 • 205-884-3400
45
15
14
17
Pell City
10
6
ST. CLAIR COUNTY
4 12 13
2
3
1
5
11
A Lakeside Living guide to
LOGAN MARTIN
Riverside Lincoln 8 7 9
TALLADEGA COUNTY
1. Logan Martin Dam 2. Rabbit Branch 3. Clear Creek 4. Lakeside Park 5. Stemley Bridge 6. St. Clair Airport 7. Mays Bend 8. Choccolocco Creek 9. Poor House Branch 10. Dye Creek 11. Blue Eye Creek 12. Logan Martin Boating 13. University Marine 14. Charlie’s Catfish 15. Zaxby’s Restaurant 16. Jack’s Restaurant, Talladega 17. Jacks’s Restaurant, Pell City
16
Talladega
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, AUGUST 2008
55
ART
From Page 44
artistic interest. He has dabbled in mediums such as pencil and charcoal drawing as well as pottery and iron work, but his interest in working with wood has never wavered. “I’ve been a drawer, and I guess in high school I had a chance to take an elective, an art course at John Carroll (High School), and was introduced to wood carving by the art instructor there, and from there it’s kind of developed,” O’Brien recalled. “But I’m self-taught. I’ve never had any formal classes other than an elective in high school.” He does not work from sketches. He just has something in his mind when he starts a piece, which sometimes has to be adapted midway through the work. “I’ve done some work in clay, and in clay, you’re adding to make a piece, whereas in wood, you’re removing whatever’s there to form what you ultimately want to happen. An example, and this is one of my favorite pieces,” O’Brien said as he got up to fetch a piece from a nearby shelf, “this is just a piece of cedar limb, it started out as an Indian but this old man wanted to be in it.” The piece depicts an old man with a long beard carved into the limb. He also has some highly-detailed busts of soldiers and Native-Americans as well as small representations of homes and buildings. He also has created a natural scene with a songbird. O’Brien can also form practical pieces such as bowls and even can build cabinetry. Whether it’s carving or turning, he says he tries to work on a piece for at least a few minutes every day when he can squeeze
Some of O’Brien’s work, like this mill with a water wheel, is highly detailed.
Continued on Page 50 10171 Hwy. 280 Westover, AL 35147
205-678-9099
Skier’s Marine located only 25 minutes from Logan Martin Lake on Hwy. 280 in Westover.
#1 For A Reason - Come See Why! Call Skier’s Marine to schedule your demonstration
“ALABAMA’S LARGEST PRO SHOP WITH GEAR FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY”
2009 Wakesetter VLX
Pick any 2009 Malibu from “skiersmarine.com” and we will bring it to you for a test drive. Call 205-678-9099 to schedule your families demo in your new Malibu!
2009 21.5 V-Ride
48
2009 Premier 225 Sunsation
Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. 2008 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ® 249173
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
RESTAURANT GUIDE Something For Every Appetite! & , LLC 75301 Hwy. 77 (In front of McCaig’s) Lincoln
205-763-2266
II
2401 Stemley Bridge Rd. (Cropwell Commons) Pell City
205-338-3023 Home of the Fresh Squeezed Lime Margaritas Open Mon.-Thurs. 11 am - 9:30 pm Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 10 pm Closed Sunday
Charlie’s
Country Catfish Alabama’s Best Catfish And Seafood
•CATFISH •GRILLED CATFISH •GOLDEN FRIED CATFISH (Whole or Fillets) •NUGGETS MADE FROM FILLETS •CHICKEN •SHRIMP •SELECT OYSTERS •SALADS •USDA CHOICE STEAKS •SANDWICHES
HWY. 78, PELL CITY 884-FISH (3474)
909 Martin St. S. Pell City
NEW EVERYDAY VALUE MEAL
1
$
EACH
plus tax
•Jr. Deluxe Burger •Chicken Strip Sandwich •Jr. Breakfast Burrito •Jr. Fritos Chili Cheese Wrap •Small Famous Slush or Soft Drink •Jr. Candy Sundae •Small Tots or Fries •Fresh Banana •Vanilla Cone
Chicken Fingerz Wings Zalads® Sandwiches And more. 280 Vaughn Lane • Pell City 205.338.4822 © 2009 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s” and “Zalads” are registered trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.
TUESDAY & THURSDAY HAPPY HOUR 10:30 am till 9:00 pm •MEXICAN BEER •MARGARITAS
HWY 231 IN FRONT OF WALMART
338-1443
115 Stephen J. White Blvd. Talladega
Hwy. 231 S.,Towne Park Plaza Pell City, AL
DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS
FULL SERVICE CATERING AVAILABLE
RESTAURANTE MEXICANO
Mexican Restaurant (205) 884-2195
•RIBS •CHICKEN •BEEF •PORK •SALADS •SOUPS •FISH •STEAK
256-315-9711
•Hand Dipped Blue Bell Ice Cream •Old Fashioned Shakes •Spicy Fried Chicken •Breakfast •Hamburgers Coldwater, Oxford, Munford, Talladega, Pell City, Anniston
JOIN US FOR OUR DINNER SPECIALS
Monday - Fajitas 25% Off Tuesday - Combination Special 25% Off Wed. & Fri. - Parillada Fajitas For Two Thursday - 1/2 Price Margaritas Saturday - Pollo - Chicken Especial OPEN 7 DAYS FOR LUNCH & DINNER 248932
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
49
ART
From Page 49
time into his schedule. He often goes out to the woods and scavenges for wood to use. For turning, he usually likes to use maple, dogwood and cherry. “Turning is learning the skill of manipulating the gouges with the turning wood. You spend more time practicing than you do producing,” O’Brien said. “As far as practicing, it’s every day. Even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes, I’ll go out there just to make chips in the floor. It’s just a skill where the more you do it, the more skillful you become.” For carving he usually likes to use catalpa, basswood, butternut, cherry or cedar wood. “Those are all hardwoods that give a good finished product,” O’Brien said. O’Brien loves crafting his pieces more than getting a sense of accomplishment by seeing the finished product. In fact, he says he has several pieces he does not care if he ever finishes. “I may start a piece and not ever completely finish it. I get it to a point where I’m satisfied,” O’Brien shared. “I don’t like finishing things. When I built some furniture, I would build it, but somebody else needed to finish it.” He never takes commissions or sells his work and probably never will. For O’Brien, that would suck all the fun out of his craft. “I think if you get into selling, it becomes more of a job rather than just a hobby or a release. You’ve got to meet a production schedule, and I’m just not interested in doing that,” O’Brien said.
Floatlift
Sunlift
Sunport
Other than one high school class, O’Brien is self-taught. There is no great mystery as to why O’Brien finds woodworking so enjoyable. “I’ve done some wood sculpting, some woodturning. I’ve built cabinets. That’s just my thing,” O’Brien said. Sometimes, it’s just that simple.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SOUTHEAST MARINE Office (334) 239-7805 Toll Free (866) 822-4907 249768
50
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
Logan Martin Homes A Real Estate Property Guide for Logan Martin Lake and Surrounding Areas
JULY 2009
Photo courtesy of RE/MAX Realty Pros of Pell City
A lakeside community vision
HORIZONS People relaxing by the pool have a beautiful view of Logan Martin Lake.
Story by Chris Norwood Photos by Bob Crisp Horizons in Pell City is, in the strictest sense, is a subdivision, but Joe Paul Abbott has a wider vision. “What we’re trying to develop here is a real community, and having a meeting place is central to that.” To that end, a community center and pool have
52
been placed at the highest point on the property. The structure for the center was completed in December or January, and the pool was first filled in March or April. “We’re hoping residents will come up and spend their afternoons there and get to know their neigh-
Continued on Page 56
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
Attention 1st Time Home Buyers! *You may be eligible for up to $8,000 tax credit on a home purchased prior to Dec. 1, 2009
A e t a r b e l Ce t Rate! a Gre
We offer:
• Conventional Fixed and Adjustable Rates • FHA Financing up to 96.5% • Rural Housing Financing up to 100% • New Construction
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF TALLADEGA FIRST • FAST • FRIENDLY
All loans subject to credit approval. Other regulations may apply.
Member FDIC
KANDI GRIFFIN
Lincoln Office Phone (205) 763-7763 Cell Phone (205) 368-9647 kgriffin@fnbtalladega.com
PREFERRED LENDER FOR LYNNE STANFORD WITH ERA KING REALTY
Take A Tour Inside These Great Homes! LYNNE STANFORD Cell Phone
(256) 761-7530 Lincoln Office
(205) 763-1333 MULTI MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER www.lynnestanfordrealestate.net
17th Street, Talladega $275,000
4 BR/4BA 3+/- custom built home, 9 ft. ceilings, custom hardwood floors, custom moldings throughout.
Prime commercial lot ,beautiful hardwoods corner lot , high traffic count.
188 Hepzibah Road, Talladega $449,900
1003 Cloverdale Circle, Talladega $249,900
5 BR/4 BA, breathtaking view of lake, 5 +/- secluded acres, hardwood floors, open floor plan, 2 acre lake.
726 Maple Drive, Talladega $399,900
4 BR/3.5 BA, full brick elevator, spiral staircase, hardwood floors, 1 yr. home warranty.
406 North Street East, Talladega $599,500
Gothic Revival Architecture, National Register of Historic Places, Walnut Cantilever Stairway, currently used as offices, sits on Approx. 1 acre behind Talladega Shopping Center, 2 additional restored buildings.
3BR/2.5BA, full brick one level home, 2-car carport, slate and hardwood floors.
406 Thomas Ave, Talladega $239,900
3BR/2BA, full brick home, full brick garage w/ workshop, in ground heated pool, 1 year home warranty, extra lot.
201 Battle Street East, Talladega $134,900
Great commercial property, lot to be cleared by seller, high traffic count, one block from courthouse.
South Oak Drive, Talladega $34,900
Established subdivision, quiet and private , 3 +/- acres, convenient location.
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
248542
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
1160 McCaig Road Lincoln, AL
1135 South Ridge Lane, Talladega $389,500
53
www.LakeNeelyHenryResort.com
Neely Henry Lake Home on 3 Lake Lots East of Birmingham, Alabama
DEEP WATER YEAR ROUND!
OVER 800 FEET OF WATERFRONT
iew t V ! Bes Lake e h t on
GREE N
SPOR
GA R
AG
E
T CIC
LE TER
PLAN CONCRETE
RAM
P
PLANTER
s LAKE LOTS ,AKE .EELY (ENRY !SHVILLE !LABAMA s !PPROXIMATELY FEET OF WATERFRONT s BEDROOM BATH s CAR GARAGE AND CAR DETACHED GARAGE s !PPROXIMATELY FEET OF BOARDWALK s PRIVATE BOATRAMPS
L WAL
BOAT
LOT 21 CONCRETE
L WA
LOT 20
L
54
BOARD WALK
BO A TR
AMP
PAVILION
DW AL K
BOAT HOUSE
BOARD WALK
AR
PORCH
$1.1 Million Reduced $600,000
GAZEBO
RESIDENCE
BO
LAKE HENRY NEELY
CONCRETE
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
Realty Pros
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
55
HORIZONS
From Page 52 Horizons developers are promoting a fun, relaxing lakeside lifestyle.
bors,” Abbott said. “It’ll be owned by the homeowners, and they will be able to do what they want with it. If they want to have a pizza party by the pool, that’s fine, or if their kids are getting married, that’s fine, too.” There has already been at least one wedding there already, and the facility has also hosted a Business After Hours event for the Pell City Chamber of Commerce, although it is not generally open to the public. Abbott went on to describe the center as a “really beautiful facility and one of the best reasons to move here, one of the best amenities. The houses are designed to be smaller, easier to maintain, with smaller yards. But when a resident gets some cabin
Continued on Page 58
56
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
THINKING LAKE LIVING? CALL THE EXPERTS THE LAKE TEAM RE/MAX
Properties Unlimited Lincoln, AL 877-338-5344 NANCY LOCKLAR 205-362-6888
LISA KEENUM 256-312-1205
NEW LISTINGS SOUTHSIDE
850’ water frontage, 4000 sq. ft., 3 acres, Neely Henry Lake, 5 bedroom, 4 full bath, 2 half baths
$799,000
Riverside – Haven Circle
Lincoln – Blue Eye Road
$219,900
$199,900 Own Your Own Dock
991 Shelton Shores Lincoln, AL
31 Mars Ln. Talladega, AL
3 Bed / 2 Bath
Riverside, AL 314 Lakeside Talladega
206 Viewpoint Cir. Pell City, AL
Condo
168 Mohican
$279,900 248127
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
57
HORIZONS
From Page 56
Whether it’s lake access or use of other facilities at Horizons, the developers are hoping to build a sense of community.
fever, they can go there, or go sip some iced tea on a neighbor’s porch.” The center is almost 5,000 square feet on two floors. The upstairs is generally more formal, with more informal accommodations on the ground floor.
NANCY LOCKLAR
jimp@era-king.com www.jimpresleyrealestate.com (256) 591-3217 direct (205) 763-1333 office
SONYA JACKS REALTOR
(Cell) 256-239-9891
Search all listings at
www.sonyajacks.com
Realty Pros
418 Martin Street South Pell City, AL 35128 Commercial, Residential & Lake Front Property.
www.pellcityrealtor.com 247048
1-800-627-3300
226903
Caran Wilbanks 205-338-1961
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
228919
“Your Lake Logan Martin Connection” PROPERTIES and now “Neely UNLIMITED Henry Lake”
58
Broker Associate Multi Million Dollar Producer
Stop Wishing Start Fishing
REALTOR
cell: 205-739-8466 or office: 877-338-5344 remaxlakeliving@yahoo.com www.nancylocklar.remax-alabama.com
JIM PRESLEY
247399
The bottom floor houses a fitness room and a cabana room with a kitchen containing a refrigerator and a microwave oven. The upper storey has a conference room, an office and a 12-foot porch all around the building. “You can follow the sun or the shade all day long,” Abbott pointed out. And the views are spectacular from any angle. “The lake is just one pretty view, but you’ve also got mountains on one side and pastures on another. You can see Bald Rock (near Cook Springs). And the views are even prettier in the fall, when the leaves are turning,” he said. There is a 10 percent grade from the highest point in the development to the water, so it is fairly easy to negotiate, and golf carts will be allowed. Lots at Horizons range from $65,000 to $195,000. “You can go ahead and purchase a lot, build up some equity and build on it when the economy
improves,” Abbott said. There are currently 94 cottage lots available, and three floor plans (Honeymoon, Charlotte and Key West) that fit the 25-foot lots and can generally be built for less than $300,000. All three plans include an elevator shaft and can include an elevator if the homeowner desires. “We want to draw retirees who may not have to negotiate the stairs, as well as people moving into a second or third move up home or just a vacation home,” Abbott said. There are also 31 larger lots, all with lake views and all with access to an 8-foot-wide-by-3,000-foot-long boardwalk. Other amenities include a private boat ramp, 94 docks spaces, and, coming soon, a tennis court and on-site dry storage for boats. Surfside Marina currently handles boat storage and valet service. The development also contains 15 acres of common property. Anyone who buys a lot has access to the center. Interested parties can take a look around with a Realtor weekdays between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., Abbott said. “We’re really all about selling a lifestyle here,” he said. “We like to say the lot just comes with it.”
“A FOUNDATION FOR GENERATIONS” Realtor
Cell: 205-473-4613
2007 Realtor of the Year GRI, ABR Broker
Office: 205-884-2300 Fax: 205-884-2301 Toll Free: 1-800-806-7741 250186
4800 Cogswell Ave.-Suite 207 Pell City, AL 35125 www.SharonThomas.net
508 Martin St. So. • Pell City, AL 35128 karenbain@ymail.com
loganmartinlaketeam.com
228931
WE CAN SERVE YOU WHERE YOU LIVE AND PLAY AGENTS LIVING AND SERVING IN ETOWAH, CALHOUN, JEFFERSON, ST. CLAIR & TALLADEGA COUNTIES
Maria Price Cell: 205-812-4921 RESIDENTIAL • COMMERICAL • WATERFRONT PROPERTIES golfchicl@hotmail.com
MOODY REALTY www.moodyrealty.net “I represent buyers and sellers throughout St. Clair County and surrounding areas.”
Lynda Sidlo,
Lisa Keenum -Broker 256-312-1205
PROPERTIES UNLIMITED CORPORATE OFFICE GADSDEN, AL
227011
877-338-5344
SPECIALIZING IN LAKE FRONT
LOGAN MARTIN • NEELY HENRY • LAY LAKE • COOSA RIVER
REALTOR Logan Martin Lake Specialist Over 25 Years Experience Office (205) 987-0000 Voicetel (205) 802-8815 Home (205) 525-5870 E-Mail: lsidlo@realtysouth.com Website: www.lsidlo.com
228442
Sharon Thomas
Karen Bain
Paula Krafft 2007-2008 Club of Excellence
205-365-9612
Paula Krafft, Realtor
243890
Phone (205)338-SELL (7355) 1-866-377-9415 • (Cell) 205-365-8875
Homes - Land - New Construction
LAKESIDE LIVING & LOGAN MARTIN HOMES, JULY 2009
59
LIVE WELL. INVEST WISELY. THE GOOD LIFE BEGINS THIS SUMMER. MOVE IN THIS SUMMER
$10,000,000 LIFESTYLE Destined to be Alabama’s Premier Resort Community, The Yacht Club offers spectacular views of the 17,000 acre lake, a variety of homes and a $10,000,000 amenity package. An extraordinary living opportunity for today… a wise investment for tomorrow.
10 MINUTES SOUTH OF I-20
Extraordinary Lakeside Living
Located in Pell City, The Yacht Club is just 35 minutes east of Birmingham.
Luxury Townhomes with Elevators
WATERFRONT CONDOS, LUXURY TOWNHOMES AND CUSTOM HOMES High $200s - $900s
Decorated Model Open Daily
• Full-Service Marina with Boat Valet • Beaches • 30,000 Sq. Ft. Clubhouse • Five Pools • Water Park • USTA Quality Tennis Courts • Chapel • Restaurant • Helipad • 1.5 Miles of Walking Trails • And More
205-338-9100 www.yachtclub-llm.com
Located at 1000 Ranch Marina Road in Pell City. From I-20, Exit 158 (Pell City/Ashville), travel south on Hwy. 231 (Martin Street). Turn left on Hwy. 34 which will branch off to the right just past the Civic Center. Continue to Funderburg Bend Road and turn right. Continue south on Funderburg Bend Road 1.8 miles to The Yacht Club. All property owners will be subject to annual community development district assessment. Plans as of 4-09. Need not be built.