Logan Martin Neely Henry Lakelife 24/7 Magazine September and October 2024
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September & October 2024
Smash hit at Greensport Marina
About the cover
Greensport Marina transformed its lakeside vantage point into a rea-life rodeo and music festival – all in an effort to support Future Farmers of America at Ashville High School. This impressive community event is off to a galloping good start.
Photo by Mackenzie Free
Beautiful Rainbow Café
Serving compassion and confidence
Turtle Time!
LMLPA education program takes a look at diverse ecosystem
An evening at Hartman Castle
Page 8
Page 16
Page 32
New Pirate Island Treasure Page 45
Sunset Sips Magic on Gadsden's Memorial Bridge Page 56
Trout Season is Back Page 62 Take 5 Page 72
Catchin’ the Coosa Page 86
Voice of the River Page 90
Unique lakeside abode drawing attention Page 22
THE RETURN OF BOO BASH Haunting event returns to Logan Martin Page 34
LakeLife Creators
Carol
Pappas
Carol Pappas is editor and publisher of Discover St. Clair Magazine. A retired newspaper executive, she served as editor and publisher of several newspapers and magazines during. She won dozens of writing awards and was named Distinguished Alabama Community Journalist at Auburn University. She serves as president/CEO of Partners by Design.
Toni Franklin
Toni Franklin was graphic arts director for Partners by Design, Discover St. Clair Magazine and LakeLife 24/7 Magazine. She had 30 years in the printing industry as print production artist, manager and art director. She was a graduate of The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale and studied at Penn State and University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Roxann Edsall
Roxann Edsall is a freelance writer and former managing editor of Convene Magazine, a convention industry publication. She has a degree in (broadcast) journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi, worked as a television news reporter in Biloxi and as a reporter and assignments editor in Birmingham.
Graham Hadley
Graham Hadley is the managing editor and designer for Discover The Essence of St. Clair Magazine and also manages the magazine website. Along with Carol Pappas, he left The Daily Home as managing editor to become chief operating officer and vice president of the Creative Division of Partners by Design multimedia company.
Paul South, a native of Fairfield, is an Auburn graduate with a degree in journalism and a double minor in history. He also has a Juris Doctorate degree from the Birmingham School of Law. Although sports writing was always his first love, he had a versatile career as reporter, columnist and first full-time sports information director at Samford University.
Scottie Vickery
Scottie Vickery is a writer with a degree in journalism from the University of Alabama and was a reporter for The Birmingham News Her first assignment was covering St. Clair and Blount counties. She has more than 30 years of writing and editing experience and her work has appeared in a variety of publications. She also has worked in the nonprofit industry.
David Smith aka BamaDave, is originally from Birmingham. He and his wife, Renee, live on Logan Martin Lake. He is a freelance photographer, videographer and professional drone pilot. He has worked for ESPN’s College GameDay Show as a cameraman and for the last 4 years as the drone pilot. He has won 12 Emmys and was ESPN’s first drone pilot.
Loyd McIntosh
Loyd McIntosh is a freelance writer and marketing professional originally from Trussville. He has contributed to more than 30 online and print publications. Loyd is also a former reporter and sports writer for several newspapers throughout the Southeast, including The Daily Home, and was the managing editor for The Cahaba Times and Upper90 Magazine
Cherith Glover Fluker, a freelance writer, blogger, and EdTech professional, holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Auburn University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Samford University. With her blog, WhatCherithinks, she channels her passion for self-care and travel. She has been featured in publications such as Chicken Soup for the Soul, Mother.ly, Birmingham Mom Collective, and Dollywood Insiders.
Mandy Baughn
Mandy grew up in and around St. Clair County with family in Moody and Odenville. She has about 10 years of experience photographing children and families, but set her camera aside to give flower farming a try in 2023. She and her husband along with their two children live in Pell City where they spend their days homeschooling, tending to the farm and flower business.
Mackenzie Free is an experienced and nationally published photographer with a bachelor of fine arts degree. She is a Birmingham native now cultivating life on a farm in Steele with her husband & 4 daughters.
Mackenzie Free
Paul South
Cherith Fluker
David Smith
Editor’s Notes
Remembering ‘Our Toni’
As we put this magazine to bed, it was with a heavy heart shared by us all at Partners by Design, LakeLife 24/7 Magazine and Discover St. Clair Magazine.
Our beloved graphic arts director, Toni Franklin, passed away on Aug. 13. Toni was instrumental throughout the history of this magazine, helping guide its success every step of the way.
From advertising design to logo creation to the early layout of the magazine, Toni did it all. But that’s the way she was. Whatever it took to get the job done, you would find her at the heart of it.
For those of you who weren’t lucky enough to know her, here’s a glimpse:
Her career spanned more than 30 years in the printing industry as print production artist, manager and art director. She was a graduate of the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale and studied at Penn State University and University of Alabama at Birmingham.
At her core, Toni was an artist. She could see the creation before most of us could even muster the idea for it. She turned the world around her into her canvas, taking the simplest elements and turning them into her own little masterpiece.
It might be an empty store window that magically becomes a winter wonderland at Christmas, an advertisement that compels a reader to take a second look or even a specially designed birthday wish for one of the grandchildren.
As graphic arts director for Partners, she created amazing ads for its magazines, Discover St. Clair and LakeLife 24/7. She loaned her talent to countless marketing projects for the company and to a host of community events, like Boo Bash, Salute to Veterans, Breaking Barriers and the Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama. Museum of Pell City owes her a debt of thanks for much of the beautiful graphics work in its exhibits.
Many of the designs in Partners’ LakeLife 24/7 apparel line are the handiwork of Toni and now worn by thousands
of people because she was able to capture the memories and experiences of their perception of lake life in a single design.
To her friends, family and colleagues, she was known – and loved – for her enormous heart.
She was a giver, always putting the needs of others before her own. She never recognized the enormity of her own value, but those around her always will.
This issue of LakeLife 24/7 is dedicated to Toni. May her memory be eternal!
Carol Pappas Editor and Publisher
Carol Pappas • Editor and Publisher
Graham Hadley • Managing Editor and Designer
Toni Franklin • Graphic Arts Director
Dale Halpin • Advertising
Beautiful Rainbow Café
SERVING UP COMPASSION AND CONFIDENCE ONE PLATE AT A TIME
Story by Roxann Edsall
Photos by Richard Rybka
Mural on the fence surrounding the vegetable garden
Tucked away inside the Gadsden City Library is a beautifully written story. It’s a tale of inspiration and impact, of dedication and determination, of encouragement and expectations.
And the authors of this unfolding story are a bunch of high school students who simply want to be productive citizens in their community.
It’s still two hours before lunchtime, and a group of six students and their mentors quietly work in the kitchen prepping food and garnishes for the lunchtime crowd at Beautiful Rainbow Café in Gadsden. During the next hours, a handful of additional students hurry in, stashing backpacks and washing up to join in the preparations.
These are the stars of the Beautiful Rainbow project, a work-based learning program through Gadsden City Schools.
Offering an array of organic and vegetarian dishes, the café is staffed and run by students with significant cognitive disabilities. Menu favorites include the vegetarian crabcake on mixed greens, the grilled pimento cheese sandwich and the corn and poblano pepper quesadilla. All the ingredients are locally grown and sourced.
Inspired by his vision of a productive future for his students, Chip Rowan started the Beautiful Rainbow project out of his high school special education classroom housed at Litchfield Middle School. Combining his personal interests in food and gardening, Rowan guided his students in planting and nurturing a garden and used the experiences to teach his students graphing, reading, math and language skills.
Rowan had studied post-graduate employment levels for high school students who were graduates of the school’s Special Education program. He found that no graduate in the five-year study period had achieved employment or entry into a program that would lead to employment.
“I felt we were not getting good results in the program we were using, so I felt we needed to radically change our approach,” said Rowan. “We needed to teach them the things that the state required
Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September &
Quesadilla ready to go
for graduation but needed to add things that would maximize their potential for independent living and community-based employment.”
The students learned to measure the plants in their garden, to graph specific variables like growth rates and to journal about them.
“Several students who had been non-readers began to read functionally,” Rowan added. They used the vegetables they grew to start making and selling salads to teachers. The students later branched out into baking, offering sweet treats people could order online.
Encouraged by their success and armed with a grant from the Alabama Department of Education, Rowan developed a summer program for high school students with special needs, the only one of its kind in the area. They renovated space at the middle school to provide a commercial kitchen where high school students were taught culinary techniques. From that experience, they started offering lunches for community VIPs each Thursday.
Former Gadsden City Librarian Amanda Jackson was one of their VIP guests one Thursday, and she suggested the library clean out a space for the students to open a café. That was approved by the city, and in 2017, Beautiful Rainbow Café opened its doors.
In that time, the program and café have received countless awards, including one this past year from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, who chose the café as the best work-based learning program in the state.
The awards are fine, Rowan says, but the real success lies in the successes he sees in his students. “We have 112 successes to be proud of,” says Rowan. “That’s how many students have been involved in the program so far. They can take the class for a semester, or they can stay in the program until we get them a job.”
Twenty one-year-old Candido Lucas, whose family is from Guatemala, has just graduated from the program and is now happy to be working at Publix. He says he learned a lot while studying and working at Beautiful Rainbow Café. “I like working with customers and cooking and greeting customers,” says Candido.
He loves to make the café’s grilled pimento cheese sandwiches. Nathan Melville lives just two blocks from the café and loves to eat them. Melville gives the food five stars and is equally impressed with how the business focuses on meeting the needs of the students.
“I think it’s the way more businesses should be,” he adds. “Profit is important, but we need to be better to people.”
The program strives to meet the employment needs for each student who is graduating. “We try to match the student’s
Chef Jeff Wood
Cafe decorated for a bright atmosphere
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interests and abilities with employers who need those skills,” says Rowan. “We definitely court employers. The community is so important to this endeavor. They’re the potential employers who may be able to offer jobs to our students.”
To date, more than 50 students from the program have been paired with local employers. Two students have gone on to attend Auburn University and the University of Alabama.
Jamari Jelks, another of this year’s graduates, was extremely quiet and withdrawn when he started the program. “I didn’t know how to do anything then,” he says, then smiles. “Now I run the kitchen, and I can do anything.” He is about to start a job at Back Forty Beer Company.
Rowan says that giving these students work to do with expectations of quality and consistency meets an important human need – the need to be productive and to be independent. “They’re often segregated, and very little is expected of them. In this program, they have a whole new perspective and experience, which promotes a higher self-esteem,” he explains. “And we treat our students as adults, with respect.”
The students are paid minimum wage or above, depending on whether they have earned their ServSafe certification, with those salaries being administered by one of the program’s partners, the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama. Additional financial support comes from the Daniel Foundation in Birmingham and from an anonymous donor.
The Beautiful Rainbow Café grosses about $70,000 per year in sales and boasts excellent reviews on Google and Happy Cow (a site for vegetarian and vegan restaurants). The
Kitchen crew preparing amazing meals
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Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September & October 2024
Raised beds in the vegetable garden
Talking to the customers
Kitchen food prep essential
café staff work to provide an upscale experience for patrons. Complementing the tasty offerings are beautiful fresh flowers or plants provided by the Etowah Garden Club. Members of the club bring flowers for the tables every Tuesday morning, even adding decorations for special occasions.
The success of Beautiful Rainbow program has inspired other organizations to work toward similar programs for their students. “Our program is pretty well known in the world of special education,” says Rowan. “The Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind is working on replicating the program there, as is Randolph County High School. Albertville High School has a similar program on a smaller scale. Today a group is here from Vestavia Hills to see if they could produce a similar program for their schools,” Rowan adds.
Katherine Gorham and Dr. Ammie Akin are part of that visiting Vestavia group. Akin is a former special education teacher and school principal and serves on the board of Unless U, a non-profit that supports adults with developmental disabilities.
Gorham is helping to start a special education parent advisory panel for their school system. “We would want to promote this type of program for Vestavia for vocational training,” she says. “We brought our administrators here because we wanted to show them an example of meaningful vocational training.”
Rowan is retiring from the program this year and moving to Spain. His interest in that country was piqued by his high school Spanish teacher. When his best friend from high school moved there, he began visiting and fell in love with the culture. He leaves the program in the hands of program veteran, Chef Chris Wood.
“There’s nothing like this anywhere else,” says Wood. “It’s both challenging and rewarding, and you just can’t put a price tag on the impact we make on the lives of our students.” Wood graduated from Culinard school in Birmingham with a degree in culinary arts but will be going back to school to add a degree in special education as he takes over leadership of the café late this summer.
The next chapter of this incredible story of determination and dedication is now being written, inspiring students and community alike. You can find them in the back of the library on South College Street in Gadsden. l
Editor’s Note: You can experience the cuisine at Beautiful Rainbow Café Tuesdays through Fridays 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Gadsden Library
2025 Models now on the lot
Logan Martin
Neely Henry
Grover Brown with a snapping turtle
Turtle Time!
Innovative program gives kids up-close look at Logan Martin’s diverse turtle population
Story by Loyd McIntosh
Photos by Richard Rybka
It’s Friday night in early June, and a group of parents and their children are wandering through the boggy marsh on the banks of Logan Martin. With flashlights guiding their way, the group follows the lead of Grover Brown, an assistant professor from the Department of Biology at Jacksonville State University.
A specialist in herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians, he waves his flashlight around, shining the light into the treeline until he finds what he is looking for, a pink ribbon tied to a low-hanging branch indicating the general area he set a turtle trap in the shallow water below.
Brown feels around in the murky water until he finds the rope and starts tugging the trap toward the shore. Brown pulls the trap out of the water to a chorus of “Cool!” and “Wow!” The trap is filled with turtles. “We did pretty good,” Brown says as he clears the trap of debris. “What we use as bait is a can of sardines. Apparently, I put two in here because I wasn’t paying attention,” Brown says.
As the kids gather around, shining their flashlights around frantically as they attempt to get a glimpse of the haul, Brown removes the turtles from the trap and explains to the excited children what they caught.
“We have two species in here. We’ve got what we call a pond slider,” he explains as he holds up a small turtle, about the size of a hockey puck.
“This is a male, and I know it’s a male because of his feet,” Brown explains, as he points out the turtle’s long “wolverine” like toes. He asks the assembled children what they think the turtle uses his long claw for and after a few moments of the children shouting out an array of good to goofy answers, he finally gives them the truth.
“The ladies find them very attractive,” Brown says as the group, adults and
Freshly caught snapping turtle
Bethany Smith safely handles a rat snake
children, burst out into laughter.
Next, Brown shows the group another catch, a small female turtle commonly known as a stinkpot, inviting everyone to smell the reptile before sharing the smelly truth behind its name.
“They’re very small and need to come up with a form of protection, and they basically act like the turtle equivalent of a skunk,” Brown says. “When they get scared, they release a really foul, smelly musk.”
After a few more minutes of discussion, Brown allows the kids to handle the turtles and release them back into the water before making their way down the path to the next trap.
The scene is part of Frog Night WithTurtles, an annual event organized by the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA) honoring the late Dr. George Cline, a beloved professor of biology at Jacksonville State who passed away in February 2022. Known affectionately as Dr. Frog, Cline taught biology, ecology, conservation, animal behavior, herpetology and vertebrate anatomy for close to 30 years and also volunteered his time at the Anniston of Natural History, where he founded Herpfest, an annual celebration of reptiles and amphibians.
Brown, who, with good humor, suggests Dr. Turtle as a suitable nickname for himself, is now in his third year leading Frog Night With Turtles As he prepares for the event underneath a pavilion at Pell City Lakeside Park, he can barely contain his enthusiasm to showcase the unique biodiversity of Logan Martin Lake and the state as a whole.
“It’s a great opportunity for these kids to get to see the wildlife that occurs in their own backyard,” Brown says.
“Alabama is really lucky to have a warm climate, and we have topography, so we have species that only occur in the mountains and species that may only occur along the coast,” he adds. “So with that gradient, we get incredible biodiversity.”
For the first half of the event, Brown and his colleague Bethany Adams, an instructor of Biology with a special interest in Alabama’s snake population, talk to the group about the reptiles and amphibians they are likely to encounter in the area.
He and Adams also have a little showand-tell, bringing out some exotic turtles and even a rat snake, allowing the kids – and their parents – to see and touch these animals. Brown said their goal is
Grover Brown shows a green tree frog to the children
Grover Brown talking to participants
A couple of girls catching turtles
to help the group appreciate their natural surroundings in an interactive and fun way.
“They’re going to learn about their ecology without knowing they’re learning about their ecology,” says Brown. “We’re going to say what these turtles do, why they’re important to the environment, and why we should care about them and protect them because we know if the environment is healthy for them, then the environment is also healthy for us.
“We try to weave in a few lessons of why they should care about these species and why these species, in my opinion, make Alabama so special,” Brown adds. “We have more total species in our state than most countries do around the world.”
An evening of wonder
As the sun sets and the moon shines its silvery light on the surface of the lake, the kids show no signs of slowing down as Brown pulls yet another trap from the murky water. Excitedly, they gather around the biologist and wait for their turn to hold a turtle, gently drop it back into the water, and watch it swim away, before hustling back for another turn.
“It was amazing!” said Layon Nixon, an 11-year-old student at Williams Intermediate School in Pell City. “I’ve never gotten to hold a turtle before!”
Layon’s mother, Lisa Nixon, said she brought her daughters, Layon and Adalle, to Frog & Turtle Night to support their interests but also to emphasize the importance of the area’s wildlife and caring for the health of the lake.
“First of all, they love this sort of thing,” says Nixon. “We’ve always known about the association (LMLPA) and support the association, and just knowing the science behind it and knowing the animals that are part of the lake and the need to take care of them is huge.” l
Hunting turtles
Setting up the turtle trap
Mary Sparks handles registration
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Before you even cross the medieval drawbridge entering Hartman Castle, it stirs the imagination. Step inside and step back in time to a place where fairy tales and history reside side by side.
Once you enter, one thing you can’t imagine – surrounded by armored knights, medieval craftsmanship and all the makings of a castle – is that you are standing in Alpine, Alabama, on Logan Martin Lake.
But that’s precisely where you have arrived at what has to be one of the most unusual Air BnBs on the rental market.
It is pure imagination all wrapped up in 4,300 square feet, five buildings and 12 levels overlooking the lake in Clear Creek. Only, this is not a fairy tale, it’s a true story of one man fulfilling his wife’s dream decades ago and another man decades later, intrigued by the story – and the challenge –bringing it back to life.
In the beginning
The castle itself is the creation of the late Donald Dewayne Hartman, who designed and built it for his wife, Royldene, who always dreamed of living in a castle. Hartman is described as a writer, an educator, world traveler and a lifelong learner.
Books he wrote adorn shelves in alcoves off the main foyer. They are filled with mystery and intrigue in faraway places, much like the life of the creator himself. He died in 2022 at the age of 86.
His obituary states he was recognized nationally for developing one of the top foreign language programs in the country. He holds bachelor’s and advanced degrees from 10 different universities around the world.
He was known as an avid painter and a carpenter, the latter of which is evident throughout the castle.
Modern renaissance
In 2023, Blake Shultz, a Realtor from Birmingham, enters the picture. His in-laws live just down the road from the castle, and one day he saw there was to be an auction. “I followed the signs.”
Bidders had a single day to inspect and make an offer on this castle closed years before and showing signs of neglect. But adding to this unfolding story of intrigue was a clue – a hint about its hidden rooms. “Win the bid or never know,” Shultz recalled.
He made his offer and when the bidding was over, he walked away as owner of the keys to the castle and the secrets to the hidden rooms found within.
“A year later and lots of work,” and Hartman Castle is now open, renting this elaborate, whimsical and historic lakeside retreat to the wide-ranging interests of vacationers. It has been ideal for groups –bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate retreats, church and youth groups or those who just want to be immersed in medieval surroundings.
“It took 12 months to renovate,” Shultz said, who shouldered much of the work himself. First, there were nine 40-yard dumpsters to dispose of what was not needed. A shipping container resided outside for eight months, where Shultz placed whatever would end up in the finished product as the ‘keeper’ area.
Interior design was a “family affair,” Shultz said, crediting his wife and motherin-law with the intricate, complementary details that makes this castle a home. Knights in armor stand sentry with wood carvings, art and furniture placement all coming together to make this a special place indeed.
Intricate detail, unusual features, regal look features of castle
Logan Martin and Neely Henry •
“There was no going back” on this project, Shultz said, noting that in his experience flipping properties, there was always an exit plan just in case. Fail early and fail cheaply. In this project, “once we were in, we were in,” he said. “It was more of a risk.”
No risk, no reward
Shultz made a few structural changes to the original, but most of it is preserved intact as Hartman envisioned it.
There are cosmetic and functional changes, like a closet added with a half bath complete with dragon motif. A piano that took eight people to get down the staircase is new. So is the flooring, replacing the carpet that was there before.
The drawbridge was manual. Now it’s automatic, and the mechanics are hidden behind panels in the wall.
Concrete platforms in different rooms have been turned into sleeping quarters. A scavenger hunt designed especially for the guests help them find hidden rooms and a special prize if they solve the mystery.
Adorning a wall in one of the rooms is ‘wall of thrones’ – wallpaper designed from Game of Thrones artwork, but superimposing the face of his father-in-law as a surprise to him. Hartman once found 300 headboards with an unusual design. He was very creative and used headboards in his own design of the castle. He built all the doors and the trim himself.
Putt-putt golf course with a medieval touch
One of the gathering spots on a lower level
Double decker dock plus lakeside firepit attract guests
Shultz employed his own creativity, building the 12-foot, red oak table that centers a dining room in Building 3, which houses a second kitchen. The fireplace is original. So are the chairs and chandeliers and lights from Bulgaria. The Hartmans loved dinner parties, and their gold goblets and dinnerware have remained.
The views from various areas of the castle overlook Clear Creek near Alpine Bay, and the kitchen, open to a sitting area with sleeper sofas, overlooks the lake as well.
Hartman’s basement workshop now has an added bar area and a concrete loft and fireplace.
It has two party deck areas with lake views. The middle deck features a gathering spot with a Blackstone grill. Just off that area is an 18-hole putt-putt golf course. Miniature castles, dragons and armored knights make up the obstacles at various holes.
A game room features an arcade machine, playing card table and table tennis. Outside, at the top of the property, you’ll find a regulation pickleball court. On the lake side, a double decked covered pier and a fire pit at the water’s edge are highlights.
Shultz said the question during the whole process became, “What other things can we add that really say, you don’t have to leave the property? We wanted it to be unique and fun. This is what we came up with.”
Rave reviews
What Shultz really came up with is a hit, garnering 5-star reviews and making the prestigious lists of “Super Hosts” and “Guest Favorites” on Air BnB.
“The history of the property is fascinating,” said one reviewer. “The restoration of the property to its original state is unreal. There is a working drawbridge! Artifacts, newspaper articles, documents and photos from the past are displayed throughout.
“The detached library has been transformed into extra bedrooms. Every sofa is a sleeper sofa. The baby grand piano
A glimpse from above Baby grand piano that it took eight people to get to its final placement
CHAPEL IN THE PINES
Every Sunday in September, @ 8:30 a.m. Lakeside Park Amphitheater Facebook: Chapel in the Pines
pellcityfumc.org/worship/chapel-in-the-pines
GOD IS BIGGER FISHING TOURNAMENT
Sept. 14, Lakeside Park Jerry Woods Pavilion 5 and boat launch.
Pre-register at gibmovement.com/24-fishing-tourney, Find us on Facebook @ God is Bigger Movement Email gibmovement.email@gmail.com
LAKESIDE LIVE MUSIC FEST
Sept. 21, Free Event @ Lakeside Park, 10 a.m. Live music, car show, vendors, kids activities, food trucks. Proceeds benefit St. Clair Children’s Advocacy Center. Find us on Facebook @ Lakeside Live Musicfest
lakesideliveshow.com
BOO BASH
Oct. 12, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. A dockside trick-ortreat spooktacular hosted by families and local businesses along Logan Martin Lake. Find us on Facebook @ Boo Bash on Logan Martin. Proceeds benefit LMLPA solar-powered buoy program.
and the working organ were a big hit. Putt-putt, ping-pong, pickle ball, the game room, firepit and double decker dock provided hours of fun for everyone. We never ran out of things to do or explore.”
Another described it as “quirky and fun, the view was amazing, and the puttputt course put it over the top.”
“The castle is definitely one-of-a-kind location,” said one review.
“What a unique experience!,” exclaimed another. “We loved staying at Hartman Castle, it felt just like being in a medieval castle. Our group brought costumes, cosplays, and princess dresses for a royal photoshoot and found so many amazing backdrops around the castle.”
And at the end of the stay, what this guest had to say is what it is all about: “It’s a trip full of memories that we will never forget” – just like the castle Hartman created years ago, and Shultz brought back to life. l
Blake Shultz on the drawbridge
The ornate dining room featuring the 12-foot red oak table Shultz built
An Evening at Hartman Castle
Story by Scottie Vickery
When Erin and Brian Mooney opened Tre Luna Catering and later Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen, their motto became “bringing our table to yours.” That’s exactly what they plan to do when they cater the Evening at Harman Castle event on Nov. 8.
Tre Luna will be making this event an affair to remember as they cater a progressive, threecourse dinner crafted by Mooney, “while enjoying complimentary valet service and immersive live music on every floor,” the invitation says. The dinner features an open bar with wine and signature cocktails and an opportunity to explore the castle’s exclusive amenities. RSVP required.
The Mooneys opened Tre Luna Catering in 2014 and as their customer and fan base grew, they opened Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen in Hoover in 2019. The focus is on providing simple, fresh, and house-made food for all of their customers, whether at the restaurant or at weddings, parties, fundraisers and other events.
Brian, the executive chef, was born in New York but got his start in the hospitality industry while working the grill in the summers at his father’s poolside bar in Boca Raton, Florida. His father sold the bar to two Italian brothers, and Brian’s passion for food and Italian cooking grew under their tutelage.
Erin, who has a passion for serving others, comes by it naturally. Born in Selma, she was raised in Birmingham and grew up in the food and beverage industry. Her mom’s side of the family owned an Italian restaurant while her father’s side had a butcher shop and grocery store.
The two met when Brian was working at a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, and they moved to Birmingham so he could work for Frank Stitt at Bottega. That’s when he fell in love with Southern cooking and food.
When we asked the Mooneys to share one of their favorite recipes, one “simple and delicious” dish that they enjoy at home as well as serving to others immediately came to mind.
“We picked the Baked Oysters because they represent how much Brian and I love to entertain and share food,” Erin said, adding that the dish was inspired by her love of oysters and Brian’s love for Italian-inspired cooking and fresh seafood.
“When we entertain at our home, baked oysters are always a staple,” she said.
“We also order them with friends at the restaurant.”
Neely Henry
Tre Luna’s Erin and Brian Mooney
Baked Oysters
Ingredients:
• ¼ cup pancetta
• 1 cup blanched, squeezed spinach, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped shallots
• ½ cup parmesan
• 1 pint heavy cream
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• 6 fresh oyster
• ¼ cup bread crumbs, toasted
• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 1 lemon
Directions:
Place pancetta in a small skillet and cook over medium heat until browned and crisp, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer pancetta and drippings to a medium mixing bowl.
In a small pot, simmer the heavy cream and reduce until the cream starts to thicken, about 5-8 min on medium high heat.
Stir in spinach, shallots, and parmesan into the cream and season with salt and pepper. Set aside and let cool.
Use an oyster knife to shuck the oysters, sliding the knife under connective muscle to loosen the oyster from the shell. Top oysters with pancetta-spinach mixture, Cook in oven on broil on the lowest rack until golden brown and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately. Use lemon garnish and to finish.
New twists on old-fashioned fun coming to Logan Martin this
Story by Paul South
Submitted Photos
Boo Bash is back.
Pell City’s frightfully fun and festive fleet of Halloween happiness returns to Logan Martin Lake on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
And in 2024, for the first time in its three-year history, Boo Bash has partnered with a local non-profit, the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association. Proceeds from this year’s bash will help provide solar-powered buoys to the association. Those buoys will help make Logan Martin safer, by marking especially shallow water or dangerous hazards. It’s called “Boo Bash for BOO-ees.”
“These buoys, (or BOOees as we call them), mark dangerous areas on the lake that could harm people operating personal watercraft, skiing or tubing,” said Boo Bash co-founder Kelli Lasseter said. “Additionally, they are environmentally friendly since they run off solar power, not batteries. Batteries are not kind to the environment.”
The decision to partner with the association came from the Boo Bash committee in response to survey responses from the lake community after the event’s “astounding” success in 2023. Topping the survey: a nonprofit partnership to raise funds for a local nonprofit.
It’s important to note that Boo
Scenes from last year's Boo Bash show it was an amazing success
Halloween
Bash is funded through monetary and in-kind donations and even with organizers investing out-ofpocket money.
“In thinking about how quickly Boo Bash is growing. We talked about it last spring and decided if we partner with a non-profit, it’s a win for everybody if it’s done well,” said Lasseter, a co-creator of Boo Bash along with Sonya Hubbard. “Hopefully, it will be around for generations of Boo Bashers to come.”
Logan Martin Lake Protection Association President Neal Stephenson was approached by Jeff Thompson of Pell City’s Center for Education and the Performing Arts (CEPA) about teaming with Boo Bash. Stephenson was familiar with the event and its impact.
“It sounded like a good opportunity for us,” Stephenson said. “Obviously, it’s lakerelated, so we started having conversations with them, and we ended up doing a partnership.”
The solar buoys are one of the LMLPA’s standing initiatives.
“It’s a safety feature for the lake and the people who use the lake,” Stephenson said. “It’s probably one of our most popular projects.”
The association undertakes other initiatives, including lifts for people with disabilities to improve accessibility, water quality monitoring, youth education programs, such as “Learn to Cast,” and other work.
The buoy project is LMLPA’s “most notable” project,” Stephenson said.
Along with the buoys, purchased at an estimated cost of $800 each, Boo Bash hopes to raise enough money to honor sponsors, volunteers and participants with a post-event party, something it’s been unable to do since its inception.
And this year for the first time, Boo Bash will take place on a Saturday, where it will compete with the Alabama-South Carolina TV game in Tuscaloosa with its 11 a.m. kickoff.
“The weather and moving it to Saturday are probably going to present the biggest challenges,” Lasseter said. “Nobody wants
Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September &
to go up against an Alabama home game, but moving Boo to Saturday has been recommended by many people for the last two years. So, we are testing it out this year to see if it’s going to work. If not, we will go back to Sunday in 2025.
In the event of bad weather, the event will be moved to Sunday, Oct. 13.
By the numbers, Boo Bash is wildly popular. Consider:
• In 2023, Boo Bash registered 1,000 dockside trick-or-treaters, an increase of more than 800 in a rain-soaked 2022. Fifty pets also joined the fun.
• 106 piers were decorated for the 2023 event to welcome the armada of trick or treaters.
• 125 volunteers contributed at least 40 hours each to the event, an estimated $160,000 in estimated labor.
• Families who festooned their docks in 2023 spent an estimated $200 each on treats, costumes and decorations, meaning an estimated $21,200 boost for the local economy.
While Boo Bash is partnering with the LMLPA, the lake association is also partnering with Pell City Parks and Recreation to create the first-ever “Boo Stop in the Park,” featuring food trucks, a prize drawing and other community partners offering swag and of course, candy.
“This event is four hours long, so (the park) is a great spot to get out and stretch your legs before heading out for round two,” Lasseter said.
As for the LMLPA partnership, Lasseter said it was a seamless fit.
“The partnership wasn’t a challenge at
all,” she said. “We knew immediately that Boo Bash and LMLPA would be the ideal partnership as we share each other’s commitment to safety and keeping our environment clean.”
Stephenson agreed, calling the Boo BashLMLPA teamwork “a natural fit. The LMLPA has an estimated 100 active members.
“Our mission statement is to advocate and promote the general welfare of Logan Martin Lake, and that of the homeowners and businesses in this area,” Stephenson said. “The Boo Bash event has grown to be a whole lake event. And the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association is here to serve all lake lovers, everyone, no matter which side of the lake they’re on, or which location on the lake they’re on. We’re here to do our best to advocate for the safety and welfare of the lake. We see Boo Bash as a great partnership going forward.”
Boo Bash 2024 is presented by Platinum sponsor, The Tiki Hut at Rivers Edge Marina. Boo Bash organizers are also seeking additional sponsors. Lasseter made the case.
“Given the amount of revenue and
Neely Henry
visibility Boo provides, it is my hope that people will want to sponsor the event,” she said. “The visibility and the financial impact this event has for our lake is beyond what we imagined.”
Boo Bash bottom line aside, the event that may be seen as the unofficial start of the holiday season on the lake, is at its heart, about fun and bringing the lake community together in creative ways.
Consider Steve and Lisa Young’s 2023 dock decoration, featuring a coffin with a life-sized faux dearly departed uncle. As Boo Bashers were invited to “pay their respects,” Steve, dressed as Betelgeuse, pushed a button and a hydraulic system made the “corpse” sit up.
“It was hysterical,” Lasseter recalled. “Every single person on the lake (who participates) goes out of their way to create a unique experience for the Boo Bashers.”
Stephenson and Lasseter say that Boo Bash says something about the nature of the Logan Martin community. Earlier this year, locals hosted “Christmas in July,” to benefit the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.
As someone who has either visited or lived on the lake for decades, Stephenson believes Boo Bash says something about the community, giving it a familyfriendly community event good for all ages.
“(Boo Bash) says a lot about the people
who live on the lake and around this area that they really appreciate the opportunities that they have. They appreciate all the activities that are presented, Boo Bash being one of them. We hope that the LMLPA will be a point source for information about the lake and increase our membership so we can grow as Boo Bash has grown.”
Boo Bash and the LMLPA, like other organizations, are rooted in love for Logan Martin.
“The people on the lake care deeply about the lake community,” Lasseter said. “They go out of the way to support the resources that we have, the organizations that we have that provide valuable services to our most vulnerable lake residents.”
She added, “These people are some of the finest people I’ve ever met. People on Logan Martin Lake truly love the lake. They love everything about it, especially the people. Being able to do, not just for the lake, but the surrounding areas, is just something that is incredibly important. It’s probably the number one shared value on the lake.
“At the end of it, it all boils down to, ‘Do unto others. It really is.”
For more information, visit the Boo Bash Facebook page. l
Another treasure on Pirate Island
Just when you thought Logan Martin’s Pirate Island couldn’t get any better, along comes a new resident.
It’s a giant wooden pirate, in full pirate regalia, complete with a peg leg and a photo cutout for capturing memories.
It was a gift to Jim and Laurie Regan, owners of the island, handcrafted by Jim’s friend, Randall Rigsby, president and CEO of Altex Packaging in Anniston. He created it from a photo of Jim in costume and then “cut my mug out,” says Jim.
It all began with Jim’s appearance at Bucaneer Camp at the Anniston Museum, where Jim talked to the would-be pirates about the perks of being a seafaring adventurer. Randall made the form with marine-grade wood, and now it stands sentry over the island. Jim built a platform behind it for the kids to climb up and have their picture made.
So, step on up, put your face in place and just say, Arrrrrgh, Matey! l
Editor’s Note: Oh, yeah, the pirate needs a name. Won’t you help? Send your nominations to: happenings@loganmartinlakelife.com. The best moniker wins a LakeLife 24/7 Pirate Island T-shirt and a prize pack of treasures!
Thank You for the opportunity to serve You!
• Landscape Design & Installation
• Hardscape Design & Installation (Kitchens, Fireplace & Fire Pits, Retaining & Sea Walls, Driveways, Patios, WalkWays and More)
On the banks of Neely Henry Lake, Greensport Marina and Campground transformed into a thrilling rodeo for two days of family fun people around these parts won’t soon forget.
Broken Arrow Rodeo Productions put on quite a show, wowing the crowds with non-stop action.
Sponsors and a host of community volunteers and organizations came together in support of a laudable
Story by Carol Pappas
Photos by Mackenzie Free
A day full of fun, competition and patriotism
cause, the Ashville High School Future Farmers of America.
Horses, lassos, cowboys and more against the backdrop of Neely Henry and the mountains formed a stunning scene that are now etched in memories.
Our own Mackenzie Free got in on the action, capturing in photos the moments that defined just how special this event was.
Logan Martin and Neely Henry •
But don’t take our word for it. Check out these reviews from those who experienced it in the moment:
• “This was a lot of fun! This is what we need on Neely Henry Lake. Fun by land or water!”
• “Had a blast. Can’t believe how y’all pulled this together. Really professional event. Can’t wait till next year.”
• “We loved it and rode our boat over for both nights. The food trucks were great, the rodeo was great and enjoyed listening to the music. Thank you for putting this event on.
Also, a congratulations to my daughter placing 2nd place in the barrel racing.”
Martin
Neely Henry
The waterfront spot made the perfect venue for a day of fun on
And that was just a sampling of firsthand accounts of Rodeo and Rhythm’s debut. But perhaps the best quote of all comes from Greensport itself, announcing the rodeo’s expected return: “We hope you loved it just as much as we did, and that you’ll be back for next year’s action, too!”
Thank you, Dave and Stepanie Evans. Job well done! l
Vendors and others were set up across the venue
Logan Martin and Neely Henry •
Neely Henry at Greensport
Experience the magic of Gadsden on the Memorial Bridge
Story by Cherith Fluker
Submitted Photos
Imagine standing on an historic 100-year-old bridge, the sun setting over the Coosa River, a glass of wine in hand and the hum of jazz music floating through the air. This is the scene at Gadsden’s Sunset Sips on the Memorial Bridge.
Scheduled for Oct.15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Downtown Gadsden Inc. hosts this intimate, laid-back event that has become a beloved tradition in the community.
DGI Director and event organizer, Kay Moore, says Sunset Sips began in 2012, inspired by the vision of creating a unique, community-centered gathering where attendees could savor wine and beer while enjoying one of Gadsden’s most picturesque spots. Held annually on the third Tuesday of October, this year’s event will mark the 12th edition, with the only break being in 2020.
“The event was originally a catered affair”, says Moore. “Sunset Sips now features light snacks, encouraging attendees to explore and dine at downtown restaurants after the event.”
Tickets for Sunset Sips are limited to just 300 to maintain an intimate atmosphere. They go on
sale around Sept. 15 and may be purchased online at downtowngadsden.com or at the Downtown Gadsden Inc. office.
Additionally, you can find tickets at local favorites like The Stone Market wine shop and King’s Olive Oil. Priced at $50, each ticket includes multiple wine tastings from The Stone Market, beer from Back Forty Beer Company, and a selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres. The event is exclusively for those 21 and older.
Moore says what sets Sunset Sips apart from other community events is its serene and welcoming vibe. Unlike larger, more boisterous gatherings, Sunset Sips offers a rare chance to stroll and socialize on a historic bridge, enjoying breathtaking views that are usually reserved for passing vehicles. As one of the first events to close the bridge for an event, it has become a highly anticipated highlight of the local calendar.
Sunset Sips is more than just an evening of enjoyment; it’s a fundraiser that reinvests in downtown Gadsden. Over the years, proceeds have funded new banners, a speaker system for Broad Street, and other enhancements that beautify the Downtown Gadsden area. Local restaurants show their appreciation by offering discounts to ticket holders who choose to have dinner downtown after the event. The impact of Sunset Sips goes beyond the immediate experience. Local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic and sales, and community members come together to support and celebrate their town.
The perfect time of the year at the perfect place to enjoy company and the view
Sunset Sips on Memorial Bridge is a standout event in the Gadsden community, thanks to the incredible support from local businesses, Moore said. “Lucy Edwards, investment manager at Morgan Stanley, reached out to me to ask about sponsoring the event.” Sponsors like Morgan Stanley play a crucial role in helping cover expenses so more of the funds raised can be directed back into downtown improvements. Several local businesses also contribute various items that are raffled off during the event. To ensure the safety of attendees, police officers are situated at both ends of the bridge throughout the event.
From the stunning sunset views to the friendly camaraderie, Sunset Sips leaves a lasting impression on attendees. “We aim to keep the event small and special to retain its unique charm,” Moore said. “That’s what keeps past participants returning year after year to relive the magic.”
Whether you’re a long-time Gadsden resident or a visitor looking for a memorable evening, Sunset Sips on the Memorial Bridge offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Tickets are on sale Sept. 15 through Oct. 14. All tickets must be purchased before the day of the event. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit downtowngadsden.com l
Logan Martin and Neely Henry
A bridge-eye view of the beauty of Neely Henry and the Coosa River
HOURS
MONDAY:
TUESDAY: 9-6
WEDNESDAY: 9-4
THURSDAY: 9-6
FRIDAY: 9-6 every other Saturday: 8-2
It’s almost ... Trout Season
Noccalula Falls Park luring more fly anglers
Story by Paul South
Submitted and staff photos
These fly fishers have found the perfect location
Flawless casting in fly fishing is like a Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers movie routine, explained veteran Rainbow City fly angler and guide Frank Roden.
“The perfect rhythm in fly fishing is almost like the perfect dance. If we’re dancing with a lady, we’ve got to show her what we intend to do next, without pushing her around or stepping on her feet, that kind of thing.”
It only takes a gentle touch.
On Black Creek, that gentle touch – an elegant meeting of rhythm and cast, water and rainbow trout –begins Oct. 15 and continues until June 30, 2025. It’s a new chapter in the City of Gadsden’s successful effort to grow fly fishing at Noccalula Falls.
Twice a year, as weather permits, the city stocks Black Creek with 1,800 pounds of Rainbow trout. The effort to bolster the fish population is in its sixth year. Funding for it comes from the sale of fishing permits on the creek, as well as some state tourism dollars, Roden said.
Black Creek is a “delayed harvest” stream, meaning that up until May 1, 2025, anglers must practice
Trout are stocked in the river to make sure there are plenty fo fish
“catch and release” and cannot keep any fish. After May 1, anglers are subject to the state creel limit of five fish per day.
Fishing of any type is prohibited in the park after June 30.
Roden called the city’s efforts to grow and promote fly fishing, “a great success” for Gadsden’s growing tourism industry and for the sport.
“It’s allowed a lot of people who say, ‘I’ve always wanted to fly fish,’ or ‘I’ve always wanted to trout fish, but I never got a way to do it.’ Well, right here, locally, it’s given them a way to do it.”
Black Creek has also introduced the sport to a new generation, both locally and across the Southeast.
“People that have children bring their kids right hereto the water, and they don’t have to travel any distance,” Roden said.
As for fly angling-related tourism, Roden says it’s growing. And he has an unusual way to gauge that increasing popularity. Along with his wife Tammy, he’s the co-owner of Rainbow City Auction & Fly Shop.
“This last October through January, when we were trying to get fish in (Black Creek), I was just covered up with phone calls, saying ‘Frank, when are we going to get fish in?’ ”
The calls came from South Florida, Kentucky and Illinois, Mississippi and points in between, Roden said.
“This is something people in our area have been and should be very proud of, bringing tourism in,” Roden said.
Polly Dean, the associate editor of the fly-fishing site, OntheFlySouth.com, agrees that the sport is growing in the region, both in fresh and saltwater.
“I see greater interest in the sport of fly fishing, especially with women and young adults, even children,” Dean wrote in an email. “I see the sport growing in southern states, since fly
anglers aren’t just targeting trout in warm water.”
The COVID-19 pandemic may have also played a role in fly fishing’s increased popularity, Dean wrote.
“Folks were looking for more recreational opportunities outdoors,” she wrote. “All in all, fly fishing can be quite rewarding and addictive.”
According to the American Sportfishing Association, between 2010 and 2020, the number of fly anglers grew from
5.5 million in 2010 to 7.8 million in 2020.
Some may shy away from fly fishing in the mistaken belief that fly fishing is too expensive, Roden said. But the sport is affordable.
“You can go down here to (a chain sporting goods store) and buy a $49 outfit,” Roden said.
In the six years of the restocking effort on Black Creek, the trout population is mature, Roden said. He is an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing instructor. Orvis is one of the iconic brands of fly fishing clothing and equipment. He’s toiled as a guide on local waters for nearly 20 years, he said.
But a guide isn’t necessary on Black Creek, he said.
“You don’t need a guide because it’s one of those streams where you can go in and do everything yourself.”
Just as the amount of rainfall in the area – the source of precious oxygen for trout – impacts Gadsden’s restocking efforts, precipitation also affects the quality of fishing on Black Creek.
The new fish introduced to the creek are anywhere from 12-16 inches long. Anglers have reported fish as big as 24 inches. “If the rainfall comes, it will be good,” Roden said.
Along with the fishing, there’s $11 million worth of renovation going on at Noccalula Falls Park Campground, which should also boost tourism, Roden said. “It should be a whole lot better environment,” he added.
The key to success for first-time anglers on Black Creek? It’s all in the cast, the graceful 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock motion at the heart of the sport.
“First, take a fly rod and go out and practice your casting,” said Roden, a disciple of the late fly-fishing icon Bernard “Lefty” Kreh. “If you
Frank shows there are plenty of places to fish by boat, too
Showing of a fly
wait until you’re on the stream to get your casting down, it’s not going to work out nearly as well.” Experience is the best teacher.
“Fly fishing is more than just putting a hook and a fly on the water and waiting for something to come get it,” Roden said. “You’ve got to learn where to put it, how to put it there, what to expect when a fish does get it. Get your drift (of the fly) right, then how to handle the fish once it gets on that fly.”
Successful fly anglers have what Roden calls “soft hands.
“It’s not how sure our hands are, or how strong our hands are. It’s how we angle that rod and that line and how we finesse that fish and also how we are going to handle that fish once we get him to the net.”
It’s comparable to how a golfer is able to gingerly chip the ball close to the hole, or a quarterback uses touch to fit a ball into a tight window between the receiver and a defender.
“You’ve got to be able to put the fly where you need to put it for it to have a natural drift in the water. You have to allow the fly to do it.”
A successful cast allows the fly to gracefully float down to the water, not slap it, added Roden. And at the end of the day, it’s all about the dance – elegance and perfect rhythm.
“If you want to spin the lady around, if you just take that left hand out just a touch, they will turn and make (the spin) for you,” he said. “They can make you look good. It’s the same way with the fish,” he added. “If we do what we need to do with this rhythm, this dance, everything else will work out.” l
WANT TO GET HOOKED?
Interested in fly fishing? Check out the Rainbow Fly Fishing Club. The club meets on the first Thursday of each month at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1885 Rainbow Drive in Rainbow City. Dues are $25 annually. For more information, visit the club’s Facebook page or call 256-490-5450.
Frank shows off a catch
This is an allages sport
FLY FISHING AT BLACK CREEK
• State of Alabama fishing licenses AND City of Gadsden trout permits are required to fly fish on Black Creek. State licenses are available online, at Academy Sports and Outdoors and at Coosa Landing Bait Shop.
• City of Gadsden Trout Fishing Permits can be purchased at the Kiwanis Pavilion Office of Gadsden Parks and Recreation at 1500 Noccalula Road in Gadsden. A day pass is $15. A season pass – valid Oct. 15 to June 30 – is $35. Permits can also be purchased online. For more information, call 256-549-4663.
• Plastic permit holders and clips are available for $1.
• FLY RODS ONLY. One line and one pole or rod per angler.
• Artificial lures and barbless hooks ONLY.
• Catch and release until April 30. After April 30, the daily trout limit is five (5).
• Fishing is allowed from dawn to dusk daily.
• Please pack your trash out and help keep the stream clean.
IN OUR OWN BACKYARD
With Logan Martin and Neely Henry lakes in the heart of St. Clair County, their 614 miles of shoreline form the largest water playground in the state!
Take 5 Community Events
September through early November 2024
LakeLife 24/7 events compiled by Jackie Romine Walburn
Submit events to: cpappas@partnersmultimedia.com
SEPTEMBER
Who: Local farmers
What: Pell City Farmers’ Market
When: Wednesdays, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., through Sept. 28.
Where: Pell City Lakeside Park
Why: Fresh, locally grown produce all summer
Who: Local farmers
What: Moody Farmers’ Market
When: Fridays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., through Sept. 30
Where: 701 Park Avenue, Moody
Why: Fresh, locally grown produce all summer
Who: Pell City Center for Education and Performing Arts
What: ROCK ‘N DOCK
When: Sunday, Sept. 1, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Pell City Lakeside Park
Why: Free event featuring live music, food trucks and Cornhole competition. Performers include Andrew Carpenter, Aslen Weaver and the Southern Crossroad Band and the Coosa Phat Katz
Who: Leeds Jane Culbreth Library
What: Time to Read Book Club
When: First Wednesday of each month, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Leeds Library, 8104 Parkway Drive
Why: Join moderator Mondretta Williams for a lively discussion of this month’s Time To Read book club reading challenge on the first Wednesday of each month. All are welcome to attend. Bring a snack to share.
Who: Pell City Chamber of Commerce
What: Pell City Lunch and Learn
When: Thursday, Sept. 5, noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Pell City Municipal Complex
Why: Seminar relevant to starting, managing and growing members’ businesses. Free to Chamber members and $10 for non-members. More at www. pellcitychamber.com
Who: Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce
What: Annual Salute to Industry Golf Outing
When: Friday, Sept. 6, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Anniston County Club, 601 Highland Avenue, Anniston
Why: Golf! Email savannad@calhounchamber.com
Who: The Cozy Nest
What: Rustik Bucket Vintage Market
When: Sept. 6-7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: St. Clair County Arena and Event Center, Odenville
Why: 60+ vendors, art, boutique clothing and jewelry, wood and metal work, seasonal, pottery, home decor, antiques, furniture, tasty treats, and so much more!! RAIN OR SHINE. $5 daily admission
Who: Leeds Knights of Columbus Council 5597
What: Knights of Columbus Charity Bingo Night
When: First and third Fridays, Sept. 6 and 20; 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m., and Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Food available for purchase.
Where: Leeds Civic Center, 1000 Park Drive
Why: Play bingo for cash prizes while raising money for local charities. Call Don Tice at 205-542-0671 for information
Who: United Cerebral Palsy of East Central Alabama
What: Telethon to benefit local United Cerebral Palsy, serving Calhoun, Cleburne, Randolph, Talladega and Clay counties.
When: Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Where: Oxford Civic Center, 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford
Why: Fundraising event on air on TV and social media; entertainment and auction. 93 cents of every dollar raised stays in the community
Who: Agape Nation
What: Silent Auction and Comedy Show
When: Saturday, Sept 7, 5:30 to 9:15 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Benefitting Agape Nation, a non-profit seeking to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Etowah County. Guest comedian Jonnie W; auction items include a stay in the Bahamas, a flight on a personal plane, a firearms training course, a free, 4-hour house cleaning and gift certificates from local stores and restaurants. Buy $40 tickets at agapenation.org/silent-auction-comedy-show/
Who: Coosa River Team Trail and Neely Henry Bass Foundation
What: Neely Henry Bass Foundation Tournament
When: Sunday, Sept. 7, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Calling on clubs and local angers to join this tournament to raise funds to restock Neely Henry Lake. $100 entry fee, $25 per person for total of $150 per boat
Who: Sweet Southern Sass
What: Miss Coosa River Scholarship and Big Crown Pageant
When: Sunday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Crowns for every contestant and more than $1,400 cash prizes. $35 deposit. Email beckyfromal@ bellsouth.net for entry form and details
Business Directory
Logan Martin and Neely Henry
Who: Kings of Swing
What: Free concert
When: Tuesday, Sept, 10, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Gadsden
Why: Swing music from local musicians. Free; coolers welcome
Who: Heritage Hall Museum and Art Center, Talladega
What: Watercolor Workshops
When: Sept. 12-14
Where: Heritage Hall Museum, 200 South Street East, Talladega
Why: Workshops to perfect your watercolor art. www. heritagehallmuseum.org or call 256-761-1364
Who: Coosa Riverkeeper and Alabama Rivers Alliance
What: River Reels & Tales
When: Thursday Sept. 12, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: The Ritz Theater, Talladega
Why: This exciting series of town hall events will bring the community together for engaging discussions, along with screenings of short films that spotlight the special people, unique history and current issues impacting the Coosa River. Enjoy conversations and connections, with delicious food and drinks.
Who: City of Oxford
What: Second Friday on Main
When: Friday, Sept, 13, 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Explore all Historic Oxford offers in this monthly event. More at www.oxfordmainstreet.com
Who: Downtown Talladega
What: Second Saturday
When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Talladega Bottling Works
Why: Music and more each Second Saturday
Who: Gadsden Fire Department
What: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Gadsden City High School
Why: A benefit for Toys from Santa Program, the stair climb and walk pays tribute to fire fighters by climbing or walking the equivalent to the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. $35 entry fee includes a T-shirt, accountability tag and challenge coin
Who: Gadsden-Etowah Habitat for Humanity
What: 1st Annual Duck Race on the Coosa
When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Riverwalk Park at Coosa Landing
Why: Rubber ducks will race from the Memorial Burdge to the House Party behind Chilis. Ducks are $5 and sold online at www.gadsdenduckrace.com and in person. Live DJ, splash pad, food trucks, karaoke contest and a Duck Pluck
Who: Longleaf Botanical Gardens and Alabama Extension
What: Herbs and Spices Sample Social
When: Sunday, Sept. 15, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Longleaf Event Center at Anniston Museum and Gardens
Why: Master gardener Jan Morris will share tips on harvesting, preserving and using herbs from your garden. Guests can sample homemade goods featuring fresh herbs. Registration required; cost $15; $10 for AM&G members
Who: Heritage Hall Museum and Art Center
What: Watercolor Society of Alabama - Alabama
Members Showcase 2024
When: Sept. 15- October 26
Where: Heritage Hall, 200 South Street East, Talladega
Why: The works of watercolor artists from across the state. More information at www.heritagehallmuseum. org or call 256-761-1364
Who: Leeds Arts Council
What: Open Mic Night Competition, hosted by Mandi Rae Trott.
When: Third Sunday of each month, Sept. 15, 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Leeds Arts Council, 8140 Parkway Drive
Why: $5 for both performers and spectators. Each month’s winner receives 50 percent of the door money as a cash prize based on a vote at show’s end. Sign up in person beginning at 6:30 p.m. or email mandiraemusic@gmail.com to get on the list
Who: Local Restaurants
What: 2nd Annual Taste of Northeast Alabama
When: Tuesday, Sept. 17, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Portion of each $20 ticket will benefit Altrusa of Gadsden. Call 256-549-4730 for tickets and information
Who: Anniston Museum of Natural History
What: Third Thursday Plant Sale
When: Thursday, Sept.17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Longleaf Botanical Gardens Greenhouse and Nursery
Why: Support LBG by purchasing plants, including a variety of trees, shrubs, native and tropical
Who: Pell City Chamber
What: Third Thursdays in Downtown Pell City
When: Thursday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Pell City
Why: Look for specials, sales and fun
Who: Civil War reenactors
What: The Raid on Little General’s Farm
Civil War Reenactment
When: Sept. 20-22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 5535 Old Gallant Road, Gallant
Why: In memory of Maggie Sue Haessly and Miss Emma Samsom, the reenactment benefits historical projects and events. $5 Spectator fee. More at www. MaggieRaid.com
Who: Barbecue cooks and cornhole players
What: Smoke In the Park
Backyard BBQ Competition
When: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20-21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: E.C. Wilson Park, 313 Nancy Carrol Avenue, Gadsden
Why: Barbecue, a duck race, vendors, live music, bounce houses and a cornhole tournament. The fire department will sell hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, chicken nachos and drinks to benefit Christmas for Kids. $20 duck race tickets can be purchased by Hare Wrecker and Glencoe Fire Department
Who: Autism Foundation of Gadsden
What: A Magical Night of Music
When: Friday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing
Why: Musicians TAD of Jazz, an opera performance by Estefania and Eric Wilson accompanied on piano by Dr. Gail Steward, unique percussion performance and the Gadsden State Community College Show Band under the direction of Desmond Mitchell. Tickets from $75 per person, $60 for teachers, $600 for an 8-person table and $300 for half table, 4 people. Contact info@asdofgadsden.org
Who: Greater Gadsden Tourism and Noccalula Falls Park
What: Art on the Rocks, twice annual arts and crafts event
When: Sept. 21-22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden
Why: More than 100 arts and crafts and food vendors. Tickets $8 for adults, $6 for kids, seniors and military. Park season passes accepted. Pets allowed except near animal habitat
Who: City of Oxford
What: Market on Main
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Special shopping and markets in downtown Oxford. More at www.oxfordmainstreet.com
Who: Paddlers and spectators
What: Great Alabama 650 Watch Party
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Buffalo Wild Wings, East Chestnut in Gadsden
Why: Watch the beginnings of the Great Alabama 650, a paddling event Sept. 21 to October 10, from northeast Alabama to the Gulf Coast, the core section of the Alabama Scenic River Trail network
Who: Five 16 Foundation
What: Annual Lakeside Live Musicfest
When: Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Lakeside Park, 2800 Stemley Bridge Road, Pell City
Why: Musicfest includes a car show, kids’ area, vendors and live music
Who: Blackberry Hill Alpacas
What: 10th Annual National Alpaca Farm Day
When: Monday, September 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Blackberry Hill Alpacas, 6330 Saks Road, Anniston
Why: Meet the alpacas, Genesis the camel, llamas, petting zoo animals and museum creatures, ride a pony and get your face painted at the annual free event. Shop at the Alpaca Product Store, vendor craft booths, food booths and trucks
Where: Fellowship Hall at Eden Westside Baptist Church
Why: Join other leaders in your community for lunch and a boost of encouragement in Leadership at Power Lunch. RSVP at jcimpactminitries@gmail.com
Who: City of Gadsden
What: Dreamers in the Round Songwriters Show, the stories behind the songs
When: Thursday, Sept, 26, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Mort Glosser Amphitheater, 60 Walnut Street, Gadsden
Why: Hear from songwriters Keith Burns, Wil Nance, Karen Stanley and Chasity Bowden. Ticket $20 and $30 for meet and greet available at www. cityofgadsden.com
Who: Ritz Theatre of Gadsden
What: BEEHIVE, a musical
When: Sept. 27 to Oct. 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Ritz Theater, 300 Wall Street, Gadsden
Why: BEEHIVE celebrates the powerful female voices of the 1960s with hits including My Boyfriend’s Back, Be My Baby, Son of a Preacher Man and Me and Bobby McGee, told from perspective of six young women. Tickets at www.theatreofgadsden.org
Who: Hoke’s Bluff
What: Hoke’s Bluff City Fest and Cruise-In Car Show
Why: Free. Trucks of all types, including food trucks and big equipment
Who: Gadsden City High School and Titan Band
What: 60th Annual Marching Band Festival
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Titan Stadium at Gadsden City High School
Why: See the oldest marching festival in the Southeast with small and large division grand champion awards
Who: A.G. Gun Shows and vendors
What: Gadsden Gun and Knife Show
When: Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sept, 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Annual gun and knife show. Information at www. aggunshows.com
Who: American Legion, Attala Post 71
What: Dinner and Dance
When: Sept. 14 and 28, second and fourth Saturdays each month, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 201 Griffin Street, Attalla
Why: Dinner and dancing fun
Who: Talladega Classic Car Club
What: Classic Car Cruise-In
When: Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Classic Toys at 515 East Battle Street, Talladega
Why: Classic cars and trucks cruise in every 4th Saturday
Who: Local farmers
What: Hoke’s Bluff Farmers’ Market
When: Mondays, 7 a.m. to noon, through September
Where: 3310 Alford Bend Road, Hoke’s Bluff
Why: Fresh, locally grown produce all summer
Who: Local farmers
What: Attalla Downtown Farmers’ Market
When: Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m., through Sept. 26
Where: 411 3rd Street, Attalla
Why: Fresh, locally grown produce all summer
Who: Local farmers
What: Glencoe Farmers’ Market
When: Tuesdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Sept. 26
Where: Glencoe City Hall
Why: Fresh produce, locally grown
Who: Local farmers
What: Talladega Farmers’ Market
When: Tuesdays, 3 to 6 p.m., through Sept. 30
Where: 210 East Street South, parking lot next to Talladega Chamber
Why: Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables
Who: Local farmers and artists
What: Gadsden Artisan and Farmers Market
When: Every Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 701 1st Avenue, Gadsden
Why: Vendors selling everything from baked goods to arts and crafts
Who: Gadsden Museum of Art
What: Exhibiting artist Zach Galbreath
When: Throughout September 2024, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 515 Broad Street, Gadsden
Why: Visit GMA each month to see exhibits by important artists
OCTOBER
Who: Innovate Alabama and Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce
What: PITCH CONTEST
When: Tuesday, October 1, 11:30 a.m.
Where; Oxford Civic Center, 401 McCullars Lane
Why: Business Pitch competition for small businesses (profit of $250,000 or less) to win a cash prize to build and grow their business. Six finalists will compete live by making their pitch to the judging panel and the crowd. Email savannahd@ calhounchamber.com to enter via a 90 second video. More information at members.calhounchamber.com/ events/PITCHCompetition-5117010/details
Who: Regional Medical Center Foundation Golf Classic, Anniston
What: RMC Golf Classic
When: Wednesday, Oct. 2, morning tee time, 7:30 a.m. and afternoon tee time at 1 p.m.
Where: Anniston Country Club, 601 Highland Avenue
Why: Shotgun start, four-person scramble golf tournament to benefit the medical center Foundation
Who: Yard sale enthusiasts
What: Highway 411 Yard Sale
When: October 3-5, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Route from Leeds to Newport, Tenn, including Rainbow City
Why: Enjoy the yard sale that stretches through three states, find yard sale treasures and enjoy fall foliage
Who: Leeds Knights of Columbus Council 5597
What: Knights of Columbus Charity Bingo Night
When: First and third Fridays, Oct. 4 and 18; 5 to 8 p.m.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Food available for purchase.
Where: Leeds Civic Center, 1000 Park Drive
Why: Play bingo for cash prizes while raising money
for local charities. Call Don Tice at 205-542-0671 for information
Who: Town of Moody
What: Moody Octoberfest
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Moody City Park, 663 Park Avenue
Why: Arts and crafts festival with live music, performances, amazing vendors and food, petting zoo, kids’ activities, plus the Annual Cruisin’ For A Miracle Car Show with Top 30 awards and a Pin-Up Girl contest
Why: Free! Fall decorations, produce, baked goods, jams, honey, pumpkins, mums at 75+ vendors. Free bounce house, live music, face painting and photo props
Who: City of Oxford and the Oxfordfest Committee What; OxfordFest
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Celebrate the season at this downtown festival. More at www.oxfordmainstreet.com
Who: Hoke’s Bluff
What: Booking It Through the Bend Metric Century Run
When: Saturday, October 5, 8 a.m.
Where: Hoke’s Bluff Community Center, 5981 Gilliand Street
Why: A race with three options for mileage, a 14mile, 23-mile and a Metric Century road course all starting and ending at the community center, Fees are $20, $30 and $40. Information and to register, www.runsignup.com/race/al/hokesbluff/ benditthroughthebend or on race day
Who: Coosa Valley Model Railroad Association
What: Fall Train Show
When: Saturday, October 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Mary G. Hardin Center for the Cultural Arts, Gadsden
Why: Model train enthusiasts unite. Railroad artifacts, model scales, food, door prizes. Contact Big A for information, 256-347-7542
Who: NASCAR
What: Yellawood 500 at Talladega SuperSpeedway
When: Sunday, Oct. 6, 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: Talladega SuperSpeedway, Lincoln
Why: The intensity of the NASCAR Playoffs returns with a crucial middle race as the biggest stars continue their quest for the Bill France Cup. Tickets $65 and up
Who: The Faith Riders
What: Thunder @ the Grove
When: Oct. 10, every second Thursday at 6 p.m.
Where: Cedar Grove Baptist Church. 2001 Cedar Grove Road, Leeds.
Why: Join the Faith Riders every second Thursday March to September for food and fellowship. No bikes required. Come as you are. More information at 205-699-8446
Who: Logan Martin Lake Protection Association
What: Boo Bash
When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Logan Martin Lake
Why: It’s Halloween season. More information at www.lmlpa.org
Who: American Legion Attalla Post 71
What: Dinner and Dance
When: Oct. 12 and 26, second and fourth Saturdays each month, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 201 Griffin Street, Attalla
Why: Dinner and dancing fun
Who: Anniston Museum and Gardens
What: FALL FEST
When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: AMG
Why: Annual opportunity to celebrate autumn at the museum and gardens. Details at www.exploreamag.org
Who: Downtown Talladega merchants
What: Second Saturday
When: Saturday, October 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Talladega Bottling Works
Why: Music and more each Second Saturday
Who: Alzheimer’s Association
What: East Central Alabama
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
When: Sunday, October 13, 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Jacksonville State University, in front of Theron Montgomery Building
Why: Held annually and is part of the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. No fee to register to walk
Who: Coosa Riverkeeper and Alabama Rivers Alliance
What: River Reels & Tales
When: Tuesday Oct. 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Gadsden Museum of Art, Gadsden
Why: This exciting series of town hall events will bring the community together for engaging discussions, along with screenings of short films that spotlight the special people, unique history and current issues impacting the Coosa River. Enjoy conversations and connections, with delicious food and drinks.
Who: Downtown Gadsden Inc.
What: Sunset Sips
When: Sunday, October 15, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Memorial Bridge, Broad Street, Gadsden
Why: Sunsets and wine
Who: Anniston Museum of Natural History
What: Third Thursday Plant Sale
When: Thursday, October 17, 10 to 5 p.m.
Where: Longleaf Botanical Gardens Greenhouse and Nursery
Why: Support LBG by purchasing plants, including a variety of trees, shrubs, native and tropical Plants. Directions to greenhouse: drive up Museum Drive. Pass the Anniston Museum of Natural History and Berman Museum and turn left at the Monarch butterfly
Who: Pell City Chamber
What: Third Thursdays in Downtown Pell City
When: Thursday, October 17, 11 a.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Pell City
Why: Look for specials, sales and fun.
Who: Golfers who give back
What: Shepherd’s Cove Classic, Fairway to Heaven
When: Friday, Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Twin Bridges Golf Course, Gadsden
Why: In support of the Shepherd’s Cove Hospice Foundation, the tournament is a 4-person scramble, with scholarship available and lunch by Local Joe’s. Entry fee up to $400
Who: Odenville Chamber of Commerce
What: Annual Odenville Car Show
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a,m, to 2 p.m.
Where: St. Clair County High School, 16700 U.S. Highway 411, Odenville
Why: Cars, trucks and bikes, oh my! Food trucks, vendor booths, 50/50 raffle, live and silent auction and best of show awards
Who: City of Attalla
What: Attalla Heritage Day
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Attalla, 4th Street NW
Why: Free celebration including live music, food and craft vendors and a car show
Who: City of Oxford
What: Fall Market on Main and Witches Ride and Walk on Main
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, noon to 6 p.m.; Witches RideWalk at 5 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Another opportunity to shop special markets and parade through downtown Oxford. More information at www.oxfordmainstreet.com
Who: Turtle Island Native American Association and Alabama State Council on the Arts
What: 11th Annual Noccalula Falls PowWow
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden
Why: Native American songs, dances, food and drumming featuring Lyndon Alec, Alabama Coushatta Hoop dancer, Aztec and Maya dance demos, Candy Dance for children, and handmade Native American crafts for sale. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6-14 and over 65, $15 for family of 5, and free for military, first responders, nurses and dancers. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and come enjoy the songs of ancestors. No drugs, alcohol, open carry or politics. Call 256-293-6464
Who: Gadsden history enthusiasts
What: 15th Annual A Walk Through Time
When: Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m. to 4;30 p.m.; rain date Oct. 27
Where: Forrest Cemetery, 700 15th Street, Gadsden; parking at old Gadsden High School, Walnut and South 12th Street
Why: See 60 portrayers dressed in period clothing as they tell the stories of Gadsden’s history and its citizens. No admission fee but donations welcomed. All proceeds go to the preservation of the 1872 cemetery
Join us as we partner with local dealers for our 6TH ANNUAL Car Sale Event. We will have a team onsite to assist with questions and financing. Purchase rates will be available October 1-18. The three-day event is happening at our main office on HWY 280but don’t forget that we can also help with your auto re-financing needs at any of our five locations from October 1-31. Trust us - you don’t want to miss this opportunity! Get pre-approved today by calling, visiting us online, or coming by one of our branches.
Who: Leeds Arts Council
What: Open Mic Night Competition, hosted by Mandi Rae Trott.
When: Third Sunday of each month, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Leeds Arts Council, 8140 Parkway Drive
Why: $5 for both performers and spectators. Each month’s winner receives 50 percent of the door money as a cash prize based on a vote at show’s end. Sign up in person beginning at 6:30 p.m. or email mandiraemusic@gmail.com to get on the list
Who: Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce
What: Business Expo
When: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Anniston City Meeting Center, 1615 Noble Street
Why: Lights, Camera, Business. Learn more and register at www.calhounchamber.com
Who: Pell City Chamber of Commerce
What: Business Builder Breakfast
When: Thursday, October 24, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Pell City Municipal Complex
Why: Networking for your business, door prizes, and special guest speaker. This is event is FREE but seating is limited and registration is required. Email info@pellcitychamber.com
Who: Coosa Riverkeeper and Alabama Rivers Alliance
What: River Reels & Tales
When: Thursday Oct. 24, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Lovelight Farms, Wilsonville
Why: This exciting series of town hall events will bring the community together for engaging discussions, along with screenings of short films that spotlight the special people, unique history and current issues impacting the Coosa River. Enjoy conversations and connections, with delicious food and drinks.
Who: Gadsden and Rainbow City Coin Club
What: The Northeast Alabama Coin Show
When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Coin dealers and collectors gather. 125 dealer tables available
Who: Wills Creek Vineyard and other state wineries
What: 4th Annual Alabama Wine Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Will’s Creek Vineyard and Winery, Duck Springs near Attalla.
Why: Featuring wines from across the state, the Festival will have local food truck and artisan vendors. $35 admission for person. Adult only event. Wine will be available from each winery for purchase by the bottle or glass. www.willscreekwinery.com
Who: Talladega Classic Car Club
What: Classic Car Cruise-In
When: Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Classic Toys at 515 East Battle Street, Talladega
Why: Classic cars and trucks cruise in every 4th Saturday
Who: Coosa Riverkeeper and Alabama Rivers Alliance
What: River Reels & Tales
When: Tuesday Oct. 29, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Wetumpka Civic Center, Wetumpka
Why: This exciting series of town hall events will bring the community together for engaging discussions, along with screenings of short films that spotlight the special people, unique history and current issues impacting the Coosa River. Enjoy conversations and connections, with delicious food and drinks.
Who: City of Oxford
What: Trick or Treat on Main
When: October 31, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Treat or treating fun-in downtown. More at www.oxfordmainstreet.com
NOVEMBER
Who: Horse Pens 40
What: Christmas Craft Fair
When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Horse Pens 40, 3525 St. Clair County Road 42, Steele
Why: Local handmade crafts and holiday shopping for all ages. $10 day fee applies; donate 2 canned goods or 1 new toy for local food pantry and get in at half price, $5. Interested vendors contact Ashley at ashleyhp40@ email.com or call 256-538-7439
Who: Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association
What: Patriots Hall of Fame Luncheon and Veterans Parade
When: Wednesday, October 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. luncheon; 1 p.m., parade line-up; 2 p.m., parade
Where: Venue at Coosa Landing; parade in downtown Gadsden
Why: Hear from Bg. Gen. (ret.) Jeffrey Newton, assistant commissioner, Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs at the luncheon ($25) and enjoy a Patriot parade in downtown. Also sponsored by Gadsden-Etowah Tourism Board, the city of Gadsden and Etowah County Commission.
Who: City of Gadsden and downtown merchants
What: Mistletoe Market and Christmas Open House
When: Market is Friday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Downtown Christmas Open House is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9
Where: Downtown Civic Center, 623 Broad Street
Why: The city of Gadsden’s Mistletoe Market returns to the civic center, coinciding with the Christmas Open House Friday and Saturday. Contact jtarrance@ cityofgadsden.com or vgalbreath@cityofgadsden.com
Who: City of Oxford
What: Main Street Rivalry 5K
When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Compete in a 3.1-mile race in downtown, More information at www.oxfordmainstreet,com
Who: Anglers and nature lovers
What: Coosa River Team Trail Classic
When: Monday, Nov. 11, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Join the Coosa River Team Trail Classic for classic fishing adventures. Impressive catches only rivaled by huge respect for nature, conservation and sustainable fishing practices
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Taste of the Lake
Martin and Neely Henry
RESTAURANT DIRECTORY
CATCHIN’ THE COOSA
An angler’s guide to Neely Henry and Logan Martin Lakes
Get ready for fall fishing on the Coosa
By Zeke Gossett
LOGAN MARTIN
As the weather starts cooling off, and we move into the Fall time of year, a lot of changes start to happen on Logan Martin.
One of the main things that happens every year is the Fall turnover. This is where the lake begins to lose oxygen out in deeper water. You can even see the thermocline on your 2D sonar and downscan.
You will begin to see shad starting their migration to the backs of the creeks, and usually the bass will follow. This happens especially once the nights begin to get cooler. On top of this, the winter draw down begins to happen on Logan Martin.
Last year the water level only dropped three feet compared to the usual five in prior years. This time of the year can be a very tough time to fish, but hopefully these tips can help you kind of get a jump start to find fish quick.
Typically, I fish predominately in shallow water. When I say shallow, I mean anywhere from 10 feet or less of water. I’m usually looking for docks, brush and grass for my three main pieces of cover on Logan Martin.
I will try to start in the grass, especially in the earlier part of September. First rod I’m going to reach for is a frog. The frog, in my opinion, is probably one of the best ways to get your better than average bite this time of year. Another good option would be a buzz bait.
Once the sun starts to get up, I’ll kind of shift my focus to the docks and brush. There are a couple of rods I reach for this time of year when fishing docks and brush. When the water
temperature is still in the 75-degree plus mark, I’m usually reaching for the neko rig. The fish are still pretty finicky this time of year. This is a great option for getting these fish to bite when they’re not in the biting mood.
Once that water temp gets under 75, that’s when I’ll reach for the jig. The jig is a very versatile bait this time of year. You can fish it around brush and docks. I might even flip it in grass and lay downs as well.
The early Fall time of year can be some of the toughest times to fish on Logan Martin, but it can be the most rewarding if you figure them out. Keep it simple, and you will find success.
NEELY HENRY
September and October can be a quite interesting two months on Neely Henry Lake. The fish are starting to feed up for the winter and especially after the first few cool nights we have.
I really like to focus on docks and grass just like Logan Martin. Typically, I’ll focus on the back half of the creeks this time of year. You also want to make sure there are baitfish in the area.
Most of the time the baitfish will be up near the surface of the water column. So, make sure you keep an eye out for schoolers this time of the year as well.
The Fall turnover is usually right around the corner or is already happening at this point. What that means is the oxygen levels in deeper water are beginning to get very low. The shallow water tends to have a lot more bass activity due to food and oxygen levels. This is why the baitfish tend to be near the surface.
When fishing the docks I will typically start on the shallower docks. When I say shallow docks, I’m talking any docks five feet or less. Don’t be afraid to try deeper docks as well. The deeper docks will sometimes get overlooked by a lot of fishermen.
This allows fish to use every bit of the water column if they choose to. They can either stay shallow or move deeper if they please. A few baits I like to try in these areas are either the neko rig or jig. These two baits give me options throughout about every depth.
If it is cloudy and windy, I tend to reach for the buzzbait and cover a lot of water. If it’s more of a slick calm sunny day, I like to pitch and flip the jig around wood and docks.
Lastly, another great place to try and find a bigger bite is in the grass. The frog early in the morning is great way to get a bigger than average bite.
Once the sun gets high, don’t be afraid to flip the jig as well. You will not get many bites typically doing these techniques, but the ones that do bite will be better than average.
One last tip on grass: Do not be afraid to fish super shallow this time of year. Sometimes the fish on Neely Henry get so shallow you can almost see their fins, and the bigger fish will sometimes be in just inches of water.
Give these tips a try and keep your fishing simple this time of year. The Fall time is all about trying to find activity. Fish tend to move around a lot, but don’t let that fool you. Keeping your bait selection simple and covering water is the name of the game in the fall.
Zeke Gossett of Zeke Gossett Fishing grew up on the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake. He is a former collegiate champion and is now a professional angler on the B.A.S.S. tour circuit and is a fishing guide. Learn more about Zeke at: zekegossettfishing.com.
Voice of the River
C.R.E.E.K. events
Coosa Riverkeeper hosts a variety of Coosa Riverkeeper Environmental Education for Kids (C.R.E.E.K) events throughout the year. These programs offer children an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the Coosa. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and anglers to get out on the water and explore nature.
September is full of C.R.E.E.K. events children ages 5-17 are invited to attend to learn more about fishing, safe swimming, outdoor recreation and the wildlife of the Coosa River. See dates, details, and how to sign up below.
FREE FISHING CLINICS:
These events offer kids an opportunity to learn about safe fish handling, knot tying, casting techniques and a chance to put them all into practice. Each attendee will go home with everything they need to begin their journey as an
angler of the Coosa. These are completely free but you must RSVP, as we have a limited number of spots available for each clinic. See FAQ’s and more information on the sign up form for each event.
Pell City - Lakeside Park Free Fishing Clinics Sept. 14: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
C.R.E.E.K. Farm & Food is designed to let children experience life on the farm for a day. They will learn how the water cycle works, how produce is grown and how important clean water is for healthy farms and healthy food. Our next Farm & Food is: Anniston – Sept. 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Find out more at CoosaRiver.org/events
Follow Coosa Riverkeeper on Facebook & Instagram @CoosaRiverkeeper For more information, swim over to www.CoosaRiver.org.
