LAKE CITY m a g a z i n e
2 019 V o l u m e 2 I s s u e 1 lakecityalabama.com
Scott Smith
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New Year's Traditions
Eating Healthier in 2019
Warm Winter Blessings
Paring Wine & Food - A Guide
If you wash clothes on New Year's Day, you'll wash a family member away
It couldn't be easier thanks to a local business you may not have known about
Room In The Inn provides shelter and food during the cold months in Lake City
Planned a great romantic dinner for Valentine's? We'll help you pick the right wine
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LAKE CITY 2 019 V o l u m e 2 I s s u e 1 lakecityalabama.com
m a g a z i n e
Resolutions & Traditions · 6
Realistic resolutions and Southern traditions for the new year.
Eating Healthy Has Never Been Easier · 8
Local businessmen bring fresh and healthy pre-portioned and prepackaged meals to Lake City.
Take 10 With Scott Smith · 12
Raised in a trailer in Claysville, CEO of TRUE Network Advisors Scott Smith talks about growing up in Guntersville, moving on, and returning to the place he's always called home.
Room In The Inn · 16
For many, a warm bed and a fresh meal are a luxury during the cold winter months. This local organization makes it a reality for those in need.
Baked With Love · 26
Local baker, author, and mother talks about her life and new Guntersville bakery.
At Home With Peggy · 28
Don't blow it on Valentine's Day with a romantic dinner faux pas. We give you some simple tips for the perfect wine pairings.
Soup's On · 30
Healthy and homemade is our theme this month with some great soup recipes that will warm your cold bones.
Lake City Calendar · 36
Eagle Awareness weekends, local theater, Casino Night, and more. On the cover: Scott Smith
LAKE CITY magazine
V o l u m e 2 I s s u e 1 - 2 019
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PUBLISHER Oden Imaging MANAGING EDITOR Patrick Oden COPY EDITOR Dee Weeder CONTRIBUTORS Peggy Bishop Heather Dale Patrick Oden Dee Weeder
Creating Beautiful Venues For fall and holiday decor, Peggy Bishop - Food & Lifestyle Consultant (Of At Home with Peggy, as seen in this magazine)
Call Gracious Grace - 256.506.2288
DESIGN INTERN Adam Hayes Advertising & Editorial contact@lakecityalabama.com 256-486-9000 Mailing Address: 383 Gunter Ave. Guntersville, Ala. 35976 © Copyright: Lake City Magazine is published by Oden Imaging. No portion may be reproduced by any means without the express written consent of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Editorial and advertising content are for information and entertainment, and do not constitute advice.
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Andrea Oliver LAKE CITY SUMMERS THE PHOTO ISSUE
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Director of The Foundation For Marshall Medical Centers
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Experimental Aircraft & Pancakes
The All-American Drive-In
Growing Your Own Veggies
Fresh Summer Recipes
We visit with Mario Muñoz, Guntersville EAA's V.P.
Char Burger, a 60s drive-in with great burgers has survived time, and is booming
Homegrown tomatoes and peppers, it's time to plant them and we teach you how
Infused waters, wild hot dog toppings, and fresh homemade strawberry ice cream
Remembering The Falls Of Youth
Wine & Gifts & New Shop
Young Artist An Inspiration
Fall Pumpkin Recipes
Cotton Fields and County Fairs, a short story by Dee Weeder
Childhood friends are now co-owners of Stach & Co.
Madeline Smith paints dispite channenges to with her vision.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins, Creamy Pumpkin Soup, & Pumpkin Pie
LAKE CITY m a g a z i n e
Subscribe to our FREE digital version at lakecityalabama.com/subscribe Don't worry, we won't share your email address or send you any junk, just a great magazine every couple of months. LAKE CITY · 5
Resolutions & Traditions
By Dee Weeder
"H
appy New Year’s, Grannie. Have you had your black eyed peas yet?” I asked my beloved grandmother over the telephone. “Well, Happy New Year, Deedee girl,” Grannie responded. “Yes, I had some for dinner, but there’s plenty left for supper too. What are you up to today?” “No plans. My peas are cooked and I just put the cornbread in the oven. I slept late, and thought I’d do a little laundry later on...” “Oh no! Don’t do that!” Grannie’s shocked voice stopped me midsentence. “Don’t do your wash today! If you wash clothes on New Year’s Day, you wash a member of the family away!” I could tell without further questioning that she wasn’t kidding, so I responded just as any good Alabama born-and-raised granddaughter would. “Yes Ma’am!” Grannie was born in 1903, so her wisdom came from a time when people were more in touch with the “Old Ways.” And believe me, from that day to this, clothes have never been washed on New Year’s Day in my house, not by me nor anyone else, family or guest. Nevertheless, I still wonder how many relatives’ deaths I caused before I learned what not to do, and I also wonder why I was in my 30’s before anyone shared that admonition with me. We Southerners are big believers in customs and traditions, and there are quite a few associated with the ending of an old year and the beginning of a new one, the most universal of which is reflecting on accomplishments in the year just passed and setting goals for the year ahead. In other words, New Year’s resolutions. I’ve never been very good with New Year’s resolutions myself. There’s no use in putting the old standards—losing weight, eating healthier, exercising more, getting to bed earlier—on my list, because I know I won’t keep them. Why would any rational person set themself up to reflect on 365 days of failure each and every year? I firmly believe it is better to set realistic, achievable goals to begin with. I pretty well know that I’m going to brush my teeth at least twice a day, get eight hours sleep most nights (I’m retired; I can be up until four a.m. and sleep until noon if need be), read more good books and watch fewer dumb TV shows, so those all make excellent resolutions for my list. Likewise, I’ll resolve to complete at least one unfinished quilting or craft
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project each month, a worthwhile goal. On second thought, I’d better make that one every other month. I’m better at starting projects than I am at finishing them... But to be honest, resolutions aren’t as high a priority to me as the good luck and prosperity stuff. The most significant New Year’s traditions in the South have to do with acquiring good luck and prosperity. Some folks like to shoot off fireworks at midnight to “ring in” the new year, a custom that harkens back to when churches would ring their bells at midnight to chase away bad luck and evil spirits. Apparently evil spirits don’t like loud noises, and these days, fireworks have usurped church bells for making lots of noise. It’s all relative. I’ve known of people taking their shotguns outside and firing into the sky at midnight, making do with what they have. For other folks, the stroke of midnight is the time to kiss your sweetheart, since a kiss at midnight is said to guarantee relationship bliss in the year ahead. I’ve always liked that one personally, but I’ve come to the conclusion that it isn’t very considerate of me to wake my husband from a sound sleep for the sake of tradition. If we both happen to still be up when the big ball drops in Times Square, we kiss at midnight Eastern Standard Time and count it good. Which brings me to THE ultimate New Year’s practice, that being black eyed peas. Folks who practice this tradition have a meager meal of cornbread along with some sort of cooked greens and a bit of pork—hog jowl, fatback, ham hock, or bacon—used to season the peas. The more black eyed peas you eat, the more prosperity and good luck you’ll have in the year ahead. It’s been said the tradition goes back to the Depression, when even humble food was hard to come by. Other sources says it started during the Civil War, after Yankee raiders had stripped Southern farms of everything edible, leaving behind the dried peas which they thought to be good only for feeding to pigs. Either way, eating the peas kept the people from starving and thus evolved the tradition. My family has always kept this one religiously. Whether January 1, 2019 finds you making noise or making resolutions, assessing accomplishments or acquiring kisses from your sweetie, may your new year be happy, healthy, and prosperous. And whatever else you do, hold off on doing your laundry until January 2. Your family members will thank you!
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LAKE CITY · 7
Healthy Eating The guys behind Guntersville's Lean Kitchen aim to help you keep at least one New Year's resolution By Patrick Oden
H
ave you ever had a good idea you didn't act on, only to look back at some point and think, I really missed the boat on that one. That could have easily been the case when Trent Hammond ran into the founder of Lean Kitchen and heard about a new concept in healthy eating they had been cooking up in St. Joe, Missouri. Founded by Austin Evans and J.R. Roberson in 2017, Trent realized the new concept in eating the Missouri boys had come up with was a perfect match for the nutrition store he and his wife Jaimie owned in Guntersville; and after meeting with local Realtor and friend, Rusty Glines, the two decided to partner on the first Lean Kitchen franchise in the country ... right here in Lake City. The concept is pretty simple really: fresh and nutritious meals, prepared, portioned, and packaged locally, and available for pick-up or delivery. Perfect for helping even the busiest person keep their New Year's resolution of eating healthier. Owning a nutrition store already, Trent witnessed first hand on an almost daily basis people's desire to lose weight and be healthier. For most, it was a perpetual quest for a magic pill or supplement that would effortlessly transform them into the ideal version they perceived of themselves. But for those who have chased that rabbit, you know it's not that easy. As did Trent and Rusty. Both active men who make fitness and a healthy diet part of their daily 8 ¡ LAKE CITY
routine, they knew the mirror that reflects the perfect you wouldn't be found in the bottom of a diet pill bottle, but rather through healthy eating and regular exercise. Life is a hustle these days, and you're getting your steps in, but when you're hungry at the end of a long day, and just don't feel like cooking, it's easy to succumb to the call of the clown. "When you eat healthy you feel healthy," Rusty says. "That all trickles down to everyday life." But convenience can be a succubus. It's with this knowledge that the guys at Lean Kitchen decided to attack the convenience excuse head on. "We offer fresh meals in our coolers at all times," Trent adds. "We do delivery to locations in Gadsden, Oneonta, Cullman, Huntsville, Trinity, and Scottsboro. We also offer local delivery to anyone within Marshall County." Using all fresh ingredients, these aren't bland or boring meals at all, and the feedback Trent and Rusty have received has been tremendous. "Opening Lean Kitchen has been so rewarding in hearing all the positive changes people have made by simply changing the food they eat," Trent says. "Knowing we play a part in leading people to a healthier lifestyle is a huge win." With more than 20 meal options, including breakfasts and treats, eating healthy couldn't be easier in 2019.
Trent Hammond (left) and Rusty Glines, co-owners of Lean Kitchen in Guntersville.
LAKE CITY ¡ 9
Resolutions made with reasonable goals are more likely to be kept. This quick and simple workout from Willmore Total Fitness is a great way to start 2019 feeling good and good about yourself. Having a hard time fitting the gym in between everyday life, work, and family? Check out this under 30-minute total workout that will push you to the limit, with injury prevention in mind. Get into each position until you feel a light stretch, remembering to not overstretch.
Warm up with PVC shoulder capsule work
Internal rotation 20x
Behind back hold 1 minute
2 minutes in squat position (relaxing )
Start workout with Thrusters 4 sets of 10 (Start position)
Thrusters extended (Return to start and repeat)
Jump Rope 4 sets of 20
Push Ups 4 sets of 10
Sled down & back 20 feet (Four times - weight of choice)
Cool down (mobility) Wrist stretch 1 minute
Couch stretch 1 minute on each side
Single leg flexion with external rotation - 1 minute on each side
If you're a beginner, use your best judgment: you may need to cut the workout in half or make other changes to get back into the swing. Basically start your fitness journey at your own pace so you can do it for a lifetime. 10 ¡ LAKE CITY
We are continually striving to maximize every fitness opportunity for our customers while offering the best prices. Our goal is to provide quality equipment & activities for every fitness level, in an uplifting family-oriented environment. At Willmore Total Fitness, a honest and loyal customer-based relationship is a priority. With God as our guide, we want to help everyone win. - The Willmore Family
Visit us at any of our convenient locations Guntersville · Albertville · Boaz · Rainbow City · Arab
256.960.2361
Find us on Facebook LAKE CITY · 11
10
T A K E
With
Scott Smith
F r o m S i n g l e - w i d e Tr a i l e r t o C E O Lake City Magazine: Hey Scott, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us and letting our readers get to know you a little better. You’re a Guntersville native, but you’ve come a long way. Can you share a bit about your experience growing up in Guntersville? Scott Smith: Sure. My mother and I moved to Claysville when she married Leon Smith. I was actually born Scott Crippen but changed to Smith when Leon, who I consider my father, adopted me. I was 4 years old. I attended Claysville Elementary until 5th grade, then moved to what was then Carlisle Park middle school in 6th grade. I stayed in the Guntersville School system until graduating in 1988. Wait, that is not correct. I actually took a detour. When my parents divorced after my 6th grade year, I spent half of the 7th grade in Huntsville and half in Dandridge, Tennessee. I begged to move back with my dad and I guess pitched a big enough fit because I returned in the 8th grade. I was extremely lucky to have not only great friends growing up in Guntersville, but great parents of those friends. Lawrence and Kathy Baker, Martha and Bill Vandergriff, Ben and Janice Hulgan, I could go on and on. I am leaving out plenty of people. My family life might have been challenging but I was supported by an incredible community. Lake City Magazine: Your name actually came up last year in a story we did on Coach Carr from Guntersville High; seems you were a bit of a roundballer back in the day. What role did basketball (sports) and those close bonds formed with your teammates play in your early life? Scott Smith: I played sports year around starting in kindergarten. It was a little different back then and we just went from one season to the next. By the time I got to my later
12 · LAKE CITY
Don't worry, Tyler is still doing what he does best from his new salon space in the the rear of Pure & Simple at 532 Gunter Ave. in Guntersville.
LAKE CITY ¡ 13
high school I gravitated to basketball and tennis. Most of my closest friends were on both of those teams. We really had an incredible 1988 graduating class. If you look around our community you will see a number of them in leadership positions, active in organizations of just in general good people. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the impact my coaches had as well. Lisa Beam was just a joy to be around, a great example for us kids on the tennis team. Coach Rick Moody and his wife Sandra were a very big part of my life. More than just a coach/cheerleading sponsor, they were part of the fabric of those years and really good influences on my life. I was a fair tennis player and actually won two county championships. Unfortunately for Coach Moody, I was a much better player after high school. I grew a little, added a few pounds and actually got to play a little college basketball at UAH. We had some great basketball teams at GHS and I have a lot good friends and fond memories from those teams and seasons. Lake City Magazine: But you didn’t stick around Lake City for long after graduating Guntersville High School. Stepping off the hardwood, you vanished from the landscape for a quarter of a century. Where did you go? What were you doing with yourself that whole time? Scott Smith: Man, I am not sure there is enough room here for the whole journey. I meandered from UAH to Atlanta to Jacksonville State, back to Atlanta, and finally Birmingham. Got married and had two kids along the way. I stumbled into the insurance business my second stop in Atlanta and that ended up being where I have spent my entire working career. Lake City Magazine: And then a couple of years ago you returned to Guntersville. What drew you back? Scott Smith: I was a partner in an insurance agency and we sold the firm. The buyer had offices in Birmingham and Huntsville and the hope was to work more out of Huntsville. Interestingly, my (then) wife and kids were as, if not more, excited to move than I was. I had such fond memories of Guntersville we thought it would be a good place to raise the children and have a slower pace of life. The working out of the Huntsville office did not materialize and I ended up commuting to Birmingham for almost two years. That is no Bueno and I do not recommend for anyone. I stepped away from that company to start my own firm. Lake City Magazine: You have two teens who are/have followed in your footsteps as Guntersville Wildcats. How old are your kids and what are they up to these days? Are either following in Dad’s footsteps? Scott Smith: Who knew I would enjoy being a dad so much. Madeline is 19 and Carson 16. Madeline recently moved to Atlanta and is working for an insurance agency. To say I am proud of her is an understatement. She has a vision disorder and is legally blind. She has her own place, is working and learning and making things happen. I do not think most people realize her visual limitations and how hard she works. She is an amazing person. Carson is just a great kid. I love spending time with him. He chose soccer as his sport and plays year around. And I do mean year around. He is smart, funny, kind, and thankfully has a great group of friends. Very much like me, he also has a great coach in Zach Ross and a fantastic group of parents of his friends for support. I love those two more than anything. Lake City Magazine: You mentioned starting your company, TRUE Network Advisors, allowed you the flexibility to stay in Guntersville. Can you tell us a little about what your company does? Scott Smith: A lot of my close friends still don’t understand what I do (laughing). TRUE Network helps employee benefits insurance agencies grow. We provide a long list of services that are unique to that industry, and I won’t bore you with them all! Think of it as an association on steroids. But an association that is very selective in who joins. We facilitate these agencies learning from and sharing with each other. Since we have grown so rapidly, currently 35 agencies throughout the US, we are also able to negotiate better terms from some insurance carriers and other vendors. Finally, we develop 14 · LAKE CITY
proprietary strategies and tools that only TRUE Network agencies have access to. It is an amazing group of clients, many of which are now some of my best friends. Lake City Magazine: So you travel a good bit it sounds like. What do you like most about returning to Guntersville? Scott Smith: My clients tend to be in really cool places. Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Nashville, New York, Dallas, etc. Having the ability to enjoy larger cities, a faster pace, nice restaurants (although I do not think any are better that our own Old Town Stockhouse), then return to a slower pace, has been remarkable. I work almost every day from Jamoka's downtown and that has become a little work family for me. Being able to spend a week in a city like NYC then come home to our charming hometown makes me incredibly happy. Lake City Magazine: I would be remiss if I didn’t ask, but there are rumors locally of your having an alter ego … a second identity of sorts. Can you tell me a little bit about the mysterious DJ Couch Money? Scott Smith: Ha! Well, what came out of a very sad situation has provided a lot of laughs. Many people know Randy Wedgewoth and his late wife Joan. At that time they owned The Pointe. After Joan tragically passed, I was talking with Randy one night and he expressed a desire to have more of us “older folks” spend more time at the Pointe. After my comments around needing some older music he asked me if I would play some music for an “old school” night. I agreed and thus DJ CouchMoney was born. I am most certainly not a real DJ and only do it for friends and special occasions. But when I do agree, I dress up and make it fun. Life is too short and we need more laughter, music and dancing to keep us all sane. I don’t mind being a little silly. Lake City Magazine: I believe you have just completed one of the largest business deals/transactions in your career; can you share a little? Scott Smith: Sure. Of the 35 agencies that are members of TRUE, we just rolled up 13, plus TRUE, into one company. We secured a private equity sponsor for financing and are now excited to grow TRUE and this new organization. I remain President of the TRUE Network and will sit on the board of our new company, Patriot Growth Insurance Services. We will be one of the top 20 largest privately held benefit insurance agencies in the US. I am working with some incredible people from Philadelphia and Boston on the project and they will visit Guntersville soon I’m sure. Lake City Magazine: Thanks for letting us and our readers get to know you a little better, Scott. By way of our last question, what words of wisdom would you share with those who think their dreams are just too far out of reach? Scott Smith: Keep moving forward. Be curious. Outwork people. Be kind. I cannot emphasize enough how much being kind has helped me in business and relationships. For those that might doubt themselves? Do not let your current situation or upbringing manifest itself in excuses or develop a perception of some sort of skewed reality. You can indeed do whatever it is you want. I mean, I grew up in a single-wide trailer in Claysville. Through a lot of good fortune, good people in my life, and some hard work I have been able to have some success. But my real success has almost all come in the last 5 years. I was able to do OK but it isn't until fairly recently things really started happening. I think as I’ve gotten older I’ve had much greater self-awareness. The positive from that is an awareness of what makes you happy. The negative is realizing how much I was a taker instead of a giver in previous years. Friends and family who invested more in relationships than me. Partners/mates who were more committed and more generous. I really do not know why it took so long to figure out that real success has little to do with chasing money or things. That is an illusion of happiness. Happiness means being happy, and being happy comes from helping others.
This is the year you're going to take your business to the next level Don't worry, it's a resolution we're here to make sure you keep Learn more about how we can help. Visit odenimaging.com/helpmybusiness
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LAKE CITY ¡ 15
16 · LAKE CITY
There's always
Room in the Inn
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season - buying presents, preparing meals and visiting with family - it’s sometimes easy to get stressed out and forget to be thankful for all that we do have. As the temperature drops outside and we head into a new year, it’s good to know there is an organization that is providing a warm shelter and compassion to those in need locally.
Stacks of numbered containers, sometimes containing all of an individual's worldly possessions, stored at Room in the Inn
LAKE CITY ¡ 17
By Heather Dale
F
ounded in February 2012 and implemented in December 2012, Room in the Inn is a program of Marshall County Homeless Ministries, a cooperative of churches providing emergency temporary and coldweather shelter from November to March each year. Housing is rotated daily amongst the 35 local churches currently involved. After arriving at Life Point Church on a rainy December day, I was quickly greeted by the warm and smiling face of Shirley Chupp, the Executive Director of Room in the Inn. I also received a friendly greeting from all the volunteers and staff members present at the time. Everyone was eager to share their work. I immediately got the sense that I was in a good place. Shirley and Samantha Logan, the Daytime Program Coordinator, welcomed me with open arms and spent the rest of the morning showing me around Life Point, the central location of Room in the Inn, and sharing stories of the “Neighbors” whose lives have been changed by this organization. After hearing the word “Neighbors” used several times to refer to the residents in the program, I began
to ponder the power of words. As I thought this over, all the negative terms associated homelessness started to flood my mind. Hopeless, displaced, helpless, lost. I quickly realized that referring to them as Neighbors is just another way of offering respect and dignity ... something many fear is lost forever. We tip-toed around a morning class being taught by a local business owner who volunteers her time with the organization, and I was shown each area that makes the operation possible. In the storage room, where each Neighbor has a place to keep their belongings safe, I was overwhelmed looking at the plastic tubs, stacked floor to ceiling. Each tub has a name and a number to indicate who the contents belong to. I couldn’t help but think of something I was told long ago and how true it seemed to ring here, surrounded by individuals who had lost everything. “A person is not made up of the contents of their home, they are made up of the contents of their soul.” I then saw the food pantry where all the donated canned goods and perishables are kept. And the
Toys in the children's room (below); a glance at donated items with Samantha Logan (top right); and fresh coffee in the food pantry (bottom right).
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LAKE CITY · 19
children’s room, with toys and books to help kids feel more at home during their stay. We walked across the classroom once more to the supply room where Neighbors are assigned a bedding bag and given a toiletries bag with essential hygiene items, then another room filled with items, all donated through the kindness of others. The last room I was shown on my tour and the one that most touched my heart was the office, where works of art, all created by Neighbors, were displayed on every wall. I could hear the pride in their voices as the staff told me who the different paintings belonged to. The last one I saw before leaving the office was Angel’s painting. I stood and gazed at it through teary eyes as I was told her story. (Shared on pg. 22) In the seven seasons since Room in the Inn was founded, it has helped roughly 700 people, and served nearly 10,000 meals last year alone. The Neighborhood Inn transitional house, the organization's year-round shelter, houses 16, while Room in the Inn sees in excess of a hundred people per season. Providing shelter is only one of the many aspects that make this organization so vital to getting people back on their feet. Room in the Inn also provides help with job placement, transportation to and from work, assistance with goal planning and implementing strategies to reach goals, all headed up by Cynthia Taylor, the Programs Coordinator/ Social Worker. They also provide a variety of classes ranging from job readiness to anger management, all taught by volunteers. If I learned anything from my visit to Room in the Inn, it’s this: people from all walks of life can end up homeless or displaced for a variety of reasons. They aren’t looking for a handout, they are looking for a second chance. And with the proper respect, support and resources, they can thrive. The people working for Room in the Inn are making a difference in so many lives, and they are doing it out of love and the kindness of their hearts. It's organizations like this one that truly make our community a special place.
Shirley Chupp, Executive Director of Room in the Inn; Neighbors attending class in the background
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Angel's Story Everyone can make a difference
A
ngel came to Room in the Inn last year on a cold November day. She had just spent 72 days in a hospital in Birmingham and had nowhere else to turn. Her mother had been her primary caregiver until her death the previous January. She had tried to stay with other family members, but having special needs, especially at an older age, made it hard for her to find a place to live. When Angel was brought to Room in the Inn by Social Services, she appeared almost catatonic from medications and the grief of losing her mother. For the first several days, all she could say was her name. For weeks she needed assistance showering, dressing and fixing her food. Then something changed in her. As she became more comfortable in her surroundings, her emotional walls slowly began to come down. She started to communicate, smile and share love with those around her. Angel said that God had called her to feed the hungry and was given opportunities to volunteer at local food pantries. She started to lend a hand with her fellow Neighbors, making food and crocheting items for them. Angel was now helping others in the way that she had first been helped. Sometime later a woman showed up at Room in the Inn with complications from a car accident, and Angel, the woman who had shown up all but helpless herself, was now the one helping this new Neighbor to shower and dress. When thanked for her help, Angel simply replied, “Why wouldn’t I? People helped me when I needed it.” She is now thriving in a group home placement thanks to Room in the Inn. Angel’s story shows that with a little love, a safe place to stay and the encouragement of caring individuals, remarkable things can happen. (Angel's name was changed for her privacy.)
LAKE CITY · 23
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24 · LAKE CITY
Happy Valentines 2019
Illustration by Maggie Bachman
LAKE CITY · 25
Baked w i t h LOVE
By Peggy Bishop
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dible Slime Cake? If you can imagine it, odds are that Jonica’s Bakery at the Lake can make it! That’s because owner Jonica Thompson is not your ordinary baker. She’s a creative spirit with many loves—writing, baking, Guntersville Lake, and most of all, family. And when her loves are combined, magic can result Jonica grew up in Odenville, Alabama, where as a teenager she recognized her penchant for writing as well as baking. As word of her delicious pies and beautifully decorated cakes spread, she began baking professionally for birthdays and special occasions—at the tender age of seventeen. She made her first wedding cake in 2004, and just five years later opened her first bakery in Argo, Alabama. It was through this first bakery that she met Robert Thompson, the man who would eventually become her husband. Robert would come into her bakery just before closing time each Saturday and buy all the unsold baked goods in the display. Jonica chuckles as she recalls, “He was on a diet at the time!” But he was a kind man who donated his weekly purchases to others. He just wanted to see Jonica succeed with her business. She owned that first bakery for a year before selling it and opening another in Pell City. Jonica had long had another passion—foster care and adoption. It was after being a foster mom for several years that she and her former husband adopted their son, Shawn, at birth. Her passion for children even brought her to Guntersville for the very first time, when she came to get certified to teach other individuals who are considering foster care or adoption. She had no idea at that time that she would some day be returning to Lake City to live. But time passes, and along with it, lives change. And eventually Jonica’s and Robert’s paths crossed again. The two were married in 2014, and Robert brought her to Guntersville’s shore where he already owned a home. Her love for the lake and Lake City blossomed rapidly. She recalls that she had lived 26 · LAKE CITY
here only two weeks when, upon returning from a visit to her hometown of Odenville, “I topped the hill, saw the water, and knew this was home!” Along with her new hometown and husband, Jonica gained two “bonus” daughters, Stevie, 24, and Avery, 22. The lake then provided inspiration for her other love, writing. Released in 2017, her first published book is titled, “Wally the Great Blue Heron: I Am Wally,” which was written in collaboration with her ten-year-old son, Shawn Fleming. The colorful hardback children’s book was inspired by a real-life heron she and Shawn see almost every day alongside the lake as she drives him to school. Together, Jonica and Shawn enjoy visiting schools to talk about their book and Wally, and look forward to their second “Wally” book’s release this coming spring. As though that weren’t enough to keep a person busy, Jonica realized that after being retired for five years, she really missed the bakery business. Last June, she opened the doors of Jonica’s at the Lake, 1708 Gunter Avenue. Jonica and her staff of eight begin working their magic at five o’clock in the morning,
so that when the doors open at seven, customers are met with the aroma of delicious freshly baked goods. Their home style breads, cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, muffins and sausage balls are among local favorites. If you stop by for lunch, her chicken salad is a big hit, along with a variety of soups and sandwiches. Gluten-free and nut-free selections are also on the menu. Jonica’s own brand of pickles, jams, jellies, and salsas are available for purchase as well. Custom cakes (even with edible slime) are a specialty at Jonica’s, and the staff really enjoys working with customers’ ideas to come up with creative cake designs. Many examples of their amazing past creations can be seen on the Jonica’s Bakery Facebook page or online at jonicasbakery.com. Whether you encounter Jonica at her bakery, your child’s school, the book store, out boating with Robert and Shawn, or pursuing any of her other creative passions, you’ll be delighted with the fruits of this amazing woman’s labors. Lake City is certainly lucky that she’s made our town “her home.” LAKE CITY · 27
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·If you can use the same adjectives to describe a wine and a dish, the pairing will often work. ·The wine should be more acidic than the food. ·The wine should be sweeter than the food. ·The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food. ·Red wines pair best with bold flavored meats (e.g. red meat). ·White wines pair best with light-intensity meats (e.g. fish or chicken).
At Home With Peggy
Wine & Food Pairing Made Easy Here are some basic wine pairings & guidelines to help insure that special Valentine’s Day dinner isn't so daunting.
·It is better to match the wine with the sauce than with the meat. Pinot Noir: Pairs well with earthy flavors. Recipes made with ingredients like mushrooms and truffles, such as Paprika Chicken with Mushrooms, taste great with reds like Pinot Noir, which are light-bodied but full of savory depth. Chardonnay: For fatty fish or fish in a rich sauce. Silky whites—for instance, Chardonnays from California, Chile or Australia—are delicious with fish like salmon or any kind of seafood in a lush sauce. Shrimp Scampi is a great dish to serve with Chardonnay. Champagne: Is perfect with anything salty. Most dry sparkling wines, such as brut Champagne and Spanish cava, actually have a faint touch of sweetness. That makes them extra-refreshing when served with salty foods ... or chocolate and strawberries for Valentine's Day. Cabernet Sauvignon: Is fabulous with juicy red meat. California Cabernet, Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style blends are terrific with steaks or chops—Garlic Prime Rib pairs well. The firm tannins in these wines refresh the palate after each bite of meat. Sauvignon Blanc: Goes with tart dressings and sauces. Tangy foods—like Arugula Salad with Scallops—won't overwhelm zippy wines like Sauvignon Blanc. Dry Rosé: Great with rich, cheesy dishes. Some cheeses go better with white wine, some with red; yet almost all pair well with dry rosé, which has the acidity of white wine and the fruity character of red. Pinot Grigio: Pairs with light fish dishes. Light seafood dishes, like Smoked Salmon Alfredo, seem to take on more flavor when matched with equally delicate white wines, such as Pinot Grigio. Syrah: Matches with highly spiced dishes. When a meat is heavily seasoned—like spicy Bleu Cheese Burgers— look for a red wine with lots of spicy notes. Zinfandel: For pâtés, mousses and terrines. The words rustic and rich describe Zinfandel, Beef Stew is a great choice to pair with Zinfandel.
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Baby, it's cold outside ... soup's on. About this time each year there are two things we can generally count as universal thoughts ... eating healthier and warming up from the cold. For this issue we are bringing you three delicious and healthy homemade soup recipes and one fantastically simple sandwich. Bon Appitite.
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Homemade Vegetable Soup Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 medium carrots, sliced 3 stalks celery, diced 2 medium squash, quartered slices 1 cup chopped cauliflower 2 tsp Italian seasoning 4 cups vegetable broth + 1 cup water 2-15oz can diced tomatoes 1 cup corn (frozen) 1-15oz can navy beans, drained and rinsed (optional) 1 bay leaf ¼ cup parsley, chopped 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, more to taste 1½ tsp kosher salt, more to taste Freshly ground black pepper
Directions Heat oil in a large stockpot or dutch oven over medium-low heat. Once hot, add onion, garlic and a teaspoon of kosher salt and cook about 8 minutes. Add carrots, celery, squash, cauliflower and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring often. Add Italian seasoning and cook for one more minute. Add broth, water, tomatoes, corn, beans, bay leaf, and several grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 35 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and lemon juice. Remove bay leaf and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread.
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Vegetarian Chili Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 7 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tsp sugar 1 tbsp chili powder 1 tbsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp oregano 2 tsp ground coriander 3 tbsp tomato paste 2 green bell peppers + 2 red (or yellow) bell peppers, seeded and chopped 2 cans (14.5 oz each) fire roasted tomatoes, with juices 4 cups vegetable broth 1 can (14 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (14 oz) white beans, drained 1 can (14oz) garbanzo beans, drained 1 can (14 oz) corn kernels, drained 2 (12 oz each) packages vegetable burger crumbles kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Optional Garnishes: shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, avocado, limes
Directions For Stovetop: In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil until hot. Add onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sugar, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, and coriander. Stir to combine, 10 seconds. Add tomato paste and stir 30 seconds. Add bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes with juices, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and broth. Scrape bottom of pot while stirring. Bring chili to a simmer. Simmer, covered, 20 minutes. Add beans and vegetable crumbles, stirring to combine well. Bring chili back to a simmer and cook covered, another 20 minutes. Remove from heat. If desired, add kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm with desired garnishes. For Slow Cooker: Add all ingredients into slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours.
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Homemade Tomato Basil Soup Ingredients 3 lbs ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise ¼ cup plus 2 tbsp good olive oil 1 tbsp kosher salt 1 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions) 6 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp unsalted butter ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes 1 (28-ounce) canned plum tomatoes, with their juice 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves 1 quart chicken stock
Directions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together the tomatoes, ¼ cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tbsp of olive oil, the butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Pass through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade. Taste for seasonings. Serve hot or cold.
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Asiago & Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich Ingredients 4 slices multi-grain bread ¼ cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese ¼ cup shredded asiago cheese 1 tbsp salted butter
Directions
This will make two sandwiches, increase or decrease measurements and quantities as your desired number of sandwiches dictates. Heat a large non-stick frying pan or griddle on medium heat until warm. Place two pieces of buttered multi-grain bread, butter side down on your cooking surface. Cover each slice with half of the cheese mixture and top with second slice of bread. Check and flip when the bread begins to crisp at the edges and the bread's surface is a light golden brown.
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LAKE CITY CALENDAR For Lake City's most current and complete calendar of events, visit lakecityalabama.com/calendar
January 1
Guntersville State Park New Year's Eve Gala Midnight Many repeat couples and groups attend the annual New Year’s Eve Gala. Including lodging, the packages presented in the fall for this event include all of the necessities to bring in the new year with two ball rooms decked out for the season.
January 1
First Day Hike 2019 10:00am Start the year off on the right foot! Join Mike Ezell, Park Naturalist for a 1st Day Hike at Lake Guntersville State Park. Meet at 10am at the Lodge Lobby.
January 12
Fly-In Pancake Breakfast 8:00am – 9:30am Hosted by the Guntersville EAA Guntersville Municipal Airport $6 Donation for breakfast supports local youth groups. 405 Buck Island Road Guntersville, AL. Public and cameras are welcome.
January 17
Business After Hours 4:30pm – 6:30pm Hosted by The Soak House & Soapery 312 Gunter Ave. Guntersville, AL
January 23
State Of The City Address 7:30am – 8:30am Hosted at Gunter’s Landing 1000 Gunter’s Landing Road, Guntersville. Mayor Leigh Dollar speaks on the state of the city on Wednesday, January 23rd.
January 25
Indie Film Night 7:00pm – 10:00pm Join the Guntersville Public Library for their Indie Film Night at the Guntersville Library Auditorium.
January 25 - 27
Eagle Awareness Weekend Hosted at Lake Guntersville State Park Activities Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday. Jan 25 thru Feb 17 Different presenters and programs each weekend day. Visit www.alapark.com/lakeguntersville-state-park-eagle-awareness-
weekends-2019 for full schedules and details.
February 2
Cat In The Hat GHS 9:00am – 5:30pm A children’s program in conjunction with GHS’ ‘Cat in the Hat’ play. Located in Guntersville Library Auditorium.
February 9
Fly-In Pancake Breakfast 8:00am – 9:30am Hosted by the Guntersville EAA Guntersville Municipal Airport $6 Donation for breakfast supports local youth groups. 405 Buck Island Road Guntersville, AL. Public and cameras are welcome.
February 23
Casino Night 6:30pm Hosted by the Guntersville Sunrise Rotary Benefiting Every Child’s Playground For tickets ($75) see any Guntersville Sunrise Rotary member, Eventbrite, or call Penny Morrow (256-5061404) or Janna Carrol (256-505-2972)
HOT COFFEE WI TH A COOL VIBE
JaMoka's Coffee Company
Proudly Serving Piper & Leaf Teas
COFFEE · ESPRESSO · LATTES · TEAS · SANDWICHES · PASTRIES · SMOOTHIES & MORE
Keeping Marshall County Caffeinated Since 2005 385 Gunter Ave, Guntersville 256.486.3883 38 · LAKE CITY
110 E Main St, Albertville 256.660.0850
1851 Hwy 431, Boaz 256.593.3777
We’ll meet you there. On-the-go banking is a snap with the mobile app from Citizens Bank & Trust. A concert, school ball games, shopping with friends… wherever life takes you, our mobile app* means banking convenience is right there, too. Need to check your balance? Check. Deposit that birthday check you just found in your wallet? Snap, click, done. With the mobile app from Citizens Bank & Trust there’s no need to miss anything. From the latest technology to friendly bankers, you can count on Citizens Bank & Trust to be there in a big way.
Here when you need us. Even with the best in mobile banking, we hope you’ll stop in to say hello. Our Guntersville headquarters and other Marshall County offices are conveniently located and ready to serve. *Third party fees for data, messaging, Internet may apply.
BAN K & T RU S T 711 Gunter Avenue 256-505-4600 visit us at citizensbanktrust.com
Better healthcare, illuminated.
At Marshall Medical, we’re shining a light on technology that matters. From endoscopic ultrasound for cancer diagnosis to 4K surgery that’s less invasive, we stay at the forefront of medical technology. The fact is, technology matters. And we continue to invest in the health of Marshall County by recruiting skilled specialists and increasing our capabilities with the latest proven equipment and software. Convenient access to excellent health services is a priority at Marshall Medical. We’re glad to report the future is looking brighter than ever.
Making a difference in your health with proven technology. For more information about the endoscopic ultrasound technology pictured here visit us at mmcenters.com/technology.
256.571.8925 (256.753.8925 for Arab area residents) • mmcenters.com