LAKE CITY m a g a z i n e
2 019 V o l u m e 2 I s s u e 2 lakecityalabama.com
L AKE CIT Y ' S DANCING MAN
FOSTER AY R E S
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Cutting Up & Creating Stuff
Take 10 with Zach Ross
Easter Egg Decorating
Lake City Calendar
Sisters Mary Brewer and Judy Norstrom creatively re-purpose just about everything
The district's newest Judge talks with us about out-kicking your coverage and more
Learn how to dye and decorate for some next-level Easter Egg family fun this year
From Art on the Lake to the Live Longer Happy Fest, there's a lot to do this spring.
Check out our large, in-stock selection of Simms apparel
BIG CLOSE-OUT SAVINGS ON IN-STOCK BOATS BY â„¢
Factory authorized sales and service center for these fine brands
3780 Brashers Chapel Rd. Guntersville, AL. 35976 | 256.660.5400 | www.duckettmarine.com
"Like Having Family In The Business"
Shelli Walker
256.506.1291
Graben Real Estate Inc. Shelli Walker@yahoo.com
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ONE OF A KIND PROPERTY
Beautiful and unique property with lake access 5 bed 2 bath Duplex. MLS 1111676
Old cotton gin completely restored into an 8700 sqft custom business / home. MLS 1107513
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Gorgeous trim and moldings in this 3 bed 2 bath with Bonus Room. MLS 1110835
Open concept in Boaz, only 1.5 years old 3 bed 2 bath with outbuilding. MLS 1108476
Graben Real Estate Inc. 8379 US Hwy. 431 North Albertville, AL 35950 www.coldwellbankergraben.com
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Visit us at any of our convenient locations Guntersville · Albertville · Boaz · Rainbow City · Arab
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Find us on Facebook 4 · LAKE CITY
LAKE CITY 2 019 V o l u m e 2 I s s u e 2 lakecityalabama.com
m a g a z i n e
A Couple Of Crafty Ladies · 8 Unique creations abound from the home workshop of these two Lake City sisters.
Take 10 With Zach Ross · 14 We visit with new district judge and Wildcat's soccer coach, Zach Ross.
The Dancing Man · 20
At 67 Foster Ayers wandered into Lake City with a tent and his dog. In the past 13 years he's found a home and danced his way into Guntersville's heart.
At Home With Peggy · 30
This Easter, get a little more creative with these egg decorating tips from Peggy.
Coconut Chicken Curry · 31
This is the chicken dish you never knew you loved. Quick, easy, and delicious.
Lake City Calendar · 35
Lake & River Fun, Art on the Lake, local theater, fishing tournaments, Live Longer Happy Fest, and More.
On the cover: Foster Ayres LAKE CITY · 5 This page: Mary Brewer
LAKE CITY magazine
V o l u m e 2 I s s u e 2 - 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 Celebrating Our First Year 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
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LAKE CITY · 7
LAKE SHORE INSPIRED 8 · LAKE CITY
Whether an old door or a tree fallen by a storm, the sisters behind Lake Shore Creations find a way to make the most out of beautiful old wood.
LAKE CITY ¡ 9
By Heather Dale
M
ary Brewer and Judy Norstrom, the sisters behind Lake Shore Creations (formerly Lake Shore Crafts), finally got their wish of moving back to Lake Guntersville after 30 years, two full lives, and careers. Now they are here living and creating side by side, on a property they grew up on, steeped in local and family history The house Mary and Judy grew up in was more than 200 years old. They lived in the back portion, while the front of the house was used as the office for the motel their family owned. It was the first motel in Marshall County and both of their parents took an active role running it; their grandmother lived next door. The sisters recall spending their childhood days exploring the islands, enjoying the outdoors, and rescuing injured animals. No doubt their love for nature and the outdoors is what eventually led to their unique creations. It is evident in every piece they craft. The property they grew up on and now call home spans back even further. It was once home to the Cherokee Indians and Lusk family, and was used during the Civil War as a safe house for Union soldiers while Guntersville was being bombarded. Sisters Mary Brewer (left) and Judy Norstrom in their woodworking studio which overlooks Lake Guntersville.
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"When I lived in southern California … the only way to relieve my stress was to envision myself floating on Lake Guntersville on a sunny day. My stress would just float away too."
~ Mary Brewer
The sisters moved away from Guntersville together, in their early teens, to attend school in Kansas City, Missouri and ended up taking slightly different paths from there. Judy took a job in Los Angeles, where she met her husband Allen, and had their daughter, Allie. Mary stayed in Kansas City for 4 more years, met and married her husband Steve. Through the twists of fate, both Mary and Judy ultimately ended up in Southern California even working together in advertising for a period, before they each returned to Lake Guntersville, to the property and lake they had shared in their youth. Throughout the years, both Mary and Judy were experimenting with and learning about different aspects of woodworking. Mary was learning from husband Steve while remodeling the various homes they owned over the years. She recalls being his gofer, asking questions and learning a lot along the way. Meanwhile Judy and husband Allen were making furniture for their daughter Allie; when friends saw their creations, they started asking them to make furniture for their children as well. They also had an affinity for creating unique bird houses. Fast forward to 2012: the sisters are back together on the property they know and love so well, and 12 · LAKE CITY
they are starting the construction of the house which Mary designed. She and Judy were very hands-on during the construction process. They sanded every tongue-and-groove board that went in, and installed the wood walls and floors. They debarked every tree for the cedar columns that went on the house. When the house was finally finished, they started making birdhouses ... then tables, all kinds of tables. They used their original designs and pretty soon were getting requests from people for specific items and so began Lake Shore Crafts. The sisters can be found most days in their wood shop located on the property, surrounded by driftwood, reclaimed wood and even some of the wood left over from the devastating storms of 2011. “We always say God makes great wood and then we get to make something with it, it is fun to work with all the different kinds of wood," Mary says. "This is something we really enjoy doing and we like to stay busy. We’d rather wear out than rust” Looking forward, the sisters have decided to change the name of their enterprise to better reflect the diversity of their offerings. Lake Shore Crafts will now be called Lake Shore Creations. No doubt, however, the uniqueness and quality of the projects they undertake will remain the same.
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10
T A K E
With
Zach Ross
Son · Husband · Father · Coach · Judge Lake City Magazine: Hi Zach, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us and let our readers get to know you a little better. You’ve definitely had a busy month, but I may be getting ahead of myself. How about we start in the beginning. As I understand it, you’re a Guntersville native. Can you reflect a little on growing up in such a special community? Zach Ross: Guntersville has been my home since I was born, outside of my time in college and law school. I believe they say “Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat,” and that’s absolutely the truth. You could feel the support of the community as a child in school or playing sports in high school. When one of our teams from GHS would make it to the State Tournament, literally almost the entire town went to the game. There are a lot of folks that leave small towns and never want to go back, but it’s different with our town. Whether it’s the beauty of driving on Sunset Drive at the end of the workday, enjoying the lake in the summer, or taking a hike through the State Park on a Sunday afternoon, there’s something unique about this place that pulls people back if they ever leave. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Lake City Magazine: Sports play a role in your life today. Were you
active in sports growing up? Zach Ross: I was involved in just about every sport throughout my time in elementary school, but once I made it to middle school, I really gravitated towards basketball. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I rode the bus or my mom drove me to the rec center to shoot hoops just about every single day as a kid. Ultimately, I went on to play varsity basketball at GHS and captained the team my senior year. I loved the game, and you really need to love it when your team practices at 6 a.m. before school starts every morning. I was fortunate enough being a Wildcat to make friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Lake City Magazine: If I remember correctly, your family owns a local business. Can you share a little about that connection to our community? Zach Ross: My mom and dad own both Ross Originals and Ross Sports Outfitters in Guntersville. They literally started it out of their garage when I was very young, I believe in the mid to late 1980s. My cousins saw some tie-dye t-shirts at a local art show and begged for them. My mom told them they were too expensive and that she could do it herself. At that moment, Ross Originals LAKE CITY · 15
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was born. Now, they have this impressive production where they do screen-printing and monogramming. They recently purchased a machine that allows them to print hundreds of shirts per hour. It’s incredible really. Additionally, several years ago, they started Ross Sports Outfitters and have a large number of sporting goods in stock at the business. They support all of the local schools and I think I can comfortably say if you see a t-shirt at a local business, organization, or event, Ross Originals has created it. They are honest, hard-working, and have done an incredible job becoming a staple business within our community. Lake City Magazine: But you took a bit of a different path. I heard you speak recently and you mentioned the support your parents offered in your desire to pursue law. Would you mind sharing with our readers a little about what led you down the path you followed? Zach Ross: Sure, I would love to. When I was in high school, I noticed certain family members and friends that were greatly affected by judicial decisions in family court. These people to whom I was very close were having their lives turned upside down through divorce or changes in custody. A few of them spoke about how they felt like no one really listened to what they wanted or even cared about what was going on in their lives at home. I talked to my mom about this at the time and she told me that I needed to become a lawyer for children. I didn’t even really know that existed at the time. After graduating from law school, I learned about the role of a GAL, or guardian ad litem. GALs are lawyers who are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child in a custody case. For the past eight years as a lawyer, this has been a large part of my practice. Some lawyers are drawn to the subjective side of being an attorney, wherein your focus is on argument and convincing the judge your client’s position is correct. I’ve always embraced the objective side of being a GAL. While I would advocate for the child’s best interests, a large part of the job was looking at the facts objectively and trying to decide what exactly is in the child’s best interests. Perhaps that’s why I felt so inclined to become a judge. I’ve always been more interested in discovering what should be done rather than convincing others what another person thinks should be done. Lake City Magazine: So until quite recently you have been practicing law, but you’ve also spent a large amount of your time LAKE CITY · 17
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coaching as well. Can you let our readers know a little about your coaching role with Guntersville High School? Zach Ross: I am in my fifth season as the Varsity Boys Soccer Coach at Guntersville High School. I was fortunate to be asked by the GHS athletic director in 2014 if I would coach the boys soccer team. The program was in a rough spot. They had I believe 5 or 6 coaches in the previous 4 years. The team was only winning a handful of games each year. My mom can be thanked for this one as well. In talking to Mike Jones, the GHS Varsity Girls coach and owner of Mike’s Merchandise, my mom mentioned that I loved soccer and coaching and that the school should hire me. I do this on a volunteer basis and I have not received any money whatsoever to coach these past five years. I coach because I love the game and these kids need a program of which they can be proud. Nick Saban said that he’s not sure when he will retire from coaching because he’s been a part of a team his entire life and he’s scared of what life is like when he is longer a part of a team. I feel the same way. We’ve been fortunate in my time with the program. We have made the playoffs every single season, and we even had a trip to the Elite Eight and another the next year to the Final Four. We’ve won around 20 games each year, been ranked in the State Top 10 every season and have even been ranked #1 in a few seasons. I’ve coached three players that have gone on to play in college, with one currently playing for UAH. I love this program and what we’ve built in a short time. However, more important than winning games is hearing from former players the impact our program has had on them as they have become adults. Lake City Magazine: That’s really awesome, and you’ve obviously had a tremendous impact, not just on the team but on the players as evidenced by the number of Guntersville footballers in attendance at your recent swearing in as our district’s newest judge following your appointment by Governor Ivy. What does this new role and the support you have received mean to you? Zach Ross: This is my dream job. Becoming the district judge and working in family law is literally exactly what I set out to do when I pulled out of my parents’ driveway in August 2003 to attend the University of Alabama. I’ve made it no secret. You can ask just about any lawyer or judge in Marshall County and they’ll tell you I’ve had my mind set on this since they all met me. I am not satisfied with merely achieving this honor. I want to work to become the best that I can be as a judge so that my community will respect and trust me in this role. The support has been overwhelming. You could tell that I got a little emotional at my investiture ceremony. It really hits you hard as you realize you have achieved this dream and you look out at the smiling faces of all of the people that have helped you or supported you along the way. It has truly been a humbling experience. Lake City Magazine: During your swearing in, your wife and daughter were by your side and so clearly proud. What does it mean to have such a supportive family behind you? Zach Ross: Having a support system is the most underrated aspect of goal achievement. My daughter is a tad too young to understand everything that’s going on, although she did tell me, “I enjoyed your party, Dad.” My wife has been incredible throughout this entire process and just generally throughout my practice in law. What really makes her support so amazing is that she has her own medical practice in Madison as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, so she is incredibly busy with her own career. Yet, she has been there for me every single step of this journey and is so happy for me. Honestly, I would say she has been more than just supportive; she’s
been genuinely helpful throughout the process. Lauren brings a perspective to certain topics or issues that has made me a better lawyer and a better person over these past several years. Lake City Magazine: You mentioned a comment your wife made, a footballer term, about outkicking your coverage. Can you offer more context to the metaphor? Zach Ross: Well really that’s not a comment she’s made, but more of a comment I’ve heard from colleagues ever since we were married. I would think it applies to just about any happily married person, but for me, it is that I really couldn’t have found a better person for me. The actual term, I suppose, comes from a kicker in football kicking the ball so far down the field that his teammates aren’t able to move down the field in time to tackle the returner or receiver. You have this amazing kick for which you and your team aren’t prepared. And it’s accurate in that I wasn’t prepared for how truly wonderful this person is. She is this beautiful woman that sets a standard for me to achieve. Obviously, when we were married, I knew she was pretty, sweet, funny, and smart. What I didn’t know was just the kind of person that I was getting and how she would motivate me to become a better version of myself. So, to think of it like that, I guess that I did outkick my coverage and I spend every day trying to cover just a little better! Lake City Magazine: With your history in the community and your commitment to family and youth, how will your recent appointment affect your ability to impact our community? Zach Ross: I would believe it would only be affected in a positive way. There is only so much that you can do as a lawyer and soccer coach. I do feel that I have been able to impact my community in those roles, but I have always felt that I have had more to give. Being a judge allows me to be involved in the lives of more families and more young people. Additionally, as a guardian ad litem, I was limited to my investigation into a certain case, my advocacy as a lawyer, and ultimately, my recommendation to the judge as to what is in the best interests of a child. Now, as a judge, I have the authority to shape our community and lives of our families with my decisions. It is a tremendous responsibility that I will not take lightly. I hope that everyone understands that I have devoted my life to serving this county. Every decision that I make and every conclusion I reach will not be absent serious consideration of how it affects the children and families moving forward. In the end, though, when children are involved, their best interests must be served above all else. Lake City Magazine: That about wraps it up, and thank you so much for taking the time to share such a great story. Before we go, is there anything we didn’t touch on that you would like to share with our readers? Zach Ross: This community means so much to me. It is my home just like it is yours. The decisions that I make affect the families in my community and this is important to me. I will not be afraid to make the tough decisions that many do not want to make. I’ve never been one to fret about making people upset. I will do what I believe is the right thing to do, but I won’t make decisions hastily and without considerate thought. With all of that being said, I want people to understand they will be treated with respect in my courtroom and that I will be fair to everyone. It is imperative that we maintain a level of trust in our judicial system and in those that interpret our laws and administer justice. I believe we have a great set of judges in Marshall County and I will work to gain the same level of respect and trust those judges have earned over the past several years. LAKE CITY · 19
“
I never could stand pressure or stress. It almost caused me to have a nervous breakdown as a young man. I had to cut out all pressure and all stress and that’s why I hit the road and started living that life; hitchhiking all over the country. I was free and I loved it.” ~ Foster Ayres
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Thirteen years ago, Foster Ayers Jr. walked into Guntersville, Alabama with nothing but a backpack, a tent and a dog named Wildman. Since then he has been dancing his way into the hearts and lives of the Lake City Community. I recently had the rare pleasure of spending time with Guntersville’s Dancing Man ... and here is what I learned. By Heather Dale
F
oster walked into the office with his headphones on his ears and a bag over his shoulder. That bag no doubt held his most prized possessions. He greeted me warmly with a smile and a hug, and thanked me so much for wanting to do the story on him - and for the coffee sitting in front of him at the table. I knew he was a fellow coffee lover from my time waitressing at a diner he used to frequent several years ago. He sat down at the table and after resting a few minutes asked if I wanted to see something cool, a present a friend had sent him all the way from Maine. He pulled the drawstrings open on his wornout bag and took out a box that had “The Dancing Man” written across the front. Inside the box was a plastic figurine, standing nearly a foot tall, and dressed like Elvis. I turned the switch on and watched it dance across the table as Foster laughed and laughed. We sat and talked for over an hour. Through several cups of coffee, he recalled to me his time in Atlanta where he was born and raised, where he dropped out of school, where he spent many years working in the labor pools with little direction in his life. Where he married for the first - and - only time, and where he decided
that wasn’t the kind of life for him. In his late 30s at that point, he decided he wanted to hit the road ... and hit the road he did. Foster spent all of the 1970s and the early 80s living what he fondly refers to as the hobo way of life, hitchhiking East to West, North to South, and everywhere in between, living a simple life, enjoying the company and kindness of the many people he met along the way. He recalled being picked up by people from all walks of life, being brought to their houses for meals and a warm place to sleep, and even spending holidays with some of them. When I asked him if he was ever scared or lonely during all of those years on the road, he said “Oh no, that was before everything got so bad, all these shootings and all the crime. Those were different times than what we are living in now. I met so many nice people, I always felt safe.” He recalled one particular time when he hitchhiked all the way from Ft. Lauderdale, FL up to Providence, RI, spent the night at the Salvation Army, then got up the next morning and hitched all the way back to Ft. Lauderdale again. On another occasion he hitchhiked from one end of California to the other. He told me that of all the places his travels took him, he loved LAKE CITY · 23
the Pacific Northwest the most. Despite his fondness for that part of the country, I learned he spent a good deal of time in the south, especially Florida. When I asked him how long, he couldn’t say exactly. He paused breifly before looking at me with sharp blue eyes and telling me, “Well, see, back in those years I had a bad drinking problem, I used to drink a lot. I had to quit, I knew I was ruining my life ... It was getting me in trouble with people and with the law, getting me thrown in jail drunk tanks, so I finally straightened myself out.” Something that may surprise you about our Dancing Man is that he didn’t really start dancing until he came to Guntersville. He has always enjoyed dancing and did his fair share in the night clubs of the disco era, but it was nothing compared to the dancing he has done since becoming a Lake City local. He told me of his admiration for his two favorite dancers, John Travolta and Patrick Swayze, and about his favorite movie Dirty Dancing. We also talked music, ultimately agreeing that classic country and classic rock are simply the best. When we finally got around to what brought him to Guntersville, and more specifically what kept him here, he couldn’t put his finger on one any particular reason beyond the kindness of the people he met when he and his dog Wildman first arrived. He described Wildman as being much like himself ... an Alpha and a traveler ... who appeared almost out of nowhere one day. While Foster was hitchhiking, somewhere between Anniston and Gadsden, he saw the dog on the highway crisscrossing in and out of traffic. Certain he would be hit, Foster called to him and he came over. The two became inseparable. Their next stop was Guntersville, where they stayed. I told Foster that I had seen him and Wildman dancing through town on many occasions and he replied, “Many people have told me that when I had him on the leash and he’d be walking behind me, they actually saw him dancing with me.” Wildman passed away 8 years ago and although Foster misses him greatly, he doesn’t think he’ll ever get another dog. Wildman was one of a kind, irreplaceable, and Foster’s only true companion.
Foster Ayres , The Dancing Man, likes to whoop it up as he dances to his favorite classic country and rock tunes.
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Proof joy is as contagious as a yawn; you cant help but feel happy when you catch a glimpse of Foster dancing around town. Foster and Wildman stayed in the county park just north of the main channel bridge, once a campground, when they first came to Guntersville. He recalled how the groundskeeper at the time took a chance on him, letting him stay and shower there for free until a lady named Linda Reynolds learned about him and his story. She then saw to it that Foster not only got an apartment to live in, paying half of his first month’s rent out of her own pocket, but also taking him to get his social security and retirement benefits set up. Her efforts made it possible for him to be able to stay in Guntersville these last 13 years. He told me that she was one of the kindest people he has ever met. When I asked Foster to tell me about his daily routine, he replied
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“I used to be up every day before the sun, and I would go wherever my feet took me. As long as I had my country and rock and roll, I was okay. My music is what makes me happy. Recently, though, I’m learning to take it a little easier and go to bed earlier. Someone bought me a TV for Christmas and lately I’ve been staying in more. Especially when it is cold outside.” So, although Foster has slowed down for now, I have a feeling that as the temperatures rise and the sun comes out we will be seeing him plenty once more. When you see him again, be sure to smile and wave at the man who brings us so much joy. No matter where his feet take him, he will always be Lake City’s Dancing Man.
BRAD CORBIN Has A COOL STORY T
here’s an awful lot you can tell about a person by their shoes. Where they’re going, where they’ve been, and Brad Corbin has worn a lot of shoes in his life. From baby shoes to combat boots, this selfmade businessman’s footwear has taken him on many paths, and he is still on the move! Brad’s parents, Albertville natives Ed and Shirley Corbin, graduated from Albertville High, then Jacksonville State. Ed was commissioned in the US Army and spent three years as a field artillery officer before he and Shirley returned to Albertville. LAKE CITY · 27
Hobart Corbin was aging, and Ed wanted to carry on his father’s business, and since Shirley was expecting a baby, the timing was right. On February 26, 1957, Dr. Andrew Finley delivered Brad at the Old Guntersville Hospital on Ringold Street, and another generation joined a proud legacy. Grandfather Hobart was born in 1899, one of 13 children of John Sherman Corbin, whose own parents had come to Marshall County from North Carolina after the Civil War to homestead and farm 90 acres of good Alabama land. Hard work and industry—being mechanically and electrically skilled—were part of the heritage passed down to Brad through Hobart’s example and the stories he shared of his ancestors. He loved God and his Bible, and never let a day pass without praying for his family and sharing scriptures to inspire them. He was an leader and mentor who cared for his employees and also encouraged them to share job skills and knowledge with young Brad, who thoroughly enjoyed learning at his granddad’s automotive business and working on appliances next door at Corbin’s Hardware and Appliances. By the age of 14, he had developed journeyman level abilities. His other grandfather, “Wat” Jolley, who hailed
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from the Guntersville/Albertville area also, was a disabled World War II veteran, having served in the US Navy in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He, too, was an inspiration to his young grandson and a huge part of his early development, helping to set the stage for Brad’s future. During his developmental years, Brad’s father Ed stressed the importance of service and hard work through his active involvement as an officer in the Alabama Army National Guard while simultaneously working in the family appliance business, just as mother Shirley stressed the importance of education by continuing her own schooling and becoming a teacher. Brad followed their leads, graduating from Albertville High, then Jacksonville State, where he majored in Business, Marketing, and Management, with minors in Accounting and Military Science. He was commissioned a second lieutenant through the US Army ROTC program, and headed to Fort Riley, Kansas to train with the “Big Red One,” also serving at Fort Gordon, GA, Fort Polk, LA, and Fort Irwin, CA. When his active duty training was complete, he transferred to an Army Reserve unit in Huntsville and entered the manufactured home business, where
Magdalena and Brad Corbin in front of Corbin 's Heating & Air headquarters at 21800 Highway 431 North in Guntersville AL.
he quickly became a leader in sales. In both his military assignments and his civilian profession, Brad moved rapidly up the ranks. Along with promotions came additional schooling opportunities and broadened job experience that enhanced his marketing, management, accountability, operational and people skills. He firmly believes that a bit of divine intervention was also involved along the way. Brad had no way of knowing, when he made the decision to return to Albertville and start his own business, the good blessings that would follow. Brad maintained his military affiliation in the Army Reserve, and when an opportunity arose for more responsibility, career development and promotion, he transferred from a signal company to an armor battalion. He served a critical role in the battalion’s operations, and was heavily involved in communications from brigade down to line company
level, presenting operational briefings to brigade and division commanders, and coordinating security procedures involving military intelligence. Through his service he was able to pay homage to the examples set by his father and grandfathers. Now, with Brad's wife Magdalena heavily involved in the business and their 13-year-old son Matthew attending St. James Catholic School in Gadsden, they've expanded the family business to include residential and commercial HVAC systems to in addition to commercial plumbing and electrical contracting. Brad Corbin’s life has been molded by love—of God, family, and people in general; enriched by service to his country; enhanced by countless opportunities for learning; and spiced with a vast variety of experiences. It will be exciting to see what his next pair of shoes looks like ... and where they take him. LAKE CITY · 29
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At Home With Peggy
Homemade Easter Egg Dyes & Decoration
Skip the colored tablets and create an infinite rainbow of vivid colors & creative designs with your little angels.
For colorfast egg dyes, mix 10-20 drops of food coloring and 1/4 cup of vinegar in 1 cup of hot water. For more intense colors, try food coloring gels. Use empty egg cartons as drying racks. If you're doing multi-colored eggs, let them dry thoroughly between coats of dye. Paint on your dyed or undyed eggs with watercolor or acrylic paints using brushes of various sizes and shapes. Make them shimmer. Use non-toxic glue to create designs and decorations which can be coated with edible glitter. For spattered eggs, dip egg in a base color and let dry. Dip a clean toothbrush in a contrasting liquid color and carefully flick bristles with your fingers to make paint splatter onto egg. Create a marbleized effect by coating eggs with a base color and letting dry. Mix canola or other light cooking oil into another color of dye (1 tsp of oil per cup of dye) and quickly dunk eggs. The oil will repel color in some places and the dye will adhere in others, creating a marbled effect.
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32 · LAKE CITY
COCONUT CHICKEN CURRY
Simple, flavorful, and healthy it's perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Our chicken curry will be the new favorite you never knew you had. Ingredients 2 tablespoons cooking oil 1 ½ tablespoons curry powder 1/2 cup diced sweet onion 2 cloves minced garlic 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed, diced tomatoes 3 tablespoons sugar salt and pepper to taste
Directions Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add curry, onions, and garlic and mix thoroughly. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, letting the flavors meld. Add chicken, tossing lightly to coat. Season chicken with salt & pepper. Reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5 minutes, until chicken is mostly cooked through. Add coconut milk, tomatoes, and sugar and stir to combine. Heat until lightly bubbling, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve chicken over jasmine rice.
LAKE CITY ¡ 33
Join Us April 13 • 10am-2pm at Civitan Park Captain Mark Mills & First Mate Bren Owens
Lake & River Fun
with
For the officially launch of the
Tour Boat Discovery on Lake Guntersville
Live DJ · Free Food & Drinks · Games and
Free Boat Rides Lake & River Fun
Charter Cruises & Tours on Lake Guntersville Enter our drawing for a free Lake Cruise ($350 value) online or at the event.
www.lakeandriverfun.com 34 · LAKE CITY
256.677.8124
LAKE CITY CALENDAR March 2nd
Marshall County Home Place Fundraiser 6:00pm Hosted by Home Place Thrift Store, and featuring celebrity Marshall County teams, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Tickets are $50 and are available at the Home Place Thrift Store.
March 9th
Wild Irish Run 7:00am 1500 Sunset Dr. Guntersville,AL The 41st running of the Lake Guntersville Wild Irish Run! The Wild Irish Run 10K and 5K race course is all paved road with small rolling hills.
March 9th
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.
competition, as well as education and conservation programs.
March 21st
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.
Gospel & Gratitude 5:30pm-7:30pm Celebrating CASA’s volunteers and donors, event will feature a guest speaker, buffet dinner, awards and door prizes. Reservation deadline is March 14th. Individual and table sponsorships available.
March 30th
BASS High School Southern Open 6:30am-2:30pm Hosted by Mossy Oak and Bassmaster, presented by Academy Sports. The BASS High School Nation is helping shape the future of the sport, one high school club at a time. The high school members enjoy camaraderie and
April 13th
April 13th
Lake & River Fun Event 10:00am-2:00pm Join us at the Civitan Park for the Launch of the Discovery, Lake & River Fun’s new charter cruise and tour service for Lake Guntersville. There will be family fun with music, games, food and boat rides. For more information www.lakeandriverfun.com or facebook.com/lakeandriverfun
JaMoka's Coffee Company
Hot or Iced, our Grinds Twice as Nice!
COFFEE · ESPRESSO · LATTES · TEAS · SANDWICHES · PASTRIES · SMOOTHIES & MORE
Keeping Marshall County Caffeinated Since 2005 385 Gunter Ave, Guntersville 256.486.3883
110 E Main St, Albertville 256.660.0850
1851 Hwy 431, Boaz 256.593.3777 LAKE CITY · 35
LAKE CITY CALENDAR April 17th – 19th
BASS Nation Regional Tournament Hosted by Bassmaster and BASS Nation. The Nation will visit Alabama’s Lake Guntersville for this year’s Central Regional
Drumming, Dancing, Singing, Demonstrators, Craft Vendors, Story Tellers, Archery, Flint Knapping and Children’s Activities. For more information calendar. powwows.com
April 19th – 27th
April 27th – 29th
You Can’t Take it With You at WBS 7:00pm Directed by Diane DuBoise, hosted by the Whole Back Stage. For more information www.facebook.com/wholebackstage
Art on the Lake 10:00am-5:00pm Art on the Lake returns for its 58th year! Please join us down at the Guntersville Rec Center for arts, crafts, food, kids games, and more!
April 27th - 28th
April 27th – 29th
United Cherokee 21st Annual Festival & American Indian Pow Wow 9:00am-5:00pm Pow Wow Grounds: 3550 Creek Path Rd, Guntersville, AL.
KBF State Challenge Tournament Trail Hosted by the KBF. Lake Guntersville, AL. For More information www.facebook.com/ KBFChallenge
May 4th
Live Longer HaPPyFest Bluegrass & Country Jam 9:00am-6:00pm Presented by LiveLonger.Life, Lake City Magazine, and Homecoming Café. Join us at Civitan Park for a full day of music that will set the backdrop for more than 100 unique vendors presenting workshops and exhibitions; as well as offering locally grown, produced, or crafted goods. There will also be a big pet adoption event going on throughout the day. Bring the family and friends for a full day of fun! To become a sponsor, to volunteer, or for more information please visit us at www.LiveLongerHaPPyFest.com or facebook.com/lakecityalabama
If you have a public event coming up, contact us and we'll help you get the word out. Just visit : w w w.lakecit yalabama .com/listanevent For information on advertising or being a pick up location for Lake City Magazine Contact us at: 256.486.9000 or by email: contact@lakecityalabama.com
Now offering CBD Tinctures, Softgels, & Salve
532 Gunter Ave. Guntersville, Alabama 35976 · 256.860.0462 10-6 T-F | 10-1 S 36 · LAKE CITY
NOW OFFERING
For the First Time- Lake City is offering Small Ads for Small Businesses
Little BOB Twelfths
$150 per issue or $750 per year · Limited Availability - contact@lakecityalabama.com LAKE CITY · 37
Be an opener of doors. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
38 · LAKE CITY
Your bank deposits can either sit there or do something. We prefer the latter. Put your money to work with great CD rates and checking that pays you. At Citizens Bank & Trust we believe your money should work as hard as you do. Whether it’s enjoying the benefits of reward checking or getting the right return on a CD, we make sure your deposits add up to one great bank experience. And we make all that happen with excellent online banking and friendly customer service delivered with a smile. Citizens Bank & Trust — where small things make a big difference that works for you.
BAN K & T RU S T
visit us at citizensbanktrust.com Albertville 256-878-9893
Arab 256-931-4600
Cullman 256-841-6600
Elkmont 256-732-4602
Guntersville 256-505-4600
Hazel Green 256-828-1611
New Hope 256-723-4600
Rogersville 256-247-0203
9 1 0 2 , 4 Y A M
m a J y r t n u o C & s s a r g e lu B
Civitan Park
9am-6pm
in Guntersville
Join us for a day of Music, Crafts, Food, Learning, Demonstrations, and Good-Old Healthy Family Fun. There will be more than 100 vendors offering handmade and homegrown crafts and treats. AND ... we’ll be attempting to break the world record with our on-site pet adoption event.
For more information 256.269.1850 | happyfestinfo@gmail.com PRESENTED BY: LIVELONGER.LIFE · LAKE CITY MAGAZINE · HOMECOMING CAFE