LAKE CITY m a g a z i n e
2020 Volume 3 Issue 1 lakecityalabama.com
Brett STANTON
+
On the Road for Christmas
The Saxiest Man in Marshall Co.
Alabama History only a short drive
Tasty Teriyaki Dishes
Average Joe hits the road and pinballs from town to town for the holidays.
Lifelong saxophonist, Jim Beck shares a little of his love of music.
We take you to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and Ivy Green in this issue.
Four different takes on a Japanese-American classic favorite.
LAKE CITY 2020 Volume 3 Issue 1 lakecityalabama.com
On the Road Again · 6
Trying to get to all the family on Christmas makes for an interesting holiday.
Bomb Burgers · 8
This Scant City eatery is a must stop for burger lovers on the intergalactic highway.
The Saxiest Man in Town · 10
Meet Jim Beck, a life-long local musician.
Take 10 with Brett Stanton · 14
The superintendent of Guntersville City Schools takes time to talk about himself, our community, and our schools.
Roll On to Tuscumbia · 18
Take a day and visit the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller.
Reclaim Valentine's Day · 24
Remembering the essence of the holiday will make you Valentine like a boss.
Teriyaki · 26
Chicken, steak, salmon, and shrimp dishes all featuring one of your favorite sauces.
Lake City Calendar · 35
There's a lot to do in Lake City. Don't miss a bit of it; check out our calendar.
Parting Thought · 38
m a g a z i n e
Cover: Brett Stanton, Superintendent of Guntersville City Schools This Page: "Back of the Bus" Alabama Tour Bus Photography: Patrick Oden
From the desk of the editor L A K E C I T Y
W
elcome to the first edition of the Lake City Magazine for 2020! I’m thrilled to be writing to all of you, the readers, and letting you know I have taken over as editor for the Lake City Magazine, and as of this year we are expanding our coverage throughout all of Marshall County. As most of you may or may not know, I moved to south Alabama in August of 2018 to further my career in journalism as the managing editor for the Greenville Advocate. Life is always unpredictable and one year after moving, my wife, kids and I found our way back to Marshall County. Several months after moving back I was approached by the team at Lake City Magazine to help out by writing a few stories and doing a few interviews. Well, one thing led to another and I’m back in a position that allows me to do what I love – telling the stories of those in our great community. In addition to acting as the editor of the Lake City Magazine, I am also the Parks and Rec Director in Grant. On January 12, I celebrated my one-year anniversary in the position. I can say with 100 percent certainty that I love working in Grant and love getting to know the families that live there. Working with the town council, police officers and mayor of Grant has also been a pleasure. I feel very fortunate each day when I walk into work knowing that I get to serve such a wonderful and unique community. My wife Lauren and I will celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary in just a few months. We have twin four-year old boys who are the absolute best thing to happen to either of us. Each day with them is an adventure and I’m excited to
share some of those adventures through stories with you, the reader. If you don’t see me working in Grant, or out and about interviewing someone, you might catch me playing my guitar. For the past 15 years I have played guitar and performed my own songs along with songs everyone knows. Currently I have an amazing group together called, “Joe Cagle Band.” (Creative isn’t it?) We play quite a bit in Guntersville and around the area so catch us whenever you can. Have any song requests? We might just know them! It’s our goal at Lake City Magazine to showcase and highlight people, places and events in Marshall County. Growing up in Arab, working and living in Guntersville for many years, and now working in Grant has allowed me to meet so many amazing people throughout the county. I truly feel blessed to be able to tell the stories of unique people in each magazine. This edition of Lake City Magazine is no exception when it comes to telling remarkable stories. Inside this edition, you will get to know the owner of a popular locally owned restaurant and what they’re serving up every day. You’ll dive deep into the mind of an unbelievably talented musician, and learn about the man that runs Guntersville City Schools and the family that calls him dad. These are just a few of the delightful stories you’ll read in this latest edition of the Lake City Magazine. So, while you’re battling the chilly air of January and February, kicked back with a cup of coffee from Jamokas, enjoy every page. Happy New Year from all of us at Lake City Magazine!
magazine
Volume 3 Issue 1 - 2020
lakecityalabama.com PUBLISHER Oden Imaging MANAGING PARTNER Joe Cagle COPY EDITOR Dee Weeder CONTRIBUTORS Joe Cagle Heather Dale Patrick Oden Photography Marc Muñoz Patrick Oden ADVERTISING Joe Cagle
FOR ALL INQUIRIES 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.
Joe Cagle Band Photography: Patrick Oden
4 · LAKE CITY
Don't miss a single issue
View online or download to any device - back issues too.
LAKE CITY m a g a z i n e
www.lakecit yalabama.com
LAKE CITY m a g a z i n e
S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 018 lakecityalabama.com
IS
Andrea Oliver Director of The Foundation For Marshall Medical Centers
+
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
J U L Y | A U G U S T 2 018 lakecityalabama.com
LAKE CITY SUMMERS THE PHOTO ISSUE
+
Experimental Aircraft & Pancakes
The All-American Drive-In
Growing Your Own Veggies
Fresh Summer Recipes
We visit with Mario MuĂąoz, 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
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.
Covering All Of Marshall County
LAKE CITY ¡ 5
6 · LAKE CITY
COLUMN
On The Road ... Again The Average Joe
By: Joe Cagle
O
ver the holiday break I took part in a marathon. Not of the running kind, but rather the visiting family kind. My wife and I have been married for five years. Since that time, I’ve lovingly called our holiday season the Etowah-Marshall County Marathon. My wife, Lauren, was born and grew up in Gadsden. Her family is still there and she has more family scattered throughout Etowah County. All of my family still lives in Marshall County. Making all these stops and visiting all these family members was difficult without children. When you add four-year-old twin boys to the mix it makes it, like I said earlier, a marathon. Our Christmas race began the Saturday before Christmas. Lauren and I loaded the boys and made our way to Gadsden to see Lauren’s mother’s side of the family. Lauren’s aunt always cooks delicious food. This Christmas she prepared several kinds of soup and they were all top notch. Another reason I was appreciative of the soup is the ability it gives me chase twins. Despite how good the food might be, four-year-old twins don’t care about food when there’s someone else’s furniture to jump off of. So, as I followed them closely with a spoonful of potato soup in my mouth, I also got to join in on the family conversation here and there. I told Lauren going into the dinner to focus on talking to her family and I’ll be on “twin duty.” Lauren’s aunt always decorates her house in Gadsden very well for Christmas. There are always two trees; one in her living room and one in the dining room. The tree in the dining room is always very elegant with several breakable, valuable ornaments. So, you can probably guess which tree the boys are automatically drawn to. Again, staying mobile with my bowl of soup is key. The next stop in the Etowah-Marshall County Marathon is Hokes Bluff. On the Monday before Christmas the family and I took the one-hour car ride to eastern Etowah County to see Lauren’s dad’s parents. Their small, three-bedroom house sitting in the middle of 40 acres is the venue for more than 10 people to eat, talk (loudly) and open presents. There’s usually enough chaos going on throughout the house with all of Lauren’s cousins, the cat and the dog to mask just how much chaos the boys are adding. We usually let them have free reign through the house as long as one twin isn’t jumping on
the grandparent’s bed and the other isn’t using granddad’s cpap machine hose as a weapon. Luckily, the twins caused no damage to themselves or anyone else on this trip to Hokes Bluff. All went well and late that afternoon we trekked back through Etowah County taking the time to notice the remnants of every trade day and boiled peanut stand. Two features that kind of define rural Etowah County, in my opinion. Back in Marshall County we made the short trip to my grandparent’s house for the annual Christmas Eve celebration. It was another evening of fun, food and family. And once again, the boys behaved very well at their third Christmas. They’ll never be completely well behaved, though. I mean, when you put chocolate covered pretzels near the edge of a table you’ve got to expect little hands to be reaching. The only spot in my grandmother’s house that really has to be watched is the “fancy” living room, as I like to call it. This is the room at the front of the house that is be revered from a far and never to be used as a place to relax. It’s in this room that my grandmother displays her “Shiny Bright Tree.” For those who don’t know what that is, just google Shiny Bright Christmas tree ornaments and you’ll see. Hanging from her vintage silver tree are more than 200 of these antique ornaments. The shine and assumed worth of the ornaments attract my boys like a June bug to a back-porch bug zapper. However, this year none were broken or misplaced. We’ll chalk it up as a win. Traveling from house to house and county to county can be stressful. It can also cause you and the wife to get into arguments. Not because you all of a sudden don’t like each other, but rather because you’re tired and you know your blood pressure is reaching an unhealthy level. I’m happy to report that didn’t happen this year. I think Lauren and I are getting better and better at this marathon we participate in at the end of November and December. The joy I got from seeing all of my family propelled me straight into 2020 with a positive attitude. So, no matter how many miles we may have to drive, it’s all worth it when we sit back and think of those family faces and laughs we all share. I hope all of you out there have had a great start to 2020 and I hope the rest of the year provides many blessings.
LAKE CITY · 7
DINING
Granny's got GOOD GRUB By: Joe Cagle Photography: Marceliano Moñuz
T
he stretch of highway between Arab and Guntersville is dotted neighborhoods, a hospital, a high school and several convenience stores. All these places are in an area known as Scant City, familiar to those who drive through every day. There is one location, however, where people have consistently found a friendly face and great food, Granny’s Corner Restaurant, located next to Marshall North Medical Center and Therapy Plus. If you’re not familiar with the restaurant you may think it’s a used car dealership due to the number of cars in the parking lot throughout the day. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. The small establishment run by Stacy Warren serves up comfort food from breakfast to dinner. Stacy’s staff prides itself in consistently delicious food and friendly service. Stacy began operating Granny’s in May of 2015, but the building has been a food establishment several times prior to 2015. Stacy ’s family started Granny’s many years ago with several locations all in Scant City. The building where Granny’s is currently located changed hands several times until Warren finally took it over. “I’m very happy that I was able to get it back in the family,” says Stacy. “I plan on passing it down to my daughters once I step away from the business.” Born and raised in Scant City-Arab area, Warren said she developed her love of cooking from watching her great-grandmother and grandmother cook for many years. “I’d say my biggest cooking influences have been my dad and grandmothers,” she said. “Most of the recipes I cooked today are the ones 8 · LAKE CITY
they passed down to me.” Personal favorites for Stacy include chicken and dressing, chicken and dumplings, and meat loaf. Granny’s offers different specials each day, which can be seen on a giant chalk board near the cash register. When asked what a person from another planet would order if they walked into her restaurant, Stacy didn’t hesitate to answer. “I’d definitely say our cheeseburger,” she said. “Our burgers are the bomb and plus, what’s more American than a burger?!” Granny’s serves up food from the restaurant six days a week but the business will also cater any event. From weddings, rehearsal dinners, or club parties, Stacy said they cater to all kinds of folks. Regardless of how busy the restaurant might be, which is often, Stacy and her staff maintain their friendly attitude. Anyone who’s worked in the food industry knows just how difficult it can be. It’s the loyal customers that keep Stacy coming to work every day. “I’m just thankful to the repeat customers who keep our dining room full each day,” she said. “Also, having people compliment the food each time they eat is so nice to hear. I’d say those are the things that make me truly love what I do.” As a consistent customer, I believe the author of this article should offer an opinion as well. Joe’s suggestion: For breakfast you’ve got to try out the sausage and cheese omelet and I like to add one pancake on the side. The cooks at Granny’s will serve up a perfect pancake just about every time. For lunch/dinner you can’t go wrong with Granny’s homemade, hand breaded chicken tenders with slaw and mashed potatoes. Tell Stacy and the crew at Granny’s that Joe sent you!
LAKE CITY · 9
10 · LAKE CITY
ARTS
Jim Beck 42 Years and still ...
BLOWING STRONG By: Joe Cagle Photography: Marceliano Moñuz
A
lifetime hobby and career for Marshall County musician began while window shopping at the age of 13 with his mother. In 1978 Jim Beck noticed an instrument in the window of a music shop, which turned out to be an alto saxophone. He turned to his mother and said, “That one looks cool. I want to get it.” Now, 42 years later, Jim is a consistent performer with several groups around Guntersville, Huntsville, Birmingham and further. Before leaving high school, Jim took private lessons from Dr. Ronald Attinger, from whom Beck said he learned a great deal. The combination of those lessons and consistently playing led to Jim accepting a music scholarship to Jacksonville State University. “At JSU, I marched with the Southerners, JSU Jazz Band, JSU Saxophone Choir, and JSU Basketball Band between 1983 and 1985,” he said. “During the summers at JSU, our jazz band would tour around the southeast for thirty days in a row. Most of the people I played with in the jazz band are currently some the best band directors in the country.” Jim left JSU in 1985 and wasted no time taking his talents on the road. “After leaving JSU, I played with several bands in the Atlanta area for many years. In 1990, I moved from Atlanta to the Arab area,” he said. "Within a few months of searching, I found a group called The Church Street Band.” Jim has played with an extensive list of musicians and big national acts. The list is quite large and growing still. LAKE CITY · 11
“As the years have gone on, I played with various bands and artists, such as The Eric Rhodes Band, Eric-Beck Duo; The Jivin’ Johnsons; the Jazz Factory Quintet; DiscOasis; The Groove Band; Tim and the Black Crows; The Alabama Blues Brothers; The Ascension Band; The Jeff Cook Band; Twinkenham Jazz and Swing Band; The Party Allstars; Huntsville’s Little German Band; All in One Band; The BeckHocter Project; Hurricane Elaine and the Blue Flames; The Joe Cagle Band; The Beck-Cagle Duo, and Madoca Kawahara & Co.,” Jim said. For most musicians there is usually a specific artist or band that inspired them the most. For Jim, the idea of playing saxophone and how the instrument looked is all he needed in the beginning. “There wasn’t any specific person in the beginning that inspired me,” he said. "But after a few months of playing, I really began to hear much better. About that time, I discovered the saxophonist David Sandborn, who played the Alto. I just liked the sound he got out of his horn. I began trying to mimic some of the shaped sounds only he could do.” Playing with so many different groups throughout the years has broadened Jim’s interest in different kinds of music and playing with different kinds of musicians. Through his many years of playing, Jim has seen just about every kind of musical genre. “Being able to work with contrasting genres of musicians is always a challenge,” he said. “I am fascinated with the broad musical forms each group creates. I love the diversity and quirks each individual has. It truly is a wonderful experience to be able to improvise with all types of music, from Blues to Rock n’ Roll, from Jazz to Country, and from Swing to Jam bands. I enjoy being able to experiment with sound itself.” For countless musicians, art serves as not only an outlet from daily problems but also as
12 · LAKE CITY
a bridge to meeting new people. Everyone has their own immediate family, but musicians like Jim also have an extensive network of musical family members. “I have a great network or family and friends that have helped me throughout my life,” he said. “A fortunate side effect of playing with so many groups, along with extensive traveling, is that I have an extended amount of time discovering and listening to a broad spectrum of artists. This gives me a chance to reflect on my personal journey thus far in my life.” When asked about his goals going forward, Jim said there aren’t any specific ones he looks to. He did reflect, however, on a lifelong dream he was able to accomplish not too long ago. “One goal I have always had was to be able to perform a live jazz show on the Jazz Station WCLK in Atlanta. Fortunately, I achieved my dream a few years back by having the honor to play with Madoca Kawahara, an international Jazz pianist at Olympic Park in Atlanta. It was quite a rush,” he said. “Other than that, I’ve never set a specific line of goals through my career. I’m fortunate to have accomplished many endeavors throughout my life.” Any young musician looking to pick up the saxophone in the Marshall County area should feel fortunate to have a player like Jim Beck so close to home. He’s always willing to offer insights as he continues to do what he loves. “As far as anyone wanting to pick up a saxophone, there is no easy route to learning it. Playing the saxophone takes a lot, and I mean a lot, of practice and discipline to master scales,” he said. “If you are lucky, getting a music teacher will help you along the way. I encourage you to meet as many people as humanly possible. Open your ears to perspectives and sounds that you are not familiar with, don’t stop playing after your first mistake, play it through to the end.”
LAKE CITY · 13
14 · LAKE CITY
Q&A
10
T A K E
With
Brett Stanton
CONSUMMATE EDUCATOR Lake City Magazine: Brett, thank so much for taking the time to let our readers get to know you a little better. Most everyone in Guntersville knows you as the Superintendent of Guntersville City Schools. You’ve been in this position for several years now. Would you mind giving us some insight into where you’re originally from, your educational background, and your family? Brett Stanton: I grew up in Acworth, Georgia about 35 miles northwest of Atlanta and graduated North Cobb High School where I participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track. I attended Newberry College in South Carolina on a football scholarship and graduated in 1982. I went on to obtain two Master's Degrees and a Specialist Degree from Jacksonville State University. I have been married for thirty-one years to my wife, Denise. We have twin daughters, Mary Claire and Sadie who are twenty years old and attend the University of Alabama. With a broken heart, our family suffered a terrible tragedy with the loss of my oldest daughter Katie on January 13, 2019, as she went into cardiac arrest at her workplace in Carrollton, Georgia. She had graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2017 and was only twenty-four years old while working as a Human Resources Specialist for the Southwire Company. Lake City Magazine: When deciding on whether or not to take the job in Guntersville, what were some of the factors that tipped the scale in favor of becoming a Wildcat? Brett Stanton: I was pleased with the geographic location and impressed with the overall beauty of the town. In doing my homework, I learned that the school system had a long tradition linked to success in the areas of academics, athletics, and the arts. Lake City Magazine: Guntersville has a strong community of teachers and parents who care about the future of its students. How important is support from the community when it comes to running a successful school system? Brett Stanton: Extremely important! Consistent community involvement and engagement at all levels of the school system have been shown time and time again to have significant short and long term benefits. With these important benefits in mind, it’s clear that a focus on increasing community involvement programs and opportunities should be a consistent goal for our school system. I oftentimes state, "Our school system is only as strong as our community, and our community is only as strong as our school system." LAKE CITY · 15
Lake City Magazine: You have a long history of working in education. What are some the biggest changes you’ve seen over the years? How important is it to adapt to these changes? Brett Stanton: Today, a quick glance around any classroom provides a picture of 21st-century learning: students emailing work and sharing documents on their devices and teachers providing interactive instruction using websites, virtual learning games, and videoconferencing. Hour-long lectures and desks in rows have been replaced with student collaboration and teacher facilitation. New technology is constantly, rapidly reinventing our profession, and this means our jobs are different every day. It’s amazing to think about what teaching might look like in 30 years, as we continue to learn about new teaching tools that make learning more interactive and relevant to our students. Lake City Magazine: The Guntersville City School System recently received some high grades for its overall performance last year. Talk a little bit about that accomplishment and what it means for the present and for the future of the school system. Brett Stanton: We were very pleased to move from an 88-B to a 91A. This grade reflects several different factors including academic achievement, academic growth, chronic absenteeism, as well as the inclusion of graduation rates and college/career readiness (for all high schools across the state). Most importantly, it represents the efforts of our schools and school system as a whole which remains focused on continuous improvement and providing a quality education for our students. Lake City Magazine: What are some of your favorite things about being in the education profession? Brett Stanton: In my role as Superintendent, I enjoy the challenges and opportunities faced each day. As an educator, you realize the decisions you make have an impact on faculty, staff, and students. For students, these decisions matter in regards to who and what they become not only in the professional realm but personally as well. We must always keep in mind that educators have the opportunity to make a significant difference by touching the lives of students in a positive way. For some students, an educator may be the only 16 · LAKE CITY
one who believes in them and encourages them to do their best. So, educators change a student's life for the better each and every day. Lake City Magazine: As superintendent of a school system you answer to a school board. Talk about the current Guntersville School Board and its importance to the system as a whole. Brett Stanton: We have a five-member school board composed of Trey Giles (President), Jim Beard (Vice-President), Laura Roberts (Member), Whitney Mastin (Member), and Scott Langford (Member). The school board provides governance for the school system while my role is to administer the day-to-day operations of the school system. In our school system board members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council and are city residents. In general, the school board members represent the community's diverse beliefs and values. Lake City Magazine: Being the superintendent of a school system is clearly hard work, but what are some hobbies or activities you enjoy when you’re away from the office? Brett Stanton: I like to spend time with my family, read, work out, and enjoy most outdoor sports activities. Lake City Magazine: Some of our readers may be planning to move to the area in the near future. How would you suggest they find out more about the Guntersville City School system? Brett Stanton: They can go to our website at www.guntersvilleboe. com or contact any of our central office staff members by phone at 256-582-3159. Lake City Magazine: Thanks again for the time Brett. We always like to close the same way: Is there any last thought you would like to address directly to our readers? Brett Stanton: I would like to thank our Board, Mayor and City Council, as well as community members for their support. Fortunately, we have a very good school system focused on moving toward being a great school system through a continuous improvement process grounded in five strategic goal areas: Student Achievement, Teaching and Learning, Stakeholder Engagement, Student Support, and Operational Support.
ADORABLE & AFFORDABLE
Tuesday thru Saturday 10am - 5pm
A modern general store - curated with (mostly) Southern goods.
354 Gunter Ave - Downtown Guntersville 256.486.9449
Purses, jewelry, skincare, home and Christmas decor, gift baskets, clothing.
Mention seeing us in Lake City Magazine for 10% off your total purchase
DEEP SOUTH MERCANTILE
*Sale items excluded - VIP club members - no additional cost
Open 7 days days a week 64 North Main Street - Arab 256.586.1717
JaMoka's Coffee Company HOT COFFEE WI TH A COOL VIBE
Half Page Horizontal Ad
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 · 17
D AY T R I P By: Heather Dale Photography: Patrick Oden
J
ust under two hours from Guntersville, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia, makes it a perfect day trip getaway. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame showcases an eclectic mix of past and present musicians from around Alabama. When entering the building you are greeted by floor to ceiling walls of exceptionally drawn portraits of all inductees into the hall of fame. Continuing through the building you will see plaster and wax statues of some of the most famous Alabama musicians, including the group Alabama, Nat “King” Cole, and Hank Williams Sr. There are also many educational displays of different musicians and genres throughout the museum. Some of the most interesting highlights are one of the group Alabama’s tour buses, a 1961 Pontiac Bonneville adorned with 250 silver dollars, 13 firearms formerly owned by Happy Hal Burns, the famous Birmingham broadcaster, and a real recording studio where you and your family can record from a selection of over 300,000 songs. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm.
18 · LAKE CITY
LAKE CITY · 19
20 · LAKE CITY
LAKE CITY · 21
F
rom the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, it is only a quick 6-minute drive to Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller. Located on a 640-acre tract in historic Tuscumbia, Ivy Green was built in 1820 by Helen’s grandparents and has been part of The National Register of Historic Places since 1954. Helen Keller’s birthplace has been a permanent shrine to the “miracle” that occurred in a blind and deaf, seven-year-old girl’s life. Ivy Green has been maintained to the smallest detail in its original state, particularly in its surrounding buildings. When touring the home and estate, you will see the rooms in which she and her family communed, learned, dined and slept, all filled with their personal belongings. There are many pictures of Helen during her different stages of life throughout the home. You can choose to tour the home and grounds alone or with a guided tour group. The advantage to being part of the tour group is getting information and facts from the guide that you may not learn if touring by yourself. Either way, it is sure to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Ivy Green is open MondaySaturday, 8:30am-4:00pm.
22 · LAKE CITY
“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller
LAKE CITY · 23
24 · LAKE CITY
COLUMN
Valentine Like A Boss By: Abby Adams
L
isten up boys and girls, ladies and gents, we're going to get real for a minute about the holiday of love. Valentine's Day. The Big V. What's it all about anyway? You wouldn't have wanted to ask me that last month as I stood in the seasonal candy isle of the local Walmart, flanked on one side by red and green candy canes filled with M&Ms, the other side of the isle, giant red hearts full of one-bite cream filled chocolates. In December! It's really just the most recent in a string of observations I've made about the encroachment of holidays, and the commercial culture that has engulfed them. Holidays have become routine and obligatory, and where is the fun in any of that. If it's just going to stress you out, why bother? Now I'm not suggesting that we mount an offensive against the commercialization of holidays. That would be like trying to tell the ocean it's too big, too wet. Instead, I want to just plant a seed. A seed sown with the love Valentine's Day was meant to represent. Break the routine. And here's the important part, it's supposed to be about both of you. It's easy to generalize ... so I'll do it. The common sentiment surrounding Valentine's Day is that the man is supposed to buy his lady some flowers, a piece of jewelry, and take her out for a fancy dinner; and maybe, if he's done well, his sweetheart will light a fire in the fireplace to keep them warm that night. But that's silly, right? Valentine's Day, nay, love in general is about the intangible thing that draws and keeps two people together. It's a holiday to celebrate your relationship, and baby it takes two to tango. So maybe this year if you find yourselves in that rut, making the same old plans you have for years, stop. Instead, put in the effort to show your partner that Valentine's Day isn't about guiling us into spending money, but about the spark that led to the fire that made him or her your Valentine in the first place. Reclaim the balance, reclaim the intent, reclaim the romance. Celebrate the love. LAKE CITY ¡ 25
RECIPES
TERIYAKI Traditionally, teriyaki is a dish of grilled or broiled meat, cooked in a sauce consisting of soy sauce, sake or mirin, and sugar. Americans have added our own variations since falling in love with the sweet Japanese sauce we've come to know as Teriyaki. This issue we bring you four mouthwatering dishes all featuring a different homemade sauce recipe. Of course, you can always sub in your favorite bottled sauce to make a quick and favorable meal even quicker.
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Ingredients Instructions
For the sauce 1/3 c. low-sodium soy sauce 1/4 c. rice wine vinegar 1 tsp. sesame oil 1 1/2 tbsp. honey 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp. finely minced fresh ginger 2 tsp. cornstarch
Make sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
Make chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add chicken to skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and almost cooked through, about 10 minutes. Pour sauce over chicken and simmer until sauce has thickened For the chicken slightly and chicken is cooked through, 5 minutes. 1 tbsp. vegetable oil 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken Serve in a bowl over white rice and garnish with sesame seeds. breasts, cut into 1" pieces Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper
26 ¡ LAKE CITY
LAKE CITY · 27
28 · LAKE CITY
Teriyaki Beef Yakisoba Ingredients Instructions
2 filets, New York strip 1/2 c .water 1/2 c. soy sauce 1/2 c. brown sugar 2 tbsp. cornstarch 4 clove garlic, minced 2 tsp. ground ginger 2 c. zucchini, sliced 2 c. yellow squash, sliced 1 large head of broccoli, separated 1 c. green cabbage, chopped 1 pkg. soba noodles 2 tbsp. olive oil
Slice steak in long pieces, about 1/4 inch thick.
Set aside. In sauce pan, heat water, cornstarch, brown sugar and soy sauce until sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly. Add garlic and ginger, stir well. Remove from heat and let cool. Reserve 1/2 of the sauce to the side. Marinade the steak in the other 1/2 of the sauce for at least 30 minutes. Cook noodles as directed, strain and set aside. Stir fry all vegetables until tender. Grill the steak over medium-low heat, brushing with sauce while cooking. Grill both sides for approximately 2 minutes each. Let stand for 5 minutes, then cut into 1 inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients together, toss with extra teriyaki sauce, and serve.
LAKE CITY ¡ 29
Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry Ingredients Instructions
NOODLES 4 ounces dried Lo Mein noodles 1 tbsp. butter TERIYAKI GLAZE 3 tbsp. soy sauce 3 tbsp. mirin 3 tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar 2 tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar 2 tbsp. hoisin sauce 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh garlic 1/2 tsp. freshly grated ginger root STIR-FRY 2 tbsp. butter 1 c. sugar snap peas 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into strips 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips 1 small onion, chopped 1 c. shiitake or button mushrooms, stems removed, sliced 1/2 c. shredded carrot 8 ounces uncooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined 3 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 lime, quartered
30 ¡ LAKE CITY
Cook Lo Mein according to package directions. Drain; return to pan. Toss with 1 tbsp. butter. Keep warm. Combine all teriyaki glaze ingredients in 1-1/2 quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat 5-6 minutes or until liquid is reduced to thick paste. Set aside. Melt 1 tbsp. butter in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until sizzling. Add pea pods, pepper strips, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5-7 minutes or until crisply tender. Add mushrooms and carrots. Cook 2-3 minutes or until mushrooms are softened. Remove from skillet; set aside. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in same skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp; cook 2-4 minutes or until light pink in color. Add cooked pasta and vegetable mixture. Stir in teriyaki glaze until shrimp and vegetables are well coated. Place onto serving platter. Top with chopped cilantro. and serve immediately with lime quarters.
LAKE CITY · 31
32 · LAKE CITY
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Ingredients
1/3 c. soy sauce 1/3 c. mirin (sweet rice wine) 1 ½ tbsp.honey 1 tsp. freshly grated ginger 1 garlic clove, grated 4 salmon fillets 1 tsp. corn starch
Instructions
To a mixing bowl add the soy sauce, mirin, honey, ginger and garlic. Whisk to mix well. Add half of the marinade to a bowl then add the salmon, flesh-side down, marinate for 1 hour. Place the top shelf of oven 6 inches from the top and preheat the broiler. Remove the salmon from the marinade and pat dry. Discard the marinade. Add the unused marinade to a small saucepan and whisk in the corn starch until dissolved. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until thickened, remove from the heat. Place the salmon skin side down onto a baking sheet covered with foil. Broil for 5 minutes. Brush more marinade onto the salmon and return to the broiler for 5-6 more minutes until browned. Finish with remaining sauce.
LAKE CITY ¡ 33
A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
T
hank you for your support of The Schools of Guntersville! The trust you place in us is something every team member in our school system takes very seriously. Your involvement is critically important to the success of our students and schools. As a school system, we have achieved much growth in the areas of academics, the arts, and athletics, as well as in a variety of extra-curricular activities. Our school system has been designated as a “Bicentennial School System” by the Alabama Bicentennial Commission hailing each of our schools as a “Bicentennial School.” Most recently, each of our schools earned the distinction of being named “Lighthouse Schools” which is the highest honor bestowed by Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc. This accomplishment earned the position of being named a “Blue Ribbon School System.” In addition, Guntersville High School has been listed in the “Top 25” of best high schools in the state as well as in the “Top 30” of high schools in the state doing the best job of preparing students for college. Cherokee Elementary School was identified in the “Top 15” of public schools in the state with the best teachers.
34 · LAKE CITY
I am also pleased to report our school system earned an “A” on the State Department of Education Report Card for 2018-2019. Along with the many successes we celebrate and the numerous opportunities afforded to our school system, we face many challenges. Some of these challenges include the number of our students living in poverty, the lack of necessary operational and capital funding, our aging facilities and addressing the social and emotional needs of our students. Our vision states, “Excellence in all we do!” and our mission reads, “Educate, develop, and empower every student to reach their unique potential and become citizens that empower their communities.” These statements are the driving force of our team as we focus on providing work that is challenging, engaging and relevant for the best interest of our students. As a community, we must celebrate the good that is being done in our schools and together we can address the challenges and opportunities we face moving forward. Best Regards, Brett Stanton, Superintendent
LAKE CITY CALENDAR Jan 7-Jan 31 MVAC Artist Exhibit Kala Clontz
Feb 1 . 8:30am-3:30pm Tull Glazener Mountain Dulcimer Workshop
Jan 15 . 5:15pm-6pm Wednesday Evening Meditation
Feb 7-Feb 16 . 8pm-9:30pm Godspell at The Whole Backstage Theatre
Come see the work of Kala Clontz and abstract painter and photographer who takes inspiration for painting from her photographs. Her work will be on display throughout the month of January.
We will explore many different styles of mediation during this winter series with the intention of giving each participant tools to take into their home practice. Series 48.00, Drop-Ins 10.00 1116 Blount Ave Guntersville, AL
Jan 16 . 6pm Jess Goggans Band
This event will take place at the RSVP facility in Guntersville, AL. We will focus on learning some multi-part/ensemble arrangements. There will also be a concert at this event. Cost $25 per workshop or $60 for full day.
“Godspell” is a musical based upon the Gospel according to St. Matthew with a healthy doses of comic timing!
Your Family Owned & Operated Home Center and Building Supply Superstore Since 1972
Jess Goggans Band will be performing at Rock House Eatery.
Jan 18 . 9am 5TH Annual Polar Bear Ride
Come join us at Guntersville Recreation Department for the 5th Annual Polar Bear Ride for COPS.
Jan 26 . 10am-4pm 2nd Annual Eagle Inspiration Event
Join us at the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge for this event. Everyone will get to place their creative mark upon an 11x14 canvas with acrylic paints to celebrate Eagle Inspiration. All donations are appreciated. Funds are used to purchase the art supplies for our free art programs to veterans, first responders and trauma survivors.
Jan 26 . 10am-6pm Little Miss Bama Winter Pageant
Join us at the Guntersville YMCA for this fundraising event to raise awareness of Human Rights and Human Trafficking.
Discount Building Supply
130,000 square feet of everything you need for your home, inside and out. GREAT SERVICE - GREAT PRICES GREAT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
256-582-2792
3801 AL Hwy 69, Guntersville
Mon.-Fri. 7am-5pm, Sat. 7am-Noon
LAKE CITY · 35
LAKE CITY CALENDAR Feb 14-Feb 17 Eagle Watch Weekends
Eagle Awareness turns 35 years old this year at Lake Guntersville State Park. What began as an initiative to pull the bald eagle from the brink of extinction has developed into the experience of viewing eagles in their wild habitat and education through live bird shows.
Feb 25 . 9am-10am Goldcare 55+ Hike with Mike
Join us for a short easy hike with Goldcare 55+, meet at the Guntersville State Park Lodge, in the lobby. If you have a public event coming up, contact us and we'll help you get the word out. For information on advertising contact us at: 256.486.9000 or by email: contact@lakecityalabama.com
Lake City Auto & Tire Family-owned and operated for over 30 years
SEE US FOR ALL YOUR AUTO REPAIR
Quality auto repair, including oil changes, brakes, shocks, alignments, exhaust, collision repair and more.
WE GUARANTEE OUR WORK! 24 months/24K miles on most models L to R: Danny, Brandi, Joe, Linda, Davy, Ronnie. Shane not pictured. Front: Riley
FULL LINE OF NEW TIRES AND A GOOD SELECTION OF USED TIRES 628 Gunter Ave., Guntersville — Open Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 5pm
256-582-8844 24-hour towing & recovery
Day 256-582-8844
Will your money last as long as it needs to? We can help make sure it does with solutions from respected companies such as AXA, Lincoln Financial Group, Protective, and Prudential. Call us today. HOWARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT LLC 256-293-9457
1024 BLOUNT AVE GUNTERSVILLE shonhoward@allstate.com
Have any other coverage needs? Call anytime!
Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA). Registered Broker-Dealer. Member FINRA, 36 Office: · LAKE CITY SIPC. Main 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. (877) 525-5727. Check the background of this firm on FINRA's BrokerCheck website http://brokercheck. finra.org. © 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.
10688930
Your retirement plan should work as hard as you did.
Night 256-302-0485
A TEXTING
DRIVER
23
TIMES MORE
LIKELY
TO CRASH THAN A NON-TEXTING
DRIVER LAKE CITY · 37
Did You Know? Did you know Oden Imaging designs every issue of Lake City Magazine and produces most of the advertisements you see within it's pages? Did you know Oden Imaging has designed everything from websites to billboards to food packaging for local businesses? Did you know that Oden Imaging offers world class photographic services to it's clients? Did you know Oden Imaging specializes in the ever increasing media needs of small to mid-sized businesses? Did you know Oden Imaging is here for you at any stage of your project?
IMAGE IS EVERYTHING
... LET US HELP WITH YOURS
odenimaging.com | 256.486.9000 | contact@odenimaging.com 38 ¡ LAKE CITY
An unmatched resort experience on the shores of the Coosa River. Vacation rentals & newly renovated venue space for events of all kinds.
1 RIVER ROAD - GADSDEN 256.543.7111 riverrockslanding.com
L AKE GUNTERSVILLE VACATION RENTALS
Owning a vacation • Full service management - From marketing to final check-out we will handle all vacation rental rental can be a lot of details for you work. You can rest • Owner tailored calendars - Your home is still your easy with ROHOGO home. Stay or book as often as you like. Management as your • 24-hour line available for all your guests questions local eyes and ears to • Quarterly payouts for owners keep things running • VIP concierge services smoothly. • Ordinance complied and insured Many updated lake view or lake front homes ready to BOOK TODAY!
www.rohogo.com | 256-677-RENT | rohogorentals@gmail.com
We like to say we’re big on the small things, but this is pretty big. Thank you for making us the Marshall County deposit market share leader. According to the FDIC’s annual Summary of Deposits, Citizens Bank & Trust now holds the highest deposit market share in Marshall County*. Since our founding in 2003, Citizens has worked hard to be the top bank in our home county. In a world of big chain banks we knew that was pretty ambitious. But we believed in the people of Marshall County, and we want to say thank you for believing in us. Being number one is a big honor, and we’re proud to share it with those we call friends.
BAN K & T RU S T Albertville • 256-878-9893 Arab • 256-931-4600 Guntersville • 256-505-4600
*FDIC Summary Of Deposits as of June 30, 2019 (report released 9/13/19)
visit us at citizensbanktrust.com Cullman 256-841-6600
Elkmont 256-732-4602
Hazel Green 256-828-1611
New Hope 256-723-4600
Rogersville 256-247-0203