Summer’s coming April/May 2009 • www.LakeWedoweeLife.com •
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Lake Wedowee Life 37
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Table of
April/May 2009
Contents
Vol. 2 No. 2
26 15 Special this Month 8. Fresh food: Local growers give consumers alternative 11. The Creative Side: Dawkins gives back through her art 18. News to Know: Alabama Power mandates old Styrofoam removed by 2010 23. WoW returns: Worship on the water continues for second season 26. When I think of Wedowee: Local photographer Freddy Brown captures scenes of the area
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Monthly Features
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7. Enjoy Life! - Letter from the Editor 15. Simply Fabulous 20. Hooked on Lake Wedowee 24. Lake Map 29. Southern Living House plan 30. Wedowee Currents 34. Redneck Adventures
Contributing writers Darlene Bailey, Kesa Johnston, Reed Montgomery and Skeeter Lake Wedowee Life 5
On the Cover Freddy Brown took the photo for the cover for the April/May issue. It was taken early one morning at near the boat storage area of Lakeside Marina. To see more of his work, go to pages 26-27.
General Manager LEISEL CALDWELL
Editor KELLY CALDWELL news@lakewedoweelife.com (256) 276-7959
Advertising Sales LAVOY CALDWELL ads@lakewedoweelife.com (334) 863-0737
Lake Wedowee Life 18285 Highway 431 Wedowee, AL 36278
Even Lake Wedowee Life
Lake Wedowee Life magazine is published six times a year and available around the Lake Wedowee area which includes Randolph and Clay Counties in Alabama as well as parts of West Georgia. Distribution locations available by request. Paid mail subscriptions are available for $12 a year.
Lake Wedowee Life Reads Across America W orking on this magazine for more than a year now, there have been several opportunities presented to me. I have ridden in a helicopter, been on a quail hunt and most recently judged a talent show, but the one that I hope will have a lasting impression came in March. Jessica Elmore, a fourth-grade teacher at Handley Middle School, invited me to read to her students as part of the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day. The theme for Alabama this year is “It’s Great to be from Alabama!” which emphasizes Alabama writers. Jessica, a longtime friend, thought of me and I jumped at the chance. Reading has always been a loved hobby for me and I started at a very early age, spending many a sunny afternoon with my nose in a book. And, to this day, I still find time to read for fun. So on March 2, I read “There’s a Wocket in my Pocket” to 120 fourth-graders and loved every minute of it. I explained a little about myself and what I do before reading to them and later, Jessica told me of one student asking how I started my own magazine. To answer that curious fourth-grader...It all began with reading for fun when I was a little girl and developed into a love of telling stories. That’s what is great about Lake Wedowee Life. Each issue is dedicated to telling the stories of people that call Lake Wedowee home and it gives people an opportunity to do one of my favorite things...Read for Fun!
Happy Reading! Kelly Caldwell Handley Middle School Fourth Graders March 2, 2009
Local growers give consumers alternative With the state of the economy I have given a great deal more thought and effort to supporting neighbors and local business. I have always tried to buy locally, but like everyone else have often found myself enjoying the convenience of “one stop shopping.” While my life demands make it nearly impossible to enjoy gardening, I am excited to have made new friends in the area who can provide locally grown, organic vegetables, fruits and flowers.
News to Know Story and Photos by Kesa Johnston Suzanne Kniffen specializes in flowers and herbs but also sells vegetables and fragrant soaps. Laurie and Will Moore have made a name for themselves by offering weekly delivery of fresh, organic produce grown at their farm and by others in our area. Before you make your next purchase at a chain supermarket or buy your flowers and plants from a national hardware store, remember Randolph County has an abundance of local farmers eager to share their bounty at reasonable prices. Lone Wolf’s Den- Roanoke When Suzanne and Mike Kniffen came through Randolph County in 2001 on their way to Florida from Colorado they had no idea they would one day call Roanoke home. Suzanne fell in love with the small town feel and peacefulness of the county. The year-round growing season particularly appealed to her love of plants and vegetables as it had long been her dream to live on a farm surrounded by animals and enjoying mother nature.
Full Bloom: Susan Kniffen has a wide variety of plants for sale including pansies, roses, daffodils, tulips and amaryllis. After moving to Roanoke, Suzanne quickly became active in various groups including the Master Gardeners where she was the president for three years and the Herb Club. She has been a speaker at numerous garden clubs around the area and gives her time to community service activities by helping plant and maintain the planters in the City of Roanoke, providing the
new landscaping for Roanoke Medical Center and also planting trees at Handley Middle School. Suzanne sells her plants and vegetables on the property adjoining her home at Twin Lakes. She has a wonderful variety of antique roses and the ever popular Knockout™ rose. Her Knockout™ colors include pink, rainbow, blush, double red, double pink and the new
yellow “sunny” rose. Suzanne’s collection includes at least a hundred different herb varieties including culinary, ornamental and medicinal herbs. There are also ferns, some annuals and a wide variety of vegetables including bok choy that will be available in May. Suzanne has one-of-a-kind daylilies and at least 20 drought tolerant plant species and a large variety of bulbs including hyacinth, daffodils (10-15 varieties are available), giant allium, antique lilies, tulips, and amaryllis. Suzanne is available for landscaping consultations and would be happy to assist with planting for those who buy in bulk. Suzanne is available by appointment at 334-863-5948 or via email at kniffen@teleclispe.net. Moore’s Farm- Woodland Will and Laurie Moore moved to Randolph County 10 years ago when they left Michigan to live on Will’s great-grandfather’s farm near Woodland. Will and Laurie were also attracted to Alabama’s extended growing season as it seemed to be the perfect place to grow their own food. The pair had previously been part of other groups who offered organic food for sale before forming Moore’s Farms which includes members from 30 small farms in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina who only use certified USDA organic or chemical free foods that are certified “naturally grown.” No poisons are used on the food or the earth and Laurie feels this is important to preserve food safety which is a growing concern in the US. Some of the farm’s Randolph County growers include Stan Edwards, Tim Shelton, Ethel and Ceroy Pate and Durwood Williamson. Moore’s Farm is always looking for new growers and are proud that 75 percent of all profits are passed
Healthy eating: Will and Laurie Moore offer USDA organic foods and created Moore’s Farm and Friends which is a collective of 30 small farms in the Southeast. The group sells a variety of produce as well as meats, cheeses and grains. back to the individual farmers. During my recent visit to the farm I was impressed by the gorgeous eggs and mushrooms, grits and cornmeal that filled the shelves. The Moore’s home is an old barn that has been transformed into a unique work of art. Will and Laurie often host interns from Italy who learn local growing techniques and participate in the day to day operation of the farm. Moore’s farm was featured in Southern Living’s “Best of 2008" issue and also the Summer 2008 edition of “Flavors” magazine. Will and Laurie can be contacted at the Moore’s Farm website www.mooresfarmsandfriends.com , via phone at 256-449-9417 on the
farm in Woodland at 561 County Road 239. On the website you can sign up for notification including their weekly newsletter. Local delivery locations include Lakeside Marina in Wedowee and the Fitness Vine in Roanoke, as well as direct pickup at the farm. There is a variety of ordering options including individual choice for certain foods or farmer’s pick, which is assembled by Laurie and Will each week and contains vegetables and other products in season. Kesa M. Johnston is a general practice lawyer in Roanoke where she has lived for the last five years. She can be contacted at kesa.johnston@yahoo.com
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Dawkins gives back through her art Shirley Saxon Dawkins loves art. She has since her second-grade teacher put a paint brush in her hand and sparked an interest that has spanned several decades. “I started taking art when I was about 7 and it really sparked an interest,” she said. “It has been a lifelong learning experience for me and it has opened so many doors.” Dawkins has displayed her art at a onewoman show in Talladega, been a participant in the Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin and many of her works are on display at the Winn Building in Ashland. “I have traveled extensively and take pictures wherever I go,” she said. “Then I come back and spend hours capturing on canvas what I saw.”
The Creative Side Story By Kelly Caldwell Not only does she love art, she loves opening other peoples’ eyes to art and has been doing just that since retiring from the Clay County School system 11 years ago. “When I retired, it really gave me a chance to pursue my art,” Dawkins said. “I can sit down to paint and the hours just pass me by. I don’t know the world is out there when I am painting.” Currently she is volunteering her time to 12 ladies at the Senior Citizens Center in Ashland. “It is one of the highlights of my week to work with those ladies,” she said. “They are a joy to work with. They are at different levels and have different styles. “It is so much fun and rewarding when you see someone create a piece of art and know that I helped them a little bit. That’s what it is about for me. It is a love of art…a lifetime love.” Dawkins has also lent her instruction to Lineville High School and Mellow Valley Christian Academy. “A few years ago the special needs class at Lineville experienced the loss of a classmate
Teaching from the heart: What began as a school lesson for second-grader Shirley Saxon Dawkins, has transformed into a passion she shares with others. Lake Wedowee Life 11
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and the counselor sugShe also does commisgested art therapy as a sion work and the maway for the children to jority of her work is for cope,” Dawkins said. “It sale, with the exception was the most rewarding of one painting. thing for me. It made “I did a painting of Butme appreciate what I ler’s Mill and I had a have and it softens your family member start heart to work with chilthrowing down money dren like that.” and it got up there, but I At the end of the setold him it wasn’t for mester, the class had a sale...No matter the reception and art aucprice.” tion where they raised Butler’s Mill , located in money to go on a class Graham near the Georfield trip, buy a desk gia, Alabama border, Art through the years: Dawkins has painted hundreds of with special lighting was built by J. Saxon in images through the years in numerous mediums. She prefers to the late 1800s, Saxon was and each child to have $50 to spend over the Dawkins sixth work in oil because of its forgiving nature. summer. (generation) grandfather “I like to think I really and she decided to paint helped them, but I know they charges her students $5 an hour the building as a reminder of her touched my heart in a way they for lessons. heritage, Butler’s Mill, now a resprobably will never know,” she “It is not about the money for taurant, features Dawkins painting said. me,” she said. “It is all about on their billboard advertisements. Dawkins also teaches at her spreading what ability I have to “That is my favorite work I paint house in Mellow Valley dur- other people. The money I charge have done and hangs in my ing the summer where she covers my light bill and supplies.” home,” she said.
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A
s a little girl I remember Easter being one of my Mama's favorite holiday's. We'd go to town and buy a new dress, white shoes and a hat. She would cook all weekend for Sunday lunch and the odor would linger for days.
Simply Fabulous Story by Darlene Bailey Photos by Kelly Caldwell Mama would set me up with a couple dozen hard boiled eggs, different cups of egg coloring concoctions and I would have fun for hours. I still enjoy coloring eggs with my daughter and grandson. Although, I find the old fashion food color and vinegar still make the prettiest colored eggs. Easter brings the first sign of blooming flowers, green grass, and warmer weather. Families will gather for Sunday lunch and kids will glow with excitement while digging in the grass for the "Big" prize egg. Color was my inspiration this time around and the apple carrot salad I have to go with your Easter lunch packs the punch you need. The coconut cookie is to share with
Apple and Carrot Salad 1 large red apple 1 T olive oil 1 lg. green apple 1 t sugar 1 1/2 T fresh lemon juice
1/2 t salt 3 cups carrots 1/4 t black pepper 1/4 cup chopped chives 2 oz. Feta cheese (crumbled)
Cut apples and carrots into thin, matchstick form. Toss apples in lemon juice then add carrots, chives, oil, sugar, salt and pepper and cheese. Toss well and serve or chill.
Coconut Clouds 2 2/3 cups flaked coconut (divided) 1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup water 1 egg 1 t almond extract
*Preheat oven to 350. Set aside 1 1/3 cup of coconut. Combine cake mix, egg, oil, water and extract in large bowl. Beat with mixer. Stir in 11/3 cups of coconut. Drop teaspoonful of dough into reserved coconut and coat. Roll into ball and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown. the kids at the egg hunt. I am so thankful to Mrs. Janice Eason for letting us use her yard for pictures for this issue. It was already bursting with color and had the perfect look for our Easter-themed article. Have a colorful Easter and let's get cookin. Glass Slipper Events 256-449-2946 16 Lake Wedowee Life
Out with the old, in with the new Alabama Power mandates old Styrofoam removed by 2010 We have all had a Styrofoam cooler at one time or another and if left out in the elements over time the cooler will break apart. In the early days of floating docks, that same kind of Styrofoam was used to keep docks floating. And over time the Styrofoam gets waterlogged, deteriorates and begins to break apart which pollutes the clean waters of Lake Wedowee. In 1993, Alabama Power Company made it mandatory that all floatation for new docks be composed of materials that will not become waterlogged or sink when punctured. It was done in an effort to keep the lakes as clean and environmentally friendly as possible.
News to Know Story and Photos by Kelly Caldwell Over the years, as docks have needed replacing the old Styrofoam has been removed and Alabama Power issued a new mandate requiring all beaded foam flotation be removed by January 1, 2010. “One of the main environmental concerns with Styrofoam is the extremely long time required for it to degrade,” Shelia Smith, Regional Coordinator for Alabama Power Company, said. “Once it is released into the waterway, it may take 500 years to fully disinte18 Lake Wedowee Life
Hazards on the horizon: If left alone, the old beaded Styrofoam, above, would continue to break apart and enter the lakebed causing pollution and potential harm to the fish and wildlife. grate. “In addition one of the components, styrene, is considered a hazardous substance.” As the life cycle reaches its end, the Styrofoam
breaks apart sometimes into small enough pieces that can be ingested by fish and wildlife. “This hazard represents a potential serious threat to fish and wildlife,“ Smith said. “It can either be poisonous or fill the stomach resulting in reduced appetite and nutrient absorption.” When the mandate was issued, Alabama Power’s local shoreline management team inventoried the docks on Lake Wedowee to identify all structures using beaded Styrofoam. A letter “This hazard was sent to each represents a individual serious threat owner stating the Styrofoam to fish and must be rewildlife.” moved from the lake by Jan. 1, 2010. Shelia Smith, HomeownRegional ers can remove coordinator for the Styrofoam Alabama Power floats themselves, but according to Gene Collins, principal owner of Docks ETC., it’s not necessarily the best do-it-yourself project. “We have to go through some pains to ensure the Styrofoam remains intact and it’s not always an easy task,” he said. “When it breaks up into small pieces it is a burden. We have to contain it but over time it deteriorates and breaks apart.” The most effective way Docks ETC. has discovered is to drag the old dock onto a flat bed trailer but that’s not always feasible. “We have the equipment to make it easier to remove the older floats and we have to dispose of them properly,” Collins said.
Filling the lake: Abandoned Styrofoam floats accounted for about 20 percent of the annual lake cleanup in 2008. The floats are being replaced with encased Styrofoam that will not break apart or become waterlogged. “That’s why it is important for the homeowner to pick a contractor that is licensed and insured.” The Styrofoam has to be completely removed from the lakebed and the portion of land controlled by Alabama Power Company’s scenic easement. “The homeowner is ultimately responsible for the removal,” Ed Cobb, general contractor for Docks ETC., said. “They are the ones that sign the permit and if the contractor does not perform the task to the satisfaction of the mandate, the homeowner is responsible.” Cobb went on to say, some older docks have contained unexpected visitors when his crew have
gone into remove them. “They make nice little houses for snakes and muskrats,” he said. “You have to be careful because you never know what you may encounter in the removal process. One time a guy was removing his dock and he found two copperhead snakes in the Styrofoam.” Replacement of the old Styrofoam floats does require a revision of the shoreline permit, but there is no permit fee or replacing the material as long as the size or design of the dock is not changed. Lake owners effected by this mandate should contact Alabama Power’s Shoreline Management office at (256) 396-5093 to begin the process. Lake Wedowee Life 19
Spring Bass Fishing on Lake Wedowee Alabama anglers have the opportunity to experience bass fishing at its best during the spring time months of April and May. Especially if their well laid plans include a fishing trip to Lake Wedowee. Although spring time anglers may occasionally encounter a striped bass or they could hook up with a much smaller bass species, the white bass, most bass anglers are targeting Lake Wedowee’s so noted largemouth bass. Spring is bedding season and there are a lot of both male and female largemouth bass to be taken while fishing in shallow water, all throughout the months of April and May. These largemouth bass in Lake Wedowee grow to very sizable proportions. Some largemouth bass near state record weight (up to 16 pounds) have been taken in years past on this 40 mile long lake. The lake does have even bigger, largemouth bass. Lake Wedowee has the potential to produce a new, world record largemouth bass! Alabama records show, during a period -- from late winter on into the latter part of the spring season -- is when most of these really huge, largemouth bass (some weighing in the “teens”), are fooled into biting. Then that bass goes on record. Some bass don’t, those that get away! Only then, if this particular angler is fortunate enough to complete the task of getting it in the boat, does he/she then have the bragging rights! These are the strongest, largemouth bass the state of Alabama has to offer anglers!
Hoping for the big one: Numerous fishing tournaments are on Lake Wedowee every weekend from early spring to late fall. The prime launch for the tournaments is Highway 48 Bridge Boat Ramp. There have been at least two dozen bass, those that weighed in the “teens” now on record, all taken in years past from Lake Wedowee. With one long-standing lake record (weighing a little over 16 pounds) that just missed breaking Alabama’s state record by a few ounces.
Hooked on Lake Wedowee by Reed Montgomery Most of these huge, largemouth bass are proven to be taken during a five month period ranging from January on into May. Many of these bass that have been caught out of Lake Wedowee during April and May, could have been even bigger. * Fact - The loss of body weight, like built up fat reserves and as much as 10,000 eggs, can deduct a pound of extra weight prior to a big, female largemouth bass going on the bed. But there is another bass species for anglers to target on Lake
Wedowee this spring, a bass species not all anglers have the pleasure of fooling on other Alabama lakes. A bass that does not grow as big as its distant relative, the largemouth bass. The spotted bass. The Big and Little Tallapoosa Rivers that make up Lake Wedowee’s incoming waters offers a breed of bass that any angler would be proud to call their adversary when coming to Lake Wedowee this spring season. So be ready for…The Tallapoosa River spotted bass. The Tallapoosa River breed of spotted bass is by nature, a ball of fighting fury. Make no mistake about it, pound for pound, a really big spotted bass (one weighing 5 pounds or better), is considered to be a real, trophy bass in the state of Alabama. There are a lot of five pound plus spotted bass in Lake Wedowee. Lures and Techniques You here a lot about the lures it takes to fool both of these bass species on Lake Wedowee during the spring season. Each and every
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other angler had very few angler has his lure favorbites. At times there is a ites and every anglers slight difference. color choice will usually It can be as simple as apvary. plying very long casts From top to bottom with certain topwater there are a variety of lures, some topwater lures man-made, fake offerthat are bigger and heavings to offer these bass. ier than others. Some Bass, that by now, have lures so big and intimidatseen a lot of very realing, many anglers do even looking choices on their own one. day to day menu. Or an angler can get twice Topwater lures of all the distance with his casts kinds, colors and acthan other anglers, when tions, mid-range lures casting lures like big, like those shiny and deep-diving crankbaits flashing spinnerbaits, erratic action jerk baits, Big day on the lake: Montgomery shows the bass that can fished on very long rods with lighter line and fast-retrieved lipless be reeled in on Lake Wedowee this spring. wide-spooled reels. lures, all work great durWith lures like spinnerbaits, ing the entire spring season! those anglers that do get bites and most anglers just utilize a steady Utilizing a stop-and-go retrieve those anglers that don’t. cast and retrieve method. Which with lures like shallow-to-mid divSome anglers have all the right will eventually fool a few bass into ing crankbaits works anytime, equipment, the right line and the biting, on most days on Lake Weanywhere on Lake Wedowee in right rods and reels. Most astute dowee. April and May! anglers have an assortment of But the angler that learns how Bottom fished lures like various lures featuring the sharpest of to fish spinnerbaits, from small types of worms, lizards, crayfish hooks, so nothing gets away. 3/8 ounce models to heavy big imitations, creature baits, jig comThese anglers will usually catch a bladed spinnerbaits weighing in bos, tube baits, grubs or shad imifew bass on a daily basis. excess of one ounce, can usually tations, can fool the year’s biggest But knowing when to fish cerout fish those anglers that just bass into biting…at any time! If tain lures, how to fish them in don’t even try. you know how. every way conceivable way possiLearn to slow roll heavy spinIn all of Lake Wedowee’s fishble, what lure color to chose, what nerbaits off deep banks or drop ing circles, you hear very little lure weight you should use, where them along deep water ledges and about “how” you should fish each to throw them, how far, and under and every one of these lures (and what conditions do you make your along old river channel edges and you will learn a technique in itself other lure types) during the spring lure choice, is what really puzzles that very few anglers even try. Or months. those anglers that do stumble on develop a few techniques of your These are an individual anglers occasions. own. very on techniques. A certain style Why? They just don’t know. Keep in mind, when fishing of fishing that can only develop As a fishing guide on Lake WeLake Wedowee this spring season. after years of experimenting with dowee (since it opened in 1983), I “ How you fish each and every all kinds of lures. have experimented with all kinds lure, is just as important as the Having several ways of fishing of lures, in all seasons, utilizing lure choice itself! ” with each and every lure you use various retrieves with each lure Thanks and Good Fishin’ can make an extreme difference, in model I choose to fish. Reed Montgomery / Reeds the very pleasurable outcome of I’ve watched on many occaGuide Service what all anglers come to Lake Wesions as two anglers in my boat Phone (205) 787-5133 dowee for…which is catching fish! fished the same exact lure, but one This especially holds true for caught most of the bass, while the www.fishingalabama.com 22 Lake Wedowee Life
Worship on Water returns for 2nd season Worship On The Water (WOW) will begin its’ second year Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. WOW is a non-denominational ministry which invites you to come and worship on the water. Each Sunday through Labor Day a different minister will come and deliver an inspiring message. Steve Dean of Community Life Church will kick off the season May 24. Come in your boat, car, jet ski, golf cart or whatever. We are located at Lakeside Marina amongst the pines. The service begins at 9 a.m. and lasts for about 45 minutes. Please come visit, enjoy the music and fellowship with your neighbors on the
Lake. And, of course you are welcome as you are! Worship On The Water will
continue each Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
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Freddy Brown’s look at life on Lake Wedowee
Capturing the Lake: Freddy Brown is a Randolph County native and photography is an addictive hobby for him. He has traveled to numerous places capturing moments in time. These scenes of the lake were captured in late winter of this year. Anyone interested in showcasing their photos of the Lake Wedowee area contact Kelly Caldwell, editor, at news@lakewedoweelife.com 26 Lake Wedowee Life
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Wedowee Currents Lost Arts Series: Southern Storytelling Workshop Anniston - Thursday, Apr. 2 Anniston Lost Arts Series: Southern Storytelling Workshop 256-7825681. http://epic.jsu.edu. Admission charged. Jacksonville State Univ. Planetarium--Join storyteller Renee Morrison for workshop on how to tell your own stories, story prompting, and building character sketches. 6-7:30 p.m. Anniston White House Easter Egg Roll Anniston - Saturday, Apr. 4 Anniston White House Easter Egg Roll 256-237-6261. Fee for attractions only. Berman Museum of World History--Celebrate Easter much like the First Family did at the
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White House with an old-fashioned egg roll and an egg hunt. Bring your own basket for the egg hunt. Refreshments available for purchase. Meet live animals. 10 a.m.-2 p.m RV and Boat Show Lake Wedowee - Saturday, Apr. 4 Dandy RV, Wedowee Marine and Lakeside Marina and Campground Spring Garden Stroll Anniston - Saturday, Apr. 4 Anniston Spring Garden Stroll 256-237-6766. www.annistonmuseum.org. Fee for attractions only. Anniston Museum of Natural History--Learn about the natural history of plants and learn tips to utilize in your own gardens. Two strolls, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt Valley - Friday, Apr. 10 3rd Annual Valley Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt 334-756-5282. cityofvalley.com. Ram Stadium-Football field covered with thousands of plastic eggs. Each child has a basket and flashlight. When the lights go out, it's a race to find the prize eggs. There will be 500 prize eggs along with 2 bicycles and glow bracelets that will be given away. Easter Bunny and The River Rat will be make appearances. Talladega Superspeedway Easter Egg Hunt Talladega - Saturday, Apr. 11 15,000 Easter Eggs will be hidden in the track's infield for happy hunters to seek out. Children will be
separated by age groups. For more information visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. Will’s Way Easter Egg Hunt Roanoke - Saturday, Apr. 11 Easter Egg hunt starts at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon and Christian Rock Concert at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit http://www.willsway.org Siran Stacy Speaks at Will 's Way Roanoke - Saturday, Apr. 11 Siran Stacy struggled with depression, anger and his own shaken religious faith after his wife and four of his children were killed in a car accident. Now, the former Alabama running back is urging others to keep the faith whatever the circumstances. Scheduled to speak at 7:00 p.m. For more information visit http://www.willsway.org Second Saturday on the Square
Ashland - Saturday, Apr. 11 Ashland Businesses Sponsor the Second Saturday on the Square and Monthly Trade Day 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Egg Hunt - Early afternoon http://www.claycochamber.com Live Music at Double L Sports Bar and Grill Roanoke April 17-18 Higher Ground will play for the crowd at Double L Sports Bar and Grill Friday and Saturday. Cover charge at the door. Spring Show Music/Dance Southern Union State Community College Wadley - Apr. 21 - 24 For times and more information: http://www.suscc.edu/ Auburn City Fest Auburn - Saturday, Apr. 25 Auburn CityFest is Auburn's largest, FREE, outdoor festival. It is hosted by the City of Auburn Parks & Recreation Department. The festi-
val featured everything from homemade crafts to fine, folk and hip artwork from some of the most intriguing artists in the nation. Kiesel Park, Auburn, AL 9 a.m.-until. Phone: 334.501.2930 Web site: www.auburncityfest.com Fair on the Square Living Museum Jacksonville - Saturday, Apr. 25 Enjoy spring in picturesque Jacksonville, the "Gem of the Hills." This juried show and sale sponsored by the Jacksonville Arts Council highlights the artist at work. Historic Public Square, Downtown Jacksonville 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - phone: 256435-7611 Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway Talladega - Apr. 24 - 26 Weekend featuring the ARCA RE/MAX Series 250 race and NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying on Fri., April 24, Aaron’s 312 NAS-
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CAR Nationwide Series race and NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying on Sat., April 25 and Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sun., April 26. Red Diamond Restaurant Tour Anniston - Saturday, May 2 More than 15 favorite local restaurants line historic Noble Street, serving original dishes from attractive tents at this annual event. Dine outdoors on the closed street. Part of the Noble Street Festival featuring pro & amateur bike races, art, the KidZone, and much more. Noon - 7 p.m. Sunny King Criterium Anniston - Saturday, May 2 Sunny King Criterium 256-4355710. Free. www.sunnykingcriterium.com. Anniston Downtown District--Watch as hundreds of professional and amateur bicycle racers zoom around the .6-mile downtown race course in NASCAR fashion at speeds reaching
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40 mph! Spring Tour of Homes Lake Wedowee - Saturday, May 2 Lake Wedowee Spring Tour of Homes sponsored by the Wedowee Middle School Parent -Teacher Organization. Starting at the Chimney Cove Club House at 9:00 a.m. More details available soon. Second Saturday on the Square Ashland - Saturday, May 9 Ashland businesses sponsor the Second Saturday on the Square and Children & Youth Juried Art Show at Marble Gate Gallery. 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Clay County Music & Art Festival Lineville - Saturday, May 16 Clay County Music & Art Festival. Headliner: Doug Stone. 256396-2828. www.claycochamber.com. Free. Lineville City Park.-Live entertainment, children's activities, arts and crafts, antique tractors, street dance, food and vendors. 10 a.m.
until dark Worship on the Water Lakeside Marina Sunday, May 24 9a.m. Steve Dean of Community Life Church in Roanoke will kick off the WOW season. Come by car or baot. Spirit Of The Wolf Pow Wow Ashland - May 29-31 Ashland Spirit of the Wolf Pow Wow 256-396-0412. http://defendthewolves.org/blog. Admission charged; children 6 adn under, free. Enitachopco Ceremonial Grounds--First Nations Outreach Project Spring Pow Wow. Gates open at 10 each day. STAR Camp for Kids at The Ashland Theatre Ashland - June 6, 13, 20, 27 For more information visit: http://www.TheAshlandTheatre.com To be included in the calendar, please send your events to news@lakewedoweelife.com
Index of Advertisers A & E Metal A&M Insulation Ashland Family Care Ava Hills Assisted Living Bank of Wedowee Benefield Masonry Billy Adamson Construction Chad Lee Clay County Chamber of Commerce Docks Etc. Double L Sports Bar and Grill D&S Marine El Chilar Farmers Insurance Fishing Alabama Grapevine H&M Drugs High Point Coffee & Books Lakeside Grill
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hat a foolish question, of course a cat weighing 200 pounds would be pretty much on the roly-poly side. Someone would have had to remove his family jewels at an early age and feed him all the “LITTLE FRISKIES” he could eat for about four or five years and even then maybe 20 or 30 pounds, still 30 pounds is pretty large for a pussy cat. Now hold on just a minute, no one said we were talking about fluffy little bitty kitty cats, I’m wanting to talk about big cats, not lions or tigers mind you, but cougars, mountain lions, catamounts or painters.
Redneck Adventures By Skeeter All the years I’ve spent in the outdoors there is two things that still have eluded me, Boogers and Big Cats. Now I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve been pretty close to Boogers on several different occasions, but to the best of my knowledge I ain’t never even been close, much less seen a Big Cat in the wild. I reckon the main reason I’ve never seen a “Painter” is there just ain’t none round here in these parts, according to the ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME. Now I guess they base this knowledge on the fact that none of them have ever seen one either. Now like I said earlier I’ve
never seen a “Wampus Cat”, but I’ve talked to plenty of folks who have and I’m sure some of you have too. Next time you get in a crowd of five or six folks bring up the subject of big cats and I will just about bet you that someone will say that they have either seen one or know someone who has. Just recently a big cat was killed over in Troup County, Ga., over next to West Point Lake. According to the Georgia Department of Fish and Game, in their opinion, this animal was probably someone’s pet that either escaped or was turned loose in the wild. Never the less, folks still been seeing big cats on a regular basis. About a year ago my old buddy Rodney and his brother-in-law were riding on a dirt road down by Cornhouse Creek, when they come around this sharp curve and low and behold there he was! Rodney said he was just standing there, crossways of the dirt road looking at ‘em. His nose was close to one ditch and his tail was almost in the other. Then with just a spring of a jump he was up the bank of the ditch and gone. Just vanished. Another hunting buddy told me about the time he was sitting in a tree stand overlooking a Greenfield one afternoon. Several doe and yearling were grazing in the field, when suddenly they fled the field into the nearby thicket. He said he thought to himself maybe a “Yodel Dog” or a “Bob-a-cat was
close by when all of a sudden a big cat walked out into the field. He said his first thought was to shoot it, but then he got to thinking what if he missed or even worse, only wounded that big cat. He realized it would soon be getting dark and he had a pretty long walk back to his truck so he just watched as the cat walked on through the field and into the thicket in the same direction as the deer had went. In both of these confrontations the cats were said to have been light brown in color with long bodies, there heads were small like a “pit bulldog” with small ears. The one thing that really caught their attention the most was the long flowing tail that was said to have been over three feet long. I probably could tell about another eight or ten sightings I have been told or heard about all describing pretty much the same looking cats, the only exception is that some of the other cats are black! I have had other friends tell stories of being out Coon hunting close to the Needham’s bottoms and have their dogs run out of the woods and be cowering under their pickup trucks. I wish there was a Skeeter tale that I could tell ya’ll first hand, but at the present time there is no such account. One day if the GOOD LORD is willing and the CREEKS don’t rise up maybe there will be one yet!!! Skeeter
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Lake Wedowee Life 3