FREE
Lake Wedowee Life 3
even Lake Wedowee Life
Table of December 2009/January 2010
Contents
Vol. 2 No. 6
10
Special this Month 10. Hometown Heroes: Letha Rice touches lives with comfort food 18. The Creative Side: Dr. Bob Steele writes book from returned letters 22. Home on the Lake: Melissa and Jason Turner decorate for Christmas 34. Photographer’s Spotlight: Burns picks up hobby again
22 18 11 34
Monthly Features 7. Enjoy Life! - Letter from the Editor 9. Southern Living House Plan 11. Readers’ Photos 15. Simply Fabulous 20. Area Events 28. Hooked on Lake Wedowee 30. Built on the Lake 32. Lake Map 36. Wedowee Currents 38. News to Know 42. Redneck Adventures
contributing writers Darlene Bailey, Corinne Cox, Max Fulbright, Kesa M. Johnston, Reed Montgomery and Skeeter
On the Cover For the second year, we are using this issue as a Christmas card to you. We thought it captured Lake Wedowee as well as the spirit of Christmas. We hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
General Manager LEISEL CALDWELL info@lakewedoweelife.com
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 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. Paid mail subscriptions are available for $12 a year. All content in this publication is protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise published without the prior written permission of Lake Wedowee Life Š 2008 Lake Wedowee Life
Social media makes things happen Every issue of Lake Wedowee Life is a learning experience for me in some fashion. Either I am trying a new design element, striving for that perfect photo or realizing I can’t do this by myself. With a little less than two weeks before this book had to be finished, I discovered I had no stories associated directly with the lake, and I knew that wouldn’t do considering our name is Lake Wedowee Life. So, I went to one of the most powerful tools used today and asked for help. That’s right I went to Facebook. Granted Facebook is a social media site which began as a way for college students to keep in touch with one another. But, in the last two years or so, it has evolved into much, much more. It’s not just about re-connecting with friends now, you can play games (I know several who are addicted to Farmville, Mafia Wars and such) or you can network for business. Personally I do a little of all three. Lake Wedowee Life has a fan page (which you can access by going to www.facebook.com/lakewedoweelife) and the day I discovered no lake stories for a lake magazine , I did two things. First I put out a call on our fan page asking if anyone was decorating their lake home for Christmas a little early (the second week of November) and second I searched Lake Wedowee on Facebook. That’s where I found Melissa Turner. We had never met but were connected through Facebook. In addition to the story on the Turner’s lake home, I also asked for reader’s photos which was also a great success. So thank you to those three roommates at Harvard for creating Facebook in their dorm room in 2004. It has taken over the world and has become a very useful (if not addictive) tool for me!
Enjoy Life! Kelly Caldwell
Lake Wedowee Life 7
2,534 Square Feet Plan #SL-1551 3 Bedrooms, 4 Full & 1 Half Baths 3 Stories with a daylight basement Style(s)/Influences: Southern, Craftsman, Country
Rendering by Miles Melton
Search over 800 exclusive Southern Living home designs @ www.southernlivinghouseplans.com Call McKinney Builders, Inc. at (770) 527-7355 The exclusive Newnan-based member of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program 28 Lake Wedowee Life
Lake Wedowee Life 9
Mrs. Letha touches lives with comfort food
Story and Photos by Corinne Cox
Planning the next custom cake: Mrs. Letha has been baking cakes since her early days in the Homemakers Club in Wedowee. Letha Rice grew up in Wedowee. Most folks know her as Mrs. Letha. She began working at the restaurant her grandparents owned when she was in her teens. Now she owns the HUB Restaurant where for 32 years she has provided food for this community seven days a week. Almost everybody that lives around here has eaten at the HUB and knows it for the home cooking style we consider comfort food. But there is much more going on at the HUB than meets the eye. Mrs. Letha begins her business days long before 5 a.m. when the first customers arrive for breakfast. By then the coffee and iced tea have been brewed and the preparation has begun for the many meals, parties, meetings, weddings, funerals, and custom cakes
Serving the community for 32 years: Mrs. Letha keeps a busy schedule running the HUB Restaurant and catering events for folks in Randolph County. that she has on her schedule for the week. The last of the breakfast eaters aren’t gone before the lunch buffet is up and ready to eat. The people heaping their plates with the buffet items they like have no idea that there are two different parties going on in the other rooms in the restaurant.
“We have been serving the Retirees Club lunch every month for over 10 years and today they are having their Christmas party,” Mrs. Letha said. “And, in the banquet room we’re having the Homemakers Ladies Luncheon now known as County Extension. “When I first attended the Homemaker’s Club luncheons with my mother-in-law I saw the beautifully decorated cakes and thought how I could do that. That’s when I began my special love of cake baking. This week I’m making a fancy custom cake for a woman in Roanoke’s baby shower for her first grandbaby. It will have three levels with all kinds of decorations attached” she said. The HUB almost always has fresh cakes on hand that can be bought whole or by the slice. “Later today, we will be serving the Poultry Association’s meeting and the Democratic Party meeting in another room. Then we will begin making platters for an event going on at the Courthouse tomorrow” Mrs. Letha said thinking ahead. All along, Mrs. Letha will also be preparing to make food for a wedding and two funerals scheduled for the day after tomorrow. This continuous devotion to cook for others is a labor of love for Mrs. Letha Rice as she touches so many lives through the comfort food we love to share as a community. The Hub Restaurant is open seven days a week and offers catering for private events.
Lake Wedowee Life readers share photos
Deborah Ash
Mary Ann Engstrom
Tammy Sweet
Rita Belt
Stephanie Yates
Stephanie Yates
Life on Lake Wedowee: Our readers have shown there is a lot of fun to be had on Lake Wedowee and the fun is not just limited to people. If you would like to see your pictures in the pages of Lake Wedowee Life, please email them to news@lakewedoweelife.com.
Lake Wedowee Life 11
Pam Baker
Chris Martin
Rita Belt
Sonja Dewhurst
Debbie Bailey
Sonja Dewhurst
Debbie Bailey Tammy Sweet
Debbie Bailey
Pam Baker
Send your pictures to news@lakewedoweelife.com
Rita Belt
Debbie Bailey
Kati Stewart
Stephanie Yates
Pam Baker
Stephanie Yates
Debbie Bailey
Stephanie Yates
Pam Baker
Pam Baker
There is nothing better than getting together with the Bud's for a game night. A number one pass time during this time of year is cheering for our favorite team. On Friday night's we have all been consumed with our local football team. Now we get into the heavy season of cheering on our pick in college and professional football.
Simply Fabulous Story by Darlene Bailey Photos by Kelly Caldwell After working hard all week long what perfect way to relax and end the week than hosting a game night. Start by deciding if you want to ask your guest to
Pecan Pie Bars 2 c. all-purpose flour 1 c. light corn syrup 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. butter
1/8 t. salt 4 lg. eggs(beaten) 3/4 c. butter(cut up) 21/2 cu. chopped pecans
1 c. packed brown sugar 1 t. vanilla
Combine flour, sugar and salt, cut in 3/4 c butter with fork mix until crumbs form. Press into 13x9 pan. Bake at 350 until golden brown. Combine brown sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 c butter in saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and gently add eggs beating well not to cook eggs. Stir in pecans and vanilla, pour over curst and bake 34-37 min. until set in center. Cut into bars. Yield 16 bars
bring "same family" or "anything goes" food. Next either call or send a festive invitation to your guest. Now the part I like the best--the food! I have two simple recipes that take only minutes to prepare with touchdown results. Fun is the name of the game so Let's Get Cookin. Glass Slipper Events 256. 449. 2946
Mini Pizza Cups 1 pkg. pizza crust dough parmesan cheese 1 pkg. pepperoni black olives
1 (8oz) mozzarella cheese green bell pepper 1 jar pizza sauce
Preheat oven to 400. Roll pizza dough out and cut into circle's with biscuit cutter. Place in mini muffin pan making a cup. To each cup add 1/2 t sauce, parmesan, pepperoni, mozzarella and top with an olive and pepper. Bake until cheese is bubbling and starts to brown. * You can use the round circles as mini pizza's instead of cups. Use your favorite toppings to create a variety of mini pizza's.
Steele writes book from returned letters other,” Spiller said. Letters from Viet“Two hours were nam: A Love Story is not long enough,” not your typical tale of Steele said of the boy meets girl. First, its reunion. “Being a true story from more there brought back than 40 years ago when so many memories times were simpler. and then to learn And, second the boy how our paths were didn't get the girl. Don't so similar was interworry, that's told on the esting as well.” first page of this book. The two attended Dr. Bob Steele D.C. the same college in penned these letters Georgia (DeKalb while stationed in VietCollege) at the same nam to a young girl he time, even taking thought at the time the same classes would be his bride, Miss with the same proDebbie Spiller. fessors but at differThe couple dated ent times. before Steele was “When my son-inshipped off for seven law heard I was gomonths and the love the ing to Lineville, Ala. two shared is evident to return the letters, even in today's world. he said I go to a car “Back then it was not show over there about the physical,” every year,” Spiller Steele said. “It was said. about spending time Steele has been an with each other and organizer of the holding hands and Labor of Love: Steele’s family encouraged him to put these letters Alcazar Car Show in learning about the into a book for others to enjoy. Lineville for the last other.” 23 years. However, their paths So Letters from Vietnam: A Love were not meant to be the same or Story is not about everlasting love even cross again for more than 40 Story by Kelly Caldwell considering both Steele and Spiller years when Miss Spiller was cleanhave made separate lives for theming out some of her old “treasures” selves, but it is a love story all the reunited at High Point Coffee & when she came across the letters Books where the two caught up on same in its purest form. from the man she loved so many Steele felt compelled to write four decades of life. years ago. “We embraced and I melted like this book with encouragement “She re-read them and her chilfrom his family, friends and pathe teenager that I was when I last dren read them,” Steele said. tients. It is available in hardcover saw him---I had no control over “They thought so much of them and paperback through my emotions and as hard as I tried that her children urged her to give www.authorhouse.com and availI (we) teared up and then sucked them to me so my children could able locally (hard cover) at Steele up the sobs and went on to the have them.” Chiropractic Life Center. next question that we had for each Earlier this year, the two were
The Creative Side
18 Lake Wedowee Life
Lake Wedowee Life 19
Events draw large crowds to Lake Wedowee area
Something for everyone: Corinne Cox, Leisel Caldwell and Donnie Strain captured the French Hammond Trunk or Treat, the 22nd annual Alcazar Car Show and the 8th annual Toy Ride for Lake Wedowee Life recently. Mark your calendars for next year!!
Lake Wedowee Life 21
T
he Christmas season brings family and friends together all over the world and Lake Wedowee is no different. The holiday season seems to begin earlier each year with get-togethers nearly every weekend in December.
Home on the Lake Story and Photos by Kelly Caldwell Melissa and Jason Turner are just like everyone else and took a Sunday in November to decorate their lake home for the upcoming season. “I know its early to decorate, but there is so much going on that we have to do this early,” Melissa said. “And here we get to decorate in ways that we don’t get to at our primary home.” The Turners have three Christmas trees in their four bedroom, three bath
custom lake home built by Charles Thompson in 2007, and holiday decorations are definitely geared to their lake home. “At home we are much more traditional in terms of holiday decorating, but here we can have fun with it. On the main level, we have a white Christmas tree,” Melissa said. “It’s fun and we decorate it with pictures taken of friends and family on the lake during the summer.” The Turners will host three Christmas parties at their lake home this year and enjoy sharing their home with others. “We love people to come to the lake,” Melissa said. “It is so laid back here. “We still spend Christmas at Mama’s house and have our traditions and schedules, but here it’s not like that. There are no schedules when you come to the lake.” In the basement, the Turner’s sports allegiance is evident year round and at Christmas a University of Georgia themed tree is the focal point. “We are huge Georgia fans and being able to decorate this room to show our pride has been great,” Melissa said. Jason and Melissa both grew up as part of the Bulldog Nation and Jason credits his grandfather Col. Sidney Dell. “Jason’s grandfather is the one he credits for making him a Georgia fan,” Melissa said. “He played for Georgia and would take Jason to games when he was younger. “And, I remember the team traveling through New-
‘Tis The Season: The Turners enjoy Lake Wedowee year round including hosting three Christmas parties at their lake home in December.
Bulldog Nation: Jason and Melissa Turner are avid Georgia Bulldog fans and use their basement living area to display their memorabilia. nan growing up and would love to see the buses come through.” Several of the football programs from past games decorate the walls in the Turners’ basement. Some come from Jason’s time with his grandfather and others come from a family friend of Melissa’s. Either way their pride in Georgia is evident from the pillows on the couch to the art work on the walls and all places in between. “We love that we can have an entire room decorated with UGA memorabilia. It just makes our lake home ours even more. “
Lake Wedowee Life 25
“Maintaining Your Investment” Our Goal: We do the work so you can enjoy your home.
1-877-751-3936 56 Bradley Drive Wedowee, AL 36278 Email: OneCall@zoho.com Lavoy Caldwell Frank White 334-863-0932 770-656-9905 Locally owned and operated.
Benefield Funeral Home Serving Randolph & Adjoining Counties Leave Online Condolences at www.BenefieldFHWedowee.com 20 West Broad St. Wedowee
256.357.2888
Lures for targeting big wintertime bass expensive. So lets just Before Lake Wedowee stick with the basics. was impounded in 1983, it TOPWATER LURES consisted of two incoming Yes, a bass will viciously river systems. The Big Talattack a topwater lure lapoosa River and the Litduring the cold, winter tle Tallapoosa Rivers. Almonths of December and ready living within these January. Its all a matter of waters was the Tallapoosa timing. Perfect timing, is River spotted bass. These needed to expect a bite on smaller cousins of the a topwater lure. Like much bigger largemouth when following a weekbass, made up for their long warming trend. diminutive size as being Each month during the labeled, "a fighting ball of winter season there will fury" by any angler that always be some unseahad the pleasure of doing sonably warm days, often battle with one. coupled with some unseaEven back then, there sonably warm nights and were some big spotted usually followed by a bass -- those exceeding 5 rainy day or two. If you pounds -- that really Hoping for the big one: A variety of lures can be can, plan a trip this winter tested any anglers rod, used to catch big mouth bass like these. season during these reel, fishing line, hooks warming trends or immeand tackle. There is a lot diately following one. This will chance at landing one with anyof precious hardware between increase your chances of finding thing less? Fishing smaller offeran angler and a trophy bass. some really big bass in or near ings is good for landing smaller Many anglers of that time were shallow water. bass and occasionally an angler fortunate enough to just land These are the first types of will hook into a really big bass one of these true, trophy-sized topwater lures, I will choose for when downsizing their equipTallapoosa River spotted bass. targeting the often sluggish bass ment and/or tackle selection. Today anglers that fish this of winter on Lake Wedowee. lake with any regularity Especially when choosing my (including my self) have refavorite topwater lure. A big, ported taking and losing some over-sized topwater lure featurreally big spotted bass. Those ing three treble hooks and interspotted bass weighing in the by Reed Montgomery nal rattles. A lure big bass just real trophy-sized weight class of cannot resist. 6-8 pounds are very rare. But Especially when an angler Leave the light tackle outfits like the big, largemouth bass learns how to master the "walk at home and believe me, this they do exist! the dog method" with these will decrease your chances of LURES types of topwater lures. The When targeting big bass of joining the ones with the old any breed always think big in tale of, " the one that broke their back and forth motion simulating a big dying bait fish is genyour lure selection. I know a lot line and got away." erated when an angler masters of anglers will disagree on this There are so many lures on this topwater lure to perfection. theory. But can they honestly say the market today its mind bogHow many times have you they are truly seeking trophygling when making a few lure been fishing in the dead of winsized bass or will even have a selections, not to mention very
Hooked on Lake Wedowee
28 Lake Wedowee Life
ter on a calm day and heard a big old bass explode on some hapless bait fish fleeing to escape its huge maw, while struggling on or near the waters surface? That same big bass will explode on a well placed and well maneuvered topwater lure, if your there on the right day, fishing the right lure with the right presentation, during the right conditions that are favorable for enticing these big bass to hit your offering on top. There are other topwater lures to consider. Topwater lures that can be made to pop, jerk, walk, sputter or slowly struggle on the waters surface like a real dying bait fish, are the best overall lure choices besides walking type topwater lures. On some days, like when water temperatures have risen as much as 5-6 degrees by the evening, active bass will even chase down some more fast retrieved topwater lures, like buzz baits. Rising water temperatures always increase the feeding activity of these bass and it speeds up their metabolism, making them more active during these winter warming trends and more likely to hit your enticing topwater lures! MIDDLE WATER COLUMN When fishing during the winter months anglers will always encounter bass that just suspend in the middle water column. These bass are either avoiding bright sunlight, they are just holding beneath schools of baitfish or they can be holding in a preferred more comfortable depth. But they are still reachable bass, by anglers fishing with lures that run as they say, " right in their face! " As said, getting back to just
the basics can narrow down your lure selection. Still, there are many old favorites that run in this mid water column to select. Shallow to Mid-diving Crankbaits always come to mind when I'm attempting to fool some of Lake Wedowee's big bass in the winter season. Although there are many smaller lures to choose from in this mid water column class, I'll still stick with bigger model shallow to mid diving crankbaits. These shallow to mid-diving crankbaits usually feature a built in action creating a wide wobble upon retrieve. Lipless Lures - Lures like the name sake Rattletrap or Cordell Rattling Spots are old favorites. These lures or lipless lures like them, can be retrieved fast just under the waters surface, slowly retrieved in the mid water column, or they can be allowed to sink with a lift and pause retrieve. Suspending or Floating Minnow-type Lures - Bass that suspend are more likely to be enticed to hit when fishing with one of these types of hard bodied jerk baits, especially when utilizing a fast erratic retrieve in lightly stained to clear water conditions. This lure simulates a weak or dying bait fish big bass cannot ignore. Spinnerbaits will sink or they can be made to buzz just beneath the surface of the water or anglers can slow roll heavier model spinnerbaits in the midto-lower water column, utilizing short erratic twitches and often stopping the lure and then fast retrieving it, just like an escaping bait fish. BOTTOM FISHED Today, fishing with a lure
that you either drag across the lakes bottom or a lure that suspends a few feet above the lakes bottom, can evolve into some major lure decisions. Stick with the basics and your lure selection can be narrowed down to just a few, time-tested lures that will specifically target oversized bass looking for a big meal. Worms - Worms of all sizes will fool a big old bass. They come in 4 inch sizes, all the way up to 16 inch worms that look more like small snakes! Worms that come in lengths of 8-12 inches will always get the job done. These sizes of worms are a good choice for fooling smaller bass or great for targeting larger, more lazier bass. Big bass looking for a big, easy to catch meal! Lizards - Plastic lizards, like worms, come in all sizes. Eight to ten inch models are a mouth full for a bass. But not to much for a big bass, that can easily engulf an 8 inch lizard like its just a snack. Jig Combos - A jig combo consists of a rubber skirted jig head and a hook, adorned with an added enticing trailer like a pork chunk, plastic chunk, crayfish imitation or twin tailed grub. Some anglers even add big worms or lizards to a jig combo to create a more enticing lure with a much bigger lure profile. Always use as heavy a line test as possible for all of these lure selections! Like I said, when it comes to lure selection for targeting big trophy bass…”always think big!” Thanks and Good Fishin' Reed Montgomery Reed’s Guide Service www.fishingalabama.com Lake Wedowee Life 29
Bunk rooms allow for less wasted space A hot new trend that no lake home should be without is the “Bunk Room”. A lake home is a great place to get away for a little peace and quiet. However, it’s also a great place to entertain a BIG crowd. Whether it’s a large family gathering or a weekend getaway with several close families, the lake is a great place to get together. But where will you put all those kids? Enter the Bunk Room.
Built on the Lake by Max Fulbright The Bunk Room is simply a space in the home that contains several beds or bunks so that it maximizes sleeping space. It almost always ends up becoming a favorite hangout spot as well. The Bunk Room can be located in an attic loft, in the basement, or in a traditional bedroom. The space over a carport or garage can also make a great Bunk Room. Beds can be built into the low slope space behind the knee walls. For additional sleeping space consider building bunks on a screened sleeping porch. Built in bunks come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. The traditional twin over twin bunk is still the most popular design. However, there are unlimited variations. Oversize bunks built for regular, queen, or even king size mattresses give a Bunk Room extra sleeping space and an unexpected twist. Bunks can be tucked away in unexpected places such as a dormer window or in the space 30 Lake Wedowee Life
Making the most of space: Incorporating bunk rooms and lofts can add additional sleeping space for your lake house.
under a set of stairs. A twin bunk hanging from the ceiling with a queen bed below provides extra sleeping space and a cool look. Don’t forget to add extra details that make your built in bunks complete. What about bookcases at the head of each bunk? Reading lights and outlets for plugging in cell phones and radios should be considered. Drawers underneath the bunks provide valuable storage. Curtains that surround each bunk
can block out light and provide privacy when “sleeping in”. Well placed “port holes” or round windows let in light and add interest. The sky is the limit when it comes to the materials and colors that can be used in the Bunk Room. Build your bunks out of rough sawn stained wood or cover them in cedar shake for a rustic look. Smooth sanded wood and your choice of paint leads to a more refined and finished feel. Use your
imagination and make sure the Bunk Room reflects your personality. If you already own a lake home or if you are planning to build one, consider a Bunk Room to provide extra sleeping space and personality. Most importantly, when designing your Bunk Room, HAVE FUN!! I guarantee the kids will!! Max Fulbright has designed dozens of homes on Lake Wedowee. He is also Operations Manager for StoneCo Development and owner of Bunks and Closets, Inc. His website is www.maxfulbrightdesigns.com
Lake Wedowee Life 31
Sharing a story: The cast of “Our Child is Missing� gathers for a photo with Randy Simpkins, top. Pierce Ganon, above, plays Joe in the movie.
Burns returns to hobby years later
34 Lake Wedowee Life
Celia Burns enjoys photography as a hobby. She put her camera away many years ago while she raised the family. Now that her children are grown and on their own, she has picked it back up. Burns enjoys taking pictures of children, animals and landscapes. The shots here are all of Wedowee and Randolph County with many stories to be told and preserved. Anyone interested in showcasing their photos of the Lake Wedowee area contact Kelly Caldwell, editor, at news@lakewedoweelife.com. Lake Wedowee Life 35
Wedowee Currents Christmas On The Mountain, Cheaha State Park, Starting Nov 26 - Jan 1, 2010. The feel and smell of Christmas is the delight of all old and young. Cheaha Restaurant staff will once again put together its own Candy land. This village is brought to you by the staff of Cheaha State Park. It is a must see people drive for miles to see the village enjoy the decorations and have hot chocolate. This has made Cheaha a favorite Christmas party place. Website Address: http://www.alapark.com/events /details Lineville Christmas Parade, Lineville, Alabama - Tuesday, December 01, 2009. Starts at 5 p.m. Holiday Choirs at Quintard Mall, Oxford, Alabama - Tuesday, December 01, 2009 Starts at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1—Dec. 11. Enjoy the sounds of Christmas as local choirs and bands perform in the Center Court. Christmas Show, Wadley, Alabama - Dec 1 - 4 Starts at 7 p.m. Southern Union Fine Arts Department presents their annual Christmas Music Show. . General Admission $5.00. Advanced reservations needed. Organization: Southern Union State Community College Fine Arts Departments Phone Number: 256-395-2211 Holiday Sound, Lights and Watershow, Childersburg, Alabama - Nov 1-Jan 1, Childersburg Holiday Sound, Light, and Water 36 Lake Wedowee Life
Show 256-378-7252. www.DeSotoCaverns.com. Admission charged. DeSoto Caverns Park--Celebrate the holidays in a beautiful and unique way. Show takes place in the spectacular main room of the caverns, which is higher than a 12-story building and larger than a football field. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Ashland Christmas Parade, Ashland, Alabama -Thursday, December 03, 2009, Starts at 5 p.m. Christmas with Santa, Cheaha State Park - Saturday, December 05, 2009 Starts at 08 a.m. Cheaha Restaurant will host its annual "Breakfast with Santa" from 8:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m. Each child donating $1.00 that morning to the Stray Dog & Cat Program will receive a free coupon for one child's breakfast with purchase of one adult breakfast. American Idol Stars in Concert for the Holidays, Oxford, Alabama—Friday, December 04, 2009. The American Idol Stars in Concert for the Holidays will be coming to Oxford on Friday, December 4, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Oxford. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at Cheaha Bank, Noble Bank, Quintard Mall Guest Services, or from any Oxford Arts Council member (for more information , call 256-832-000 or 256225-9595). Idol stars appearing will include Alexis Grace and Michael Sarver (Season 8), David Hernandez (Season 7), and Gina
Glocksen (Season 6). They will be doing solo, duet, and ensemble performances of holiday favorites and other music. American Idol's own Michael Orland will be the musical director for the event. RSA Christmas Tour of Homes, Roanoke, Alabama— Saturday December 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Support the Roanoke Schools Association by supporting its 3rd annual Christmas Tour of Homes in downtown Roanoke. Wadley Christmas Parade, Wadley, Alabama - Saturday, December 05, 2009. Starts at 1 p.m. Wedowee Christmas Parade, Wedowee, Alabama - Saturday, December 05, 2009. Starts at 5 p.m. Nutcracker Ballet, Anniston, Alabama, Sunday, December 06, 2009. Come to the 28th annual special performance of the Nutcracker Ballet in Anniston at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Anniston Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25 for adults; $12 for children 12 and under and $30 for all reserved seating. Sugar Plum Party to follow for $25 per child. Christmas in Wedowee, Wedowee, Alabama - Monday, December 07, 2009. Dance Music by Jerry Rogers' One-Man Orchestra and Christmas food. Located at ALFA Building Meeting Hall. Call for ticket information. Organization: East Alabama Arts Society, Contact: Johnnie New, Phone Numbers: 256-357-2361 or 256-
357-4394. 2nd Saturday on the Square, Ashland, Alabama Saturday, December 12, 2009. Starts at 09 a.m. The day will include sidewalk sales and other bargains at several businesses from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m Organization: Ashland Merchants Woodland Christmas Parade, Woodland, Alabama - Saturday, December 12, 2009. Starts at 1 p.m. Roanoke Christmas Parade, Roanoke, Alabama Saturday, December 12, 2009. Starts at 2 p.m. The Clay County Saddle Club Turkey Shoot, Lineville, Alabama - Saturday, December 19, 2009. Starting at 9 am until noon. At the Arena in Lineville. 12 Gauge Only - No Chokes $3.00 per shot. Name: Lynn Williams, Phone Number: 256-618-2117 or 256618-2576 Email Address: lynnwilliams@my.tupperware.com 36th Annual Traditional New Years Day Buffet, Cheaha State Park - Friday, January 01, 2010 Starts at 11:30 a.m. "HAPPY NEW YEAR" join us for a tradi-
tional New Year's Day Buffet, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Cheaha Mountain Restaurant. 36th Annual Traditional New Years Day Buffet - Buffet with a meaning! Menu made to help you prosper in 2010! Family, Friends and Good Food the best way to start out your year! Atlanta Boat Show, Atlanta, Georgia - January 13 - 17, 2010. Georgia World Congress Center Hall C, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30313. Admission: Adults $9.00 - Youth (13-15 years old) $5.00 -Children 12 and younger FREE. Website Address: http://www.atlantaboatshow.com/ Birmingham Boat Show, Birmingham, Alabama Thursday, January 21, 2010. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Website Address: http://www.BirminghamBoatShow.com
To submit your calendar items: email info@lakewedoweelife.com or sign up at www.lakewedoweelife.com to submit directly to the website.
Lake Wedowee Life 37
Getting to know the ABCs of LLCs It always surprises me when otherwise brilliant individuals go into business with family members or friends without the benefit of a written agreement. Rarely is the mix of money, management, and family a good idea without first considering all options. There are several legal entities in the state of Alabama that not only protect individuals in the event of disagreement but also provide protection from third parties and offer certain tax benefits. The most popular entities are Professional Corporations (PC), Limited Partnerships (LP), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), and Limited Liabilities Companies (LLC). In most situations I prefer formation of LLCs for
38 Lake Wedowee Life
benefits of LLCs and the procedure for formation of such an entity. An LLC is easily formed through a visit with your attorney and your accountant. I advise people to first meet with their accountant to determine which tax benefits are more important to their particular business. We would then determine whether or not a Professional Corporation, LLC, or other type of entity is preferable for the client. Regardless of the entity chosen, the Internal Revenue Service will require by Kesa M. Johnston documentation for their records and certain payment structures groups and individuals who are looking for the liability protection for those businesses. The information generally offered through such an entity. In needed to create an LLC would inthis article I will highlight the
News to Know
clude the name of the person and/or other members of the company, the location of the business and the official address for a company agent along with the percentage of capital each member would contribute to the business. It is important that an operating agreement is in place and so that every member of the company is aware of their roles and responsibilities and how certain issues will be addressed. Often the most crucial issue that is unforeseen by individuals is the issue of dissolution. There should be rules put in place governing how a business will be dissolved should the owners choose to go their separate ways. As with most things, people generally find that they will disagree when dissolving their business and therefore, the rules put in place in the beginning
make it much easier and less costly to dissolve the company later. An LLC can provide for protection of your personal assets in the event of a lawsuit and any other kind of liability. There are also similar tax benefits to those of a corporation which can insure that you and other members of the LLC are protected. The cost of preparing an LLC can vary depending on the size and what type of business the LLC is performing. However, it is almost always a less costly alternative than going through months or years of litigation involving dissolution of a company or lawsuits among members of a company. You can easily convert your existing general partnership or sole proprietorship to an LLC even if you have begun operating without a formal agreement. Once all paperwork is drafted and
you have had an opportunity to review the agreement, a lawyer will file a copy of the company agreement or articles with the local probate office and with the Secretary of State. As of this issue, Randolph County’s filing fees are $45 and the Secretary of State filing fees are $40.00. This article is written for information purposes only and it not intended to provide specific legal advice to any certain individual. “No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.� Kesa M. Johnston is an attorney in Roanoke, Alabama. She can be reached at 334.863.5500 or via email at kesa.johnston@yahoo.com
Lake Wedowee Life 39
Skeeter with it and stayed home cause I was running late, but the wind had blown the night before and acorns had really hit the ground as a result. Shortly after climbing up in the tree, and getting settled in, I had several does and yearlings pass along with one small spike, not being able to get a good shot, I watched as they fed on and disappeared from sight. Not long afterward I caught some movement and was able to make out two small four pointers headed in my direction. Now normally bucks this small I let walk, but a deer in the cooler is worth two in the bush. As they get closer I spot a third deer following some distance behind and as he draws within bow range, I see he’s a pretty fair six pointer. To make a long story short he looked pretty good for just a stick and string…TWANG!!! Fresh trout, rooster and tenderloin, man, how good does it get. I’m on a pretty good roll, so the next weekend it’s off to Gulf Shores where in the past we’ve usually done pretty good on bull reds and
40 Lake Wedowee Life
Continued from Page 42
flounder. Somebody must have called ahead and warned them about our arrival. I think I caught one blue fish and the bait that I was using. GOT WHUPPED!!! Well I still remember what Dad said…”you can’t catch ‘em if you don’t go.”
SKEETER
Index of Advertisers A & E Metal
38
Letters from Vietnam: a Love Story
31
A&M Insulation
39
Mac McKinney Properties
2
Alabama Power Company
3
Main Street Animal Hospital
21
Ashland Family Care
31
Max Fulbright/Stone Co
33
Ashland Tax and Business Services, Inc.
21
ML Awbrey
31
Ava Hills Assisted Living
14
Norton's Floor Covering
17
Bank of Wedowee
6
One Call Services
26
Benefield Funeral Home
26
Randolph Co. Industrial Development
27
Benefield Masonry
4
RE/MAX Lakefront
44
Brownbridge Dock Company
19
RE/MAX Lakefront Kelly & Leisel Caldwell
14
Chad Lee, Attorney
26
RE/MAX Lakeftont Grady & Linda Stone
33
Clearly Superior Windows
39
Shoreline Property Rentals
19
Clay County Chamber of Commerce
8
SmallTown Bank
16
Corrine Cox, Graphic Designer
39
Southern Union
37
D & S Marine
16
State Farm
26
Docks ETC
17
Steele Chiropractic
17
Farmers Insurance
8
Summit Storage
14
Fishin’ Alabama
8
Superior Gas
8
H& M Drugs
19
Tallapoosa River Electric
8
Hunter Bend, Gene Crouch
31
Traylor’s Tax and Gifts
21
Hunter Bend, Ron Young
21
W & M Grocery
14
Kesa Johnston , Attorney
17, 21
Wedowee Building Supplies
8
Lake View Auto Sales
26
Wedowee Marine
25
Lake Wedowee Body Shop
19
Wellborn Cabinet
33
Lakeside Grill
43
Williamsburg Manor
11
Lakeside Park Models
40
I
’ve come to believe there’s no better time of year than the change of the seasons. Whether it be winter ushering spring, or summer bowing down to fall. The changing of temperature really has an effect on the movement and the feeding habits of all fish and fowl. Springtime is really a renewal of life and the woods and streams burst forth their never ending rebirth. I enjoy a lot of different stuff come spring, like turkey huntin’, fishin’, crow callin’, and of course plowin’ and plantin’, but I guess fall stuff is just a little better. Maybe I should rephrase that and say there’s just more to do come fall.
Redneck Adventures By Skeeter For some reason I’ve just enjoyed more adventures this year than previous falls I can remember. This could be from the fact that I just haven’t had a lot of work due to our progressive economy, so I have spent a lot more time around the farm and in the woods. Well that’s not entirely true, about the first week of October Thornt, Bob, Big Will and myself made a trek up to Cherokee, North Carolina on a “campin’ and trout fishin’ expedition. I’ve been known to do a little fly fishin’, but it’s really not my field of expertise. Now I was bound and determined that if I caught trout it had to be on that fly rod. Well, after whuppin’ a 42 Lake Wedowee Life
good bit of the water outa that creek and hooking a good many “squirrel fish”, I finally abandoned the fly rod and got down to some serious fishin’. The old spinning rod equipped with a light brown rooster tail had some pretty good results for all of us. We caught some pretty good “rainbow” from a pound up to maybe two, but the real good-uns we caught using a bait showed to us by an “old codger” we met while at the campground. I can’t tell you what it was cause we were sworn to secrecy, but I can tell you this much. It’s yellow and contains gold glitter, gotta have the gold glitter, just plain yellow won’t do. A good time was had by all and we all agreed to make it an annual fall event. After gettin’ back home and cleaning the fish and unpacking the gear, I wuz looking forward to some relaxation after all that hard fishin’, when my loving wife informs me that something has got to be done with all the roosters going off about two hours before daylight. You see, I hatched off a bunch of eggs this spring and out of about fifty chicks, thirty of them turned out to be roosters. Now, every morning about 4:30 you’ve never heard such a fuss from a bunch of young roosters trying to learn how to crow. Something had to give. Well, they were so plump and pretty, we decided to have a “rooster whuppin’” come Saturday morning. To begin with, we played with the idea of plucking the rascals and leaving the skin on, but after counting, we
decided skinning would probably be our best bet. Now word got out a few days ahead of time, so there was a pretty good group of rednecks along with a couple of game city fellers come Saturday morning. Cousin Thornt, Cousin Bob, his friend Jimmy, Cousin Matt and his friend Ralph. Now Matt and Ralph being from Atlanta didn’t really know what to expect, so when I started pulling out roosters and commenced to separate their heads from their bodies with a hatchet, I got their attention!! Before the scalping started I had attached six or eight cords from a beam in the wood shed, by making loop in the ends, we simply stuck a chicken leg through each one and everyone began to make feathers fly. I’ll have to admit those city fellers caught on pretty quick and seemed to have a big time getting those roosters undressed. I pretty much just stood back and watched all morning other than occasionally separating another rooster from his crowing apparatus. Besides all these outings I’ve also been doing the usual fall stuff like plantin’ green fields, cutting firewood and doing a little practice with the old stick and string. I finally managed to slip off the following week with bow in hand, porta-climber on back, and release in pocket. No there is no release in pocket so back to the house I go get release then back to woods. I almost just said to heck
See SKEETER Page 40
REMAX
Lake Wedowee Life 3