Lake Magazine January 2023

17th

Annual Edition

&Swimsuit Lifestyle

ERIN BURTON erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com Marketing RENEE TRICE renee.trice@alexcityoutlook.com MARILYN HAWKINS marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com SHERYL JENNINGS sheryl.jennings@thewetumpkaherald.com EMILY GREGG emily.gregg@thewetumpkaherald.com

Excellent Pay and Benefits

On the Cover

In this annual special edition of Lake magazine, we showcase the lake lifestyle with local students and professionals against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Martin's sensational sunsets and scenery. Check out this year's boat models and lake area services in this issue that will remind you those sunny summer days at the lake are right around the corner.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake

Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators

Sales Month November 2022 November 2019 November 2016

Number of sales 13 16 14

Average selling price $949,885 $493,760 $537,574

Median selling price $865,000 $385,000 $239,500

Days on the market 56 252 199

Total houses for sale 61 167 254

Inventory/ sales ratio 2.60 5.71 9.71

The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS. The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single-family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy of Lake Martin Realty, LLC (a Russell Lands, Inc., affiliated company).

Give your Christmas tree new life as fish habitat

The beautiful live Christmas tree that thrilled the grandchildren as the season's symbol of holiday fun could have another life at Lake Martin, one that helps wildlife by building places where fish could spawn and feed. Those discarded Christmas trees could be dropped in the lake to enhance sport fishing.

"When we sink the trees, the insects, microorganisms and algae colonize around them," said Mike Clelland with Alabama Power. "The bait fish gather to feed; and then, big predator fish come in to eat the newly hatched bait fish."

Over the years, more than 60,000 discarded Christmas trees have been repurposed as fish habitat. Being a reservoir, Lake Martin has no aquatic vegetation, he explained. Adding the trees takes the place of the vegetation that aids the fish population at Lake Martin. Fishing tournaments are big business year-round at the lake, but they take front and center attention during the colder months.

Alabama Power has been sinking the trees in the lake every few years since 1993 with help from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Lake Martin Resource Association and Wind Creek State Park.

The trees are tied into bundles of four and secured to concrete block weights. Each bundle is dropped in an area that is about 20 feet deep. The weight sinks to the bottom, and the trees then stand upright in the water. As they break down over the years, they offer many benefits to the fish habitat.

Donate your live Christmas tree to the effort by delivering the undecorated tree at one the following designated drop-off points by Jan. 8. Trees will be accepted at Lake Martin Machine Gun, Wind Creek State Park and New Water Farms.

Weather Outlook for January

January 2023 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid to upper 50s with average lows in the low 30s and about 5-and-3/4 inches of precipitation in the month of January.The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be slightly above average and rainfall will be normal this month.

2022 Totals

Precipitation: 45.30 inches Avg. high temp.: 75.4 Avg. low temp.: 51.7 Avg. temp.: 63.6

Information from the National Weather Service.

Our Normal January

Precipitation: 5.72 inches Avg. high temp.: 56.0 Avg. low temp.: 32.1 Avg. temp.: 44.1

Last Month's Lake Levels

Summer: 491 MSL

Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 484.18 Lowest: 483.80

Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.

Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and water-related equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) On an October boat ride, Tony Johnson noticed his neighbors were fishing on the pier while one was working on a tan. (2) Kim Duffett captures the aweinspiring art of a Lake Martin sunset. (3) Lyle Nickles shot this photo of Children's Chapel on a sunny fall day at the lake. (4) Kyle Thornton took this photo of Russell Crossroads on a cool autumn day. (5) Ben Andrews barefoot skiing near Holiday Shores on Lake Martin.

READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Tony Johnson noticed that fall colors began to come out on the lake's shorelines at the end of October. (2) Tony Johnson took this photo during an evening cruise on the lake. (3) Lyle Nickles took this serene photo at New Hope Church on Lake Martin. (4) We're going to assume all of Tiffany Ingram's baby ducks got away from the hungry fish. (5) Cash Andrews flies over the lake.

Jan. 1

First Day Hike

Kick off 2023 with a hike through the pines and along the shoreline at Wind Creek State Park. Meet at the North Picnic trailhead at 12 p.m. and be prepared for a moderate two-hour trek. This hike is free with paid day-use admission to the park and for overnight guests. Wear weather appropriate clothing and bring water, snacks, a hiking stick, camera and binoculars. Leashed pets are welcome.

Jan. 10

Sign Language Classes

Adelia M. Russell Library is offering free sign language classes. The first class will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 10. Please email amrl@ alexandercityal.gov to sign up or learn more.

Jan. 10

Goldpine

Join Zazu’s Verandah and The Destination at 6:30 p.m. inside Zazu’s Listening Room for live music with friends.

Jan. 18-March 8

Beginners

Quilting Lessons

Meet at Zazu’s Verandah from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesdays to learn how to create traditional to modern quilt squares. Emphasis will be on techniques with a completed quilt at the end of the class. Cost for the class is $150. Text your email address to Zazu’s Verandah at 256-307-2188 to receive an application. Class is limited to 10 students.

Jan. 19-22

Lakeside Marina Boat Event

with teaching the theory of evolution in violation of state law. The play has 28 speaking parts for men and seven roles for women, including parts for one pre-teen boy and a pre-teen girl. Performances will be April 28-30 at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. Auditions will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21; 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22; and 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23. All auditions and rehearsals will take place at 216 Tallapoosa St., Alexander City. Contact Scears Barnes at 256-794-3194 or Betsy Iler at 256-509-6641 for information.

Feb. 15

Open Studio Panel

Artists Association of Central Alabama will host a panel of successful artists in different mediums, as well as a gallery business owner, to talk about their paths to success and answer questions from the audience. The event will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Alexander City Senior Center at the Sportplex. Lunch will be served after the panel presentation. Cost to nonmembers is $10, which can be applied toward AACA membership. Call June Dean at 334313-7533 or email her at junedeansart@gmail. com.

Feb. 25

Russell Forest Run

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN

There will be food, fun, entertainment and giveaways at this year’s annual boat event at Lakeside Marina. In addition, the marina will host a customer appreciation celebration at New Water Farms with Happy Hour starting at 5:15 p.m. and dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Dress for the dinner is lake-casual. Text 256-307-5973 to RSVP for the dinner by Jan. 6.

Jan. 21-23

Inherit the Wind Auditions

Alexander City Theatre II will hold open auditions for Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. This drama was inspired by the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, in which a Tennessee schoolteacher was arrested and charged

Sign up now for this year’s run through Russell Forest to benefit the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. Join the 10K or the 5K race at Russell Crossroads or run the race virtually. Entry fee is $40 for all options. This is an outand-back race over a certified course that includes sand, clay and gravel roads designed for runners, bicycles and electric cars. The race will finish near The Stables for the post-race party, including a World Famous Grits Bar, live music and more. This annual race has raised more than $100,000 for local schools. For more information and registration link, visit russellforestrun.com.

Feb. 25

Lake Watch Annual Meeting

Lake Watch will hold an annual general membership meeting at First Baptist Church in Dadeville, 178 S. Tallassee St. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. with business conducted from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please use the Cass Street entrance. New members welcome. Visit lakewatch.org for information.

Lakeside Marina will host a boat show with food, fun, entertainment and giveaways this month

Lake Martin Wedding & Event Expo

The Mitchell House is the perfect setting for this annual event for Lake Martin brides. Meet with caterers, florists, event center representatives and more to plan your dream wedding at the lake in one day. Admission is $10 and helps to support Lake Martin Area United Way agencies.

Feb. 26

Daddy-Daughter Dance

The Friendship Fire Department will host a DaddyDaughter dance from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the fire hall in Tallassee. Get dolled up for an enchanting evening under stars with dinner, music, formal pictures and memories to last a lifetime. Entry is $35 per couple. Order tickets at daddydaughterdancetallassee.eventbrite.com or text 334-415-9034 for more information.

Season-long Events

Rhythm-Antics

Join this music exploration course from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Thursdays at Dadeville Performing Arts Center with Kim Walls. For all levels and ages, this class will teach students to read, write, play, sing and move to music rhythms. No need to know how to read music to start. The class will use a variety of classroom instruments, such as percussion, recorders and hand bells. No materials necessary. For more information, email kim.walls@dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

Volunteers in Alexander City and Dadeville are encouraged to participate in community partnership cleanups every month. In Alexander City, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of the month. Meet at Our Town Volunteer Fire Department at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289. In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the second Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.

Lake Martin Creativity

This group meets every Monday at 1 p.m. in the downstairs community room at the StillWaters Residential Building. Anyone interested in arts and crafts is encouraged to join. Bring something to work on or come see what others are doing. A monthly fee of $5 is charged to help pay for the use of the space. For more information, contact Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

Fiber Fridays

Bring your knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber art projects to The Yarn Shop Around the Corner in Dadeville from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays to meet fellow fiber artisans, share tips and techniques and talk with others who share your interests.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Children’s Library in Alexander City

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus. Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by show-and-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. Contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724 for more information.

Amateur Radio Club

The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City, with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Contact Michael Courtney at 256-825-7766 or Mike Smith at 256-750-5710 for more information.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. Check the calendar at RussellLands.com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Tallassee Lions Club

The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism. For more information, call Marilyn Speake at 334-283-6864.

*Standard maximum of 10 acres; however parcels not exceeding 20 acres may be considered if typical for the area and supported by acceptable appraisal valuation. Lot loans are not intended for investment or speculation purposes. Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loans amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products

and services. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2019 U.S. Bank 257701c 10/19

From vacant lot to your future home, find help along the way.

You’ve found the perfect lot to build your next home. We’ll help you explore financing options that may fit your needs. Enjoy competitive rates, experienced support and step-by-step guidance that may make your dream of homeownership a reality.

Loan options for those approved: Lot loans*

Purchase a lot to build now or in the near future and get financing with no prepayment penalties.

Construction loans Get financing that includes your construction loan and your mortgage – all in one. That’s one closing and one set of fees. Plus, make interest only payments during the construction of your home. Choose from fixed- or adjustable-rate construction loan options.

Geoff Hall

Mortgage Loan Officer

404.267.7775 office 404.662.6604 cell geoff.hall@usbank.com NMLS #: 544471

Lake Martin News

Russell Lands moves forward with Phase 2 at The Heritage

The City of Alexander City’s Planning Commission last month approved road construction plans for Phase 2 of The Heritage, a 1,500-acre residential Russell Lands development on Lake Martin. This is an extension of the already-completed Phase 1 of the Wicker Point peninsula. The plan for the construction of this extension was originally scheduled for a 2024 start date, but the timeframe was accelerated by more than a year due to the strength of the sales results in Phase 1 of The Heritage.

The second phase of The Heritage will include approximately 30 waterfront properties. Due to the Wicker Point peninsula’s unique bend in the middle of this phase, some lots will face north, east, south and west. Similar to those in Phase 1, the average lot size and waterfront footage will be larger than home sites typically found on Lake Martin.

With the commencement of the new road construction, Russell Lands will be able to offer Phase 2 properties in the spring of 2023 – well before the beginning of the summer season on Lake Martin.

As roadwork proceeds to Phase 2, the construction on the Wicker Point Golf Club golf course, clubhouse and pro-shop continues. Sodding of the fairways was expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2022, including the sprigging of 16 of the 18 greens. Several holes already have been completed. Member play is set to begin this fall.

Visit RussellLands.com for details regarding the next release of waterfront home sites.

Staff report

Children's Harbor donations feed families over the holidays

Children’s Harbor Giving Tuesday funds provided holiday groceries for families the organization serves.

According to Marketing and Communications Manager Anne Madison Adcock, Children’s Harbor far surpassed an initial $12,000 goal after donations poured in on Nov. 29,

which resulted in a total collection of $19,860.

Adcock said proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the organization’s family assistance fund, which supports a variety of needs ranging from food and transportation to utility and mortgage assistance.

“We offer our services at no cost to the families,” Adcock said. “It just makes such a big difference in their lives to know that the Harbor is a safe place to come and enjoy being with their family, even in the midst of tough times, because these families are going through things that we can’t even imagine.

“We focused on food and meals because that is such a dire need at this time of the year for a lot of families. At the end of the year, you’re trying to buy your kids a few toys for Christmas. Sometimes, they have to put other things as a priority, so it’s helpful to be able to allow them to take care of what is necessary so they can enjoy the holiday.”

William Marlow

Oskar named Tourism Superstar

Lake Martin’s Oskar at Oskar’s Café in Dadeville was awarded the Lake Martin Tourism Superstar Award last month.

“Oskar goes above and beyond to care for the people in the community. Several times, the Ivy Creek Healthcare marketing team reached out to Oskar for donations, and on multiple occasions, she fed the employees of Lake Martin Community Hospital and first responders of the community. Oskar has great customer service and expects nothing but the best from her employees as well. During COVID, she and her staff worked the parking lot as if it was the inside of the restaurant. The staff and Oskar always had smiles on their faces, even though they were exhausted. I cannot express my appreciation enough for Oskar and all that she contributes to the community,” Bridget Thornell said in her nomination of the lake area ambassador.

Oskar received a plaque of appreciation and a $100 check on Dec. 13.

Lake Martin Tourism Association recognizes individuals who go above and beyond for visitors to the lake community through the Lake Martin Tourism Superstar Award.

Staff report

Phase 2 at The Heritage will include some 30 new waterfront lots

Bridget and McCrae Thornell helped present Oskar (right) with the tourism award

Take the Plunge

WWith another wonderful year in the books for the Lake Martin area, it’s time again for one of the community’s favorite events. The annual Lake Martin Young Professionals Polar Plunge will return for its seventh year Saturday, Jan. 14. Presented by Lake Martin Dock Company, the event will benefit Lake Martin Resource Association and will be set at its usual location on the shores of Kowaliga Beach.

Join the event as a participant or cheer on fellow community members, family and friends from the shorelines. Though the premise of the event is the same, Kowaliga Restaurant staff members will not be preparing their usual special plunge menu due

to ongoing renovations. Instead, some of the area’s favorite food trucks will be on the premises to offer a variety of choices for attendees. Due to this change, the entry price has been lowered.

Tickets for those participating in the plunge are $15, and tickets for dockers are $20. Food truck prices will range from $10 to $15. Those choosing to participate can sign up for the day’s events at plungewithlmyp.eventbrite.com.

Along with the main event, both the costume contest and Dash for the Cash will be back, both with $100 prizes. Don your best costume for a chance to win the highly anticipated contest or participate in The Dash for the Cash, which seeks out

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

Clockwise from Left: Plungers – some in costume and some not – plunge into Lake Martin's frigid waters every January to raise money for LMRA's lighted buoy program; Prizes are offered for the most creative costumes; Exhilaration replaces painful reality following the plunge; The event is coordinated by the Lake Martin Young Professionals.

those daring enough to sprint from the shoreline to a buoy beyond the docks and back. It is set to follow directly after the plunge.

Doors open at 10 a.m. with the main event scheduled for noon. The festivities will continue until 4 p.m., and those participating in the plunge will have use of tents to change into dry attire. Event organizers recommend those participating bring a pair of water shoes due to the rocky nature of the shores where the plunge is taking place.

LMYP is sponsored by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce to promote and connect young Lake Martin area residents through events and other community activities, including the Polar

Plunge. To learn more about LMYP, check out the program’s revamped website at lakemartinyp.com.

Help LMYP achieve their goal to provide even more opportunities for young professionals locally by supporting both this year’s Polar Plunge and other events the program is involved in. Those involved with the program plan to use their new website and other social media platforms to release new information.

The Polar Plunge draws more and more attendees and participants each year, leading to yet another successful year of giving back. Join in on the fun or cheer on from the sides, either way the community benefits.

White Oak Landing

is a collection of attractively priced, turn-key lakefront cottages. With nine cottage-style plans to choose from, the large, wooded, waterfront homesites are conveniently located on the north end of Lake Martin offering easy access to Highway 280, golf, dining, shopping, marina and medical care.

MODEL HOMES now under construction by

Swimsuit & Lifestyle

17th Annual Edition

STORIES BY BREANNA MANLEY PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Campbell Hecklinski, Jefflyn DeLoach and Cheaney Keel

Ruth Anne Ballard

Tate McKelvey

Thomas Dowdle, Sydnee Riley, Cole Maxwell and Savannah Bussey

John and Camden Adair

Sydnee Riley, Savannah Bussey, Cole Maxwell and Thomas Dowdle relax in the simtex white and protour red interior of a metallic black Twin Sanpan 2700 side bench with a windshield and Twin Mercury engines, both with 400 verado, from Russell Marine

Cheaney Keel

Cheaney Keel looks forward to a career in marketing

Keel loves the charm of Lake Martin but hopes to do some traveling in her future endeavors

TThird year Central Alabama Community College student, Cheaney Keel, is constantly thinking about her next move. Keel’s original plans to attend CACC for two years turned into returning this year because she loves the area and the campus.

“I’m still at CACC. I guess I loved it so much that I went back for a third year. I’m still completing my marketing degree,” Keel said.

Following her graduation from Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, Keel planned to spend two years at CACC before transferring to Auburn to finish her degree. Friends and the overall charm of the Lake Martin area convinced her to stay.

During her first two years at CACC, Keel was an ambassador, which meant she served as a representative for the community college and the surrounding area.

“Most people recognize me modeling for CACC. They put me on the cover of their website, and it’s one of the most well-known achievements. It wasn’t a goal that I planned. The opportunity just fell into my lap,” Keel explained.

Though Keel loves CACC and decid ed to stay on for a third year, she does plan to transfer to Auburn this fall to continue her education.

“Up until recently, I’ve been dead set on a law career or a marketing career in a business, but I’ve discovered recently that I feel I would be really good at a medical sales representative job, so I’ve been looking into that. I still haven’t for sure changed my mind. I could still do it with a marketing degree,” Keel said.

Throughout high school, Keel was active in extracurricular activities, as well as sports. She was on the volleyball team and also participated on a travel volleyball team where she was named MVP.

With her love for the area, Keel hopes to work nearby while adding some travel into the mix.

“I would love to work around here, but I wouldn’t want it to be my only place of work. I would like to be able to travel and just cover this as an area,” Keel explained.

Her interest in marketing and the medical field is just one of her many facets. Keel’s mind is constantly going over entrepreneurial opportunities within the area, hoping to one day open a business of her own.

“I’ve thought about opening a boutique in town, but there are several downtown so I feel like Alexander City might not be the best location for another boutique right now. I am thinking about putting one somewhere else, probably closer to the lake,” Keel said.

Along with this blossoming idea, Keel hopes to start up a program at CACC similar to a program available to Auburn University students

“There’s a program at Auburn, and students get paid to go to class. Basically, businesses in Auburn will sponsor a student, and they get paid to go to class, as long as they promote the business. My friend and I talked about opening up that program at CACC. It’s basically a program to get your influencer career started if that’s something you would want to pursue,” Keel explained.

With big plans and the support from her family, Keel plans to make her mark throughout the community. Keep an eye out for her ventures; she’s set on killing it at whatever she does.

She played volleyball in high school and on a travel team

For Thomas Dowdle and Sydnee Riley, any day spent on the lake on a metallic sage GTX LTD BRP Sea Doo with a Rotex 300-horsepower engine from Russell Marine is a day filled with smiles

Campbell Hecklinski and Jefflyn DeLoach sit back on the recently reupholstered seats in the bow of the photo boat, taking a break from the modeling session in comfort and style provided by On Site Boat Care

RuthBallardAnne

A labor and delivery nurse in Birmingham, Alexander City native Ruth Anne Ballard plans to return to Samford University to further her education and professional qualifications

RRuth Anne Ballard, a registered nurse since her graduation from Samford University in 2020, is hoping to further her education by returning to her alma mater for more nursing classes to drive her career forward.

“I’m a registered nurse at Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham in labor and delivery. I’ve been there about two and a half years, ever since I graduated from Samford University in 2020. I’m actually going back to nurse practitioner school in January at Samford,” Ballard explained.

Ballard was an active student at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City and excelled in sports. She was both a varsity soccer player and a member of the BRHS cheer team.

“I was cheer captain, and I was also the treasurer of my class in high school,” Ballard said.

This Alexander City native always wanted to be a nurse, and she began looking at nursing programs closely nearing her senior year. The stellar program at Samford, coupled with the close proximity to home, was all it took to convince her to attend the Birminghambased university.

“I saw that Samford had a really good nursing school program, so I toured it and fell in love with the campus. It’s not too far from home, but I’m not in my parents’ backyard either. It was the perfect length for me, and I could still go back to the lake on the weekends and during the summer,” Ballard explained.

While attending Samford, Ballard began to appreciate the area and soon realized she wanted to stay in Birmingham post-graduation.

“I decided to stay in Birmingham because I fell in love with it after I went to Samford. That’s how I ended up at St. Vincent’s Birmingham,” Ballard said.

Ballard’s undeniable yearning for learning and expanding her career backed her decision to go back to Samford this month.

“I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare; and then, when I was a senior in high school, I decided to become a nurse. I kind of felt like it was my calling. My grandad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer my senior year, and I just saw the way that the nurses took care of him. I just knew that’s what I was meant to do. I went to school, became a nurse and decided to go back to school and further my education,” Ballard explained.

Ballard’s currently in labor and delivery and absolutely loves her job. She believes one of her biggest achievements has to do with being a labor and delivery nurse.

“I feel like finding my calling and then being in labor and delivery, just helping those moms bring their babies into the world and just being a small part of their big day. They’re going to remember that day for the rest of their lives. Just to make a difference in that day or help them get through a tough time, I feel like that’s a big achievement,” Ballard said.

Ballard’s kind nature is an important part of her life as a nurse; she looks forward to a career of helping others.

Ballard loves the city life in Birmingham but is grateful that Lake Martin is close by

Ballard cheered and played soccer and other sports at Benjamin Russell High School

Nurses who cared for her grandather inspired Ballard's decision to be a nurse

Sydnee Riley, Savannah Bussey, Cole Maxwell and Thomas Dowdle are ready for fun in a white, antrasite metal and black Super Air Nautique G23 with a haze grey interior and jet black accents from Russell Marine

Tate McKelvey

Tate McKelvey is a business major at Auburn University

TTate McKelvey, a recent graduate of Lee Scott Academy, is making his mark at Auburn University as a freshman preparing for a career in business –hopefully following in his father’s footsteps. With hardworking parents to look up to, McKelvey is driving toward big dreams.

“I graduated last spring, and I came to Auburn in the fall. I’m majoring in business, and I also joined the KA, Kappa Alpha, fraternity. I’m about to finish my first semester here at Auburn,” McKelvey explained.

While in high school, McKelvey was an active participant in the student government association, which regularly raised funds for a variety of projects while the members participated in community service-based projects. While maintaining a spot in the stu dent government association and focusing on his studies, McKelvey was also on the football team.

“I think my biggest achievement so far happened during my senior football season. We went to the semi-finals, which is the final four, and that was the first time Lee Scott had been to the final four in probably 10 or so years,” McKelvey said.

Majoring in business was one of the easiest decisions he’s made about his future thus far, and it all links back to his family and their individual careers.

“There’s a lot of things I could do with a business degree, but as of right now, I’m thinking about taking over my dad’s business, McKelvey Chevrolet, in Dadeville,” he explained.

McKelvey’s family, which includes his parents and three siblings, is a strong part of why he’s so dedicated to being successful in life. Both of his parents own their own businesses and have instilled a hard work ethic in all of their kids.

McKelvey believes he wouldn’t have the dedication to go to school and major in business if it wasn’t specifically because of his relationship with his dad and the rest of his family.

“My dad is just always up and doing stuff. I think I got a lot of my characteristics from him. We’re both really organized and clean, and we’re just always up and doing stuff. We never lay around and waste a day,” McKelvey said.

With the strength of his family supporting him, McKelvey plans to make his way into the business world. He may even be the new face of McKelvey Chevrolet in a few years.

He hopes to work with his dad at McKelvey Chevrolet in Dadeville when he finishes college

Vaughn and Peggy Stough spend a quiet afternoon on Lake Martin in a blue crystal metal exterior hard top Chris Craft 28 with a Mercury 430 horsepower engine and an interior of toffee and almond wave insert from Russell Marine

Campbell Hecklinski

Campbell Hecklinski grew up in a sports focused family and now plays softball at CACC

CCampbell Hecklinski was born into a sportsfocused family, and although she joined in when it came to the hereditary athleticism, she also made it a point to keep education a top priority. With an ongoing dedication to her sport of choice – softball – Hecklinski has scored a spot playing college ball while she earns her degree.

“I am currently in school. I play softball at Central Alabama Community College right now, and I’m a freshman. I’ll stay there for two years. I’m majoring in business right now,” Hecklinski said.

Following her stint at CACC, Hecklinski plans on continuing her education at a four-year university. Although she hasn’t completely made up her mind about what four-year university she plans to attend, she is certain

of what she wants to do with her business degree when she obtains it.

“I want to go into real estate. My dad works with a mortgaging company, and I just want to go into business with loaning and houses,” Hecklinski explained.

Originally from Hoover, Hecklinski still lives in the Birmingham area and doesn’t see herself moving out of state. With a close-knit family surrounding and supporting her, she plans to stay nearby, so she can spend time with her family as she launches into her career.

“I get my drive from my dad. He’s all about time management, and he’s just taught me so much, really through sports. It’s really paid off. Me and my family are really close, I don’t see myself moving anywhere far from them,” Hecklinski said.

Before securing a scholarship to play college ball, softball wasn’t the only sport Hecklinski picked up.

“I played volleyball and softball, but I stuck with softball all four years. Now, I play at CACC,” Hecklinski explained.

Hecklinski’s family, including her parents, all played softball at some point in their lives. It seemingly counted as a gene passed down from generation to generation.

“One of my biggest achievements is probably playing softball at the collegiate level. Just being where I am right now, being able to play college sports is amazing. I’ve just kind of grown up on the field. My dad played baseball at Alabama, and my mom played all her life. I also have a sister and three brothers, and they all play baseball and softball. My sister and I have played since we were 3 and 4. We’ve just played our whole lives together, ” Hecklinski said.

Hecklinski said she gets her drive from her dad

She has her heart set on a career in real estate

Julie Hopping

Julie Hopping works as a cheer coach when she's not studying for classes at Auburn University

JJulie Hopping intends on making her way in the healthcare profession and is already well into her first step, as she continues her freshman year at Auburn University. With dreams and aspirations of becoming a registered nurse, Hopping has a rigorous course schedule ahead of her.

“Right now, I’m just trying to focus on school and trying to get into the nursing program. I know it’s really competitive, but if I’m able to get in, I would like to become a registered nurse. I also want to be just a nurse for kids, probably. If after that I want to do more, I have considered going back and doing more,” Hopping explained.

Before college, Hopping attended Hoover High School, where she continued the cheer career she started at age 3. Whenever Hopping has a break from college, she enjoys spending her time teaching others as a cheer coach.

“Whenever I’m back at home, I’m always working. Over the summer I babysat, and I was also a cheer coach. I also taught tumbling classes at Alpha Extreme,” Hopping said.

Though Hopping decided not to continue cheering when she hit college, she’s dedicated time to her sorority, Phi Mu, while focusing on her studies. Auburn was an easy decision for her because her older sister also attends the university, making it the perfect way to spend quality time with family.

Hopping spends her days going to class, socializing with friends and studying, among other things. Motivation is key for Hopping, and she counts it as one of her biggest attributes.

“My biggest accomplishment is being able to push through and motivate myself through school because I have a couple of learning disabilities and being able to get into some of the hardest classes at Auburn and being able to work through those two disabilities. Just getting to where I am now is probably my biggest accomplishment,” Hopping shared.

Hopping was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD late into high school, but she hasn’t let it deter her from following her dreams of becoming a registered nurse. Dedication and motivation come easy for Hopping, and she believes a little bit of sibling competition comes into play every now and then.

“My drive comes from both my sisters and my parents. Seeing how hard they work, and the fact that you always want to think you’re better than your sisters. You never want them to one-up you. Our family as a whole, seeing how close we are with each other and how we all have our own little successes in life – it makes me think about my future,” Hopping explained.

Hopping plans to stay in Alabama once she graduates college, and she hopes to work at one of the UAB hospitals. The determination and drive she applies to everything she does will help her be successful.

The drive to succeed is a family trait for this college freshman

Auburn was an easy decision for Hopping, whose older sister also attends the university

The fishing looks great for John and Camden Adair from the white and walnut silether interior of a light blue Crevalle 2400 with a 300-horsepower Mercury engine from Russell Marine

Jefflyn DeLoach

Jefflyn DeLoach stays busy with her studies at CACC, tennis and two jobs

JJefflyn DeLoach has quite the busy schedule nowadays. Between attending classes at Central Alabama Community College, work and tennis, she’s always on the move.

“I’m at CACC, and I play tennis there, but I also work at Alex City Nutrition and Five Star Preserve as a server,” DeLoach explained.

DeLoach, who received a scholarship from CACC to play tennis, first picked up a racket her freshman year in high school at Benjamin Russell. Since then, she’s fallen in love with the game and is thankful she’s able to continue the sport through college.

“I started it in my freshman year, and I just did it because my friends were playing. It looked fun. I’m the only one on the team that went on to play tennis somewhere else. Getting a scholarship for tennis is probably one of my biggest achievements because I started out not even having a racket. Then I ended up getting a scholarship. It’s something I’m really proud of because I’ve worked really hard for it,” DeLoach said.

Though tennis paid off in the end in the form of a scholarship, DeLoach participated in many other sports and extracurricular activities in high school.

“I was on the bowling team, and I did Mat Cats. I was also in the student government association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Wildcat Pals,” DeLoach explained.

Now fully settled into her new class schedule at the local community college, DeLoach is focused on her future, which she hopes will feature her own business. DeLoach dreams of opening her own salon one day.

“My end goal is to have my own salon one day because my aunt has her own salon. I’ve always just been in a salon my entire life, and I just love the atmosphere. I want to work somewhere here for right now whenever I get done and probably move somewhere else, just so I can have more clients,” DeLoach said.

With having such a busy schedule with different commitments since high school, DeLoach’s drive is definitely a factor in her progress.

“My drive, I think, just comes from me wanting to stay as independent as I am. I’m really independent, and I like to push myself to do the best I can. I don’t want to rely on someone else, so I have to push myself to succeed,” Deloach explained.

DeLoach grew up visiting her aunt's salon and hopes to own her own salon one day

She discovered tennis her freshman year of high school and now plays at CACC on scholarship

AnnaMcKelveyCaroline

Anna Caroline McKelvey's connection to Lake Martin runs deep

RRecent Auburn University graduate, Anna Caroline McKelvey, is on the hunt to put her degree to use. With unmatched determination, McKelvey can’t wait to show off her skills in one of her favorite communities – Lake Martin.

While she’s heavily into the process of applying for jobs, she’s assisting her mom who works for Cabi, a women’s clothing line.

“I have sort of been her assistant these past few months. I help her schedule shows, create and send out invitations, and even travel with her to shows,” Mckelvey explained.

While attending Auburn, McKelvey majored in public relations and minored in business, completing and obtaining her degree within four years.

“I wanted to go into public relations because it’s a mix of communications and business. It has both aspects. I like both communications and business, but I kind of wanted more of a relaxed approach to business, not so serious,” she said.

Following her graduation, McKelvey moved to Florida for a couple of months before realizing she missed her home. She moved

back and hopes to stay and work in the area to be closer to family and friends.

“I definitely plan to stay around the area. I don’t want to move away. I moved to Florida for two months just to try it out and just to say I did it. I definitely want to stay around here because I grew up on Lake Martin, and all of my family’s here. So far, it looks like I will be staying around here,” McKelvey said.

Currently staying in Auburn, McKelvey hopes to find her own place on Lake Martin to enjoy and raise a family.

Her connection to the area runs deep. She attended school in Dadeville until the eighth grade. Then, she and her siblings transferred to Lee Scott Academy in Auburn.

“We made the commute; and then, my parents ended up buying a temporary house. Whenever I graduated high school, they sold the house and now my younger sister goes to Benjamin Russell,” McKelvey said.

While attending Lee Scott, McKelvey was on the cheer squad and had a spot on the track team. While maintaining focus on her busy schedule, she also made a point of contributing and holding a position in the anchor club, a non-profit youth volunteer organization that regularly participates in community-based projects.

She didn’t slow down when she made it to Auburn. While keeping up with a new schedule, McKelvey joined a sorority and made lifelong friends over the course of four years.

“Graduating college in four years and not having to take an extra semester, it’s my biggest achievement,” McKelvey said.

Through all aspects of her life, McKelvey believes her drive is what made all of her achievements possible.

“My drive definitely comes from my parents and how I was raised. They’re both selfemployed, so I think growing up, I saw how hard they had to work to get where they are; trying to obtain those same characteristics and gain those skills, it’s important,” McKelvey said.

Fresh out of college and ready to start a new stage in her life, McKelvey cannot wait to serve and work in the community where she grew up. With a supportive family and a great deal of determination, McKelvey will pave her way in the world.

She moved to Florida after graduation but missed the Alabama lake life

As a recent Auburn University graduate, McKelvey looks to find a job at the lake

The warmth of a late afternoon sun on a fall day at the lake is that much better from the dune interior of a black and white Sea Ray Dancer with Twin 6.2L Mercury engines, each with 350 horsepower, from Russell Marine

Resolve to forget 2020 W

What is your New Year’s Resolution this year?

Whatever it is, there’s a 92 percent chance you will fail at keeping it, according to author Jon Acuff. Wow. That’s really motivating, isn’t it?

The website Statista.com found that the top three resolutions in America from January 2022 were: exercise more, eat healthier and lose weight. I get it. These are the same three resolutions I have when I read Lake Magazine every January, but I don’t seem to do well on mine, either.

I am trying to get better at making positive changes in my life, so I have been reading a lot about habits lately. James Clear wrote a bestselling book called Atomic Habits. I highly recommend it. His basic premise is that most people who are trying to get better at something should not focus on huge goals; instead, Clear argues that a better strategy is to change your habits in little ways, day by day, and eventually reap compounding positive effects.

I am so convinced by Clear’s research that I have resolved to not make any resolutions for 2023. I will look at my daily habits and adjust them to reach my desired outcome, however eventual that outcome may be.

Except – I think we should all resolve to forget 2020.

I don’t mean totally forget the entire year. I just mean that when it comes to the real estate market at Lake Martin, we need to all agree that 2020’s otherworldly sales results and gains in value were not normal. Not normal at all. Sales were 30 percent greater than the previous best year. Prices jumped as buyers, in a COVID-fueled frenzy, bought up everything in sight.

The sales rush is over now. That much is clear from the real estate sales. At the time I wrote this, we had the sales results through the end of November 2022.

There have been 269 waterfront residences sold through the Lake Martin Multiple Listing System, as of Nov. 30. This includes all agents and all brokerages at the lake. It does not include For Sale By

Owner transactions or private developer sales, but I do think it is useful as a tool for trend analysis.

If we compare that total of 269 sales to prior years’ November totals, we find that it does not look good. We have to go all the way back to 2014 to find a total that low. In each of the seven years after 2014, the market has sold more than 269 homes through the end of November. Another way to say this is that Lake Martin has had the lowest number of homes sold since 2014.

Lake Martin is a second home market. Several years ago, it was estimated that only about 20 percent of waterfront homeowners are fulltime residents. That means the remaining 80 percent at the time were second-home or vacation-home owners. Our real estate market sales calendar is very seasonal. Traditionally, the bulk of homes here sell March through October, with the months of November through February being pretty scant.

PROPERTY

BY JOHN COLEY

How could this affect 2023? I am only guessing, obviously. But my guess is that 2023 might be the first year in many years when we see decreases in prices here at the lake. I don’t think it will be a crash, by any means. Our inventory, while increasing, is still below five-year averages. I think the lower inventory will serve to soften any temptation to call this a huge price cut. Anecdotally, I am seeing price decreases for homes that are on the market right now. I think these are a sign that some sellers got too aggressive with what they thought the market would bear.

One bright spot in the Lake Martin market this year is lot sales. The year of 2022 will prove to be the third best year ever for numbers of waterfront lots sold.

Third place is not bad, but when you consider that second place is 2021 and first is (you guessed it) 2020, it is easy to see that lot sales are trending downward, too.

I think December 2022 will follow its normal seasonal trend. I calculated the trend by looking at the past nine Decembers except 2020. Again, it would be inaccurate to take that year into account. I think it is reasonable to estimate that 20 waterfront residences will be sold in the month, bringing the likely total of 2022 sales to 289. That would place 2022 as the lowest home sale year since 2014.

In short, the Lake Martin market is normalizing itself in a post-COVID world. Yes, it was eye-popping to watch it all happen. But I think we would all be smart to keep 2020 in the rear view mirror and pay closer attention to what the numbers are telling us right now.

John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin Voice Realty. Email him at john@lakemartinvoice.com.

LAKE

Care for the lake means caring for the streams

LLake Watch celebrates the clean water of Lake Martin, and we work to protect it. Likewise, we recognize the importance of the streams of the Tallapoosa River watershed, and we celebrate their clean water, beauty and recreational value.

Going forward, Lake Watch monitoring on these streams needs to be strategically assessed, expanded and supported.

Lake Watch has added test sites where ADEM is not testing, including rain event testing on these 303(d) streams at the same sites ADEM has been using. For example, ADEM has test sites on Hillabee Creek at state Route 22 and at Sanford Road. These ADEM sites are below the confluence of the Little Hillabee and the Enitachopco creeks. So, Lake Watch has recently established test sites above the confluence, one on Little Hillabee and one on the Enitachopco. Lake Watch tests these sites twice a month, including one rain event.

Though clean and clear most days, Hillabee Creek often tests positive for E. coli after a rain

For over 30 years, Lake Watch has worked with Alabama Water Watch to recruit and train volunteer Lake Watch monitors. Lake Watch submits accurate water quality data to AWW and to Alabama Department of Environmental Management. During swim season on Lake Martin, water quality test results from 15 Lake Watch Swim Alert sites are reported on the website at lakewatch.org/ Swim-Alert. Sites on Lake Martin consistently confirm excellent water quality, as expected on our Treasured Alabama Lake; however, on occasions, a site shows E. coli levels beyond the safe limit set by ADEM, which also is reported. Testing on the tributary streams of the Tallapoosa River drainage into Lake Martin shows high E. coli levels following rain events.

Water quality monitoring on our streams is not just about keeping Lake Martin clean. It is important that Lake Watch monitoring and our clean water advocacy extends to the tributary streams of the Tallapoosa River basin. For example, Hillabee Creek at the state Route 22 bridge site is a lovely swimming and wading site where Lake Watch tests at the bridge. When the Hillabee is low and clear, it generally shows E. coli within safe swimming limits; however, when Hillabee rises following a rain event, it generally shows E. coli well above the ADEM safe swimming limit.

Lake Watch monitoring on Hillabee, Emuckfaw, Sandy and Blue creeks has been long standing. These streams are major tributaries into Lake Martin. Hillabee, Emuckfaw and Blue creeks have been placed on the 2022 ADEM Sec. 303(d) list as impaired for pathogens, specifically E. coli. E. coli sources include cattle, human and poultry.

We report our data to AWW and to ADEM (Special efforts by our monitor Dale Campo are acknowledged), which helps to fill in a gap where ADEM data may be missing. It also helps to identify sources of E. coli pollution. Lake Watch works to maintain a good interface with ADEM staff who provide verification and response when data shows the need.

Lake Watch stresses the recreational importance of the streams of the Tallapoosa River watershed. A favorite local canoeing and kayaking run on the Tallapoosa River is from Horseshoe Bend to Jaybird Landing. During swim season, Lake Watch maintains Jaybird Landing as a Lake Watch Swim Alert site. Diligent testing year-round, including rain events, on the Tallapoosa River and on Emuckfaw Creek, provides data important to the clean water advocacy for this popular stretch of the river (Special efforts by monitor John Clements are acknowledged).

When their water level is right, the Chattasofka and Sandy creeks offer kayaking from Dadeville beyond Agricola Road past state Route 49 and down to Lake Martin. Likewise, the upper and middle Tallapoosa River and Crooked Creek in Clay County offer exceptional kayaking and fishing opportunities. The story of the beauty and recreational value of these streams is best told by their

adjoining private property owners and those who live and play in these streams. The story includes the potential for economic value to private property owners who provide conservation measures and increased public accessibility for kayaking and fishing.

Accurate data is a necessary component to a water quality improvement plan that requires many partners up and down the line. Lake Watch is seeking watershed stewards in our Lake Martin and Tallapoosa River Clean Water Priority program. We believe the Alabama Watershed Stewards Program, sponsored by Alabama Cooperative Extension System, AWW and ADEM, is the best available forum for advocacy by Lake Watch and its partners. We are asking state and local government and the university community to join us and help lead us in this program. We are asking Lake Martin and Tallapoosa River area businesses and our county tourism representatives to join us as program partners and sponsors.

LAKE WATCH

BY MATT CAMPBELL

in. Agriculture, forestry and our rural communities should expand their best practices to improve the water quality of tributary streams draining into Lake Martin.

We are familiar with the statement: “Lake Martin is the economic engine of our community.” It is interesting to ponder the examples that make that true. Businesses and organizations in the Lake Martin community should please become Lake Watch program partners and financial supporters.

Contact us by email at info@lakewatch. org to become a monitor, a partner or a program sponsor. Lake Watch acknowledges the good work of its members and the good work of AWW, HOBOs, LMRA and all the lovers of Lake Martin who contribute their time, energy and money. We share in common our advocacy for the clean waters of the Tallapoosa River basin and our Treasured Lake Martin.

Everyone on the lake and on the river needs to consider best practices and up their games. Lake Watch and our Lake Martin partners are to identify their advocacy regarding on-lake matters that require conservation measures, such as county supervision of new high-density real estate development, private septic system maintenance, construction and post-construction management of storm water runoff. Likewise, we want upstream partners to join

Matt Campbell is president of Lake Watch of Lake Martin, Inc., a non-profit, all volunteer, 501(c)(3) environmental organization working to protect the clean water of Lake Martin and the Tallapoosa watershed.

WATERACCESS

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LAKEMAGAZINE.LIFE

Un-resolve this New Year

But be sure to follow the rules

NNew Year’s resolutions may work for a select few people. For most, failed, forgotten or discontinued resolutions often bring on discouragement. Instead of focusing on resolutions that usually result in the same previous habits, try making ‘unresolutions.’

These are lifestyle habits that develop, grow and evolve gradually. Now, if you have a medical condition that needs immediate attention and requires quick changes and compliance to a special diet, promptly contact your doctor and ask for a referral to see a dietitian for help in making quick, individualized changes. If it is your general wellness, wellbeing and changes to your body that need improving, take it slow and take the time to re-evaluate and set short- and long-term goals. Unresolutions allow you to begin where you are and progress with no timetable.

Key in on the experience of eating; collect and write down information about your physical, emotional, social, financial and mental needs and responses; and use this information to make desired changes. It is a lifelong process of evaluating and re-evaluating as you age and your needs, goals and desires change. But there are some rules.

Enjoy – This is very important. Take the time to savor the flavor,

texture, smell, socialization and memories that surround food. Eat slowly. Be intentional about what is going in your mouth, and embrace the time with those who are present to share the experience with you.

Be curious – Take time to experiment with something new. The grocery store is filled with delicious foods to try. Use new cooking techniques. Researching new recipes can be fun and actually could develop into a hobby.

HEALTHY LIVING

BY JULIE HUDSON

Then, let go – This is the most difficult rule to follow. Forget perfectionism, which will discourage you every time. Perfectionism will make you feel that your efforts are useless and gradual improvements are failures.

Let go of the thoughts that everything is bad. It can be overwhelming to read that fruit is high in carbohydrates; nuts have salt and too much fat; and cheese is high in cholesterol. The list of ‘don’ts’ becomes discouraging: don’t eat added sugar; avoid red meat; and the list goes on.

Instead of zooming in on the daunting details, look at the big picture. Focus on portion size and variety while consuming fiber, lean protein, low fat dairy, heart healthy fats and whole grains. These simple guidelines are meant to establish habits and goals that gradually improve your diet for the rest of your life, without making you feel guilty. There is a huge range of positive effort between the expectation of achieving an effort that cannot be sustained and just plain giving up. Give yourself some credit while enjoying, staying curious and letting go.

So often, the New Year focuses on diet and changes that need to be made. These same unresolution guidelines could be

used in all of the nine areas of wellness. If you are excited at the thought of improving overall lifestyle, begin by evaluating how you are doing in each of the specific areas, making small, gradual changes and adjustments in the areas that you feel are necessary. As time moves forward, continue to re-evaluate and re-set goals, all the while enjoying, being creative and letting go. Remind yourself that unresolutions meet you where are and there is no timetable.

n Physical wellness is the foundation to achieving overall wellness. Physical wellness encompasses nutrition, fitness and selfcare. Do you exercise regularly? Are you hydrating with water? Do you set enough time aside to take care of yourself? Do you have a set time to relax and re-energize? Are you getting enough sleep?

n Emotional wellness is the state of being calm or unstressed. Ask yourself if you have dysfunctions taking over your life? Do you experience joy and contentment in your life? Do you have negatives overwhelming you, such as anger or resentment?

n Social wellness means fostering relationships well. Do you have good relationships with family and friends? Do you make efforts to establish new relationships?

n Mental wellness means you are mentally stable. What are you addicted to? Addiction does not refer only to drugs, medications or smoking. Do you take any antidepressants? Nutrition and physical wellness play a very important role in a stable mental wellness state.

n Spiritual wellness is a way to calm the mind. Do you pray or meditate in the morning, during the day or before you go to sleep?

n Financial wellness means evaluating your financial situation. Are you looking for ways to improve your financial well being on a daily, weekly or monthly basis?

n Intellectual wellness means you are willing to learn? Are you open to learning something new and inspiring each day?

n Occupational wellness refers what you do on a daily basis. How can you improve your productivity?

n Environmental wellness addresses your surroundings. How is your environment at home, school, work and during leisure time? Is the environment very bad, bad, okay, good, very good or excellent?

As you head into 2023, stick with unresolutions. Establishing a healthy lifestyle depends on your ability and desire to come out on top regardless of the situation, to promote your progress while maintaining a sense of balance, order and harmony through change and challenge. Healthy living is not about having it all; rather, it’s about having the right combination of simple things that work well together for you.

Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.

Coffee Rubbed Rack of Lamb

with Braised Fennel and Sweet Potato Puree

Coffee Rub Ingredients

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 vanilla bean, beans scraped out

3 tablespoons fresh ground coffee

2 tablespoons dried orange peel

4 tablespoons sea salt

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sweet Potato Puree

Ingredients

2 peeled and chopped sweet potatoes

3 cups heavy cream

1 bay leaf

1 pound butter, cubed

Directions

Mix rub ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.

Place the chopped potatoes and the bay leaf in the heavy cream and bring to a medium simmer. Once fork tender, strain the potatoes out of the heavy cream, reserving the cream. Place the potatoes and half of the butter in a food processor or mixing bowl. Add the cream until it turns to a silky smooth puree.

Adjust seasoning with some butter and salt.

Grilled Rack of Lamb Directions

Dry the lamb rack off and dust with the coffee rub.

Place the lamb fat-side down first, and cook for roughly five to eight minutes. Flip over and cook for another five to eight minutes. We place ours in the oven, so they don’t get too charred on the grill.

Let the lamb rest for at least three minutes before trying to cut.

135 to 140 degrees = rare

150 to 160 degrees = medium 170-plus degrees will be well done

CHEF'S TABLE

BY PETE MCKENNY

Pete McKenny, General Manager and Executive Chef at SpringHouse Restaurant, trained at four-star restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio,Washington, Arizona and Vermont before returning to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golf & Country Club 12 years ago.

EExperts say that to be effective, goals and objectives should be written down, though I doubt anybody does that with loosely bound New Year’s resolutions. Most of us might think about losing weight, being a better person, exercising, yada yada. For some, it works, at least temporarily. It has been a while since I made formal resolutions, but this year, I am compelled to not just write but also to publish my list. It is short, but here it is in black and white.

First, I resolve to take ‘Covid’ out of my vocabulary. That should be easy, though I may allow myself some poetic license in using ‘pre-Covid’ as a point of reference; otherwise, I’m done with it and ready to move on.

Secondly, I want to be a better mentor to those who want to learn about wine, including moi.

I know; not everybody gets as excited about wine as I do. Excited is a bit of an exaggeration. I do enjoy a nice glass of wine, but on the scale from one to 10, it is below a lot of other things, like the Hubble telescope or, more recently, success with nuclear fusion.

As a wannabe mentor I wonder … why wine? and why do people like wine? Many studies have been done pointing to several consistent conclusions. Leading reasons for why people enjoy wine are the taste, the pleasure from the effects of the alcohol and the social interaction often present in consuming wine. Ah, but one of the top objections to wine is – I am not making this up – the taste.

I understand. As a college freshman, my first real experience with wine was absolutely awful. One of the boys brought a bottle to the lake, maybe from his dad’s stash. It was a Barsac Cru, a white wine from the Sauternes Appellation in the Bordeaux region of France. The dominant grape for these world-renowned sweet wines is Semillon, the most famous Sauternes being Chateau d’Yequem at about $540 for the 375ml bottle. This is not the domestic sauterne (no ‘s’ on the end) of the late 20th century, merely a generic name for inexpensive white jug wines from any number of mediocre grapes.

That I did not like the typically sweet Barsac as a teen is confusing. It was a long time ago, but I do not remember it being sweet. Maybe it was the flavor that turned me off. Having tasted red wine previously, this was totally not what I expected. My appreciation in the moment was lost to inexperience.

Alcohol is an acquired taste. Unlike things that we like naturally or innately, humans have to learn to like alcohol. Without repeated exposure, we are not likely to develop a taste or enjoy some things.

On the other hand, sweetness is an innate taste that we are born with. A sweet taste implies a source of energy in the carbohydrates we need to survive. The body breaks down carbs to produce simple sugars and energy. We like sweet foods because we need energy to function. We tolerate the bitterness inherent of most alcohol because we have learned to like it.

Most people who are just learning about wine tend

BY HENRY FOY

to lean toward sweet wines. At one time, that may have been Boone’s Farm; nowadays, the Moscato based Stella Rosa wines are extremely popular. There are several sweet reds that might also be very satisfying for someone new to wine. Though most wines are actually dry, based on alcohol content, the number of wines that show hints of sweetness is amazing. The resistance to dry wines most likely comes from people who have not yet cultivated a taste for the more astringent characteristics of some wines.

Cultivating taste for different wines is the challenge, and there are numerous factors contributing to how a wine tastes. Perhaps the most important thing to remember, especially for novices, is that there are so many of those factors, starting with the grape variety. In the end, most of us gravitate to a particular variety that we prefer over all others.

Which one, or more, will it be? Does that change? How do we develop that taste? How do we make our experience with wine more enjoyable?

Here’s how we will meet this challenge at Emporium Wine. The adjacent photo is the latest six-packs of fun we plan to present over the next few months. The idea is to fill each tote with six wines that reflect a given theme. In November, we offered wines that would pair well with Thanksgiving fare, and in

FROM THE CELLAR

Cultivate Taste

December, wines that might be satisfying over the Christmas season.

Our selection for this month is an introduction to wine with six reasonably priced wines that provide an overview of what to expect from future packages. The wines for January are a Sparkling wine, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In February, we will offer a group of red wines and rosés that will be fitting for a Valentine theme.

The idea is for each package to allow the recipient to experience a variety of wines that will complement

each particular theme. We don’t expect everyone to fall in love with every wine but simply to experience the similarities and differences of that group. It should be a little educational and, we hope, entertaining. And maybe a little exciting.

Thanks for your continued support and happy 2023!

Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine and Spirits at 128 Calhoun St. in downtown Alexander City. Call 256-212-WINE(9463) or email emporiumwine128@gmail.com.

What's happening under the boat?

OO ne of the more exciting elements of fishing is what we don’t know. It leaves us to speculate and to imagine what might be going on in an environment that is still very foreign to us. Beneath the surface of the water is another world that we try to understand in our quest to catch fish. After all this time, how much do we really know? Love it or hate it, forward facing sonar, or FFS as you’ll sometimes see it referred to, has revealed a lot about fish behavior that I personally never realized. Just how many fish take a look at the bait and never bite is enough to drive any angler crazy. It’s been happening since the first human wet a hook, I’m sure.

Now, we have a glimpse of what really happens when we cast or drop a bait to a fishing spot. Sometimes, the fish eat the bait before it ever hits the bottom. Sometimes, they don’t even see the bait until it gets almost to the boat. Sometimes, they swim from 30 feet away to get it. Other times, they follow it for 100 feet and never bite.

Why would a fish go through so much trouble and not eat the bait? Either it looks like something to eat or it doesn’t, right? More than once, I’ve watched a fish charge my bait, dive back down and come back up to it again. The funniest thing, and a little frustrating, too, at times, is when a fish darts up in front of the bait to look at it head on. Sometimes, they take it; sometimes, they don’t. It’s as if they’re deciding, “This looks real, but let’s take a different look.”

I saw a fish under the boat, I just thought the boat had passed over them. Looking back, a lot of those fish had come to the boat from wherever they were before.

It is awesome if you have a bait that you can drop down to fish under the boat, like a drop shot, spoon, etc. But what if they aren’t biting those baits or something you can cast to them? Once the fish get to the boat and realize it’s not exactly the school of baitfish they thought you were, they can be shy and hard to catch.

The options become limited at that point. If the bait they’re willing to bite better is a crankbait, worm or jig, for example, they’re usually more effective when cast and retrieved. A stealthy approach is not so much a method to avoid spooking the fish initially as it is a means to keep the fish from leaving the spot and coming to the boat.

FFS has shown that, depending on water clarity, depth, etc., there is a distance that the boat can be from the fish without them being aware of my presence. In ultra clear water, the boat may need to stay 70 feet from the spot/fish to avoid them rushing to the boat.

BIG CATCHES

BY GREG VINSON

That’s a fairly long cast. In more stained water, the boat could be as close as 15 or 20 feet, and the fish will usually stay put. With Garmin Livescope, I can see fish as far as 100 feet from the boat, so I can manage that distance until I’ve tried casting to the spot. For anglers that may not have FFS technology on the boat, this is more of a challenge, but there is a way.

These are just a few of the examples we observe in real time with FFS or – in my case, Garmin Livescope – that before, we could only imagine. In some cases, the fish are doing just what we suspected based on how we were able to catch them. In other cases, it’s much different.

The biggest phenomenon I’ve witnessed is how fish react to my presence, especially in deeper water. After all, I usually approach a target in a boat that’s close to 20 feet long or bigger. I run a trolling motor that, although quieter than before, still makes noise and turbulence. I move around on the boat, sending pressure waves that could reveal my presence. I have high-powered transducers that emit clicks, etc., as they provide feedback via sonar. And I might be opening and closing compartments, cooler lids, bait boxes, etc. As much as I may try, it’s almost impossible to conceal my presence as I approach a target.

We used to think that the fish were “spooky,” and we had to be super quiet and stealthy. Livescope has shown me that this couldn’t be further from the truth.

More often than not, the fish are curious and come to the boat. After seeing it happen on FFS with literally thousands of different fish over the past few years, I am convinced this is the case. Talk about a 180.

The noise, turbulence, pressure waves and even the shade coming off the boat seem to attract fish initially. If anything, being stealthy is just a way to keep the fish positioned where I could cast to them. Before FFS, I could only see fish once they were underneath the boat. When

Most anglers now have spots marked on their graph maps with GPS, say a favorite brush pile, for example. That waypoint could be selected on the map, and the unit will provide a measurement of just how far the boat is from that location. As the boat inches closer, the distance displayed also changes. So in clear water, try keeping that distance at 60 to 70 feet or more away from the marked location (brush pile). Move closer in small increments, if necessary, but keep in mind that fish could decide to leave the spot and head to the boat.

For the remaining anglers that might not have mapping technology, there’s still a way to know precise location using triangulation. By lining up just two visible landmarks on the bank (say a tree and a house window behind it) keep the boat directly in line with the spot targeted for a cast. By lining up the two landmarks at the same time, the spot where the boat is positioned is triangulated. This is more difficult than just looking at a graph, but it’s very effective. I’ve noticed it’s even more dependable than GPS when done correctly.

With each trip comes a new revelation, and this is what makes fishing so intriguing still. Sometimes, it takes new technology to show us there’s a whole lot more to learn about that world below the water’s surface.

Greg Vinson is a fulltime professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

Be yourself

It will take you places

II remember showing up to Willow Point on my first day, not having a clue what to expect. This was my second internship. I understood some of the golf business but not enough for me to feel comfortable right out of the gate. That all changed very quickly.

Within a week, I already had more knowledge and experience than I could imagine. Willow Point and Lake Martin are special. Before I got here, I honestly didn’t know if the golf business was for me. It was hard because I love playing the game so much, and I work so hard at it.

As I close in on my final hours here at The Point, I can confidently say that I love what I do. This place really made me appreciate what I do. I started here in May, and I have honestly enjoyed every single day I’ve been here. Every moment has been amazing, from setting up Golf Genius on my first day here to learning how to do calligraphy; playing golf with the staff every day; playing against members; working open to close during the member-

guest; going out on the lake; running a tournament all on my own; helping with juniors; and playing in The Willow Cup.

The Willow Cup is the biggest tournament I’ve had an opportunity to play. It’s not every day you get to tee it up with college golfers and go head-to-head with them. That’s not something someone like me always gets to do. But Willow Point provides these opportunities. Every day.

It’s easy to be yourself here. You don’t have to put on an act. That’s the biggest takeaway from my time here at Lake Martin. Just be yourself. It’ll take you places.

I love this place. I’ll always be grateful for everything Willow Point and Lake Martin have given me.

Ryan Carpenter is a Mississippi State University student interning at Willow Point Golf & Country Club.

PAR for the COURSE WITH RYAN CARPENTER

COUNTY

Lake Martin Alabama

Marinas

1. Kowaliga Marina 256-397-1210

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

2. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

3. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

2. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

2. Real Island Marina 256-397-1200 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

3. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

2. Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

3. Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600 397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853 www.harborpointe.net

2. Alex City Marine 256-215-FISH(3474) 2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Smith Marina - Shipwreck Sam's Froyo 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

Restaurants & Venues

6. SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

6. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337

5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853

The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887 8605 AL HWY 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Business & Shopping

Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075

970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010

4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

4. Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010

. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816

8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

. Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847

21322 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853

. Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage 334-391-0717

8421 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches

Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293

8352 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820 8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders

Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25. Contact our Marketing Department at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

Lake Magazine Distribution

ALEXANDER CITY

Robinson Iron

A & M Plumbing

Carlos

The Body Shop

Walgreens

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Jake's Moore Wealth Management

Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine Downtown Girl Shay Aesthetics JR'S Hillabee Towers Senior Nutrition Center

Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Dark Insurance Warren Appliance

MainStreet Family Care Grace's Flowers

Koon's Korner

Larry's General Merchandise Daylight Donuts

Alfa Valley Bank - 280 Pricare

Temple Medical AllState BB&T Bank

Hometown Pharmacy

Lake Martin Home Health

Allen's Food Mart (Exxon)

Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance

North Lake Condo

River Bend Store

River North Marina

Lake Martin Building Supply Petro Sho'Nuff BBQ

Hair Design

Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture

Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas

Chamber of Commerce

Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall

A&E Metal Regions Bank Marathon - 280 Renfroe's Market

Russell Medical Center Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors

Koon's II

Tallapoosa Ford

Dylan Johnson - Country Financial Holley's Home Furniture

Jackson's Drugs

Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark

The Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que

Russell Do It Center

Russell Home Decor Holman Floor Satterfield Inc.

Grain & Leaf, Bottles & Cigars

Tippy Canoe

Love Lake Martin Real Estate Office

Wind Creek Gate

Wind Creek Store

Willow Point Office

Willow Point Country Club

Smith Marina on Lake Martin Nails

Kowaliga Marina

Kowaliga Restaurant

Children's Harbor Catherine's Market

Russell Lands Corporate Office

Russell Lands Real Estate Sales Center

SpringHouse Restaurant Ridge Club

Ridge Marina

HACKNEYVILLE

Hackneyville Water Authority NEW SITE

Piggly Wiggly - New Site Foodland DADEVILLE

Chamber of Commerce

Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon

Ellaby Boutique, LLC Alabama Power Siggers

Siggers Barbershop Fusion Cafe

Dadeville Library

At the Beauty Shop Dadeville Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market

Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's Tallapoosa Nutrition Sweet Pickins Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters Country Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Aronov Realty Lake Martin Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina

Niffers

Hwy 50 Eagle

Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill

Chuck's Marina

Deep Water Docks

Lake Martin Pizza CAMP HILL

Link Gas Station KELLYTON Five Star Plantation

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart

Southern Star Parker Creek Marina Charles Borden

ECLECTIC

Lake Breeze Realty Offshore Marina

Lake Martin Mini Mall

Corner Stone Coffee Co.

Lake Martin Dock Company

Cotton's Alabama Barbecue

Russell Do It Center

Johnson Furniture WOW Catering LLC

Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Anchor Bay Marina Wetumpka Wetumpka Herald Office Tallassee Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber Parris Mullins Jr. O.D.

Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $50 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

Hughes Pools

Just Blinds 3

Karen Channell State Farm 79

Kowaliga Whole Health 79

Lake Martin Dock 19

Lake Martin Realty ...............................................24, 84

Lake Martin Signature Construction

Lake Martin Storm Shelters 61

Lamberth & Lamberth 22

Mark King's Furniture 17

MedHealth 12

Moore Wealth Management 83

National Village

Odd Jobs 6

Prime Management

Red Hawk Detailing 79

Reinhardt Lexus 23

Russell Marine26-27, 32-33, 38-39, 42-43, 50-51, 58-59

Russell Medical 2

Satterfield

Security Pest Control

Singleton Marine 63

Sunrise Dock 12

Temple Medical Center 8

The Learning Tree 22

The Salvation Army 79

Tippy Canoe

TowBoat

Everyday Grandeur

Tucked away on the outskirts of Auburn University at the world-class Grand National Golf Course, the award winning National Village offers everything you’ll ever need for the way you want to live. The thoughtfully crafted master planned community features georgeous homes designed by national award winner Larry Garnett and built by Ab and Don Conner at Conner Bros. Construction Co., Inc., a local company with more than 100 years of experience. With the Marriott at Grand National on site, residents enjoy championship golf, miles of picturesque nature trails and lakes for fishing, spa and pool. National Village is truly an unbelievable place to live – inside or out. Plus, thanks to the high speed fiber optic network of Opelika (Alabama’s first Gig City), our homeowners enjoy some of the Nation’s fastest internet for any work- or learn-from-home requirements.

Parting Shot

Photo by Kenneth Boone

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."

~ Desmond Tutu