From the Editor’s Desk

Do something bold this year, something different from what you always do; some fun – almost even adventurous. Go someplace you’ve never been; do something edgy and surprising; go out on a limb for your community. In this issue of Lake Martin Living magazine, we’re excited to feature some local folks who have done just that, starting with a 15-year-old high school student who has set his sights on the big blue sky.

Brayden Brown has been enthralled with airplanes since he took a flight to Disney at 4 years old. At 14, he got in the cockpit, and now, he never misses an opportunity to get airborne. Breanna Manley and Kenneth Boone visited this pilot prodigy at Alexander City’s Thomas C. Russell Field and bring you Brayden’s story on page 12.

Find more inspiration in the courage of Sonny Chea and Angelina Sun, who left their home country of Cambodia to make a community life in the U.S. They bought a donut shop in Alexander City and expanded it to offer international cuisine to the community that has welcomed them and made them feel at home. Erin Chesnutt shares their story in this month’s Go Local column on page 10.

If your heart is calling you to serve in your community, you eventually have to answer it. That’s what Michael Knox did when he retired from the Air Force and settled down in his wife’s hometown of Tallassee. The Veterans of Foreign Wars struck a deep chord for him, and today, he serves as quartermaster of the Tallassee operation, where he helps veterans find the services and community they need. Meet Mike on page 26.

Janet Gogan and members of the Artists Association of Central Alabama felt that tug at their hearts as well in supporting the new Coosa County Animal Shelter in Sylacauga. When artists donated their works to a silent auction during the shelter’s grand opening, all the proceeds went to purchase supplies as the new facility now accepts animals. Be inspired on page 28.

They’re even reaching for a new level of fun and entertainment at Main Street Alexander City, which this month will host an interactive Murder Mystery Company production, Midnight at the Masquerade. Check out the story on page 34 and get your tickets now because seating for this inaugural event is limited.

What you do doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Just follow your heart to new adventures; and then, call and let us know, so we can share your story, too.