Lake Martin Living March 2016

Lake Martin Living 1

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2 Lake Martin Living

C EL EB R AT I N G

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor's Desk

W

elcome to the March issue of Lake Martin Living!

This is one of my favorite months to live in Alabama. Spring creeps slowly into the weather, and every day brings new color to the landscape as daffodils and Japanese magnolias burst into life. The blooms serve as a signal for gardeners to get out and start playing in the dirt.

This issue is full of tips designed to make planning and planting easier. Garden expert and former CEO of Bonnie Plants, Tommy Paulk, shared his advice on a host of big-ticket issues for novice gardeners and pros alike.

Paulk’s Q&A can be found on page 20.

Of course, there are more things to do outdoors besides planting. Listening to great music, for example. Waverly’s annual Old 280 Boogie turns 16 this month. Check page 24 for a preview of this Southern music celebration.

Steve Robinson is the subject of this issue’s cover story. His desire to quit smoking led him to embrace the outdoors when he began running back in 1995. The exercise soon turned from a distraction into a lifestyle. Robinson has run marathons across the United States; this month, he reaches the 100-marathon mark in a run of his own design. Read his inspiring story on page 28.

This month also marks the culmination of another long-standing outdoor project, this one hundreds of years in the making. Since last year, construction has been underway on twin canoes, built in the traditional style of the Muscogee (Creek) Indian Nation.

Hewn from an ancient Alabama poplar, the canoes have united members of the Creek Nation in Oklahoma with those here at home. The Alabama canoe will be on display at the commemoration events at Horseshoe bend National Military Park on March 19. See page 32 for details on the project and its impact.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the great outdoors this month, I hope this issue presents plenty of ideas to get you out in that fresh spring air.

Thanks and enjoy!

Lake Martin Living Editor & Publisher Kenneth Boone Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Mia Osborn Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Fletcher Scott Susan Foy Fred Muenzmay Cliff Williams Mitch Sneed David Granger Robert Hudson David Ide Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Kim Morse Emily Guill Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com Reader Advisory Board W.L. “Buddy” King Fred Dobbs Ann Goree Donna Burkett Reggie Dean Feel free to contact members of our Reader Advisory Board.

Mia Osborn, Assistant Editor

4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-2344281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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ON THE COVER

In more than 20 years of running, County Commissioner Steve Robinson has completed more miles than the circumference of the Earth.

And earlier this month, he finished his 100th marathon.

Photo by Cliff Williams.

6 Lake Martin Living

10

This colorful sailing scene

by Penny Adamson is just one piece in a collage of local art that covers the walls of Alabama Street Makers Market in Alexander City.

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS Makers Market 12. HAPPY GARDEN 14. FROM THE TEE 16. OUTDOOR LIFE 27. FABULOUS FI NDS 36. MONEY MATTERS 38. MEDICAL NEWS 40. OH SNAP! 44. LAKE REGION EVENTS 54. THE LAST WORD

FEATURES 20. Q&A WITH TOMMY PAULK T he retired CEO of Bonnie Plants shares his advice 24. OLD 280 BOOGIE Y our guide to the 16th annual music celebration in Waverly 28. MARATHON MAN T he Alexander City commissioner runs his 100th marathon 32. CREEK CANOES H ow Alabama and Oklahoma branches of the Muscogee Nation are reconnecting through a traditional art

Lake Martin Living 7

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AROUND THE AREA

Recruits trained in EMT helicopter transport When it comes to getting a person in distress to the medical professionals, time is important.

That’s why nine recruits were schooled in landing zone training by the Life Saver4 crew of Flight Nurse Zack Lancaster, Flight Medic Jake Slick and Pilot Cliff McLeod, under the direction of Alexander City Fire Department Capt. Jeff Brewer.

“There are a lot of areas in our coverage area where the situation may dictate that you have to transport a patient by air to get them where they need to be in a timely manner,” Brewer said.

“These guys have been good enough to come in during our training to help educate on all aspects of the operation. From setting up a landing zone in daylight hours and at night, things to look for – like power lines, sign posts and fences – and even things as simple as how to approach the helicopter. They cover all of that.”

Brewer said that while some of the message shared by the

flight crew seems like common sense, they are able to stress the importance of the little things.

“You may not think about something as simple as how the patient is covered up,” Brewer said.

“But a lot of times, they leave the helicopter at full power so they can take off quickly. Even say a sheet that is covering a patient; if it is not secured as you approach, it can be pulled up and into the blades and you have a disaster. They stress all of those Life-Saving Lifts kinds of things. You could see that Trainees learn the they were taking it all in.” basics of helicopter The recruits were in their fourth transport from the Life Saver4 crew. week of a seven-week EMT training school. Overall, including fire training, the training will last 16 weeks. ~ Mitch Sneed

Lake Martin Living 9

BUSINESS MATTERS

Alabama Street Makers Market STORY & PHOTOS BY MIA OSBORN

L

ooking for a one-of-a-kind outfit or piece of artwork or just want to be blown away by the wealth of Alabama’s artistic talent? Look no further than Alabama Street Makers Market in downtown Alexander City.

The Makers Market began as a group effort. It all started with Elizabeth and Doug Roberts’ entry in the 2015 Missing Piece contest, in which locals competed to open a business in an empty Alexander City storefront.

“My husband was building a lot of stuff with reclaimed wood.

Our idea was a store with reclaimed wood art, furniture, pallets, et cetera,” Elizabeth Roberts explained.

After the Coffee Corner was voted as the winner of the contest, Stephanie Smith, owner of Little Black Dress and MainStreet board member, contacted the Roberts. It turns out the Roberts’ idea was similar to a vision that Smith and MainStreet Chairman Richard Wagoner had envisioned for some time.

10 Lake Martin Living

“It started with Richard’s idea,” said Elizabeth Roberts. “Then Stephanie and I joined together. We added our idea to theirs, and it turned out beautifully.”

Elizabeth Roberts and Smith now co-own the store. They toured arts and crafts markets across the state to help define their vision for the Makers Market. The result is an open floor plan that allows the work of different artists to mingle, rather than splitting up the offerings into individual booths. The tables, wall displays, and cubbyholes showcase a gorgeous mix of talents, such as delicate metal roses spilling out of a custom pottery tray by Janie Plaxco of HobbyPots.

The pottery has been popular with brides who want to take advantage of the Makers Market’s new gift registry service.

Plaxco creates one-of-a-kind dishes for brides by incorporating the pattern of the lace from their wedding dress into the clay.

That’s just one of the many unique designs on display in every inch of the store.

“I’ve been so impressed with the talent,” said Roberts.

The Makers Market sells Local Color Clockwise: The open everything from hand-carved design lets browsers wooden toys to oil paintings, and take in the mix of from quilts to organic soaps. Roberts talent on display; Walls estimates that about 80 percent of of assorted artwork the products sold come from within provide a fascinating background; Knitted a 20-mile radius of Alabama Street. pillows and baby “Eventually we’ll venture out outfits from Barbara Storjohann give this to the whole South,” said Roberts, display a pop of color. “but right now it’s cool to say that everything here is Alabama made.”

The Makers Market’s locally owned flair has attracted customers from far and wide since it opened in November 2015. The store has been so successful that Smith and Roberts have plans to expand in several directions. Roberts dreams of a section devoted to locally made food, beer and wine.

Throughout 2016, Makers Market will host a series of “Great Create” events, where people of any experience level can learn a

craft from a local artist. Catie Radney headed up the series with a painting class in February. The store’s increasing popularity means Roberts and Smith no longer have to search for crafters and artisans.

“Now I’ve got people contacting me to have their work displayed,” said Roberts. “I’m having to say no to some people.

If I didn’t this place would be full from wall to wall.”

For more information on upcoming Makers Market events, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ AlabamaStreetMakersMarket.

Lake Martin Living 11

Make essential oils at home

I

Happy Garden

have been working with essential oils because of its role Ancient Knowledge Rosemary and citrus for aromatherapy for many years. I love in strengthening fruits have been revered working with fresh-cut herbs, flowers and and healing for thousands of years fruit to create something useful. Aromatherapy sensitive organs, for their uses in health and beauty. is not magic but chemistry, provided by our including the liver, Maker in all living plants and trees. It has heart, and brain. been used since ancient times to improve Citrus oils also have many healthy uses. health, beauty and overall wellbeing.

Orange essential oil provides relief from In Exodus 30:23, God directed Moses to inflammation, whether internal or external. Oil make holy anointing oil composed of flowering made from lemon is antiseptic and antibacterial, myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia and olive oil, and can soothe insect bites and tension the use of which gave protection and treatment headaches. Lemon oil has also been said to help Fred Muenzmay disperse cellulite and keep wrinkles at bay. to all of those to whom it was administered.

Many of the plants used in aromatherapy can be grown easily at home, especially herbs. Herbs Some of the information in this article comes are hard-working, easy-to-care-for plants. They are a great from The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, way to begin gardening, whether in your backyard or a

by Valerie Ann Worwood. large urn. ~ Fred Muenzmay of Eagle’s Roost Herb Farms is a Master Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs from which to Gardener and has been in the business of growing organic make essential oils. Rosemary was sacred to the Egyptians, herbs, vegetables and blueberries for regional and local Hebrews, Greeks and Romans. In the middle ages, it was farmer’s markets for 17 years. Contact him at fmuenzmay@ used to ward off evil spirits and protect against the plague. earthlink.net.

Herbal medicine in the 16th century valued rosemary oil 12 Lake Martin Living

Supplies:

3 canning jars, half pint size Crock Pot or other slow cooker large enough to hold all jars 1 quart carrier oil, such as sweet almond, apricot kernel or grapeseed oil 2 naval oranges 2 large lemons 12 sprigs of lavender or rosemary about 3 inches long Paring knife Paint funnel with strainer Containers with lids to store finished oils

Steps:

1. Pick the leaves and flowers off the stems of your herbs but do not wash. Rinse citrus fruits and peel the outer layer, being careful to remove only the colorful part and leaving as much of the white pith on the fruit as possible.

2. Tightly pack jars with herbs and citrus peels. The first time, I suggest keeping things simple by using one type of peel or herb per jar, but you can make combinations if you feel adventurous.

3. Pour undiluted carrier oil into each jar until it covers the herbs and peels. Seal the jars tightly.

and let them cool completely, at least three hours.

6. Strain the contents of the jars into individual glass containers. The oil needs to be as clear and free of particles as possible. Paint funnel strainers are an easy way to strain the oil and transfer it to containers at the same time, but you can also strain the oil through muslin or cheesecloth before transferring it with an ordinary kitchen funnel.

7. Pour the oils into colorful glass or plastic bottles. If you are going to give the oil as a gift, I recommend a decorative corked glass bottle. Dip the bottle top in melted Paraffin sealing wax to secure the cork.

These essential oils can be enjoyed in cooking, as bath oil or as fragrance in homemade candles. I have included some of the many ways to apply the oils to some common health problems.

Applications:

4. Place the jars in the slow cooker and cover them with water. Cover the pot with lid and set the temperature to low. Leave for eight hours. The slow cooker will heat the sealed oil and infuse it with fruit and herb flavors.

5. When eight hours are up, take the jars out

Cough – Massage one to two drops of lemon and/or rosemary oil over the chest and throat every few hours.

Headaches – Add a drop of rosemary oil to your hands and cup over your mouth and nose for up to a minute. Or apply a drop of orange oil directly to the aching parts of your head.

Learning and memory – Diffuse orange and/or lemon oil throughout the room, inhale directly from the bottle, rub over your temples or apply to your toes regularly.

Fatigue – a capful of rosemary oil in bath water improves circulation, increasing energy.

Lake Martin Living 13

Think like a golf architect

I

From the Tee

f El Nino never visits again, it won’t hurt my So the next time you plunk your driver down feelings one bit. the open side of the fairway while your macho This jet stream pattern makes the Southeast opponent takes aim over the trees and hazards, wet and miserable all winter. Spring can’t come take a moment to place a bet. Then place a phone soon enough. Thank heavens the warmer weather call to your better half and plan a nice dinner out, is knocking on the door; green grass on the course which will most likely be made possible through is soon to follow. As golfers, it’s time to get our your winnings. minds right.

Before you ever pull a club from your bag on The upcoming warm weather will allow for the the tee, survey the hole with an architect’s eye. golf ball to fly – and roll – farther, due to firmer Ask yourself which club will place your ball in fairways. It puts a smile on my face to think I can the best position to attack the pin location. The soon hit shorter irons into greens, instead of the shortest distance between two points is a straight Dave Jennings long irons and fairway woods that I am presently line; however, that is not always the best way to wearing out. But when your summer distance play your upcoming golf shot. Play it safe and your returns, you may need to alter the strategy you’ve scores will come down. been using to play your home course during the wet and colder The right equipment also makes a world of difference. winter months.

Last month, I told you about Cure Putters, a relatively new In damp and cool weather, most golf balls land with a “splat” line of putters on the market. The new developments at Cure sound, and the ball quickly comes to rest. But in spring months, Putters are going to make a lot of traditional putters obsolete, it’s harder to predict what will happen after the ball hits ground. just like high MOI (moment of inertia) metal woods replaced When the ball begins to fly farther out into the fairway, bunkers persimmon wood clubs. and trees may block it, or it may roll straight into long rough, There has been a little noise about MOI and stability in the hazards or woods. putter business over the last several years. This time, it’s different.

When playing any golf hole, it is best to think like the golf Not only do Cure putters have stability you can feel, they have course architects. These imaginative people offer golfers of all the highest MOI I have ever seen in a putter. Cure makes the levels advice on the best route to take at each hole. If you have fastest-growing putter on the Champions Tour and on the a good idea of the distances of which you are capable with your Golf Digest Hot List. They look good and feel even better. Do various clubs, you will be better equipped to follow an architect’s yourself a favor and check them out. best scoring paths.

My friends, knock the rust off your clubs, replace the spikes On dogleg holes, there is often a wide berth of fairway to one in your shoes and get prepared for a great year of golf. I look side: Take it. Golf architects commonly offer a “sucker path,” forward to seeing you on the course. an apparent shortcut to which many golfers fall victim. These shortcuts usually have trees, water, mounds or sand to threaten ~ Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central Alabama the daring golfer’s talent – or foolishness, as the case may be.

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Lake Martin Living 15

Hog Wild

Hogs are among the quickest livestock animals to become feral.

16 Lake Martin Living

On the Trail of the Wild Hog

M

Outdoor Life

ost sportsmen know the white-tailed Towne told the story of George Gordon deer is the most hunted big game Moore, a New York state native who created animal in North America. But I’m a hunting club near Hooper’s Bald, North willing to bet that not as many know that the Carolina. Moore imported 15 boars from second most hunted is the feral hog. the Hartz Mountains in Germany. They were The word feral refers to an animal that was fenced in and left to multiply for 10 years. once domesticated but has since returned to Eventually, Moore decided it was time for the wild. In this article, the words feral and wild the enclosed hogs to be hunted. The ensuing will be used interchangeably. debacle, as described by Townes, should serve The history of feral hogs in Alabama goes as a warning to all who think of hunting swine back to the first European explorers. In 1493, in pens.

Christopher Columbus left swine in the West “In 1920 a little group of huntsmen, Indies on his second voyage to the Americas. mounted on local nags and armed with In his book, Wild Pigs in The United States, spears, rode into the enclosure, each bent John J. Mayer noted that thirteen years after on bagging a boar. But the strong and cagey Fletcher Scott Columbus left the West Indies, Spanish settlers tuskers had no intention of being captured or found themselves dealing with a significant slain by a pack of novices riding reluctant and population of wild hogs. They were destroying inexperienced mounts. crops, killing cattle and even attacking people.

“At least one hundred of them made a mockery of their In 1539, Hernando Desoto brought more than 300 pigs prison walls, charging, and breaking through the stout in his quest for the fountain of youth. Of course, he never wire enclosure like so many machine-gun bullets riddling found it. What he did find was a country rich in Native a piece of cheese cloth. And that was the end of horse and American culture and natural resources. What he left was spear hunting in America ... It also marked the demise of a terrible scourge of disease and pestilence, along with the promoter’s ambitious hunt club.” escaped pigs.

Even today, the descendants of these escaped European By the 1560s, feral hogs were found throughout the boars are hunted in the mountains near Tellico Plains, Southeast. Native Americans hunted them for meat, Tennessee. but from the time of European settlement until past the Moore’s hogs were not the only group to escape their colonial period — roughly 1700 to1800 — feral hogs were enclosures. Soon, new bloodlines were produced from the not hunted as game animals. Hogs, even feral hogs, were offspring of feral hogs and European boars. Feral pigs are considered someone’s property, much like free-range cattle now found in 47 states, with numbers reported to be in and sheep. excess of 5 million.

Of particular interest is the speed with which One reason for their widespread success lies in their domesticated pigs become feral. ability to reproduce. Pigs can produce three litters of “Pigs actually go wild faster than any other livestock. piglets per year. Each litter may contain up to eight piglets.

Why that is, we really don’t know, but clearly they do,” Sows are usually sexually mature at six months old.

Mayer said.

Remember that feral pigs were once domesticated, which With so many wild hogs scattered around the country, means they were selected for producing large litters and it was only a matter of time before enterprising folk began early sexual maturity. keeping them in enclosures as huntable game.

On top of their fast reproduction, feral pigs have few In his book, Pigs: From Cave to Corn Belt, Charles natural predators. Being omnivorous, they can and will

Lake Martin Living 17

eat almost anything. Crops, tubers, grubs and carrion are just a few of their food sources. Their very keen sense of smell enables them to detect protein rich food sources. Pigs will travel great distances to find such sources. One study showed that pigs can detect food 25 feet deep in the soil.

In our area, hogs have been reported from Tallapoosa, Coosa and Elmore counties. I’ve personally seen pig signs, such as mud slathered on trees in Tallapoosa County near the headwaters of Chattasofka and Andrew’s Branch.

In the 1980s, several hogs were taken in that area, including one that weighed 425 pounds. But in 20 years of extensive hunting in the same region, I have neither killed nor even seen a hog.

This is one place where hogs may have disappeared for unknown reasons.

I spoke with Joel Glover, wildlife biologist with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), who told me he had seen hogs in the Rockford area.

“In past years we had a hog killed near Equality. We’ve also seen pig signs on both sides of Hatchet Creek,” Glover said.

“However, the majority have been seen on the north side.”

Glover said hog sightings have been down this year, possibly due to wet weather. In dry months, Glover receives more reports, possibly because hogs are drawn out of hiding to gather and wallow in streams.

Fortunately, this area has seen nothing like the swine problem that exists in the southern half of the state. It is estimated that hogs cause close to $1.5 billion in damage nationwide each year. The Natural Resources Conservation Service this year announced that 18 Alabama counties may qualify for $100,000 in compensation for crop damage by hogs. Many counties to our south have received their share of hog damage including: rooting in planted fields; pollution of streams; eating crops, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians; spreading diseases; and outcompeting native wildlife for food sources.

I recall hunting in Stewart County, Georgia, for several years.

I never saw a snake, dead or alive, but I did see plenty of wild hogs. They harbor many diseases that are dangerous to humans, livestock and other wildlife.

In 2006, hundreds of people nationwide were infected with a deadly form of E. coli bacteria after eating bagged spinach.

Investigators discovered the likely culprits were wild hogs.

What, if anything, can be done to control this animal? Most researchers say a properly followed program of trapping can be most effective. Hunting hogs alone will never be very effective.

18 Lake Martin Living

Dr. Stephen Ditchkoff of Auburn University has studied wild pigs for many years.

“If you are going to control pigs with sport hunting, you will have to harvest 70 percent of the total population every year!

This will not remove all the pigs. I don’t care how many you kill, it’s what you leave behind that matters. You have to completely remove the entire sounder,” Ditchkoff said (a sounder is group of adult pigs).

When it comes to wild pigs, no one in Alabama has more first-hand experience than Chris Jaworoski. In Alabama, Jaworoski, a wildlife biologist who works with the ADCNR, is the go-to guy when it comes to trapping hogs. He has designed and built more traps than anyone I know.

“It’s easy to entice a hog to enter a trap and catch him. But this is not a very effective way to do it,” Jaworoski explained.

“You must pre-bait your traps, allowing hogs to enter and eat at will. Adult sows and boars are intelligent and cautious.

They usually are the last hogs to enter a new trap the first time.

Hog trappers who fail to prebait traps usually catch juvenile pigs.

It’s the adult sows you want to catch since they are the ones reproducing. Your goal is to catch as many as possible in one event in order for trapping to be Hog Catcher Chris Jaworoski most effective,” Jaworoski said. demonstrates a hog trap.

He also noted that successful hog traps are usually round in shape with no corners. Hogs have been known to pile into one corner of a trap and climb on top of each other to escape.

In Tallapoosa and surrounding counties, I frequently hear hunters complain about the presence of coyotes and their effect on the deer population. While coyotes do prey on deer, especially fawns, they are nowhere near the problem hogs can be. Pigs will eat up your mast crop and plow up your feed plots.

They have even been reported to devour livestock, rabbits and deer.

It might be wise to do all you can to limit the spreading of hog populations. Unfortunately, the use of corn to feed or attract deer also attracts wild pigs, and the only thing worse than raccoons on your trail cameras would be a group of wild hogs.

Many researchers say that there are two kinds of areas: those that have hogs and those that are going to get them. ~ Fletcher Scott is a retired science teacher who enjoys nature photography.

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Garden Q&A:

Tommy Paulk The former Bonnie Plants CEO spreads the dirt on seed selection and answers the questions gardeners are afraid to ask PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

20 Lake Martin Living

Seeds vs. transplants: Which do you prefer? Are there any popular plants that really need to be grown through one method or the other?

I greatly prefer transplants, in most cases. They enable gardeners to get a headstart of several weeks on suitable climate for growing. The practice also helps with double – or even triple – cropping, by reducing the time period between planting and harvest.

Plants that flourish in high-density populations, such as turnips, should be planted as seeds. Plants that grow quickly from the seed stage to the production stage, such as squash and cucumber, can also be planted as seeds without giving up much advantage in time saved.

All-American Selections recently released its winning plants for 2016. What are a few 2016 winners that will grow well in the zone 8/zone 9 climate of Tallapoosa County?

All-American Selections winners are typically not widely available as transplants until the following year, so 2016 winners may have to be grown from seed this spring. Some varieties that should work well in our area include: Chef’s Choice green tomato, a novelty tomato with yellow stripes. If its taste is anything like its heirloom predecessor, Mr. Stripey, it could earn a permanent spot in my garden; especially if it will produce more fruit than the sparse bounty provided by Mr. Stripey.

Another 2016 winner I would try is Candyland Red currant tomato, touted as a small, full-flavored salad tomato that grows in clusters.

The Escamillo Yellow pepper should be a big hit with its large and sweet, 8-inch fruit.

For March planting, Sweet Baby radish sounds worth a try, if for no other reason than its being advertised as sweet. Also for March planting is the Japanese Red Kingdom mustard green, which should be great raw in salads and even better cooked and mixed with turnip greens.

Strawberry Delizz, 2016’s winning strawberry, should be planted immediately, since March is the tail end of its optimal planting season.

Lastly, promising flower winners for our area are the Salvia Summer Jewel lavender and geranium Brocade Cherry Night.

Do you recommend tilling the soil before planting, or leaving it undisturbed?

I recommend tilling the soil, unless the garden is huge and watering is impractical. Tilling is almost a necessity for underground crops, such as Green Man onions, potatoes, carrots and Tommy Paulk was CEO beets. of Alabama Farmers Cooperative for 18 years before he retired to Tallapoosa County.

There’s been a lot of talk about

organic gardening practices. What are the benefits/pitfalls of using organic pest control and fertilizers, as opposed to the popular store brands?

Exclusively organic gardening practices are decidedly more difficult than traditional practices, but they can be done with research and perseverance. Manure from horses, cows or even chickens (if used sparingly) makes great fertilizer, but the nutrient content varies widely and the resulting weed problem requires more work. Pest control can be another problem, and controlling disease is nearly impossible.

While some companion plants, such as marigolds, offer varying degrees of insect control, my experience has been that commercial, branded products work better. Certainly bacterial leaf spot, certain blights and other diseases are extremely difficult to control organically, especially in the high humidity typical to our area.

For me, a tablespoon of Daconil mixed in a gallon of water and sprayed on tomato leaves every other week works wonders on most tomato diseases, while the extra work and high failure rate associated with exclusively organic gardening practices takes the fun out of it; however, I have nothing but admiration for those organic gardeners who manage to pull it off.

Which vegetables will grow best in this area? Are there any hard-to-grow vegetables that you would advise local beginner gardeners to avoid?

Nearly all vegetables grow well in our area. For some reason, I cannot grow golden beets here, but it’s probably because I keep doing something wrong. I’m not advising beginners to avoid them. On the contrary, I hope someone will be successful with them and teach me.

The easiest crops for beginning gardeners are probably radishes, cabbages, squash, tomatoes and peppers. The easiest herb by far is rosemary. Basil is also a good choice, and I don’t think you can kill mint if you try. Cilantro can be difficult, but for me it’s worth the trouble. Just be careful not to over water it.

There are some plants that are listed as annuals but can grow through the winter in our climate. What are some other annuals that act more like perennials in the South?

Herbs I carry through the winter here are rosemary, oregano, thyme and flat-leaf parsley. The only vegetable I grow through the winter is collards, but I’ve known some to live a dozen years or more.

Many peppers can grow as perennials anywhere temperatures don’t dip below freezing for more than a few hours at a time.

Container-grown peppers can do the same here if they are moved inside during freezes and back out on warmer days.

Lantana is an annual flower that can live through the winter in our climate zone. Begonias, New Guinea impatiens, coleus, mandevilla and geraniums can live for years if they are moved Lake Martin Living 21

inside during winter months in this area. Farther south, they can survive outdoors year-round.

This one’s for the brown thumbs. Name three containerfriendly plants that are hard to kill.

How about five? Rosemary, basil, cayenne pepper, cabbage and flat-leaf parsley.

You might get huge green striped caterpillars in your parsley. If you do, let them have it. They make the most beautiful butterflies you can imagine. You can always plant more parsley.

Use snail bait around your cabbages to keep out slugs. Don’t afford these slimy critters the same respect as the caterpillars.

Their only redeeming value is that grandkids will enjoy watching them melt into a puddle of goo if salt is sprinkled on them.

What is the strangest plant you have ever grown? What’s the strangest one you’re currently growing?

Peter pepper comes to mind. You might want to check with Wikipedia for more specific details not quite suited for this publication. One of my favorite unusual plants is the green eggplant. I have seen one plant grow six feet tall and six feet in diameter and produce several hundred, excellent, zucchinishaped fruit.

Another is the Yellow Pear tomato, another prolific producer with hundreds of small, sweet pear-shaped fruit. The yellow pear tomato transplants are readily available in season, but the green eggplant are not and will likely need to be purchased as seed.

Which flowers would you recommend be used together to ensure there is always something blooming throughout the season?

If you plant snapdragons, pansies, vinca and petunias and care for them properly, you can have year-round blooms. But planting them together is not what I recommend.

Trying to coax new blooms on aging flowers has a poor cost/ benefit ratio for my money. I prefer to employ the philosophy of professional landscapers: take out the old and put in the new. In a few hours of transplanting, fading blooms can give way to fresh new plants, filled with the vigor of youth and new growth. And those of us who sell plants for a living will thank you for it.

22 Lake Martin Living

List your three top fruit trees or vines for casual backyard growing.

Plum, pear and fig.

Is there any reason to have a greenhouse in this area?

Yes, if you are willing to devote the time, a small backyard greenhouse can help you get an early start on the spring season with a wide variety of vegetables and flowers. You can also winter over your ferns and other annuals that can live for years when protected from freezing. And you can enjoy homegrown tomatoes almost all year long.

What are some attractive and useful companion plantings? Name a couple for vegetables and a couple for flowers.

P. Allen Smith has the Annuals Forever The lantana is an annual best ideas of anyone I know flower that can be grown for companion planting. He through the winter in our climate. plants tulip bulbs in the center of a large container each November. Then he plants violas or pansies around the outside of the bulbs. When the violas or pansies have filled out with blooms in March, the tulips erupt through them in dramatic contrast, both in color and height.

He also plants long coleus beds with alternating, three-foot bands of solid purple coleus and solid, light green coleus for a breathtaking palette of complimentary colors.

Companion planting in vegetables is usually associated with organic practices, either for the purpose of attracting beneficial insects or repelling pests. But other considerations can be employed as well, such as shade or structural support that is provided by one plant and needed by another.

Cucumbers and beans, for instance, can be planted with corn, which serves as trellis stakes for the vines. And where space is limited, low-growing plants can be planted around taller plants.

For example, spinach or thyme may be planted around tomatoes or eggplants.

Plants that can be harvested, cooked and eaten together – like mustard greens and turnip greens – should also be planted together. Herb expert Amy Jeanroy suggests that some herbs, like basil, can enhance the flavor of tomatoes when planted together.

THE LAKE IS THE PART OF US THAT

IS ALWAYS YOUNG.

Wild and full of wonder, it’s the place where we are still awed by sunrises and sunsets.

That’s the power of the lake.

PRESENTING THE NEWEST COLLECTION OF LAKE HOMESITES Lake Living RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM | 256.215.7011 | LAKE MARTI N, Martin ALABAMA

23

Lake Martin Living’s guide to the 16th Annual Old 280 Boogie STORY BY MIA OSBORN

E

ach year, the tiny town of Waverly celebrates its salvation from the rerouting of Highway 280 with Southern music and good times at Standard Deluxe, Inc. The Old 280 Spring Boogie turns sweet 16 this year, and the town of about 150 people is getting ready to welcome a flood of guests.

Standard Deluxe owner Scott Peek shared his advice for getting the most out of your Boogie experience.

Anything can happen

Standard Deluxe attracts rising stars from all over the South. Acts like The Civil Wars and The Alabama Shakes have performed there.

Some performers have been known to come back and visit as audience members, so be 24 Lake Martin Living

prepared to rub elbows with some well-known guests.

Step out of the box

The Boogie lineup has something for everyone, from the banjo-picking bluegrass of Town Mountain to Kim Logan’s retro-infused swamp rock and Boogie regulars The Pine Hill Haints with their Alabama ghost country. To see the full lineup and hear a sample of each band’s music, follow the links on the Boogie’s Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/WaverlyBoogie/.

More than just Music

The screen print and T-shirt shop that put Standard Deluxe on the map will be open for all your souvenir needs. In addition, there are over a dozen art, food and farm vendors that change

from year to year.

One souvenir Standard Deluxe doesn’t have is alcohol, so plan to bring your own brews. No glass, please.

Be ready for (family) fun times.

“People always ask if there’s an age limit,” said Peek. “I tell them anyone from newborns to grandmas can enjoy the Boogie.”

Crowds vary in size from 800 to upwards of 1200, yet in the Boogie’s nearly 20-year run, there has never been a single crime or security problem.

“It's a friendly group of great folks that comes to enjoy the peaceful country vibe and world class music. There are kids running around everywhere and everyone keeps an eye out for each other,” Peek explained.

Shop smart, park safe

Early bird Boogie tickets are $20 each online until Apr. 1. After that, they are $25 at the gate. Gates open at 11 a.m. on Friday,

April 16. Music plays from noon until 8 p.m.

Standard Deluxe is located at 1015 Mayberry Ave. Waverly, Al 36879.

Parking can be found on roadsides in downtown Waverly and at the nearby Methodist church and community center. Please don't block any driveways.

For more information on musicians and tickets, visit www.standarddeluxe.com.

Come prepared

The Boogie is an all-day outdoor shindig, so be sure to come stocked. It’s a good idea to bring: small coolers; folding chairs; blankets; sunblock; bug spray; umbrellas (just in case)

Can’t make it?

Don’t despair. There’s a Fall Boogie, too.

And with 20-plus standalone shows throughout the year, there’s always something going on in Waverly.

Lake Martin Living 25

26 Lake Martin Living

FABULOUS FINDS FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

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Willow Glynn, Cove Cottage Summer 2016 – Introducing the Cove Cottage designed

by Mitch Ginn, built by SouthLake Homes. On main level, find the owner’s suite, guest bedroom and bunkroom.

Expansive open kitchen-dining-living area with access to large covered porch. Lake level offers two guest suites, large family room, covered patio and bar for plenty of lake fun.

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The Ridge, Double Rock Spring 2016 move-in ready from Derryl Thomas!

This Mitch Ginn design boasts four bedrooms and four baths on two levels. Owner’s suite and guest suite on main level with kitchen-dining-living. Second family room, wet bar and two bedrooms on lake level with 277 ft. of waterfront.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

786 Windover Road, Alexander City •$749,000 Beautiful lake home in desirable Windover neighborhood.

Large wooded waterfront lot! Easy stroll to the lake on stone pathways! Several outdoor living/entertaining area, Large pier for lots of water toys! GREAT summer water! Home offers 6 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Open Kitchen/Dining/Great Room with wood ceilings, laundry, large garage! Minutes from Russell Crossroads. Make your appointment TODAY!!

Lake Martin Realty Amy Duncan 256.212.2222 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

35 Underwood, Eclectic • $1,300,000 Lovely home in Trillium has everything your family and friends need to enjoy Beautiful Lake Martin! Awesome outdoor spaces with a covered area that has a fireplace, grill, and kitchen. Great swimming area, over 4 private acres on Lake Martin! 471' waterfront! Gourmet kitchen, 6 bedrooms, 4 fireplaces! A must see.

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56 Easy Street, Eclectic • $525,000 Enjoy this recently upgraded Mediterranean style house in the popular Little Kowaliga Creek area. This 3 BR/2 BA home is on a large gently sloping lot with a great view.

It has a lot of great features from the Samsung induction range to the covered floating dock. It is in a really nice neighborhood.

Lake Martin Realty John “Frog” McInnish 334.415.2149 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

73 Pine Point Circle, Eclectic • $1,699,000 ABSOLUTELY AWESOME lake home that embraces all the quality one would ever wish for! Located in Trillium, this home could even be a perfect corporate retreat because of its spaciousness.Outrageous views through walls of windows provide a feeling of openness, flooded with natural light.

It has gleaming woodwork throughout, multiple roof and ceiling lines, heart pine floors, modern kitchen and more!

RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Amanda Scroggins 256-749-6634 www.amandascroggins.com

684 Long Pine Road, Eclectic • $892,500 This Incredible Lake Home is in a class by itself...features lovely arched, french entrance doors. Main level is uniquely designed w/two family rooms w/stone FPs; soaring ceilings, plantation shutters, gorgeous pine floors, beautiful crown molding, great open gourmet kit. w/SS appliances, granite, lovely light fixtures. Master Suite on main features 2-tier tray ceiling, gorgeous view of the lake.

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56 Wind Hollow, Alexander City • $889,000 You could buy this FABULOUS house for your lake home, but why not live here for year round fun! Fully furnished and designed w/unique cottage decor throughout. Abundance of room for family and guests, one-level living with two full suites upstairs! 5BD/4BA, almost 300 ft. of waterfront and an awesome, flat lot w/its own sandy beach.Large, open den/ dining w/vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace.

RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com

Lake Martin Living 27

28 Lake Martin Living

County commissioner finishes his 100th marathon STORY BY MIA OSBORN PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS AND COURTESY OF STEVE ROBINSON

Lake Martin Living 29

T

allapoosa County’s District 2 Commissioner Steve Robinson has an unusual credit to his name: He has run all around the world, at least in a manner of speaking.

“I keep a training log on the distance I run each year,” he explained. “Last July, I passed 24,901 miles; that’s the circumference of the earth.”

Robinson has been running for more than 20 years, so he has had plenty of time to rack up the miles. Marathon running has become a lifestyle for him, so much so that this March, he reached a decades-long goal of running 100 marathons.

Robinson started running in April 1995, as part of an effort to quit smoking.

“At that point, I’d been smoking for 27 years,” he said.

He searched for the right form of exercise to help him break the habit. He chose running after being inspired by a group of people he saw running near his home in Alexander City every day.

“I was intrigued by them,” said Robinson. “And I thought it would be too taxing to both smoke and run.”

The group was called the Lake Martin Half-Fast Running Club, and they had been running together since the 1970s. Robinson joined them and has been running with them ever since. He trained through that

30 Lake Martin Living

first summer, and in December 1995, he ran his first marathon.

Since then, Robinson has averaged seven marathons each year in pursuit of his ultimate goal of 100.

Many of those marathons were large events for which he and other members of the Half-Fast club travelled all around the U.S. Robinson has run in New Orleans, Nashville and Boston, as well as in numerous Alabama events.

The Half-Fast Running Club has organized some runs just for fun through the years, like their annual Santa Hat Run through the Alexander City Walmart.

“We’ll go in Walmart and run the perimeter inside the store,” said Robinson. “We’ve been at it for 12 years now.”

In addition to the group runs, Robinson started a personal running route from his home to his aunt’s house.

“The distance from our house to my aunt’s house is 24.6 miles. When I started running, I used that distance as a training run. Then, I thought I’d add the additional 1.6 miles for a marathon distance of 26.2,” he said.

Mad Marathon Running

Previous pages: Robinson's 100th 26.2-mile run on March 5 followed a familiar route, which he dubbed the Clay County Marathon; Below: Half-Fast Marathon Club friend David Major joined Robinson for part of the run March 5.

This March marked Robinson’s 13th time to run the 26.2 mile distance, which he calls the Clay County Marathon.

More importantly, it was his 100th marathon.

In a 2010 interview with the Alexander City Outlook, Robinson said, “If I’m able to hold up, I should reach 100 at age 57.”

This year, he is happy to announce he will be shattering that goal by more than a year.

Robinson ran his Clay County Marathon on March 5, three days before his 56th birthday.

Robinson enjoys keeping a record of his progress. He serves as keeper of the HalfFast Club’s history by maintaining a scrapbook he inherited from his predecessor.

And he’s pleased with how far he’s come, but he always stays humble about his accomplishments.

“At this point in my life, I’m just running to Just Keep Running finish,” he said.

Robinson frequently has run in competitive events, including He didn’t have to the the 2010 Chickamauga finish alone.

Battlefield Marathon.

“David Major, one of my mentors, went part of the way with me, and my son and I ran the final 5K together,” he said.

Afterwards, Robinson joined friends and fellow runners for a celebration in his honor.

Running has become a family affair for the Robinsons.

All three of his children have run their own marathons at some point. In addition to joining his father for the end of his 100th marathon, Robinson’s son, Steven, helped organize the 2016 Russell Forest Run. Father and son ran that 5K together, as well. Robinson placed eighth in his age group and 76th place overall; Steven came in at 75th.

Robinson said his children keep him inspired to continue running marathons, in part because he needs to gather T-shirts.

“It takes 16 shirts to make a quilt,” Robinson explained.

“One of my first goals was to have quilts made for my children using only marathon shirts.”

So far, Robinson has made a full-size quilt for each of his children and three grandchildren for a total of 96 marathon shirts. His family is still growing, so it looks like he won’t get a break any time soon.

“My oldest daughter is now expecting twins, so I need to run at least 32 more marathons,” he said.

It has been a long 20 years of running. But with his health and his family to keep him motivated, Steve Robinson shows no signs of slowing down.

Lake Martin Living 31

Traditional canoe to be dedicated at Horseshoe Bend STORY BY MIA OSBORN PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS & SUBMITTED

A

t this year's annual commemoration of the 1814 Battle of Horseshoe Bend, representatives of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN) will take part in the dedication of a new display. Since the fall of 2015, members of the MCN Cultural Center in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, have been engaged in the Carving Out History making of twin canoes Above: The original poplar using traditional carving log from which both canoes were carved; Right: Historian practices. One of the Butch Fuller works to hollow canoes will remain at the canoe at Horseshoe the center in Oklahoma, Bend National Military Park. but the other will be a permanent exhibit at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park (HBNMP) in Daviston.

The annual event at HBNMP recalls the battle that ended the Creek War and resulted in a land cession of 23 million acres; the present day Southeast U.S. Soon after, the Creek were removed to Oklahoma.

Some 202 years after the the battle, the canoe project will help to reconnect the Muscogee in Oklahoma to their Alabama heritage.

The dedication will be the culmination of years of planning, months of physical labor and a story that has been more than two centuries in the making.

The planning phase of the project began with the late Mike Berryhill of Okmulgee. Berryhill headed the Muscogee Creek Bow Shooters, a group dedicated to reviving the archery crafts and skills of their ancestors.

“Mike was instrumental in bringing traditional bow 32 Lake Martin Living

making back to us,” explained current Bow Hunter Society President John Brown. “There weren’t many Creeks still making bows, and he took it upon himself to teach us.”

Berryhill revived interest in tanning hides and other cultural crafts in danger of being lost.

One of his longstanding dreams was to carve a canoe using traditional methods, but he passed away before he was able to make his dream a reality. After Berryhill’s death, the MCN Cultural Center in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, approached Brown about taking up his predecessor’s project.

“The cultural department offered to collaborate, and we jumped on opportunity. This is one way to remember and honor Mike’s memory,” said Brown.

Brown and the MCN Cultural Center reached out to HBNMP, where the Friends of Horseshoe Bend offered to help support the project. But first, Brown had to find a tree of the right size and type in a state nearly 1,000 miles away.

Brown reached out to contacts among the Alabama Creeks. Those contacts included Walter Gowan – a former Benjamin Russell High School teacher who is an authority on Creek history and culture – and Butch Fuller, a living historian and artist who specializes in building log cabins, canoes and other historical wooden structures.

"The cultural center got in touch with me about finding a tree," said Gowan. "I was afraid that if we bought a log from a logging company, we would get something that hadn't been sealed properly."

Gowan asked around Alexander City for someone

Lake Martin Living 33

who might have an appropriate tree growing on their property. He stopped by the Sure Shot in Alexander City, where owner Woody Baird put Gowan in touch with Mike Parker, who just so happened to be in the store at the time.

Parker, who also has Creek blood in his family, knew of the perfect poplar tree on his land just outside Dadeville.

The massive specimen was very much like the kind of tree that would have been selected by the Creeks from hundreds of years ago.

The poplar’s trunk was about 5 feet in diameter and was estimated to be almost 200 years old, meaning it was a sapling when the soil in which it grew was still part of ancestral Creek lands.

It was cut down in a September 2015 ceremony, for which Brown and several other members of Creek nation traveled from Okmulgee to take part. Before the cutting, Brown offered a prayer in the Creek language and shook loose tobacco around the tree’s base in a gesture of thanks.

Two logs were sawn from the tree, one of which went back to the MCN Cultural Center in Okmulgee. There, it was made into the first of two dugout canoes. The second canoe was built at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park.

Fuller has been building canoes for 25 years. He has learned mainly through trial and error.

“The process is pretty straightforward,” said Fuller. “It’s like making a big giant salad bowl.”

That means squaring off the log; then, scraping one side until it becomes hollowed. Once the canoe is completely hollow, the sides are thinned and the bottom shaped into a curve. Lastly, small fires are built in the bottom of the canoe. When the fire burns out, the resulting charcoal is 34 Lake Martin Living

scraped away, leaving behind a water-worthy canoe.

Traditional hand carving methods were used whenever possible. Creek craftsman Gary Ashman made a set of handheld carving tools just for the canoes, but Fuller admitted much of the hollowing was done with power tools for the sake of speed.

“In the past, you had 40 or 50 guys working together, and everybody knew what they were doing. They could probably finish up a canoe in three weeks,” said Fuller.

The modern canoe-making process takes longer because, in addition to not having as many trained workers, Fuller and team are working with a freshly cut tree.

“In the old days they worked off dead, dry logs,” explained Fuller.

The freshly cut canoes had to be left to dry between steps so that the green wood didn’t warp or shrink, further extending the time needed to finish the vessel. Fuller estimated each canoe has been invested with about 200 hours of work. It’s an effort the communities on both sides of the project were happy to undertake.

According to Fuller, the reception of the canoe by the Creek community in Oklahoma was overwhelmingly positive.

“When we were building, every day we were visited by school kids and elders. Everybody was so behind the project, from tribal administrators to everyday Creek Indian folk,” he said.

The Oklahoma canoe is nearly ready to be put on display in Okmulgee. The Alabama canoe will be open for viewing at Horseshoe Bend on Saturday, March 19. After

Inside Job the Horseshoe Bend Above: The finished canoe; commemoration Top Right: John Brown was is over, the canoe instrumental in getting the will go through a project off the ground; Right: A closer look at the carving final preservation process. Bottom: The build site process, then be put of the Oklahoma canoe was on display inside visited by local school groups. the Horseshoe Bend Museum.

The twin canoes stand as a testament to Mike Berryhill’s memory, and have revived interest in a traditional art. But the project also had another effect: encouraging curiosity and friendship between Alabama and Oklahoma Creeks.

“We have Creeks now wanting to travel to Alabama, most of them for the first time ever, and it’s because of this canoe,” said Fuller.

These connections have sparked several other creative collaborations, starting with a second canoe project.

“We hope to work with Alabama next year, to get another tree from our ancestral lands,” said Brown.

The Muscogee Creek Bow Shooters Society has already been invited back to Horseshoe Bend to give a public display of traditional bow shooting in the coming year.

“It’s reuniting people with their homeland,” said Fuller. “I never dreamed something as simple as canoe would be a vehicle for the tremendous friendships that have formed here.”

Lake Martin Living 35

Predicting the future What’s ahead for the economy from global business to inflation, interest rates and oil production

T

here’s been a lot of news coverage lately over concerns about the economy, such as volatility in the stock market, rising interest rates and uncertainty in the global marketplace.

But what does this really mean for Alabama consumers and business owners?

As you keep an eye on economic trends, here are some questions and answers about how some of these economic indicators may affect you.

Money Matters

More importantly, import prices are down 10 percent from a year ago, so many of the goods we buy are cheaper, which is great for U.S. consumers.

How are low oil prices affecting the economy?

We’ve had dramatic breakthroughs and technological gains in the U.S. that have increased oil production and supply. Combine that with a slowing world economy, and it means We’ve seen a lot of volatility in the stock there is extra supply of oil and prices have gone market early this year. What does this mean for down.

David Ide consumers?

As prices go down, smaller oil producers won’t What we’re watching very carefully is the be able to afford to keep producing oil, and you’ll extent to which stock market declines translate see fewer new rigs and less drilling, so eventually into changes in consumer behavior, what economists call a the supply will start to slow and get back in line with demand. negative wealth effect. But it’s important to keep a long-term But for now it appears we’ll have that extra supply for a while, perspective. which will help keep a lid on oil prices, which is a major factor Last August, we saw concern about economic conditions in determining gas prices. abroad, particularly in China. But then a few months later the markets rebounded, so much so that the Federal Reserve felt What is the outlook on inflation? it was safe to increase interest rates. The economy feels a bit There isn’t much inflation in the economy right now. For like that today. Depending on how it plays out, it could be a example, the most recent cost of living adjustment that Social temporary aberration, and for long-term investors, a blip isn’t Security beneficiaries get each year was zero percent because necessarily foreboding. there basically hasn’t been any inflation. Relatively slow economic growth, along with demographic and technological How can we expect the global economy to effect U.S. changes are keeping a lid on inflation. This is keeping longerbusinesses and consumers? term interest rates down, for things like mortgages and auto Our dollar is getting stronger, meaning our products loans. are more expensive to buyers in other countries. So with the global economy growing more slowly, we can’t sell our Interest rates went up modestly, .25 percent in December. products abroad as quickly. It’s a challenging time for export What can consumers and business owners expect with manufacturers because prices are higher and demand is down. interest rates the rest of the year?

At the same time, U.S. dependency on exports is relatively If you have a business loan with a variable rate, your loan low, at 13 percent. So the situation with demand for our rate has gone up a little. But the increase in the interest rate products overseas is important to be aware of, but it doesn’t has been small so far, and future rate increases will also have as big of an impact on our country as it would if we were likely be gradual. If the economy starts to grow too quickly, more dependent on exports. the Federal Reserve uses interest rate increases to slow the The dollar is appreciating. What does this mean for economy and temper inflation. consumers?

Optimists forecast rates will rise a total of 1 percent this It’s cheaper for us to travel abroad, so that’s good news for year, but with little inflation, the Federal Reserve can take U.S. citizens. But on the flip side, that also means it’s more its time raising rates. If you’re a saver, the modest interest expensive for foreign travelers visiting this country. rate increases aren’t a big boost for you. But it’s a good time 36 Lake Martin Living

for business owners to borrow money. There is more competition among banks that want to make loans, so the qualified business owner is in the driver’s seat.

What bright spots do you see in the economy?

We’re seeing more people with jobs than we have the past several years. State and local government finances have improved.

Automobile manufacturing is booming. Home values continue to appreciate. Lower gas prices are like a giant raise for consumers, who seem to be pocketing the money they’re saving at the pump to pay off debt or add to their savings. It hasn’t yet translated into more retail sales, but we should see people loosen their purse strings if gas prices remain low.

What are some areas of concern that you’re watching?

Parts of the country that were booming with oil and gasoline production, like the Dakotas and Texas, are going to see the flipside of that as the oil business continues to slow. The manufacturing sector overall is slowing down as the dollar strengthens and our goods are more expensive for foreign markets.

One wildcard we have this year is an election cycle where the candidates who are doing well aren’t considered mainstream. This adds an element of uncertainty about what economic and regulatory policy might look like under one of those administrations come Inauguration Day. ~ David Ide brings more than 25 years of experience as a financial executive to his role as Chief Investment Officer and Economist with USAmeriBank.

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Lake Martin Living 37 10/12/15 11:36 AM

RMC honors physicians T

Medical News

his month, a familiar face has gained of colon cancer, follow-up is recommended a new locale: Dr. Karen Mockler has every five years. When polyps are found, moved her primary care practice follow-up is recommended based on the into Suite 214 of the Professional Building at number, size and type of polyps.

Russell Medical Center.

“The goal is to find and remove preDr. Mockler is a well-respected physician cancerous polyps before they develop into and advocate of Tallapoosa County. She colon cancer,” said RMC Gastroenterologist joined the Russell Medical Center staff in Dr. Derek Holcombe. “If colon cancer is 2004 and created a strong practice at Medical found early, nine out of 10 patients are alive Park Family Care in Dadeville. after five years. Those are significant statistics Tara Jones, CRNP, continues to treat for combating cancer.” patients at Medical Park, and we look With odds like those, it’s amazing how Susan Foy forward to the announcement of a new many people don’t take advantage of this physician to that facility in the coming life-saving procedure. Only 52 percent of weeks.

Americans over 50 get regular colonoscopies.

Dr. Mockler’s newly-renovated office gives patients “Millions of people are not getting screening, but they convenient access to Russell Medical Center services definitely need to. Patients can call us directly and say, such as laboratory, radiology and outpatient therapies.

‘I'm 50, and I want to be screened,’” Dr. Holcombe said.

The move also puts her practice in an office environment “It is also important to emphasize that the procedure uniquely tailored to the personal style of her practice. does not hurt. I can’t emphasize that enough,” he added.

Dr. Mockler’s move to the main campus complements “It is vitally important to catch problems early to prevent Russell Medical Center’s effort to create a community cancer. Early detection is the key.” healthcare system that focuses on wellness and Talk to your physician about colonoscopy, or call Dr. prevention in addition to treating illness and chronic Holcombe at Central Alabama Gastroenterology at 256disease management.

329-2829 to schedule yours today.

Dr. Mockler looks forward to caring for new patients, March 30 is National Doctors’ Day. Each year, the as well as the many loyal patients who have entrusted staff and administration of Russell Medical Center make her with their care during the past 12 years. Office hours a special effort to honor the doctors who work to serve are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. our community. Working beside them each day, we and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For appointments, see the level of care and commitment they give to their please call 256-215-7460. patients and to our hospital. We look forward to making March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. a special effort to say thanks to our doctors for all they Men and women are equally affected by colon cancer, do, on Doctors Day and every day. the second leading cause of cancer death in the United Community members may also honor a physician States. by making a contribution to The Russell Hospital The American Cancer Society recommends regular Foundation in their honor. Acknowledgements will be colon cancer screenings (colonoscopies) beginning at personally delivered to them on Doctors’ Day, March 30. age 50.

For additional information or to make an honorarium, During a colonoscopy, a physician views the interior please contact Tammy Jackson, executive director of of the colon, looking for cancer or pre-cancerous polyps. Russell Hospital Foundation, at 256-329-7459 or email During the procedure, the doctor will remove any tjackson@russellmedcenter.com. growths or collect small amounts of tissue for biopsy, if ~ Susan Foy is Marketing Director at Russell Medical needed.

Center.

When colonoscopy results are normal, follow-up is recommended every 10 years. If there is a family history 38 Lake Martin Living

Announcing the new location of

Karen J. Mockler, M.D. Family Medicine

Suite 214, Professional Building at Russell Medical Center 3316 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL Convenient parking between Professional Building and UAB Medicine – Cancer Center at RMC Enter lower level side entrance and take elevator to 2nd Floor.

Office Hours Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; Friday 7:30 am - 3:00 pm For appointments, call 256-215-7460

www.russellmedcenter.com

Karen J. Mockler, M.D. Lake Martin Living 39

OH SNAP! 1

4

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Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast February 20, 2016 Benjamin Russell High School 1. Payton Reynolds, Ali Richardson and Maggie Daniel 2. Price Tatum 3. Jess and Carol Page 4. Hank, Max, Kasi and Henry Lamberth 5. Jacob Rogers 6. Kim Holley 7. Rhonda McKenzie and McKayla Grogan 8. Billy, Hilda and Rob Watson

40 Lake Martin Living

8

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Horizons Unlimited February 22, 2016 Alexander City Board of Education 1. Chuck and Nita Hicks, Debbie Borden and Charlotte and Will Denton 2. Ginny Archer 3. Julie Williams 4. Dan Bennett and Paul Farmer 5. Larry and Robert Klass

Lake Martin Living 41

OH SNAP! 1

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Valentine's Dance February 13, 2016 Dadeville Rodeo Club

7

1. Jeff and Sheri Black 2. Sheena Robinson 3. Vicky Small and Heinz Kutschera 4. Cyndi and Mitch Sneed 5. Justin and Kira Woodall, Angie and Mike Keating 6. Ronnie and Karana Kellum 7. Marge and Ed Shikoski 8. Kim Martin, Susan Chiesy and Shawn Mahan

8 42 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP! 1

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Lake Watch Annual Meeting January 23, 2016 StillWaters Residential Center 1. Stefanie Frisco 2. Jane Richard, Susan Hudson and Jane Zorn 3. Eric Reutebach 4. Connie and Wallace Jones and Pat Franklin 5. Ed Saidla 6. Laurel Goldsmith 7. Bill and Linda Steward

Lake Martin Living 43

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

String Music and Laughter Christian Workers in Action present an evening of fun from musical humor act Three on a String at the White Acres Farm in Camp Hill on Saturday, Apr. 16 at 6 p.m.

“These guys get standing ovations every time I hear them.

It’s a lot of clean fun and humor along with great music,” said Phil Keown, long-time listener and friend of the band.

Bobby Horton and Jerry Ryan are founding members of the trio. Ryan and Horton started their joint musical career as a duet playing at Horse Pens 40 near Steele, Alabama, in 1971.

“We played a folk festival on a guitar and banjo,” Ryan recalled. “Later, we played a party or two; then, Monday nights at a small club; then, Tuesdays; then, weekends and now nationwide.”

Ryan’s son, Brad, was just 6 years old when his father teamed up with Horton. Fourteen years later, Brad joined the group as a bass player. He has been one of the band ever since.

“We have performed with orchestras, musicians and 44 Lake Martin Living

entertainers, such as Red Skelton, Jeff Family Band Bobby Horton and Foxworthy, George Lindsey and Ray Jerry and Brad Stevens,” said Ryan.

Ryan form the All proceeds from this event go musical humor act Three on a String. to Christian Workers in Action, a ministry of Dadeville First United Methodist Church. Proceeds will be used for local missions and to support statewide organizations, such as Camp ASCCA and the Girls Ranch.

White Acres Farm is located at 641 Ross Road, Camp Hill.

Attendees must RSVP by Apr. 9. Tickets are $50 per person or $100 per couple. Included with the show is a meal with choice of beef filet or chicken. For more information or to purchase a ticket, contact Jerry Bynum at 256-825-7408 or Betsy Keown at 256-825-3985. Visit the band’s website at www. threeonastring.com.

LAKE REGION EVENTS March 17

Wine Tasting

Emporium Wine in Alexander City welcomes Marty Dietrich from Rush wines for a tasting to introduce the new Cannonball line. Tasting runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information call 256-212-9463.

March 19

PATH Trash Walk

New Water Ministries will host this month’s PATH Trash Walk from 9 a.m. until noon with lunch served after the cleanup effort. Register at newwater.com and meet at 460 Civitan Road, Dadeville. Volunteers also will meet at Siggers Grocery on Young’s Ferry Road to receive supplies and road assignment. Call John Thompson at 334-399-3289 for information.

March 21-25

Expedition Lanark Spring Break Camp

Children ages 6-12 are invited to Expedition Lanark at the AWF NaturePlex. Campers will explore the natural world through hands-on activities such as fishing, canoeing, crafts, games, hiking, wildlife watching, exploring and more! Camp costs $125 for the week.

Camp runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Before care (8 a.m.

- 9 a.m.) and after care 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.) is available for $40 for the week. Campers need to bring their own lunch and drink. The Pavilion Outpost (camp store) will be open before/during lunch for campers to purchase drinks, chips and candy for $1 each. Campers will be outside so please dress appropriately and bring changes of clothing and shoes. Call 334-285-4550 to plan your spring break!

April 2

3rd Annual Big Fish Tournament

This year’s Big Fish tournament on Lake Jordan will feature hourly weigh-ins with guaranteed payoffs and an overall Big Fish prize of $1,000. Under age 16 Big Fish angler will win $300. Registration fee is $50 per angler.

Pre-register to attend the barbecue dinner March 31 at The Millbrook Civic Center. This event is sponsored by the City of Millbrook and the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce. Visit the chamber website at millbrookareachamber.com for details or call Hal Hodge at 334-657-1771 or 334-386-4307 for information.

April 3

Words and Music

The Wetumpka Depot Theater will host a presentation of words and music from the Abandoned Rural America and The Land: God’s Gift exhibits now on display at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 2 p.m. There is no admission charge.

April 7-10

Arsenic and Old Lace Auditions

Alexander City Theatre II (ACT II) will hold auditions for a summer production of the classic dark comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace, at the Lake Martin Area United Way office at 21 Main St. in Alexander City on Thursday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The play features roles for three women and 11 men.

Small parts are available. Production dates will be July 14, 15 and 17 at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium.

The play, written by Joseph Kesselring, tells the madcap story of the elderly Brewster sisters who help lonely old gentlemen on their way to heaven by serving them elderberry wine laced with arsenic. The bodies are buried in the family’s basement by their nephew, Teddy, who lives under the illusion that he is Teddy Roosevelt. Then, another nephew shows up – the evil Jonathan Brewster – with yet another dead body to dispose of and a plastic surgeon to rearrange Jonathan’s face and help him escape the police. With so much zany insanity in the family, the one family member who appears to be in his right mind, Mortimer Brewster, tries to sort out the bodies and the murderers as he realizes he must call off his engagement to the girl next door. Scripts will be available for review at local libraries beginning April 1. For more information, contact Betsy Iler at 256-509-6791, visit the ACT II Facebook page or email actheatreii@gmail. com.

April 8

Adullam House Fund Raiser

Enjoy an evening of good food and great entertainment from the students of Adullam House Christian Academy.

Students from grades K-12 will compete for the title of “Most Talented” in their age group with dance, songs, drama and more. All proceeds go to Adullam House Christian Academy. Talent show starts at 6 p.m. in the AHCA gym.

Advance tickets $5 or $7 at the door. Advance tickets go on sale March 7. Kids under 6 free. To purchase tickets contact Rachel Harborth or Ranee Aspy at 334-478-3888.

April 9

Lions Club Roaring 5k Run

Register now for the Roaring 5K Run at Park Greens on S. Ann Ave. in Tallassee. The run starts at 8 a.m. Registration fee is $25 before March 31; $30 thereafter. Visit www. tallasseechamber.com to register online or pick up an entry form at the Greater Tallassee Chamber of Commerce office at 17 Sistrunk St., Suite C, and turn it in before race day.

Registrations turned in before April 1 will be guaranteed a T-shirt. Call 334-283-5151 for information.

Lake Martin Living 45

LAKE REGION EVENTS April 9

Book Sale

The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host a book sale in the library basement at 205 North West Street from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Friends will supply plastic bags for you to fill to the brim for $5 each or buy two and get the third one free. Books include fiction, non-fiction, classics, cookbooks, crafts, art, romance, decorating, self-help, religion, history, beautiful coffee table books and books to read to your children this summer. Baked goods will also be sold. All proceeds go to improve the library. Call 256-8257820 for information.

April 16

PATH Trash Walk

Dumpsters placed in all five county districts for the largest county-wide cleanup to date. Look for details in upcoming editions of The Alexander City Outlook and The Dadeville Record.

April 16

Old 280 Spring Boogie

The Spring Boogie celebrates its 16th year at Standard Deluxe in Waverly. Lineup includes Lee Bains III, Kim Logan, and the Pine Hill Haints. Bring coolers, chairs, and blankets to spread out on the lawn. Gates open at 11 a.m. and music runs from noon until around 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the gate. For more information, visit www.standarddeluxe.com/live-music.

April 17

Tallapoosee Historical Society

The historical society will hold their spring meeting at 2 p.m. at the Veranda Assisted Living Facility in Dadeville. Dr. Terance Winemiller of Auburn University at Montgomery will give a presentation on the old federal road. Admission is free for all and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Joan Samson at 256-825-7398.

April 23

2016 Tour of Homes

Tickets are now on sale for the Tallapoosa County Museum and Historical Society Tour of Homes, which will feature several private residences at StillWaters on Lake Martin from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Advance tickets are available for $15 at The Beauty Shop, Pearson’s Place and The Plantation House in Dadeville. Tickets can be purchased for $20 on the day of the tour. The tour begins at the Magnolia Room in the StillWaters Golf Course Clubhouse, where ticket holders will pick up a map and directions to each home and will receive wrist bands that must be worn to gain entry. The wrist bands also qualify ticket holders for discounts at Copper’s Grille on the day of the tour. For details, contact Marsha Hartness at 256-675-0221.

46 Lake Martin Living

April 23

Renew Our Rivers Cleanup

The Lake Jordan HOBO Association invites everyone to the 26th annual Renew Our Rivers Cleanup. Volunteers will meet at Bonner’s Point at 8 a.m. Bags and gloves are provided. A picnic lunch will be served at noon. All participants will receive a Renew Our Rivers T-shirt from the Alabama Power Company. For more information, contact Barbara Dreyer at 334-567-7551.

April 24

Shinyribs and Cook Out with Rob McDaniel

Shinyribs comes to the Outdoor Stage of Standard Deluxe in Waverly. SpringHouse Chef Rob McDaniel will host a cook out at the Standard Deluxe Feed Shak. Show starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit www. standarddeluxe.com/live-music.

Season-Long Events Library Storytimes

Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m., and at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Movie Days at Mamie’s Place

Watch a kid-friendly movie at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library on the first Tuesday of each month. The show starts at 10 a.m.

Electronics Recycling

The city of Alexander City Public Works Department will host an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in conjunction with the Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership. Electronics contain a number of harmful chemicals. The events give citizens a chance to get rid of old and outdated electronics without risking the water supply by sending them to a landfill. Items accepted include desktop or laptop computers, computer mouse, keyboards, modems or routers, CDs and DVDs, power supplies, PC Mix Systems, home or cell phones, printers or copiers, mainframe servers, TVs, audio/ video adapters, laptop chargers, cable boxes and nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries. There is a $10 fee per television. For more information, call Sabrina Wood at 334429-8832 or Amanda Thomas at 256-409-2020.

Santuck Flea Market

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month except January and February. The Santuck Flea Market is located at 73300 Central Plank Road, Highway 9 in Wetumpka.

Lake Martin Living 47

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

19

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

16

280

15

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

11

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

Flint Hill Church

22

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

11

9

Mt. Zion Church

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church Liberty Church

20

Smith Landing Willow Point

24

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

Church in The Pines Trillium

1 Children’s Harbor Ko w

ali

9 10 17

9

ga

2

20 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Stillwaters

18

Union Landing

Ba

Walnut Hill

y

8

22

80

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

The Amp

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing

4

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

5 63 14 6

Equality

55

13

7

57

New Hope Church

231

Dadev

280

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

12

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck Kent

Reeltown

120

14

231

14

21

ELMORE COUNTY Wetumpka

48 Lake Martin Living

14

Tallassee 229

MACO COUNT

Lake Martin Region

Daviston 22

Marinas 11. Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

hoe Bend nal Park

ville

ON TY

50

Camp Hill

. Dark Insurance 15 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

42. Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

270 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

16 . McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010

56. SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

76.Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583

191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853

19 34. Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast 877-760-7854

5833 Hwy 22 E, Alex City, AL 35010

Business & Shopping

50

Hotels & Lodges 18 34. Creekside Lodge & Conference and Event Center 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy. 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

94 Lake Martin Mini Mall 334-857-3900

Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024

Waverly

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

8610 Kowaliga Road, Eclectic, AL 36024

66. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

86. Harbor Docks Restaurant at Anchor Bay Marina 334-639-4723

2001 Castaway Island Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024

280

4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 14 256-794-1333

111 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Restaurants

CHAMBERS COUNTY

4. Russell Building Supply 13 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

4. Patterson Air 10 256-825-8600 334-850-3500

8400 Kowaliga Road, Lake Martin 11 4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

Churches 34. Red Ridge United Methodist Church 20 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 34. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 21 334-252-8618

2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078

(12 miles South of Lake Martin)

Dock Builders 3. Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc 22 Marine Construction Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Road, Eclectic, AL 36024

4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 12 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

Loachapoka 14

Notasulga 85

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-234-4281.

81

Lake Martin Living 49

50 Lake Martin Living

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

Beautiful skin, Beautiful you • Spa Facials • Acne • Anti Aging/Chemical Peels • Full Body Waxing First time customers will receive a FREE eyebrow wax with your spa service.

256-212-0409 getcrystalclearskin.com Inside Durbin Chiropractic 1101 Cherokee Road Alex City, Al 35010

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

To Advertise in the Business Directory section of Lake Martin Living please contact one of our Sales Representatives @ 256-234-4281 Lake Martin Living 51

Looking for the perfect Lake Martin Area home?

Contact us today.

TRILLIUM

WINDERMERE WEST 6 BR, 5.5 BA • $1,195,000

5 BR, 4.5 BA • $1,075,000

RIDGE CREST DRIVE

SOUTH LANDS END

5 BR, 4.5 BA • $695,000

Amanda Scroggins 256.749.6634

Toni Adcock 256-234-1327

amanda@amandascroggins.com

Phillip Cantrell 334-224-9687

pcantrell49@gmail.com

EMERALD EMER EM ERAL ALDD SHORES SHOR SH ORES ES

OLDD ST OL STIL STILL ILLL RO ROAD AD

RIVER OAKS

HARBOR POINTE

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

4 BR, 2.5 BA • $395,000

3 BR, 4 BA • $399,500

toni@toniadcock.com

WINDERMERE WEST

5 BR, 4 BA W/OFFICE • $969,900

Betty Litsey 256-496-3177

betty@onlakemartin.com bl@onlakemartin.com

Nancy Pemberton 256-794-6700

nancypemberton@remax.net

4 BR, 5 BA • $899,000

3 BR, 3 BA • $389,900

Linda Shaffer 256-794-4641

shaffer@lakemartin.net

4 BR, 3.5 BA • $895,000

4 BR, 3.5 BA • $329,900

Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650

sam@samanthaspurlin.com

Sherry Willis 256-750-3566

sherrywillisrealtor@gmail.com

Office 256.329.LAKE (5253) • 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF LAKE MARTIN LIVING! Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy.

ALEXANDER CITY

Alex City Marine Aliant Bank American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart El Rancho Grande Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store

52 Lake Martin Living

Little Black Dress Longleaf Antiques Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

DADEVILLE

American Motorsports Aliant Bank Bay Pine Marina City Hall

Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34

ECLECTIC

Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store

Peoples Bank

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

RED HILL Citgo

TALLASSEE

Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are available at these locations. To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-2344281 to start your subscription.

AD INDEX 1st Insurance................................................. 8

Got You Hooked............................................ 5

Music Depot................................................ 51

A&M Plumbing.............................................. 6

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance..............51

Russell Lands............................................... 23

Alex City Taxi & Shuttle................................ 51

Hillview Memorial...............................................5

Russell Medical Center................................. 56

Amanda Scroggins, RE/MAX Around the Lake......52

Hinson Galleries................................................50

Russell Medical Center, Dr. Karen J. Mockler..... 39

Bob Alexander Landscaping......................... 26

Holley's Home Furnishings.......................... 15

Satterfield, Inc.............................................. 5

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation..................... 6

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.............. 19

Southern Sash............................................... 8

C&C Wood Products.................................... 50

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance.....................51

Tallassee Community Hospital...................... 53

Com-Link, Inc................................................ 8

Kelley’s Heating & Air.................................. 51

The Coffee Corner....................................... 50

Crystal Clear Skin......................................... 51

Lagasse Construction Inc............................. 26

UAB Heart & Vascular.................................. 37

DAVCO Development.................................. 51

Lake Martin Community Hospital................... 3

Ware Jewelers.............................................. 55

Designs by Trish............................................. 6

Lake Martin Dock.................................... 9, 51

East Alabama Medical Center...................... 26

Lake Martin Mini Mall.................................... 2

Four Seasons Irrigation................................. 51

Lakeside Concierge...................................... 51

George Hardy, D.M.D.................................... 6

Mark King Furniture..................................... 47

Lake Martin Living 53

A Trip to see the Final Four

Madness of Marches Past

M

The Last Word

arch has always held a special He came to us with an interesting place in my heart. I don’t question. “beware the Ides of March” at all.

“Are you guys looking for tickets?” he In fact, I kind of like them. (Writer’s note: I asked. am not 100 percent sure what an Ide is).

Okay, so the question wasn’t that My affinity for this month has always interesting. I am trying to build drama here, centered on basketball. It is, after all, the 30people. day period in which we are all susceptible I replied, in a bit of a smart aleck-y tone, to March Madness. March Madness is easily “Yeah, man, that’s why I’m holding up two my favorite calendar-related illness. I like it fingers. How much?” a lot more than February Fever, December He said, “Well, I have two. They aren’t Dementia or even November N-Sanity. good, but—” Luke Robinson If you have never been to the NCAA’s I cut him off and cried, “Man, just tell me Final Four, I highly recommend it. It truly how much!” is a special weekend in our sports-centric He looked at his tickets, then back at me. country.

“They are really bad seats,” he said meekly, “but if My first trip to a Final Four was in Minneapolis back you will just give me the face value, I am fine with that.” in 1992. I was a freshman at Alabama. The parents of The man then showed us the tickets so we could my former high school roommate lived in Minneapolis, verify the face value. The tickets read $12.50 each. so he and I decided to make the trip. Besides, That’s when my roommate yelled out, “Twelve fifty?

Minneapolis is lovely that time of year. And by “lovely” My God, that’s cheap!”

I mean “freezing.”

His outburst drew the attention of other ticket The 1992 teams were Michigan (with the Fab Five), seekers, much like zombies on The Walking Dead. A Cincinnati, Duke and Indiana: four historical powers, herd of hoop fans were descending upon our new nerdy all playing for a national title. This strong lineup best friend to try and outbid us. created high demand for tickets.

I quickly ripped open my Velcro wallet (it was the So there we were, in the semi-frozen tundra outside early ‘90s, you know), threw $40 at the guy, swiped the the Metrodome. I was armed with a thin jacket and tickets and yelled, “Keep the change!” as the two of us about $400 for the duration of the trip. I hadn’t scalped booked it to the entrance. for tickets to the Final Four before and had no idea The seats were as bad as promised. Actually, they what they would be. I was shocked to hear they were were worse. I was so high in the Metrodome I think going on the street for $400-$500 each. there was a condor’s nest three rows ahead of me. After The former roommate and I asked each sketchy Cincinnati lost the first game, though, my buddy and I scalper what they wanted for their seats. All wanted scooted to some nice half court seats to catch Duke and more than we had.

Indiana.

Disappointed and freezing, we decided we weren’t The moral of the story is, of course, to stay in school, meant to see our first Final Four that year. He and I don’t do meth and listen to your parents. began sullenly walking towards the sports bars to catch Well, not really. The moral is to always have $40 in the action on TV and, potentially, try out our new fake case some dude is willing to sell you Final Four tickets.

IDs. Or maybe the moral is to find a better way to end this Then, out of nowhere, an odd fellow appeared right story. in front of us. He was a strange mix of creepy-nerd and Regardless, happy March Madness everyone! super-nerd. I would be willing to bet that, right this minute, he is at a Harry Potter film festival critiquing ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also everything. writes a weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook.

54 Lake Martin Living

AQUARACER WITH DIAMONDS

Maria Sharapova never stops challenging herself. Like TAG Heuer, she keeps pushing her limits and never cracks under pressure.

111 South College Street • Auburn, AL • 334.821.7375 The Shoppes at EastChase • Montgomery, AL • 334.386.9273 Eastern Shore Centre • Spanish Fort, AL • 251.338.9273 www.warejewelers.com

Lake Martin Living 55

56 Lake Martin Living