Lake Magazine March 2020

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FLW IS COMING Boat mechanic climbs El Cap MARCH 2020

LAKE 1



Chad McKelvey 256.749.4018

Haley Fuller 256.750.2411

John Shelton 404.858.9198

Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417

Allison Ladson 256.750.0711

Haley McKelvey 256.749.8353

Damon Story 205.789.9526

Mike Davis 256.226.1238

Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792

Amy Duncan 256.212.2222

India Davis 256.749.7592

Judy Voss 256.794.0779

Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681

John McInnish 334.415.2149

Jaylen McGriff 256.300.0372

Jan Hall 256.329.6313

Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071

Becky Haynie 334.312.0928

Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220

Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372

Adam Yager 205.914.0830

Michelle Brooks 256.749.1031

Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099

Sawyer Davis 205.965.7940

Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017

David Mitchell 256.212.3511

Howard Haynie 334.312.0693

Leroy Sellers 256.496.2141

Mimi Rush 334.399.7874

Randall Rogers 334.707.5804

Denise Cochran 256.786.2484

WE’RE THE Market Leader

Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share

48.4%

LAKE MARTIN REALTY/RUSSELL LANDS ON LAKE MARTIN

*LMAAR/MLS Member Firms Sales Volume Data February 2019 – January 2020

Dadeville

256.825.9092

Willow Point 256.212.1498

L a k e M a r t i n R e a l t y. c o m

MARCH 2020

Ourtown

256.212.1498 LAKE 3


Staff

Letter from the Editor

W

e played musical chairs in the office a few months ago, and the creative magazine team landed in the California Room, a quarter-round bubble opposite the front door of the building at Tallapoosa Publishers. The round wall is defined by its six windows, and when the sun is shining, the room is as warm as a sunny day in San Diego, no matter the temperature outside (hence, the moniker). Inside, we ride a wave of creativity as we weave stories through magazine pages, create videos for our website and brainstorm fun event ideas that often showcase folks who are doing great things around the lake. Last fall’s Golden Picker Prize Bag, which was awarded to one of the 200-plus Renew Our Rivers cleanup volunteers, came out of a casual conversation in the California Room. This spring, we’re celebrating Plug Day with ideas and energy that percolated in the California Room. The day itself is fleeting. Its effects won’t even be noticeable for at least a few weeks, but it means everything summer to all of us at Lake Martin. The celebration will continue all through March and halfway through April until the rule curve at Martin Dam hits full pool at 491 feet. Along with our presenting sponsor, Alabama Power, we’ll give away fun stuff, tell you about things happening at the lake during the fill-up and keep you apprised on the fill-up progress during our Countdown to Summer Pool. Turn to page 9 to join the fun! One of the really fun things happening at the lake during the countdown is the Fishing League Worldwide Pro Circuit tournament March 19 through 22. We talked with local FLW pros Jason Christy and David Gaston about what to expect when 155 of the world’s best anglers converge on Lake Martin for a fishing adventure. Get the scoop on page 20 and come out to Wind Creek State Park to meet the pros. And on page 24, we share another adventure with you. Lake Martin’s Blayne Ferrell takes us on the climb of a lifetime as he relates the story of his four-day excursion up the sheer vertical wall of Yosemite’s El Capitan. Read along and celebrate his triumph! And SpringHouse Executive Chef Chris Morina invites us to share in his culinary adventures with his first recipe in Lake magazine on page 50. Chris has traveled the world, collecting and combining flavors and creating dishes to tantalize the taste buds. Check out his spin on butternut squash in this issue. Amy Passaretti also sat down with at SpringHouse restaurant, so you can get to know him better on page 42. As for this creative magazine team, we hope you enjoy these adventures as we head back to the California Room to dream up more fun for our readers!

Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Managing Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Assistant Magazine Editor AMY PASSARETTI

amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com

Art Director AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Circulation ERIN BURTON

erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing RACHEL MCCULLOUGH

rachel.mccullough@alexcityoutlook.com

MARILYN HAWKINS

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

JULIE HARBIN

julie.harbin@alexcityoutlook.com

LIZ HOLLAND

liz.holland@alexcityoutlook.com

ANDY CARR

andy.carr@thewetumpkaherald.com

Digital Advertising Director KAT RAIFORD

kat.raiford@alexcityoutlook.com

Digital Advertising Coordinator ELLE FULLER

elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE JULIE HUDSON GABRIELLE JANSEN CHRIS MORANI GREG VINSON CLIFF WILLIAMS LIZI ARBOGAST MATT SHEPPARD JESSE CUNNINGHAM STEVE ARNBERG MARK GILLILAND SHAYE BAKER All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor 4 LAKE

MARCH 2020

P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281


On the Cover Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will host 155 Fishing League Worldwide anglers, including Dadeville's Jason Christy, on Lake Martin this month. The four-day tournament will begin March 19, but anglers and ESPN television crews will be in town as early as March 16 for set-up and practice days. Visit the expo at Wind Creek State Park; watch the daily weigh-ins; and pick up some fishing tips from the pros. Photo by Kenneth Boone

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MARCH 2020

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Contents 20. FLW BRINGS PRO CIRCUIT TO THE LAKE Local FLW anglers offer a preview of this month's big tournament with 155 of the best of the best 24. LAKE MARTIN MECHANIC CLIMBS EL CAP Blayne Ferrell says his work at the lake helped build hand strength for his bucket list climb

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30. STEWARD OF THE DAM New Site's Travis Cheaney heads up the crew that maintains Martin Dam for future generations 34. PICTURE PERFECT Unique design at The Ridge showcases picturesque lake views from every room 42. NEW CHEF AT SPRINGHOUSE Chris Morani brings a culinary worldview to Russell Lands' signature restaurant

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

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9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 12. WHERE IS LAKE? 14. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 16. LAKE MARTIN EVENTS 45. LAKE PROPERTY 46. NATURE OF THE LAKE

49. CHEERS! 50. CHEF'S TABLE 52. HEALTHY LIVING 54. BIG CATCHES 57. HOBO 58. FAB FINDS 59. PAR FOR THE COURSE

Lake magazine also features an online, digital edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with friends and family and provides you complete access to stories, photos and advertisements from anywhere in the world with Internet access. View our digital edition today at www.lakemagazine.life.

MARCH 2020

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Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing Candi Tate, Clinical Liaison

2334 Washington Street, Alexander City | 256-329-9061 | www.crownehealthcare.com

A Place To Worship Lake Martin Area Churches

WATERFRONT Church of the Living Waters Inside StillWaters, Dadeville 256-825-2990 New Hope Baptist Church 529 Peppers Road, Alexander City 256-329-2510 Church in the Pines Kowaliga Road, Kowaliga 334-857-2133

OFF WATER Equality United Methodist Church 281 AL Hwy 259, Equality 334-541-4063

OFF WATER

OFF WATER

OFF WATER

First Baptist Church Court Square, Alexander City 256-234-6351

Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa Street, Alexander City 256-234-6494

Hillabee Baptist Church Hillabee Road, Alexander City 256-234-6798

Red Ridge United Methodist Church 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL 36078 334-252-8618 (12 Miles South of Lake Martin)

First Baptist Church 178 South Tallassee Street, Dadeville 256-825-6232

St. James Episcopal Church South Central Avenue, Alexander City 256-234-4752

First United Methodist Church 310 Green Street, Alexander City 256-234-6322 First United Methodist Church West Lafayette Street, Dadeville 256-825-4404 First Presbyterian Church 371 Jefferson Street, Alexander City 256-329-0524

Lake Martin Baptist Church 9823 County Road 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist Church La 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293 Faith Temple Church 425 Franklin Street, Alexander City 256-234-6421

St John The Apostle Catholic Church 454 North Central Avenue Alexander City, Al 35010 256-234-3631 Flint Hill United Methodist Church 2858 Flint Hill Road Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-5047 Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy 280 Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-2555

Small Space Advertising Works. Call Jolie Waters 256-414-3174 & ask for Lake Church Page

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Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

14 18 11

$771,282 $536,842 $508,955

$545,000 $368,750 $375,000

223 287 212

160 227 265

January 2020 January 2017 January 2014

Inventory/ sales ratio 5.30 8.7 12.14

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

The countdown to summer pool begins! Plug Day at Lake Martin with our presenting sponsor, Alabama Power, was better than ever this year! At Lake magazine, we celebrated the most important day Lake magazine celebrated at Lake Martin Plug Day with cake, ice with a party, cream and noodles! our first Plug Day T-shirt giveaway and the ceremonious dropping of the Lacey Howell Re/Max Around the Lake plug by 2020 Plugmaster John Thompson. Check out the videos at lakemagazine. life and join us on Facebook every day as the celebration continues through April 19. That’s when the rule curve at Martin Dam hits 491 feet − full pool for summer at the lake! But don’t wait for that magic day to come to Lake Martin. There’s plenty of fun things to do while the water rises, and we’ll tell you about them on Facebook through our Countdown to Summer Pool with Alabama Power.

Plugmaster John Thompson drops the ceremonial plug; visit lakemagazine.life for the real scoop on how the lake is filled to summer pool

Weather Outlook for March March 2020 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid- to upper-60s with average lows in the low-40s and about 5.5 inches of precipitation in the month of March. The National Weather Service has predicted that the Lake Martin area will experiences temperatures and rainfall below normal levels this month.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 17.8 inches Avg. high temp.: 60.5 Avg. low temp.: 36.9 Avg. temp.: 58.7

Our Normal March Precipitation: 5.49 inches Avg. high temp.: 67.6 Information from the Avg. low temp.: 41.2 National Weather Avg. temp.: 54.4 Service.

MARCH 2020

Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 484 MSL Highest: 489.60 Lowest: 483.74 Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit the website lakes.alabamapower.com.

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

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Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Morning sunshine brings out the bright orange colors of fall at Lake Martin in this photo sent by Cheryl Gainer McCall. (2) Brantlee Phillips has a whole new set of friends at Lake Martin's Goat Island. (3) Caleb Jackson of Alpharetta, Georgia, proudly displays his first Lake Martin catch. (4) Victoria Best and Summer McDade are ready for an early morning kayak at the lake. (5) Gunner, Nugget, Bo and Peep love taking boat rides with mom and dad Rhonda and Gene Bryant. (6) Andi Fox loves the lake life at Sunset Point. (7) Christmas morning dawned in color over Lake Martin in this photo sent to us by Kelly Baker.

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Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Tony Johnson said he took this photo because the silhouettes were beautiful in the freezing dawn of a mid-November day at Lake Martin. (2) Cortney Powell takes a yoga moment on the dock at Lake Martin. (3) Jim Simons woke up early to catch the first rays of the New Year. (4) Grace Fox, the dog, contemplates another of Lake Martin's beautiful sunsets. (5) Lisa Davis and her granddaughter Adia take a thrilling ride behind the boat. (6) Lyla McDade plays in the sand at a Lake Martin vacation rental in Eclectic. (7) Blake Randolph snapped this stunning reflection from the home of Mark and Bobbie Limbers in Trillium.

MARCH 2020

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Where is Lake? n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Blake and Katelynne Dean took Lake to Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. (2) Joe Wright took Lake magazine to visit the Mongolian Museum of Genghis Khan. (3) Lake joined Randy, Lynn and Tony Sides and Emily Gardner at Arches National Park in Utah. (4) Sally and Greg Bergquist took Lake to Moorea,Tahiti, for some fun in the sun. (5) Bud Woodall, Peter Moores and Mike Lucas took Lake magazine to Dubrovnik, Croatia, on the Adriatic Sea. (6) Paul and Debbie Brewer took Lake magazine to Cabo San Lucas. (7) DJ, David and Courtney Layfield took Lake to the White House during fall break.

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Life is Better at The Ridge...

Set among more than 40,000 acres of

pristine water and surrounded by 25,000 acres of forest, this Lake Martin community is a refuge from the fast pace of life. It’s the perfect place to enjoy refined lake living from beautiful sunrise to breathtaking sunset. A location where The Ridge Club, marina, golf, dining, and recreation are all a stone’s throw away.

6 . 215 . 7 0 11 | RU S S E L L L A N D S O N L AK E M A R T I N . C OM | 252020 MARCH

L A K E M ART I N , A L LAKE A B A M13 A


Lake Martin News ASCCA camper named MDA's National Ambassador

Lake Martin Camp ASCCA camper Ethan Lybrand was chosen to be the organization’s National Ambassador. As Muscular Dystrophy Association’s National Ambassador, Ethan will travel the country sharing his story and advocating for research that can Camp ASCCA camper Ethan help thousands Lybrand named his wheelchair of people living after a Transformer with neuromuscular disease. “What I’m planning to do is teach people about my life and how I stay strong when I have this horrible, horrible disease, and how I can live life like a normal kid,” Ethan said. Ethan was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy just two days before his second birthday. It’s the kind of news that could devastate a family. But after the initial shock, the Lybrand family, who live in Decatur, decided to channel their emotions into positive action. Like other normal 10-year-olds, Ethan loves Transformers. In fact, when his parents shopped for a new power chair for him, he insisted that it be yellow. “My mom was like, ‘Why are you choosing the yellow color?’” Ethan said. “I said, ‘Mom, it’s going to be Bumblebee!’” Naming his chair for the gregarious yellow Transformer that recently had its own breakout movie turned out to be not just a fun choice, but also, a great way to keep things positive, said Ethan’s dad, Josh Lybrand, a special education teacher and assistant baseball coach at Huntsville High School. “Instead of having to say, ‘Come on, Ethan, it’s time to get in your wheelchair,’ we can say, ‘Time to get in Bumblebee,’” Josh said. Every summer, like other normal kids, Ethan goes to camp at Lake Martin. At Camp ASCCA (Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults), nothing is impossible just because they’ve got a neuromuscular disease. At MDA Summer Camp Ethan and his friends can go horseback riding, canoe, play mini-golf or take part in archery, ride a zipline or waterslide, or even go water tubing (Ethan’s favorite), all adapted for accessibility. ~ Shelly Haskins AL.com 14 LAKE

Five people were rescued by fishermen after jumping from the trestle bridge to avoid an oncoming train

Fishermen rescue trestle jumpers

John Hill and Bart Amerson were fishing on Lake Martin when five people jumped in the water to avoid being hit by a train. The two men just happened to be in the right place at just the right time. “The fishing wasn’t that good but just good enough to keep us there,” Hill said. “We were fishing in the Camp ASCCA slough and stayed for about 30 minutes after we debated leaving.” When Hill and Amerson started to return home, they noticed something in the distance. “We were a few hundred yards from the trestle,” Hill said. “The water was muddy and full of debris. We noticed some color. It was five people walking across the trestle. Thirty seconds after seeing them we hear a train horn. They were running. They were running from west to east and were about 70 yards from the edge of the lake. I knew something was about to happen so I gassed the boat.” Before they could get to the trestle, four of the five jumped into the water and the fifth hung from a cross tie as the train passed over, attempting to stop. “We got there, and the lady was afraid to drop in,” Hill said. “We threw every life preserver in the water and used a dip net to help pull her out of the water first.” Hill and Amerson pulled the other four from the water, too. Hill said they waved to the conductor of the train who stopped the train to alert the conductor they pulled the people from the water. Hill and Amerson took them to the Alexander City boat ramp at Coley Creek. Hill said the five were lucky they were not hurt. “There was a lot of debris in the water,” Hill said. “I don’t know how quick hypothermia sets in, but the first person we pulled out was shivering bad. The water temperature was 55 degrees.” Hill said God played a role in the pair continuing to fish that Sunday afternoon. “Five minutes either way would have made a difference in them living or not,” Hill said. “We could have passed through before they dropped in or we could have gotten there a few minutes too late. God had a reason for keeping us fishing.” ~ Cliff Williams

MARCH 2020


Bruce Adams receives Bronson Award from Lake Watch

Wind Creek State Park’s Superintendent Bruce Adams was presented with the 2020 Bronson Award for Wind Creek's Bruce Adams was Environmental presented with the Bronson Service at the Award for Environmental Service 29th Annual Lake Watch meeting last month. Lake Watch Lake Martin President Eric Reutebuch said Adams was selected for this year’s award because of his exemplary contributions to the welfare of the lake and his extensive outreach and education efforts. Reutebuch noted Adams’ assistance with the construction of a Lake Watch kiosk on the shoreline beneath the landmark silo at the park, as well as his dedication to the Alabama Power ‘Renew Our Rivers’ cleanup. Adams’ participation in the

Water Festival, which teaches water conservation to local fourth graders, and his cooperation with the monitoring of lake water at the park’s beach and its 100 percent rating at swimguide.com also were cited. Adams accepted the award with humility, as he quoted the Genesis 1:28 blessing of man’s dominion over the earth. “We still have that responsibility today, to be stewards of the earth and to tell people how to tkae care of our environment,” Adams said. ~ Betsy Iler

Invitation to take Tallapoosa River use survey

Alabama Power invites recreational users of the Tallapoosa River to take part in an online survey in conjunction with the Harris Dam relicensing process. Located upstream from Lake Martin, the dam’s license is set to expire Nov. 30, 2023. Alabama Power must file an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a new license by Nov. 30, 2021. Survey results will be used to inform the company’s understanding of recreational use of the Tallapoosa River. The results will be submitted with the license application as part of the application’s recreation report. The public can participate in the electronic survey through March 31. The survey is available online at surveymonkey.com/r/tallapoosauser. Contact Angie Anderegg at 205-257-2251 or email arsegars@southernco.com for more information. ~ Staff Report

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March 3 Sav-A-Life Banquet

Alexander City’s nonprofit, Sav-A-Life will host its annual banquet dinner at 6 p.m. at CACC’s Betty Carol Graham Technology Center. The event’s speaker will be Abby Johnson. Adults only please, as seating is limited. Call Miranda at 256329-2273 to RSVP or sign up as a table host.

March 7 Ebony and Ivory

The Russell Medical Foundation annual gala promises an entertaining evening with New York NY Dueling Pianos, a high-octane party of music, comedy and audience participation. Tickets are $1,000 for a reserved table of eight and include seated dinner, open bar and entertainment. The audience is encouraged to dress in black and/or white. To reserve a table, contact Tammy Jackson at 256-215-7459 or Emily Williams at 256-329-7177, tjackson@russellmedcenter.com or ewilliams@rusellmedcenter. com, respectively.

admitted for $10 each, which includes lunch. The speaker will be Jody Fuller: comedian, speaker, writer, soldier. RSVP by calling the chamber at 256-825-4019 by March 5.

March 12 Jim Stafford

Alexander City Arts will host Jim Stafford at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Stafford is a favorite in live entertainment and has been performing his hilariously CALENDAR OF EVENTS clever tunes for more than 20 years. Tickets are $20 and can WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN be purchased at the door or online at brownpapertickets. com. For more information, visit alexcityarts.org or call Mary Wood Perry at 256-7498073.

March 13 7th Annual Lead Forward Women’s Conference and Business Expo

March 7 2nd Annual Camp Fire Girls Fashion Show

Camp Fire Alexander City will host its second annual fashion show to benefit Lake Martin Area United Way at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10, and ages 12 and under are admitted for free with a donation of a non-perishable food item. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and refreshments will be available to purchase.

March 10 United Way Campaign Celebration & Annual Meeting

The Lake Martin Area United Way will host its annual meeting at The Mill Two Eighty from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to celebrate its fundraising campaign. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres, and awards will be given to highlight the successful year. For more information, call United Way at 256-329-3600.

March 10 Lake Martin Area Dadeville Chamber Quarterly Meeting

The Lake Martin Area Dadeville Chamber will host its quarterly luncheon at First Baptist Church of Dadeville, 178 S. Tallassee St. from noon to 1 p.m. Each chamber member will receive free lunch for two people, and non-members will be 16 LAKE

Register now for the Lake Martin Ultra Run at Russell Crossroads March 28-29

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Lead Forward Conference from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CACC’s Betty Carol Graham Technology Center. The business expo will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the option of free professional headshots. Lunch will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes keynote speaker Kim Caudle Lewis. Tickets are $20, including lunch and conference T-shirt.

March 14 Horseshoe Bend Spring Bazaar

The Horseshoe Bend PTO will host its spring bazaar at HBS in New Site with vendors, crafts and photos with the Easter Bunny from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Purchase a booth for $30 with power and $25 without power.

March 20-21 Kowaliga Idol Finals

Kowaliga Country 97.5 FM will host the first final round of Kowliga Idol, where musicians from around the area compete for a chance at winning a recording session in Nashville, cash and other great prizes. The event will be held at The Rodeo Club and begin at 8 p.m.

March 21 Taste and Paint

Bring snacks to share, wine or a beverage of your choice and a friend for fun and fellowship while painting a canvas. Painting

MARCH 2020


supplies will be provided for this Artists Association of Central Alabama event at Stillwaters Welcome Center. Tickets are $30, and space is limited, so call Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506 to reserve your spot.

March 28 Women on Lake Martin

Get ready for the boating season with this informal, down-toearth review on the basics in boating. Hosted by Russell Marine and geared specifically for women, this four-hour hands-on course refreshes you on the basics of boating safety and operation with on-water demonstrations on many of the most popular boats on Lake Martin. Limited slots available. Contact Bo Bierley at 256-397-1212 or email BBierley@russelllands.com.

March 28 Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will host the 206th Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual event recreates traditional Creek Indian life, frontier life in the year 1814 and emphasizes the importance of the battle in U.S. history through demonstrations and interpretive programs. The program is free to the public. For more information, visit nps.gov/hobe, call 256-234-7111 or check out the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Facebook page. HBNMP is located at 11288 Horseshoe Bend Rd. in Daviston.

March 28 Creating Your Career: Artists/Media

Alabama Craft Council will host a business seminar on financial success and stability for careers in the arts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Emporium Wine, 128 Calhoun St. in Alexander City. Registration is $25 online at alvisarts.com. Lunch will be available for $10, or bring your own.

March 28-29 7th Annual Lake Martin Ultra Run

Registration is open through March 24 for this year's 100mile, 50-mile and 27-mile endurance race on the trails at Russell Forest. Register by March 15 to get the race shirt. Entry fee is $240 for the century run; $120 for the half-century race; and $90 for the 27-miler race. Visit the website ultrasignup.com for details and to register.

March 29 Little House Show at Standard Deluxe

The Wild Ponies will take the Little House indoor stage at Standard Deluxe in Waverly at 7 p.m. ahead of Caleb Caudle. Supper by guest Chef Rob McDaniel will be served in the FeedShak at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, and seating is limited. Visit standarddeluxe.comor more information or to purchase tickets.

Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

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

Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake

Every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts trivia night at 7 p.m. Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards. First place gets $40; second place gets $25; and third place gets $15. Grab a group of friends and come out for a night of games. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

The third Saturday of each month, volunteers throughout the community are encouraged to meet at Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. Contact Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@alexandercitychamber.com for more information.

Coffee & Connections

Every third Tuesday of the month, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking event at 8 a.m. open to any chamber member. Participants should meet at the TPI bullpen at the Lake Martin Innovation Center for coffee, a light breakfast and a chance to network with community members.

Dadeville Saturday Cleanups

The first Saturday of each month, Dadeville area residents are encouraged to meet at Dadeville City Hall at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and routeassignments and help clean up the streets in the community. There will be a dumpster on site for free trash bag drop off. Call Dianna Porter at 256-750-0075 to become a sponsor or adopt a first Saturday for an organization.

Charity Bingo at Jake’s

Play charity bingo at Jake’s Restaurant at 16 Broad St., Alexander City, at 6 p.m. every Thursday night. Cards are $1, and proceeds benefit local charities.

Santuck Flea Market

Season-Long Events

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month at 7300 Central Plank Rd., state Route 9 in Wetumpka.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open

MARCH 2020

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Lake Martin’s Marine Construction Company 6732 Highway 63 South, Alexander Cit y, AL 35010 | (256) 392-5200 | www. sunrisedock sllc.com

lamberthandlamberth.com

256-234-6401 6 Franklin Street • Alexander City

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MARCH 2020

LAKE 19


Jason Christy hopes his knowledge of the lake will put him in the money at this month's FLW tournament on Lake Martin

Photo by Shaye Baker

FLW brings Pro Circuit to Lake Martin

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STORY BY BETSY ILER

Dadeville’s Jason Christy looks forward to showing off the Lake Martin community to 154 of his closest business colleagues this month. Christy is one of 155 professional anglers that will gather at Lake Martin March 16 through 22 for the Fishing League Worldwide Pro Circuit event sponsored by Tackle Warehouse and brought to the area by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. While he hopes that his familiarity with the lake will be an advantage as he pursues a piece of the $819,000 purse that will be divided among the top tournament finishers, he’s just glad to be fishing with the pro circuit this year. He missed most of last year’s FLW Pro Circuit events after cutting his hand on a trolling motor during a fun-fishing day on Lake Jordan. “I almost lost my left thumb. The injury benched me from May forward, so this year, I am fishing an aggressive schedule. A total of 19 events from January to September,” he said. “I’m just grateful to be out here this season, even if the weather is rough. Lake Martin fishing is the best when the weather is the worst.” He predicted the FLW tournament at Lake Martin will

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be a chess match with a number of strategy options that could lead to the win. “It’s a challenging lake. It will be a challenge that affects everybody,” Christy said as the rains fell and the water level rose in mid-February. “It think it will take a mixed bag to advance to the top 10. I think 14 pounds per day will make the two-day cut, and that might have to be a couple of good largemouth bass and three spotted, or it might be that the guy who finds five 3-1/2-pound spotted bass will be in the driver’s seat.” Christy, who has lived at Lake Martin for about 18 months now, said living at the lake will definitely be an advantage, as he knows of coves and sloughs that are tucked behind points and around corners where he’s found fish in the past. “It’s hard to find some of those places when you’re running down the lake at 70 miles an hour. You just pass right by them and never know they’re there,” he explained. “I know where they are. Let’s hope they produce!” He also said that living in the area has given him the

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advantage of conversation with local anglers who have fished the lake for years and even generations. “Everywhere we go on the circuit, there are local tendencies or patterns – maybe how you throw a certain bait – and I’ve had conversations and learned some of those things that the other guys might not know about Lake Martin,” Christy said. But Sylacauga’s David Gaston, another FLW angler, said being a local could sometimes be a disadvantage. “I’ve fished Lake Martin three or four times a month for most of my life. It could help, or it could hurt me. These other guys will look at the lake from a different perspective than I do. They will try things that I wouldn’t necessarily try. It’s the ‘home lake curse.’ It happens quite a bit,” Gaston explained. What could hurt the most, Christy said, would be a fluctuating water level. As the water rises, fish will move into the warmer shallow water around banks and shorelines, but if the water level drops, the fish will pull away from the banks and could be hard to locate. He hopes that locals and visitors will turn out – whatever the weather – to attend the weighins and support the tournament. “We anglers really appreciate it when the town comes out to a weigh-in. When you work your tail off all week like we do, it’s nice to see friendly faces at the weigh-in. When the local anglers come out, it lets the anglers know you’re glad we came to town,” he said. “There will be a lot of eating out,” Gaston said. “Gas stations also make money when tournaments come to town. Gotta buy gas every day, and these guys are staying for five or six days straight.” Most of the anglers will rent houses on the lake through online services like VRBO, Gaston said. Some will camp at Wind Creek State Park, the launch site for the tournament, and some will lodge in town. Security is a big factor in where visiting anglers stay, Christy added. “Extra police patrols in hotel parking lots are always greatly appreciated. It shows support. In places where the security is very good, the guys stay in the hotels instead of looking for houses, as long as they can plug their boats in,” he said. They also appreciate businesses that welcome them with signs or marquees, Christy said. “These guys tend to gather in crews. They will stick together, and if they like a place, they’ll come back every day. A place that puts up a sign to welcome them gets their attention. Restaurants that run specials will get their business – things like ‘Show your FLW card and

get a free beer with your meal.’ Gas stations that open an hour early in the morning will see a lot of business, too. I’ve fielded a lot of questions from the guys about what’s open at 5 a.m. for breakfast. I’ve been talking up the excitement of the community for this tournament,” said Christy. In turn, tournaments are a lot of fun for spectators, too, he said. Anglers are happy to talk fishing with the locals, have their pictures taken with the kids and share their fishing stories. “Fishing is very much a living history, and these guys eat and breathe it and love to share it,” he said. He’ll especially be on the lookout for Dadeville High School fishing team members, he said. He was invited to speak to the group last year David and has actively supported the Gaston team since with new gear and of Sylacauga financial assistance with travel has fished expenses to their tournaments. Lake Martin all his life “I enjoy supporting kids who want to do something outdoors. I gave a major rod and reel donation to BRHS this year as well. It’s very exciting for me to have a conversation with a 16-year-old kid that way. There are some kids to watch in this community. Some of them are very good,” he said. In addition to the weigh-in activities, there will be an expo, and local crafters and vendors are welcome to participate, said Alexander City Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Ed Collari. “The anglers are easy to recognize. They’ll be pulling boats, and we hope the community will support them and thank them for coming,” Collari said. “It’s exciting to have the best of the best fishermen coming through our community.” Christy said he appreciates the support of the City of Alexander City and the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce in bringing the tournament to the area. “The city’s investment in professional fishing is notable,” he said. It’s an investment that has paid off in direct and indirect revenues, including lodging, food and dining, fuel purchases, shopping and other supplies. A recent economic impact study of last year’s one-day Alabama Bass Trail tournament indicated the event produced revenues in excess of $500,000, a substantial return on the $10,000 host fee paid by the city. Anglers are expected to arrive in the area several days before the tournament begins on March 19. Anglers will launch at daybreak from Wind Creek State Park and will return to the park for mid-afternoon weigh-ins. The final day of the tournament will be March 22.

MARCH 2020

LAKE 21


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MARCH 2020

LAKE 23


Yosemite's El Capitan rises 3,000 feet above the valley

Lake Martin boat mechanic climbs El Capitan

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STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & TOM EVANS OF ELCAPREPORT.COM

Thirty-year-old Blayne Ferrell left Lake Martin last fall with one goal in mind: to climb El Capitan’s Salathé Wall, which rises more than 3,000 feet straight up in California’s Yosemite Valley. It was a journey more than 13 years in the making, a life list bucket item for Ferrell, who splits his time between climbing big walls and keeping a collection of precision motors humming at the lake. Ferrell maintains Dr. Mark Clark’s fleet of Riva boats, automobiles and motorcycles at the Birmingham surgeon’s Willow’s End home on Lake Martin. He spends about one-third of his time living in Clark’s boathouse apartment, maintaining an impressive selection of antique boats and fine vehicles. He stays in the lake area for six to eight weeks; and then, Ferrell loads his excursion RV with gear and heads for the big rocks in the country’s western mountain ranges with his Gerberian Shepsky (a German shepherd/Siberian husky mix), Floyd. Growing up in Birmingham, Ferrell visited Lake Martin all his life. About seven years ago, he free climbed the face of Chimney Rock, and last month, he played on the routes at the John B. Scott Forever Wild Trail. Though he frequents The Landing at Parker Creek,

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Catherine’s Market and Kowaliga Restaurant when he’s at the lake, he spends bigger blocks of time on the vertical slopes of the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountain ranges. “I started climbing in college. I was getting out of shape at 240 pounds and realizing that college was not for me,” Ferrell said. “Climbing was fun and better than going to the gym.” He started small, bouldering short rock formations with no gear. After the first year, he realized his hobby was more than just exercise. It was how he defined himself. He started traditional climbing – fixing his own gear on the rocks he scaled – one year into climbing and a few years later started climbing the big walls. He moved from Alabama to Colorado to work on cars and to be close to climbing opportunities. His goal is to be certified as a rock-climbing guide. “I am educating myself on a bunch of things I hope I never have to use,” he explained. And he set his sights on Zion National Park and El Capitan. “Zion is one of my favorite places to climb. It’s more remote, and the colors are beautiful. It’s soft sandstone,

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Ferrell played at a wall off the John B. Scott Trail last month

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LAKE 25


so you have to have better skills there,” he said. While Ferrell typically completes a Zion climb in one day, he expected El Capitan’s Salathé to take four. So when he left Lake Martin last September, he begrudgingly boarded Floyd near Yosemite and made for the base at El Cap. “Floyd goes with me on the smaller climbs. He waits at the bottom of the wall for me,” Ferrell said. As Ferrell stood in the parking lot at Yosemite, staring up at the wall, he made the acquaintance of another climber. After a few minutes of discussion, Ferrell and Dan James decided to make the climb to the top together. Taking advantage of pre-fixed ropes, they hauled their gear up 1,000 feet to Heart Ledge at the bottom of the rock’s heart-shaped feature. They slept on the ledge and rappelled down the next They slept morning to pick up more gear and begin Ferrell and James spent four on cots anchored their climb from the base. days on El Cap's Salathé Wall on the cliffside Leaving gear at Heart Ledge is a common practice among El Capitan climbers, Ferrell said. It allows them to quickly free At the end of each day, they celebrated their progress, climb the first section of the Salathé Wall. and each morning, they assessed their supplies and con“Climbers are a close community and very supportfirmed their commitment to keep going. ive of each other. A climber might drop his gear where The second morning, Ferrell and James pitched to he will come back for it – and it’s thousands of dollars Hollow Flake, one of the most dangerous sections of the of stuff – but they just wouldn’t be afraid that someone climb. else would take it,” Ferrell said. “The vast majority of “You only get to use two cams the entire way and climbers are supportive of each other.” belay about 20 feet to the right. When we made it, we Rock climbing requires a particular mindset and gartook it as a sign that it was meant to be and kept going. ners the respect of others in the sport. It also fosters a We got to the Ear, which is a chimney with no real ledge healthy lifestyle and unique conditioning of mind and above it, and it gets narrow above that. I’m kind of big, body, Ferrell explained. and I didn’t fit. My head and helmet got stuck. “My mom wasn’t lying when she told me, ‘You need “When we got beyond that, we cheered, and we could to eat your vegetables,’” he laughed. “You have to stay hear people in the valley cheering back.” light. I am 6 feet 2 inches tall and weigh 185 pounds. At roughly 1,600 feet up on a sheer wall, the pair I’m pretty big for a climber. I do 7-mile runs and 14 portaledged for the night, fixing portable cots that hang miles of mountain biking pretty regularly. Floyd comes on the wall. It’s not a great night’s sleep, but it works, with me. I used to do yoga, but now I focus on workouts Ferrell said. that keep me moving. “By then, we were running out of water. Temperatures “Mechanic work is physical and has helped me devel- are usually pretty moderate in the fall, but a heat wave op hand strength. Tendon and finger strength is the most came in on the first day of our climb, and temperatures important.” were in the 90s. A team of people from Boulder were It’s a discipline that keeps him ready for the ropes and free climbing behind us. They were tired and asked us if slopes. we could bring their ropes up on a couple of the pitches Each section of rope length is called a pitch. El before we went our own ways. We had to stay ahead Capitan measures 32 pitches, and the first section, Free of them, but that was good because we got to the water Blast, demands 10 of them. Without gear, Free Blast is a stashes first.” one-day negotiation. Climbers who have excess water shed the weight by On Sept. 23, 2019, Ferrell and James climbed for stashing containers in cracks or under rocks along the eight hours, sleeping at Heart Ledge again. It took three route for climbers in need, Ferrell said. They were able more days of climbing to reach the summit. to find enough water to keep going.

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The climbers met in the parking lot at Yosemite but have remained fast friends since their climb

MARCH 2020

LAKE 27


Floyd and Ferrell take a break at Yates Lake

At the end of the day, Ferrell and James reached the Block – a roomy, sloping ledge. Taking inventory of their situation, they determined it was pretty rough. “We had dry food, but we didn’t want to use what water we had to hydrate it. We decided we’d try to get a good night’s sleep and see how we felt in the morning,” Ferrell said. “In the morning, we just got up and got going.” The last day’s climb included the Great Roof. This roughly 12-foot roof section was tackled mostly on gear fixed by previous climbers. “We basically were hanging all the time,” Ferrell said. Beyond the roof, they reached Long Ledge – the home stretch. Even so, these last pitches weren’t easy. James took a big fall and decided to free climb back up. “You don’t usually get injured in a fall; you’re just falling into air. I felt a jerk on the rope when he fell, but that’s about it,” Ferrell said. “Climbing is pretty safe if you know what you’re doing. I get hurt more working on cars than I do climbing.” The pair found 3 liters of water a couple of pitches from the summit. It was enough to get them to the top just as the sun set. “When we topped out, we had the summit all to ourselves. It was euphoric. We cried. We cheered … it was great. There aren’t many rocks that make me burst into tears, but that is one,” Ferrell said. Over the next hours, Ferrell and James listened as the climbers behind them came up, reaching the summit at midnight. They all slept on the mountain that night, and the next morning, they woke to a spectacular view, one allowed only to the few that have earned the right to see it – daybreak from El Capitan. The climb had taken four days. Rappelling to the valley floor took just four hours on Sept. 27. Ferrell and James had only 1 liter of water each on the way down, so when they hit the bottom, water was top priority. “There’s a big annual cleanup at El Capitan called the Face Lift, and that was going on when we came down. There also were some young climbers just racking up, so a lot of people were around,” Ferrell said. “They saw us and asked if we had come from the summit. We just said, ‘Yes, we need water.’ We drank about 3 liters.” Ferrell and James discussed other climbs they might do together and exchanged contact information before parting ways. “You make a climb like that together, you are life-long friends,” Ferrell said. He picked up Floyd at the kennel and actually climbed in Moab/Indian Creek before returning to Lake Martin for Thanksgiving. Ferrell said he will return to El Capitan this climbing season to tackle more routes on Yosemite’s most famous mountain, including two rope solo climbs.

Floyd waits at the base while Ferrell climbs

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MARCH 2020


I T TA K E S A V I L L A G E T O M A K E A H O M E

What makes a home in National Village so special is the sum of the parts of National Village. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National, the pool and spa, the lake, the hiking trails, the dining, the friendship, and of course Auburn Football. Perhaps the saying is true, the whole is equal to the sum of its parts.

MARCH 2020

LAKE 29


Steward of the Dam

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STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

New Site native Travis Cheaney got where he is through hard work, drive and the help of people who saw something in him that warranted investment. He started his career with Alabama Power right out of high school 23 years ago when he hired on at Jordan Dam on the Coosa River. He came up through the ranks and moved from Harris Dam to Thurlow Dam on the Tallapoosa River before accepting the superintendent position at Jordan Dam. After a 6-year stint, he transferred to Harris Dam for a short time before moving to Martin Dam after Billy Bryan retired last year. “I am always eager to help where I can, and I’ve tried to learn as much as I could to do that. I’ve also been fortunate to have been on the job with some people that gave me opportunities. Billy Bryan was one of those, and Denny Winn was probably the most instrumental in my career,” he said. Cheaney’s predecessors knew the plant inside and outside and taught him through guided experience on the job. It’s a route he now tries to teach others, he said. “It’s good to be able to help people that take initiative; people who show that they’re genuine and will give you the best that they have. They’re driven to success, and they want that success for you as much as you want it for them,” he said. In many ways, it’s like the legacy of hunting that has passed from generation to generation in his family. Cheaney remembers that his grandfather hunted quail. His father learned the skills and applied them to deer hunting, teaching Cheaney when he was about 10 years of age. That’s when he was old enough to apply himself to getting good grades in school, being helpful and respectful. Cheaney taught his son, Tristan, those same values, and they hunt turkey. “He got his grand slam when he was 12; I had to wait until I was 32,” Cheaney said. “Hunting turkey is hard for a child. You have to stay very still. That’s not easy.” Hunting provides an opportunity to see the country, as well. Father and son have traveled the U.S. to hunt pheasant, turkey, quail and deer. Seeing the changing landscape is as much a bonus as the hunt, Cheaney said. “I just enjoy being outdoors; enjoying what the Lord’s created,” he said. Playing a part in the story of Martin Dam carries that same sense of stewardship for Cheaney. “I am fortunate that all of my years of experience have been in hydro-generation. Most people

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have experience in different areas, but I have come up through the hydro side and stayed in it,” he explained. He comes to Martin Dam with the knowledge and skillset to not only manage operations at the Cherokee Bluffs powerhouse but also to recognize and solve problems quickly and efficiently. Cheaney has helped with 11 generation unit upgrades and often is consulted on projects at other Alabama Power hydro plants. “When these plants were built, it was very prestigious to work here. You look around at the craftsmanship, like the copper doors – I enjoy taking care of it, keeping it up and sharing it with others,” he said. Tours are among Cheaney’s favorite parts of the job. While many dam sites across the country charge a fee for tours, Alabama Power offers tours for free. “We consider it a service, and we’re glad to do them,” he said. The job comes with some unexpected challenges, as well, and some of those involve wildlife. “We’ve had deer in the plants, birds. We’ll get one of those great big blue herons in here, and we have to chase it out,” Cheaney laughed. The team at the dam works closely together and has developed a sense of family. The workers know each other’s families and share milestones – Cheaney will celebrate his 20th wedding anniversary this year with his wife Kristi, who works in Alabama Power’s Dadeville office. But he continues to build his skillset. Next semester, 40-year-old Cheaney will start work on a business degree. He said a better understanding of the business side of the company would help him do his job better and give him more opportunities. In the meantime, he takes his responsibilities at Martin Dam seriously. Safety is the No. 1 priority; then, preventative maintenance is a constant focus. He is responsible for keeping the vintage generation units humming efficiently and keeping the plant on line. Cheaney and his team also work to meet flow requirements stipulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Army Corps of Engineers. “And we need to keep the lake stable for recreation. That’s very important,” he said. Through hard work and a sense of service, he pledges his best effort. Tours of Martin Dam are available Monday through Friday by reservation only. To schedule a visit, call 205-257-1167.

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Travis Cheaney took over as superintendent at Martin Dam last fall

MARCH 2020

LAKE 31


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MARCH 2020


RHODES BROTHERS/KEY BUILDERS

RESTORATIONS | ADDITIONS | KITCHENS | OUTDOOR KITCHENS | BATHS | METAL BUILDINGS REMODELING | ICF CONSTRUCTION | RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | CONCRETE SEAWALLS

Ge Co nt RHODES BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION

KEY BUILDERS

Builder John Rhodes - 256-675-0217 Custom Home Chris Key- 256-749-0179  rhodesbrothersinc.net chriskeybuilding@yahoo.com General Contractor johnrhodes1@charter.net MARCH 2020

LAKE 33


Picture Perfect Unique home at The Ridge showcases lake views

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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MARCH 2020


Living area windows display a panoramic view of the lake

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LAKE 35


E

Everything revolves around the octagonal kitchen. “That’s the center of the home,” said Ellen Brooks, one of three women who spent three years designing a Lake Martin retirement home that reflects not only their unique styles but also their shared interests and love of family. With the help of designer Bill Farshee, the women set out to build, not a showpiece, but a home; and yet, their home is breathtaking. Every room features a well-framed lake view, with some rooms enjoying more than one such designer vista. Walls, trims and accents throughout, though not often seen at the lake, at once lend soothing warmth and bold style to intimate living spaces that flow across a semi-open concept. Situated on a south-facing point, the lot gifts its owners with the beauty of the lake’s sunrises, as well as the splendor of its sunsets, and includes some 521 feet of water frontage. Built to carry its inhabitants into their late years, a series of lakeside patios sports a clever ramp and walkways to carry them all the way around the 4,800-plus square foot house, its 8-foot-deep pool and an innovative shuffleboard court. “The first thing to decide was how to situate the house on the lot to get the best views,” Brooks explained. “Then, we all agreed that the kitchen had to be at the center.” The entire design emanates from an octagon cupola over a bi-level granite island. A sink and work area dominate the lower island while a half-round countertop echoes the shape of the ceiling and allows guests to view the goings-on from an elevated perch. One wall follows the angles of one side of the cupola to create a rock alcove for the Wolf cooktop and oven, as well as workspace and additional appliances. Recessed niches in the walls above the stovetop conveniently store oftenused spices, as Brooks points out that this oven is used often and well. Cooking good food is one of activities for which the house was designed. On the other side of the kitchen wall, a stairwell winds its way to the upper floors, and the kitchen design takes advantage of the space under the stairs with a walk-in pantry. Like most lake houses, this one stays well stocked and organized. “When you live on the lake and cannot just run to the store for supplies, you have to have a space like this,” Brooks said. The opposite sides of the center cupola open to the dining and living areas, which are divided by a large, threesided stone fireplace. The firebox holds three sets of gas logs – one set facing each room. Each set of logs has its own remote control, so any combination of flames can be

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tailored to the occupied rooms. With no walls separating the kitchen from the adjacent dining and living spaces, the panoramic windows in each of these areas open the kitchen to lake views and natural light. Automated shades allow the homeowners to regulate the amount of sunshine admitted to create a cozier cabin feel when desired. Around the corner of the kitchen, a half bath was placed opposite an exterior door off the pool. Dubbed the ‘Acorn Bathroom,’ this spacious bath features a pecky cypress vanity under an acorn stained glass chandelier. A dish of painted wooden acorns decorates a granite countertop with an inlaid river rock pattern. “There are lots of rocks in this house, thanks to Jan Fitzgerald,” Brooks said of her housemate. “She likes them so much that her daughter, Shannon, calls her Wilma Flintstone.” Fitzgerald’s en suite bath leaves no doubt of her affinity. The step-in showThe side er features smooth black stones laid entrance with black grout. A mat matches the doorpull shower floor pattern; the cabinet door reflects a love of pulls were made with black rocks; and fishing a dish of black and gray river stones graces the black pebbled pattern of the countertop. But the real giveaway is the gigantic custom-made mirror above the vanity. The frame is finished with a wide strip of inlaid smooth, black river rocks. “Stacey Jordan from Auburn was our decorator, but Jan has a very good eye for tying a room together with details. She was the logical one to choose the final touches, so we have lots of rocks in the house,” Brooks said. Fitzgerald loves to fish, so subtle decorative elements throughout the home call to mind this hobby. There’s a photo of Fitzgerald’s first tarpon; the occasional fish etchings on patio flagstones; fish artwork on the walls; and a string-art fish that Fitzgerald’s granddaughter, Jessica, created for her years ago. In the garage, there’s a whole room dedicated to storing the fishing gear, including a handmade lazy Susan that securely stores 16 rods and reels in upright and ready positions. The entire water frontage of the home is topped with a concrete walkway, so the homeowners can fish from anywhere they please. Fitzgerald also likes to indulge a bold eye in the décor. She chose a charcoal color for the home’s exterior, and inside, the trim and crown molding are a glossy, rich black to complement the muted sage-y tones of the wall colors. The long windows in the bedrooms are topped with tran-

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The flagstone patio wraps around the lake side of the house

soms, framing the lake views in black as if they were artwork on the walls. Black trim on the baseboards and at the ceilings gives weight to the 12-foot wall heights, accentuating the comfort and style of the spacious rooms. Brooks’ is the only bedroom that features a creamy white trim color under its 22-foot ceiling. Hers also is the only bath that includes a tub. Tucked into an octagonal pod between Brooks’ bedroom and the living room, Brooks’ office is lined with bookcases that display photos and mementos of travels and her work, as well as a collection of law books that span several generations of her family. The ceiling treatment is custom-fitted panels of knotty pine accented with cherry beams that meet above a centered chandelier from which an artist’s pinecones drape toward the desk. Two chairs and a table in front of the desk were designed by Paul Burrell, the former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales. The chairs are from his Hugs and Kisses collection, as they feature ‘X’s and ‘O’s along the backs. The inlaid table between the chairs converts from an accent table to a game table by unfolding triangular panels to serve as corners. Other very special pieces throughout the home include the glass-front bookcases from the law office of one of Brooks’ grandfathers; a grandmother’s pie safe; a chest her father brought back from Korea after the war; her mother’s dressing table; and another grandmother’s bench. The mem-

ories that these furnishings hold add to the warm nature of the home. The third bedroom now serves as an extra guest space, as its original occupant – Fitzgerald’s sister – fell in love, married and moved away several years ago. The remaining homeowners both love games and puzzles. They often keep a card table set up in front of the dining room windows for enjoying a game of Rummikub, playing cards or putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Below the game table, they can view the shuffleboard court they built on the bank. The court is covered in a special snap-together tile that provides a slick surface on which to throw the biscuits – round disks that accumulate points according to their position on the court. The tiles require no salt or sawdust to maintain their slipperiness, nor do they warp or fade in the sun. Upstairs, the homeowners created a haven for the grandchildren and nieces in a large space built to accommodate a variety of activities; to store games, puzzles and seasonal decorations; and to sleep eight people very comfortably. The bunkroom includes four beds on built-in platform frames that hug tall, wide windows on opposite walls. Drawers under each bed allow grandchildren to keep some of their favorite books, toys and clothes at the lake. Two sofas placed back-to-back divide the room into two activity areas. On the bunk side, a television offers entertainment while the other side of the room is arranged for quieter

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LAKE 37


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Clockwise from left: The working kitchen is the center of the home with transomed views of the lake on both sides; the upstairs bunk room and game room also provides plenty of storage; the regulation shuffleboard court is finished with snap-together tiles that won't lose their slipperiness or their markings; Brooks' office features an architectural ceiling, as well as furnishings crafted by the former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales; the seawall on the entire lakefront is topped with a walkway to make bank fishing easy and accessible from anywhere; an artist fashioned the pineapple newel post at the bottom of the stairs; rocks have been used as a decorative element throughout the home.

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LAKE 39


A lamp at the side entry was made from an old pulley

fare. Cabinets line the walls in this section, providing easy access to numerous entertainment options, including one large cupboard full of new jigsaw puzzles. Beyond the bunkroom, another guest space sleeps two in a cozy cabin room that overlooks the lake in two directions. “This is the room that everyone fights over. It’s so cozy,” Brooks said. Between the bunkroom and guestroom, the women created a kitchen space and a large bathroom for upstairs visitors. “The kitchen up here is for early risers,” Brooks said. Repeating the rock-patterned granite, the galley kitchen features a sink, microwave and refrigerator in a long countertop. Snacks and sodas are easily accessible without anyone missing the action. The bathroom also features the pecky cypress that the homeowners love, along with a large shower and lots of space for several guests to use the mirrors at the same time. The ladies took the stairs up another half level to the cupola. For the safety of small grandchildren visiting, they decided to close in the top of the cupola instead of leaving it open to the floor below, and in the crown, they built a tiny, quaint retreat. Furnished only with a small writing desk and chair and an easy chair and ottoman, the cupola invites quiet moments of introspection, letter writing and devotionals with a bird’s eye view of Lake Martin. It is a space designed for grateful thoughts. Having this aerial view of Lake Martin makes the three years of planning seem like time well spent.

The fireplace creates ambience in three rooms and offers several combinations of flame patterns

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MARCH 2020


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10 DEALERS / 250+ CARS Join us as we partner with local dealers for our 10TH ANNUAL Car Sale Event. We will have a team onsite to assist with questions and financing. The two-day event is happening at our main office on HWY 280 - but don’t forget we can also help with your auto re-financing needs at any of our five locations from April 1-30. Trust us - you don’t want to miss this opportunity! Get pre-approved today by calling, visiting us online, or coming by one of our branches. Horizontal Logo APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates as low as 1.25% on new purchases April 1st-18th. Special refinancing rates available all month. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates, terms, and conditions subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. HSCU does not warrant, guarantee, or insure any product or service offered or provided by any dealership. HSCU and participating dealers are separate entities. Contact the Credit Union for further information. Federally Insured by the NCUA.

MARCH 2020

LAKE 41


New Chef at SpringHouse

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STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI

SpringHouse restaurant’s new Executive Chef Chris Morina is as diverse and adventurous as his culinary flair. Having lived abroad, traveled frequently and worked under the guidance of many notable chefs, Morina brings a sense of culture and novelty to Lake Martin. “I’m excited to be here, and I have wanted an opportunity like this for so long,” he said. Morina moved to Lake Martin in December and Chris Morina started the job in January. grew up with Chef Rob McDaniel, good food SpringHouse restaurant’s executive chef for its first 11 years, handpicked Morina as his replacement when he left to pursue the next chapter of his culinary career and his lifelong dream of opening a restaurant of his own. The two worked together at SpringHouse one season when Morina was at Auburn University studying hospitality management. “We share a similar network of chef friends and always stayed in touch,” said Morina. “So when he knew he was getting ready to leave, he called and said I would be his choice to take over.” Originally a native of Westfield, New Jersey, Morina has re-located often, so he doesn’t really claim one place as home. He has been surrounded by cuisine and culture his whole life, and he plans to incorporate that style at SpringHouse. “Between my parents and grandparents, I’ve been around good food since I was little,” he said. “My mom was always a good cook and an adventurous eater. She was always preparing different cultured foods and experimenting with new dishes.” His diverse exposure flourished when his family moved to London, England, when he was in fourth grade. For four years his family toured Europe, enlightening their culinary senses along the way.

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Morina said the international influence crafted the way he pairs flavors. “The work Rob has done here is phenomenal,” said Morina. “He and I also look at food differently based on our backgrounds. My style is a blend of what I’ve experienced, tasted, read about, cooked. I didn’t have a continuous exposure in terms of maturing as a cook – it was all over the place.” While his culinary lens may differ from what Lake Martin residents are accustomed to, Morina plans to retain the SpringHouse menu format and seasonal dishes based around Southern essences, inspired by local fare. But Morina will slowly change out dishes and try new techniques. “Russell Lands hired me for me,” he said. “The best food speaks to where it’s being grown. I will continue to use local, seasonal produce and work with local farms based on what’s available. The plan is to continue to put out good food.” As this is Morina’s first executive chef position, McDaniel is sticking around for another month or so to help his colleague learn the administrative side of the job. Between McDaniel’s guidance and local connections to chefs and professors in Auburn, Morina is confident he’ll make a smooth transition to Lake Martin. He also plans to work closely with Auburn University and its students as its culinary program develops. “I have a lot more resources here to start out and help me than I would other places,” he said. During his time at Auburn, Morina cooked at The Hotel at Auburn University, along with working various other jobs during his school breaks. After graduating, he worked under James Beard awardwinning Chef Linton Hopkins at Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta.

MARCH 2020


He then set his sights on the culinary nirvana that is San Francisco, where he was the sous chef at Mourad, along with working at other Michelin-starred restaurants, for a few years. Burnt out from the hectic lifestyle of a cook, Morina spent about nine months working on a farm in Tennessee and living in a tent. Long Hungry Creek grew vegetables, raised cattle and pigs and provided CSA memberships for nearly 150 people. “I had no background in farming, but I still wanted to be around food. And I like hard work; I just needed a change of pace,” he said. Understanding the foundation of food also encouraged Morina to build strong relationships with the farmers and fishermen he partnered with at restaurants around the country. He then trekked back to San Francisco to work alongside a friend who was named an executive chef. “We had always promised one another that we’d help the other out – whoever got that executive chef position first – we would stick together,” he said. After a few months, he took a job as the event chef at Farmstead in Napa Valley. “It was a really unique spot. We owned some cattle and land; made our own wine and olive oil; and raised chickens for fresh eggs,” Morina said. There also was a large garden on site, similar to that of SpringHouse. Utilizing these personal, fresh ingredients is something Morina values, and he is looking forward to perusing nearby markets in Montgomery and Birmingham. “Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to make it there yet to see what’s available, but I am excited to see what I can find and handpick to use in my dishes,” he said. The open-kitchen concept at SpringHouse is appealing to Morina, who prides himself as being a clean, organized cook. While restaurant kitchens are typically chaotic work environments, Morina and his staff of four are on display to the customers. “I am a minimalist by nature. I also prefer subtlety in my food – mistakes shine through more easily,” he said. The fast-paced atmosphere of a kitchen pushing out more than 120 covers at a dinner service or 100 during brunch – and doubling that during summer months – may not be for everyone, but for Morina, it’s exactly where he wants to be. “I enjoy the organization of cooking and expediting and the chaos of multi-tasking – seeing just how many balls I can juggle at a time. The sense of urgency motivates me,” he said. “It’s like mental gymnastics of problem solving.” The hours of SpringHouse will remain the same, opening at 5:30 p.m. for dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Sunday brunch.

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LAKE 43


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MARCH 2020


Lake market enjoys increased momentum But will the trend continue?

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arch is a great month at Lake Martin. We get the first glimpse of warmer weather; trees and plants begin to bloom; and, best of all, Alabama Power begins to refill the lake. There is nothing that cures winter cabin fever like warm weather and water. As the lake level increases, so does real estate activity. People ask me all the time how the market is doing. The simple answer is – great! That is because the sales numbers for waterfront property for 2019 were fantastic. Total residential sales volume increased 18 percent over 2018. Even more impressive was the increase in the number of sales, which increased LAKE PROPERTY 20.9 percent to 359 sales. BY STEVEN ARNBERG Clearly, the overall yearend numbers were impressive, but this time last year a prediction for that level of sales growth would have been brave. In fact, in March 2019, the 12-month year-over-year comparisons indicated an 11 percent decline in the dollar volume sales and a 14.5 percent decline in the number of sales. Even as late as July 2019, the year-over-year comparisons were still lagging compared with 2018. While we experienced a slight uptick in activity in late spring, the momentum did not begin to build until mid-summer. Sales kicked into high gear in August and continued through fall and into the winter months.

Prices increase in step with affordability

Early last year, many believed that higher sales prices for lake properties would be a drag on sales. In March 2019, the year-over-year comparison indicated that residential median prices had increased 7.6 percent over 2018. That was in addition to the increase of 21.1 percent for the 12 months ending March 2018 compared to the same period in March 2017. As it turned out, prices did not fall. In fact, the median price increased an additional 3.8 percent by December 2019. Sales picked up dramatically, even after three straight years of increases to the median price. What supported the sales increase was an improving economy coupled with very attractive interest rates. Increased rates slowed sales momentum in the fall of 2018

and into the spring of 2019. Rates for mortgages increased 1.25 percent during the spring of 2018 to 5 percent by the fall of 2018. When rates reversed the upward swing, returning to 3.75 percent, the sales momentum reversed and the pent-up demand was satisfied. Do interest rates matter? The heart of our market is for properties in the $500,000 to $750,000 range. This category is sensitive to interest rates and the overall economy. For 2018, there were just 71 transactions in this price category. In 2019, there was a 53.52 percent increase in sales to 109 units. The lower interest rates reduced payments nearly 14 percent, which funded the increased prices.

Will we lose momentum?

Lake Martin’s numbers through the first two months of this year are higher than last year. So far, rates are unchanged, except jumbo loans (loan amounts above $484,350) where rates have actually decreased recently; therefore, affordability remains at the same level while the economy continues to perform well. What is a potential damper on gross sales is inventory. Currently, there is only a 4.35-month supply versus 5.13month supply at the same point last year. This will cause competition for the available properties on the market. We have not seen inventory levels this low since we have been tracking this number, so without newly listed or built properties, inventory will be slim.

What to watch for

We think that prices will continue to improve for the reasons noted above. Lower supply could actually create upward pressure of property values. New development activity picked up momentum, as well, last year, and new property offerings will come on the market this spring. Hopefully, that will provide needed inventory. Recent reports from Realtors® indicate that activity for newly listed property, properly priced and prepared for the market, is selling very fast. Buyers should be careful not to get caught up in the frenzy and overpay. Sellers should be careful not to overprice. The good news for everyone is that a knowledgeable agent specializing in lake property has good data to aid in buying and selling decisions. Steve Arnberg is Vice President Real Estate Sales for Russell Lands On Lake Martin. Contact him at 256-329-0835.

MARCH 2020

LAKE 45


Starlings NATURE OF THE LAKE BY KENNETH BOONE

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MARCH 2020


Starlings were brought to the U.S. and released in New York's Central Park in the 1800s

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LAKE 47


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During the last century, European Starlings overran North America – at least the United States and Canada. The northern part of Mexico has some Starling activity, but the Mexicans have been spared much of the invasion. The magnitude of the problem can best be summed up by this statement from an Audubon.org story titled “Birdist Rule #72: It’s Okay to Hate Starlings.” “There are probably more European Starlings in the United States than any other species,” the story reads. “But there shouldn’t be any at all — they’re invasives.” That makes this story sound a little like modern politics. This bird originally hailed from Europe, the Middle East and Western Asia. But European Starlings have been introduced to many temperate climates around the world, in both the northern and southern hemispheres. It’s no secret that experts view European starlings negatively because they do cause a number of problems for native birds across the country. But you’ve also got to admire the birds’ accomplishment here: The North American Starling boom is a case of wildly successful adaptation to the New World, a lot like the human settlers from Europe that flooded in a century before. These birds are aggressive, flexible, smart and resourceful, and they took full advantage of new territory. They ‘invaded’ our country in 1890 with wrong-headed assistance from the American Acclimatization Society, a group that wanted to populate America with all the bird species mentioned in Shakespeare’s writings. So they released a total of about 100 birds in New York City’s Central Park on several occasions. And it worked. Although there are at least a dozen subspecies of European Starlings found around the world, in North America there is only one, and all the starlings found here are almost genetically indistinguishable from those released in Central Park 130 years ago. Starlings take over holes in trees used for nesting by a wide range of native birds, from bluebirds to owls, woodpeckers, purple martins, nuthatches and chickadees. They often fly in huge flocks and can damage agriculture crops in short order. It is estimated that European Starlings cause more than $800 million in crop damage each year. They are noisy and can spread disease and invasive seeds with their waste. European Starlings are dark, medium sized birds, about the size of a Robin. They weigh between 2 and 3-1/2 ounces and have wingspans of 12 to 16 inches. Their bodies are compact and chunky. They have short, pointed tails and wings. They have sharply pointed beaks. In flight, their pointed beaks, wings and tails make them look something like four-pointed stars, which is how they get their ‘starling’ name. They also are called Common Starlings. Their scientific name is Sturnus vulgaris, which basically means ‘common starling’ in Latin. From a distance, European Starlings look black, but they actually wear coats of many colors. During the breeding season, they have dark green-purple iridescent plumage flecked with tan and brown, and they have yellow beaks. Birds that are not in breeding mode can have much more brown and white speckling in their plumage, and their bills are darker. Juveniles are almost all sandy brown with dark bills.

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These birds are very vocal, and a large group in a tree or power line or tower or building is super noisy, as the birds make a myriad of sounds, from clicks and whistles to whirring noises. European Starlings also are mimics that can imitate the calls of a wide range of American species, from Red-Tailed Hawks to American Robins, as well as human voices and even the sound of a machine or a pet. One of the coolest things about European Starlings is how they fly in synchronized motion as a cloud of birds called a ‘murmuration.’ Anyone who has watched schools of minnows moving together would recognize the starlings’ flight as an aquatic display of the same behavior. And it is fascinating to watch hundreds or thousands (or literally millions, in some locations) of birds diving and swirling and turning together like tiny Blue Angles, flying close without bumping each other, their flock looking alternately thin and dense as it turns in a naturally artistic group display. Sometimes, these large flocks of starlings include other species like cowbirds and blackbirds. Omnivorous European Starlings eat almost everything they come across, from a wide range of insects to earthworms, snails and lizards to grains and fruit and even birds’ eggs to ticks on cows’ backs and livestock feed. During spring and summer breeding season, unattached males find tree cavities and build their nests, using whatever they can find to pad the inside, to attract a partner, and they sing while they work. They are known to use flowers and herbs to make the potential home look and smell better for potential mates. When a gal flies close, the male ratchets up his song in a bid to get her attention. Once the pair copulates, the female lays a pale blue or whitish egg each day for four or five days. She and her male partner sit on the eggs for about 13 days per egg, so within three weeks all the chicks are hatched. Chicks are born blind and featherless, but their feathers start coming in within a week, and nine days after hatching, their eyes open. Three weeks after they hatch, they fledge and after another week or two, they head off on their own. Starling couples can raise up to three broods a year, but two is the average in our part of the country. In 1960, a large flock of starlings in Boston was responsible for what is still the most deadly bird-caused airplane crash in U.S. history. Sixty-two people died when a turboprop airplane flew through the birds, sucking a number of starlings into the engines, which caused a power failure and sent the plane down into the sea. Although most U.S. birds are protected, since European Starlings are an invasive species, there are no protections against killing them or removing nests in our country. In fact, the U.S. government itself poisoned, trapped and shot 1.7 million birds in 2008. But European Starlings are not despised by all. They do well in captivity, and their ability to mimic has made many a prized pet. Mozart is said to have owned a starling that he bought after hearing it sing part of Piano Concerto in G Major, which he had written several weeks earlier but had not been played publicly. Some information for this article came from Cornell University’s All About Birds website, the Audubon Society, National Public Radio and The Spruce.

MARCH 2020


Gin Basil Smash

Ingredients 2 ounces Hendrick’s Gin 3/4 ounce lemon juice 3/4 ounce simple syrup 1 bunch of basil leaves Directions Place basil leaves and lemon juice into cocktail shaker and muddle; next, add simple syrup and Hendrick’s Gin to shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with basil leaves. Behind The Cocktail Fresh and extremely refreshing, the Gin Basil Smash is a relatively new cocktail that was created by Jörg Meyer of Le Lion’s Bar de Paris in Hamburg, Germany, in 2008.

CHEERS!

BY MARK GILLILAND Mark Gilliland is the owner of Ocie & Belle's at 41 Main St., Alexander City.

MARCH 2020

LAKE 49


Hasselback Butternut Squash

Ingredients

2 Butternut squash 1/2 Sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla

Buttternut Glaze Ingredients 1 cup honey 1 cup butter 1 cup apple cider vinegar

Salsa Matcha Ingredients 2 cups extra virgin olive oil 5 cloves garlic, smashed 1 tablespoon squash seeds 1-1/2 cups almonds 4 dried ancho chili 4 dried arbol chili 2 dried chipotle chili 2 dried guajillo chili 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 cup water 50 LAKE

Lime Crema Ingredients 1 cup cream fraiche 3 limes Salt

Directions

Peel butternuts, cut in half lengthwise and remove seeds (save for later). Cut crosswise into the butternut as closely together as possible without going all the way through. This is the “hasselback” technique. Pro Tip: Use wood chopsticks on either side of the squash to ensure that you don’t cut too deep. MARCH 2020

Once cut, roast squash in the over on parchment at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. Rotate halfway through. While roasting, prepare glaze.

Glaze Directions

Heat to combine glaze ingredients. After butternuts have roasted for one hour, remove from oven and place on new parchment. Apply some glaze using a pastry brush; season lightly with salt. Return to oven at 300 degrees for


with Salsa Matcha and Lime Crema

CHEF’S TABLE BY CHRIS MORINA

Chris Morina, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and worked with Southern food icon Linton Hopkins at Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta before moving to Mourad and other Michelin-starred restaurants in San Franciso. another 20 minutes, re-glazing and rotating every 10 minutes. Eemove and allow to cool to room temperature.

Salsa Matcha Directions

In a sauté pan, toast the garlic in oil over medium heat, as to not burn the products. Have a heat-proof bowl ready by your side. Once garlic is toasted, remove into the bowl. Next, toast almonds and seeds in the same oil. Remove and place in the bowl. Finally, toast peppers in the oil. Dump the oil and chilis in the bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. Working in batches, blend the contents of the bowl with the remaining ingredients until a chunky sauce is made.

Lime Crema Directions

Season cream fraiche with the zest and juice of the limes. Season with salt.

To Plate

This dish is to be served at room temperature. Break up the squash into rough chunks and put on a plate. Sauce the squash with salsa matcha; add a few dollops of crema to cool the spice of the salsa. Finish with julienned sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla.

MARCH 2020

LAKE 51


What's in your fridge? S

pring is almost You could achieve a here, and it is time cleaner, healthier and to clean out the more organized refrigerarefrigerator. When was tor in four easy steps. It the last time you gave starts with adding the your refrigerator some refrigerator to your cleanattention? Healthy eating list. This will keep ing demands a cleaner, your refrigerator spotless, healthier and more orgaand it will improve the nized refrigerator. Our safety and quality of your theme for 2020 is ‘Living food. with a Purpose,’ which I Step No. 1 in keeping HEALTHY LIVING food safe is to keep an introduced in last month’s BY JULIE HUDSON Lake magazine. The goal eye on the refrigerator is to impact how we live; and freezer temperatures. decisions we make; and the effort we The refrigerator should read between put into every minute of each day. The 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit with the food we eat is central to fueling a life ideal temperature being 35 degrees F. lived with purpose, and taking pride in This temperature will keep food cold preparing meals that are healthy and enough to prevent bacterial growth that satisfying begins with storing fresh could result in food poisoning. food in a safe and clean environment. If your refrigerator does not have a Dates on food items serve a very built-in thermometer, use an appliance important purpose. They indicate when thermometer. Place it on the center food items are the freshest and will shelf. The freezer temperature should taste the best. They also will help you read 0 to -20 degrees F. determine when to throw out the food. Step No. 2 is to keep it clean. Checking food dates should be done Clean your refrigerator once a week each week to stay aware of which using hot, soapy water. Wipe down all foods need to be consumed. shelves and compartments with hot, When I prepare my grocery list for soapy water; then, rinse well and dry the week, I look through leftovers and completely. dates on packages. The two most comWhen you take everything off the mon dates are the “use by” and “expishelves, check all the bottles for drips ration” dates. The “use by” date refers and rinse those thoroughly. Spills can to the last recommended date that the spread bacteria very quickly; therefore, food item will be at its best quality. in between cleaning it is important to This date is not indicative of the food wipe up spills with hot, soapy water. being safe. The “expiration” date is This also is a good time to organize. very important, as the food should not Place larger items in the back and be consumed after this date. Always smaller ones in the front. Another hint: follow the rule of thumb: When in An open box of baking soda will help doubt, throw it out. keep your refrigerator smelling clean 52 LAKE

MARCH 2020

and fresh. This box could be changed every three months. Step No. 3 is to keep it fresh. Keeping food fresh will help prevent food poisoning and ensure the best quality possible. On a weekly basis, toss all leftovers and food items that are past their expiration dates. Leftovers are generally safe for four days; however, freshness will vary somewhat depending on the food. All meat, poultry and seafood should be wrapped tightly or sealed in a container to ensure their juices do not leak and contaminate other foods. Step No. 4 pertains to organization: Assign foods to sections of the refrigerator. This type of organization helps with taking inventory, making grocery lists and keeping food fresh. Simple rules to follow include storing condiments on the door. They have long shelf lives, so they’re fine in this warmer section of the refrigerator. Orange juice should be stored on an inside shelf. Butter should be kept in its original wrapper or in a covered dish. It is best stored inside the refrigerator where it is coldest. The butter keeper in your refrigerator door may not be cold enough. Milk must be stored in the coldest spot. This may be on the bottom shelf in the back. Yogurt should always be covered. It can last up to 10 days past the “sell by” date. This date is not to be confused with the expiration date. The “sell by” date is the last day a store can sell the item. As a rule of thumb, I always smell any dairy food item before consuming.


Eggs are best when stored in their original container in the center of the refrigerator. Deli meat and cheese should be stored in the meat drawer where they get extra cold air. Packaged meat should be stored on the bottom shelf to make sure any dripping would not contaminate other food. Always defrost meat on the bottom shelf in a covered container to reduce the chance of a spill and cross contamination. The crisper drawer is perfect for fruit and vegetables. If yours has dual controls, adjust for higher humidity for the vegetables and lower for the fruit. Living your life with purpose, on purpose, allows you to be intentional about everything you accomplish during the day. That includes eating from a cleaner, healthier and more organized refrigerator. Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.

Give Your Heart a Fresh Start The new year is here, so why not make a resolution that gives you and your loved ones peace of mind? We all know that healthy hearts live longer, more active lives. That starts with a comprehensive cardiac checkup. February is American Heart Month, serving as an annual reminder of the fight against cardiovascular disease. Kevin Sublett, MD, and his staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama are proud supporters of this fight. We are committed to keeping your heart healthy, so you can live a healthier life all year long. Our clinic is backed by the world-class expertise you expect from UAB Medicine, offering: • The full spectrum of cardiovascular care • Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology • The latest in cardiac and vascular ultrasound technology, as well as nuclear medicine imaging in accredited laboratories • Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders • Convenient location within Russell Medical Call us today to schedule an appointment!

3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-2644 MARCH 2020 uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL

LAKE 53


Just Below the Surface Baits that make memories while the fish are looking up

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t’s interesting how the human brain can That was an incredible spot for me, and it select different experiences throughout revealed a pattern that I’ve built on since. life and retain them as if they were writMarch is ground zero for the spawn on ten in stone or in a painting. A moment, froLake Martin. As the month progresses, zen in time and etched into memory, never waves of fish will move into the shallow, to be forgotten. I am blessed to have had the protected pockets to propagate the speopportunity to fish some of the most notoricies, and most all of their activity will be ous fisheries in the country during some of driven by this phenomenon. As the fish the best times. move into their spawning grounds, they Many memories have been made in the will feed aggressively on whatever forage process; some very good, like catching big is available to build body mass going into fish in the tournament at the California a demanding spawning period. The usual Delta. Others, I’d like to forget, like driving menu will include minnow species, crawBIG CATCHES home from Lake Champlain, New York, fish and bream, but plenty of other critters BY GREG VINSON knowing that a fish care penalty cost me could fall victim to hungry bass, as well. a check that I so desperately needed. I’ve Reptiles and amphibians are emerging never been one to kiss my fish, but I would have locked with the warming temps and offer a different option on lips and administered mouth to mouth if I thought it the menu. Many of these creatures pose a threat to the would have made a difference. bass during the spawn, as they may try to feed on the Childhood and teenaged memories might take a bass eggs or fry (hatchlings). Frogs, lizards, snakes backseat among all the many fish catches and crazy and insects fall into the water from the trees suroccurrences that come with a life on the road chasing rounding the lake and scoot across the surface seekbass, but the truth is that those moments have become ing safe terrain. more vivid with time. Like one ‘Eureka!’ moment on Those who know bass well recognize this as Lake Martin in the spring. irresistible opportunities for bass looking to feed Way before anyone ever saw a senko, or a fluke for on somewhat helpless critters. For spawning bass, that matter, one of my favorite baits to throw as a teen these critters pose potential threats to the nests, was a weightless trick worm. It twitched along or just and the bass will attack in defense. Knowing beneath the surface. It was fun to watch the worm dance the bass are likely to be in one of the two as I twitched the tip of my spinning rod; and then, a mindsets close to and during the spawn, an shadow appeared beneath it, a flash of white and green angler could use the nature of the fish to trick as a fish opened its mouth. The worm disappeared. them into biting artificial lures. I liked bright colors then because I could see them That said, I suppose my success that day better, and that kept me engaged. But I heard black was with the weightless worm revealed part a good color to try, especially in the spring. of the bigger picture. There are many This particular spring day followed others that had baits and techniques that could be been fairly warm. We had a warm night; the birds were successful in the spring. already chattering; and I had a feeling, like all anglers As the water warms, the fish do, that the day was going to be a good one. I ran our become more active, and they are little 15-foot fiberglass boat down the lake a mile or two looking to either feed heavy or play from the house and started throwing the black worm in defense. Most anglers agree that a shallow pockets. topwater bite or – in the case of my The pine pollen was so thick it painted the surface experience as a teen – seeing a fish yellow, and I only got a glimpse of the worm as it take a bait is about as exciting a method worked through holes in the floating pollen. The first of catching fish as there is. Such a bite adds bite I got in the first little sandy pocket was about a another element of visual and, at times, sus2-pounder, and before I had time to calm down, I had pense that sends a rush of electricity through an caught one over 4 pounds; and then, another decent fish. angler’s body.

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Surface baits also are great baits for attracting big bass like the 4-pounder I caught that day. I’ve since caught many more and many bigger fish using surface baits in the spring, but that one remains significant in memory. Baits that run just below the surface – like floating worms, flukes and wacky rigged senkos (I use a Netbait Salt Lick) – are mainstay for spring fishing. I think the fish are looking up a lot this time of year, and something fished over their heads could be more productive than a bottom-bouncing bait much of the time. Weightless plastics could be paused and allowed to barely sink around prime shallow targets, giving the fish extra time to get agitated with their subtle action. In recent years, soft plastic surface baits – like toads and paddle tail swimmers such as the Netbait Spanky – could be fished over and through cover that inundates the shallows with warm temps and rising water. Those pollen mats, floating debris and surface vegetation are prime areas where traditional baits might have trouble, but these surface plastics are

in their element. These baits can be reeled across and through just about anything, and they could be skipped underneath overhanging objects. The commotion they cause when retrieved across the surface must trigger the impulse to attack because the bite is most often a beautifully violent explosion. As effective as the soft plastic surface baits are, they still aren’t as all-terrain as the hollow body frogs, like a Scum Frog. These can be fished on heavy tackle across matted debris, or even in open water, and are definitely big fish baits. They have large profiles with large, twopronged hooks to match and are best fished with braided line. Even in fairly clean water, anglers oftentimes could get away with braid because surface baits break up the fish’s view of the line. The low stretch properties of braid allow us to literally yank big fish out of cover with a high landing percentage and little risk of breaking off. A final option for spring topwaters includes the traditional hard baits – prop baits, like my old favorite Devil’s Horse. Equally effective are walking-style baits like spooks and poppers. Each of these style baits carry the importance of being able to work the bait while keeping it in the strike zone for an extended time, like the weightless soft plastics. Keeping the bait in a suspected strike zone, perhaps around a laydown or stump, for an extended period raises the agitation factor. That’s when the most vicious attacks take place. This spring, be aware that the fish could be looking up and try to take advantage of their aggressive nature. I hope that you’ll make memories in the process and build on the experiences, just as I did many years ago. Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

MARCH 2020

LAKE 55


49 Bald Cypress East, Eclectic Lake Martin, AL

$2,100,000 LUXURY at its best! This is truly a CUSTOM HOME and offers all the finer things in life. Very private on a flat point lot with amazing views and DEEP WATER. Sit on the screened porch and listen to the running waterfall surrounded by expansive porches, decks and gorgeous lake views. Included with all of this is a 3 car garage/boat storage with drive through BOAT LAUNCH, workshop and half bath for easy lake access and your very own PUTTING GREEN. In addition you will find a 2 CAR CARPORT with storage room, grand open floor plan with beautiful architecture, window wall with striking views, rock fireplace, wet bar, a chef's kitchen and keeping room. Don't forget the unbelievable MASTER RETREAT with fireplace, views, lake access, lavish bath and custom closet, an office that will make you want to work from home and a bunk room/game room. This one is designed for the ELITE! Call us to schedule your private showing.

PRICE REDUCED

191 Lake Hill Drive Alexander City, AL Lake Martin 3BR 2BA $425,000

56 LAKE

90 Crowne Pt Unit 206 Dadeville, AL Lake Martin 3BR 3BA $385,000 MARCH 2020

185 Sunset Cove Unit 611 Dadeville AL Lake Martin 2BR 2BA $272,000


City progress tied to lake T

he Lake Martin Homeowners and Boat Owners homes in the Dadeville area because the cost of off-lake follow with great interest the efforts of Alexander housing here is much less expensive than in Auburn. But City and Dadeville to expand their cities to best will our school systems meet the criteria necessary to serve the residents, provide new businesses and jobs and meet the demands of young educated families? to keep their cities moving upward. The success of these There are many variables that must come together to efforts will be greatly appreciated, not only by residents save and grow any city. One variable for our area is the within the city limits, but also by the thousands of Lake decrease in visits to the lake by the 5,000 part-time ownMartin fulltime and part-time residents. ers who enjoy coming to their lake houses about four or We have watched the efforts of the Chamber of five months of the year but disappear during cold weather. Commerce for each town to encourage the revitalization How does a local business survive the down period? How of their Main Street businesses. Some businesses have does a city keep these folks coming? How do we replace thrived while others have struggled or disapthem? Many college towns, beach towns and peared. When these efforts started several ski towns have the same problem; how do years ago, HOBO officers were invited to they survive? attend several meetings with consultants and Will a resort hotel solve these issues? city groups to become more acquainted with Development of a well-planned resort certhe plans. The most glaring omission that we tainly would be an asset to the area if it noticed at these meetings was the absence attracts the right clientele maintains the propof any inclusion of lake population in the er relaxed atmosphere and offers year-round consultants’ studies, plans or presentations. activities. Will our cities benefit from this It seemed that the Earth stopped at the city resort? If they develop activities and services limits. that attract these resort visitors to enjoy while The point to be made here is that any at the resort, yes, cities will benefit. effort to build up, modernize and improve Boating Safety Law HOBO any city must include an asset as huge as Efforts are underway to develop a boatBY JESSE CUNNINGHAM the fulltime residents of Lake Martin. With ing safety law that will increase safety on all approximately 7,500 homes on the lake – waters in Alabama. Several years ago, a simisome 2,500 of which are occupied by fulltime homeownlar bill was introduced in the Legislature but was defeated ers – one could easily predict the positive financial impact because it would have demanded no wake in many creeks of the lake community. and smaller streams. Hopefully, we will be able to get a Tallapoosa County enjoys a unique benefit from our bill passed to help make our lake safer while reducing the lake. According to Tallapoosa County authorities, about damage to shoreline improvements, seawalls, docks, boat 44 percent of all property tax revenue for the entire coun- houses, boats and even swimmers. ty is collected from lakefront property. Part of the generMore information will be provided, as it is available, ated property taxes are allotted to the local schools, and on the HOBO website: lakemartinhobos.com. very few of the lakefront homeowners have school-aged children, so this is a great benefit for the county and citJesse Cunningham is president of Lake Martin ies. Except for Baldwin County on the Gulf, probably no Homeowners and Boat Owners. To learn more, visit other rural Alabama county enjoys such a tax haven. lakemartinhobos.com. Not only does our area benefit financially from the lake, but also, most of the fulltime homeowners on the lake are highly educated, skilled and motivated retirees who are willing and able to assist the cities to grow and improve. And they will volunteer their services when asked. Many residents on the lake have lived here for more than a decade and plan to be here the rest of their lives. What services do our cities offer to encourage the thousands of retirees to come to our cities and invest time and money in Dadeville or Alexander City? That is the question that needs to be addressed by the cities and the Chambers of Commerce. An interesting situation is developing in the area. People working in the Auburn/Opelika area are buying MARCH 2020

LAKE 57


FABULOUS FINDS

FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

South Ridge Harbor, Cascadia • $2,395,000 Builder: Legacy New Homes Beds: 8 • Baths: 9 • SQFT: 5,511 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily McDaniel, Rhonda Watson 256.215.7011 RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

The Willows, Diamond View • $1,990,000 Builder: Lake Martin Signature Construction Beds: 5 • Baths: 5.5 • SQFT: 4,318 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily McDaniel, Rhonda Watson 256.215.7011 RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

South Ridge Harbor, Double Rock • $1,450,000 Builder: Legacy New Homes Beds: 4 • Baths: 4 • SQFT: 3,445 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily McDaniel, Rhonda Watson 256.215.7011 RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

Willow Point, Parkview Cottage • $769,000 Builder: Derryl Thomas Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,580 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily McDaniel, Rhonda Watson 256.215.7011 RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

Lot 5 White Oak Landing, Jackson’s Gap • $645,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 LakeMartinRealty.com

85 Harris Lane, Eclectic • $749,900 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Mimi Rush 334.399.7874 LakeMartinRealty.com

102 Village Circle, Dadeville • $229,900 Beds: 2 • Baths: 2 • Water Access Lake Martin Realty Amy Duncan 256.212.2222 LakeMartinRealty.com

157 Southwinds East, Alexander City • $999,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com

515 Warrior Lane, Dadeville • $435,000 Beds: 2 • Baths: 2 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Michelle Brooks-Slayman 256.749.1031 LakeMartinRealty.com

104 Village Court, Dadeville • $379,900 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3 • Water View/Access Lake Martin Realty Jaylen McGriff 256.300.0372 LakeMartinRealty.com

35 Holy Lane, Dadeville • $649,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 2 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com

152 Ridgeview Point, Alexander City • $1,025,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com

174 Sailboat Road, Dadeville • $388,900 3 BR, 2.5 Bath, Second family room, Full length lakeside covered porch, open deck with hot tub, outdoor cooking area. Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256-749-8681 lakemartinteam.com

94 Driftwood Road, Tallassee • $389,000 3 BR, 2.5 Bath, 1.4+/- acre lot overlooking Lake Martin, Private back deck. Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256-749-8681 lakemartinteam.com

194 Ridge Crest Road, Jackson's Gap • $735,000 Beautiful flat point lot with 510' +/- of shoreline, 4 BR, 2.5 bath, large screened porch, two car garage, bunk house with bath. Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256-749-8681 lakemartinteam.com

175 Sunset Pt Dr, Unit 722, Dadeville • $269,900 2 BR, 2 bath walk in unit, fully furnished and currently producing around $25,000 annual rental income. Inside Stillwaters resort. Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256-749-8681 lakemartinteam.com

58 LAKE

MARCH 2020


Get the kids ready to play summer golf

I

t’s not too early to sign the kids up for PGA Jr. League at Willow Point this summer. Starting early is a game changer, and the program is open to the Alexander City community as well we as children and grandchildren of Willow Point members. PGA Jr. League is shifting the perception of youth golf and the way the game is learned and played. The program brings family and friends together around fun, team golf experiences with expert coaching and instruction from PGA and LPGA professionals. It’s a game changer. The Willow Point PGA Jr. League program is open to boys and girls ages 13 and under of all skill levels – no golf experience is required. Kids will learn the game and enjoy relaxed competition in a two-person scramble format that encourages mentorship, builds confidence and teaches sportsmanship. PAR for the COURSE The program fee for PGA BY MATT SHEPPARD Jr. League at Willow Point is $200. Practices will begin the first week of June, and each PGA Jr. League golfer will receive: n Two high quality team jerseys – one orange and one blue (for home and away games). Jerseys are available in boys and girls sizes and customizable with our team name and player’s chosen jersey number; n Performance T-shirt, hat, bag tag, stickers and drawstring bag; n A minimum of 10 one-hour practices at Willow Point Golf and Country Club; n Instruction from a minimum of two golf professionals at each practice; n A minimum of four matches, all matches will be conveniently located at Willow Point; n Opportunity to advance to All-Star teams during the post-season. All participants will have the opportunity to participate in any of Willow Point Golf and Country Club’s

Junior Golf programs throughout the duration of the summer. If the price of the program is a barrier, scholarships could be available for children who are currently on a free or reduced lunch program at school. For questions, please contact Matt Sheppard, PGA, at msheppard@russelllands.com, call 256-212-1409 or visit PGAJrLeague.com and follow @pgajrleague on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more. Looking forward to a fun PGA Jr. League season at Willow Point! Matt Sheppard is the PGA Director of Golf at Willow Point Golf and Country Club.

MARCH 2020

LAKE 59


Legend

63

22

280

To Sylacauga

22

Alexander City

Public Boat Ramps 18

9

Churches

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

Camps & Parks

16

Power lines U.S. Highways

280

3

22

County Roads Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

Pleasant Grove Church

11

COOSA COUNTY

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

9

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

15 20

New Hope Church

Liberty Church

14 Willow Point

24

6

10

Equality

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

Camp Alamisco

11

Kowaliga Boat Landing

21 The Ridge

55

4

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

1 12

Church in The Pines

23

2

The Amp Ko w

ali

17

ga

Ba

y

80

9

Central

90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

19 Kent

60 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

34

MARCH 2020


Timbergut Landing

Lake Martin Alabama

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Marinas

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

11. Kowaliga Marina 256-397-1210 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

Jacksons Gap

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

280

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

Bethel Church

20

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

Dadeville

3. Harbor Pointe Marina 7 256-825-0600 397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853 www.harborpointe.net

25 57

280

24

Camp Hill

Smith Landing

2. Lakeside Marina at Bay Pines 9 256-825-0999 3455 Bay Pine Rd., Jackson's Gap, AL 36861

Pleasant Ridge Church

Restaurants & Venues

13

6. SpringHouse 10 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

5

8

4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 19 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Building Supply 20 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 21 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010 4. Dark Insurance 22 256-234-5026 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com . Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 23 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 24 . Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 21322 U.S. Hwy 280, Dadeville, AL 36853 . The Tiny Rabbit 25 256-307-1998 220 N. Broadnax, Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 26 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

12 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Walnut Hill

50

4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 18 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

6. Catherine’s Market 11 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Stillwaters

7

82. Lakeside Marina 256-825-9286 7361 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

17 5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 334.857.3900 7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024

26

50

13 Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337 5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853 14 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

Business & Shopping

49

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

15 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010 16 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, AL 35010

Reeltown

MARCH 2020

LAKE 61


Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Q Campus of CACC 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 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 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 Touchless Boat Covers The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot Valley Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

CHELSEA Winn-Dixie The Ditsy Daisy Boutique

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 Renfroes Root 49 at Lake Martin Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 The Tiny Rabbit USAmeribank

ECLECTIC

CHILDERSBURG Piggly Wiggly DADEVILLE Bay Pine Marina Blue Creek Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foshee's Boat Doc Homeplate Restaurant

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

INVERNESS Winn-Dixie Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Arena Tree Top Family Adventure

KELLYTON Five Star Plantation MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo SYLACAUGA Good Ole Boys BBQ Piggly Wiggly

TALLASSEE Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce Tallassee Automotive Tallassee Community Library The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are placed at these locations. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

Lighting the Way for the Lake & River Region for more than 100 Years alexcityoutlook.com thewetumpkaherald.com tallasseetribune.com lakemagazine.life 62 LAKE

MARCH 2020


Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

Residential | Commercial | Interior | Exterior

HANDRAILS | GUARDRAILS POWDER COAT | SAND BLASTING WELDED FENCE | CUSTOM ART STAIRS GATES | I-BEAMS STEEL POSTS STAINLESS STEEL CABLE RAILING

334-332-3435 or 334-329-4635

256-307-4061 Some of us have to paddle before we can swim. Small budget advertising can have you swimming laps around your competitors. 256-234-4281

columbus-auburn.certapro.com Mike&Kris DobbsOwners1550OpelikaRoadSuite6Box294�| Auburn,AL36830 EachCertaProPainters ® businessis independently ownedandoperated. Each CertaPro Painters® business is independently owned and operated.

COACH KRAFT

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery! Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers ■

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Patrick Mason 334-283-6759 676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com

IN-HOME CARE SERVICES

Our goal is to keep our clients as active as possible in their own homes to promote overall health and well being. With our personally tailored care plans, you will receive the individual care you need with the dignity and respect you deserve.

Homemaking... Personal Care... Companionship

Lake Martin innovation Center 175 aLiant Parkway • aLexander City, aL

LAKE

(256) 414-6090

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin. Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

MARCH 2020

LAKE 63


Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing............................................................. 53

Heritage South Credit Union.................................. 41

Russell Lands on Lake Martin............................13, 32

Alex City Guide Service............................................. 8

Holley’s Home Furnishings....................................... 68

Russell Marine.............................................................. 23

Alex City Marine......................................................... 44

Homeology, Denise Booth........................................ 43

Russell Medical.............................................................. 2

Beyond Home Care................................................... 63

Jerry Purcell, Lake Martin Realty............................. 19

Satterfield........................................................................ 6

Blue Creek Iron Works............................................. 63

Kowaliga Whole Health............................................. 63

Security Pest Control.................................................. 8

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation..........................................8

Lake Martin Dock....................................................... 15

Southern Starm Farm.................................................. 6

C & T Electric........................................................................ 43

Lake Martin Realty........................................................ 3

State Farm, Harold Cochran.................................... 63

CertaPro Painters....................................................... 63

Lake Martin Signature Construction...................... 44

State Farm, Karen Channell...................................... 63

Chuck's Marina............................................................ 33

Lamberth & Lamberth............................................... 19

Sunrise Dock................................................................ 19

Coach Kraft Upholstery............................................ 63

Mark King's Furniture................................................ 22

Sylacauga Marble Festival.......................................... 44

Custom Docks............................................................. 64

Moore Wealth Management..................................... 67

Temple Medical Center............................................. 57

Davco............................................................................. 63

National Village............................................................ 29

TNT Stone..................................................................... 6

Designs by Trish............................................................. 5

New Water Farms...................................................... 65

TowBoat US................................................................. 65

Docks Unlimited........................................................... 5

Prime Management....................................................... 6

UAB Heart & Vascular............................................... 53

First Baptist Church Alexander City...................................8

Renaissance Electronics............................................... 8

Walmart........................................................................ 63

First Community Mortgage...................................... 59

Rhodes Construction................................................. 33

Wedowee Marine....................................................... 18

George Hardy D.M.D................................................... 8

Rhonda Jaye, Lake Martin Realty............................. 56

64 LAKE

MARCH 2020


LAKE MARTIN'S PROFESSIONAL TOWING AND SALVAGE COMPANY We refloat sunken boats. Call today for a free quote!

•On water towing •Battery jumps •Fuel delivery •Soft ungrounding

256-307-1313

www.towboatuslakemartin.net MARCH 2020

LAKE 65


Parting Shot

Filtered sun falls through the trees to the floor of the open forest.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

"Every moment of light and dark is a miracle." ~ Walt Whitman

66 LAKE

MARCH 2020


MARCH 2020

LAKE 67


Early Spring Sale

50% OFF All Winston & Lazyboy Outdoor Furniture

1660 Hwy. 22 West, Alexander City

256.234.4141

3490 Wetumpka Hwy, Wetumpka

334.279.3101

68 LAKE

MARCH 2020


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