Lake Martin Living magazine March 2020

Lake Martin Living People, events and culture in the Lake Region

Annual Gardening Issue March 2020

www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

T

hese dreary, dark days full of nonstop rain are enough to bring anyone down. Luckily, Lake Martin Living’s gardening issue is here to cheer you up. As we began laying out the stories, we noticed the vibrant colors and natural beauty just jumping off the pages. It was a nice change of pace, and we hope you feel the same way.

On the cover, we feature Citrus Creek Farms, which is (as far as we know) the only citrus farm in Alexander City and possibly even Tallapoosa County. David and Deborah Sanford never set out to be farmers but now grow lush trees abundant with fresh lemons, limes, grapefruit, kumquats and more. Turn to page 10 for more about this Alexander City native couples’ new, favorite hobby.

Another unique farmstead in the area uses a fairly new technique called aquaponics. Gina and Lloyd Lancaster set their sights on designing and building a greenhouse to support this system, and now many years later it is home to more than 200 cultivars of plants – many of which should never have grown in Alabama’s climate. They were told their land would never sustain anything and has blossomed into its own little ecosystem. Read page 26 for more information about this truly inspiring, innovative couple and the overwhelming success of their home gardening.

Different from some of the exotic species of plants found at the Lancasters, native azaleas are common to Tallapoosa County. On page 14, Shane Harris’ Garden Talk column delves into the beauty that is springtime azaleas. He describes different varieties and explains when each of them bloom. This wild flower can be incorporated into home landscapes or simply admired on a walk through nature.

Not originally native to the area, Japanese Maple Trees have been the foundation of the Lowe’s family business for more than 20 years. Located in Dadeville off state Route 50, Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery sells plants year round and has hundreds of varieties on site. The owners personally grow and graft the trees and take great pride in their work.

Turn to page 18 for a beautiful collage of photos.

We covered a lot of gardening stories but also included the cute, heartfelt story of Haggerty Hills Farm. Melissa and Mike Haggerty have a whole little zoo out on their property in Jackson’s Gap. Turn to page 21 to read about the alpacas, goats, dogs and other animals they have rescued, nurtured and now care for on a daily basis. Taking care of their animals is a round-the-clock job, but Melissa describes it as ‘her whole heart.’

Gardening or farming – on a much smaller scale than most of these stories – is one of Lacey Howell’s suggestions for a good side hustle gig.

On page 46, she explores side hustle culture and the idea of pursuing a hobby as a job for extra money or simply as a hobby.

If nothing else, I hope this issue spreads some springtime cheer and reminds us that eventually there will be sunny days ahead. Let’s appreciate the beauty in nature when we can.

Happy almost-spring!

Amy Passaretti, Editor 4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Editor Amy Passaretti Contributors Kenneth Boone Dave Jennings Shane Harris Cliff Williams Lizi Arbogast Lacey Howell Gabrielle Jansen Lonna Upton Santana Wood Susan Foy Micah Bennett Courtney Layfield Nannette Sheaffer Magazine Distribution Manager Erin Burton Creative Services Audra Spears Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Rachel McCollough Marilyn Hawkins Julie Harbin Andy Carr Liz Holland Digital Services Kat Raiford Elle Fuller Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

Lake Martin Living is published monthly

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

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

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Lake Martin Living 5

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These lemons are grown locally at Citrus Creek Farm, owned by David and Deborah Sanford.

They may be one of the only citrus farms in the area and also grow grapefruit, kumquats, oranges and more. The couple farms for fun and harvests the citrus every November.

Photo by Micah Bennett

FEATURES 10. CITRUS CREEK FARM Alexander City veteran learns to grow citrus in retirement 18. MILLSTONE NURSERY Thriving family business sells more than 200 cultivars of Japanese Maples 21. HAGGERTY HILLS FARM Couple finds peace at home with their own little zoo 24. A LOVE OF ZINNIAS Davis grows childhood hobby into home garden 26. HAND-BUILT AQUAPONICS GARDEN Innovative couple creates a flourishing ecosystem using symbiotic technique

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 14. GARDEN TALK 28. MONEY MATTERS 29. MEDICAL NEWS 30. FROM THE TEE 32. OH SNAP! 36. LAKE REGION EVENTS 46. CULTURE SHOCK

The Lowes sell a variety of Japanese maples at their nursery on state Route 50 in Dadeville. Photo by Micah Bennett

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AROUND THE AREA

Jazz Fest art contest now open The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce has opened submissions for the 2020 Jazz Fest T-shirt art contest through April 1.

Kim Dunn, chamber of commerce director of marketing and special events, said the submission designs can be anything relating to the festival and the chamber wants to see every artist’s interpretations.

The winning artist will get $200 and be honored as the official 2020 Jazz Fest artist. The winning design also will be used for promotional posters.

The 30th annual Jazz Fest will be held June 12-13 this year, and the chamber is still working on its lineup.

The contest is open to anybody, including students, and is free to enter.

Artists can submit up to three entries.

All entries need to include

“Alexander City Jazz Fest June 12-13, 2020” in the design to be considered.

Names and phone numbers must be printed on the back of artwork.

“It’s a great way to get the community involved in this festival,” Dunn said.

Digital design and fine art are accepted. Art in file format should be vector format like Illustrator (.eps or .ai) or Photoshop (.psd); high-resolution 300dpi; type/copy (fonts provided) on layers. There is a minimum of 65-line screen if it’s computer generated. It also has to be vertical and no larger than 16 by 20 inches.

Entries can be emailed as a .jpg or .pdf to kim.dunn@ alexandercitychamber.com or mailed to the chamber at 175 Aliant Pkwy.

Creative Design

Artists are encouraged to submit a design for this year's Jazz Fest.

Pursell Farms hires new executive chef with diverse background New-appointed Executive Chef Tommy Hines is bringing Southern hospitality to Pursell Farms, according to David Pursell, CEO and co-founder of the 3,200-acre resort located in Sylacauga.

New Orleans native Hines said his menus are sparked with diverse cultural influence at both Arrington, Pursell Farms’ signature cuisine and Old Tom’s

Tommy Hines

Pub, a casual restaurant with a robust beverage program. He also creates one-ofa-kind menus for the resort’s special events, weddings, banquets and group programs.

“Food brings people together,” said Hines. “I’ve watched people bond over food, seen the energy change at a table and love that my food evokes happy emotions. Great enthusiasm is part of a great meal.”

Steel signage at Alexander City airport welcomes visitors Last month, Robinson Iron installed a steel sign welcoming visitors flying to Alexander City’s Thomas C. Russell Field.

“We want to make an impression on people flying in and out of our community,” Alexander City community development director Al Jones said.

The 3,500-pound sign contains massive letters that were cut from a larger piece of steel by a high-pressure water stream.

Alexander City Mayor Tommy Spraggins was happy to see a local company produce the sign.

“We are thrilled to do anything in Alexander City ... It gives us a lot of pride to see our work here,” said Luke Robinson, Robinson Iron marketing manager.

The new sign arches across the road leading to Thomas C. Russell Field replacing two pillars with small plaques that once marked the entrance to the airport.

The project was funded Welcoming Message through grants from The other side of the Alabama Municipal this Alexander City Electric Authority. airport signage ~ Cliff Williams town.

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Citrus Creek Farm STORY BY LONNA UPTON PHOTOS BY MICAH BENNETT

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avid and Deborah Sanford, Alexander City natives, did not see themselves as farmers when they began their lives together. In fact, David Sanford worked for Russell Corporation for 32 years; and then, at The Ridge and River North marinas after his retirement.

Now, after many years of working in the dirt and offering lots of tender love and care, the Sanfords have developed Citrus Creek Farm, which just may be the only citrus farm in central Alabama, and they definitely have the only one within the city limits of Alexander City.

“As far as we know, we are the only ones with grapefruits and kumquats, for sure. I called the Tallapoosa County Extension agent one time, and he was so surprised when he saw the trees, that he called the paper; we ended up on television; and now, we have people coming in groups to see the trees,” said Sanford.

Deborah has lived her entire life on the land where she and Sanford live now. Whortleberry Creek runs through the Sanfords’ property, with their home on one side and the trees planted just on the other. They are able to sell the fruit right from their yard.

“The old chimney from my dad’s house is still standing. The land around it has changed a little though. We built the pond 20 years ago, and that’s what we use to water the Only One in Town trees. We just pump it Sanford harvests right up the hill,” Deborah David his citrus fruit in said.

November and is one Sanford recalled that he of the only growers in never thought about citrus the area.

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"I just plant the trees, and the Lord provides the fruit" ~ David Sanford

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Grow Year Round until his friend John Neighbors

suggested it about 15 years ago.

Neighbors had been dabbling in peach trees and decided to try his hand with some oranges and lemons.

“John took me under his wing and got me excited. I ordered some orange trees – between 12 to 36 inches tall – and put them out just to see what would happen.

At first, we were just piddling, but it was such a success, people found out and started coming up from Montgomery and Clanton to see them,” Sanford said.

Eight years ago, the Sanfords added lemons, limes, grapefruits and kumquats, and most of their trees are purchased out of south Alabama. Although Sanford doesn’t use any special fertilizer, he does have an obvious green thumb. He doesn’t have a high-tech greenhouse, but PVC pipe arches extend over the rows of trees every 6 to 8 feet, so a tarp can cover the trees in cold weather.

Temperatures inside the greenhouse can exceed 100 degrees in the winter, using a special heating system.

“I leave the fruit on the trees all winter, and it’s still good. I turn the PVC arches into a greenhouse. I fill 55-gallon burn barrels with water and put one by every tree, so the water heats under the sun during the day and adds heat to the air at night. I also have a wood heater just in case it gets really cold,” Sanford said.

Just for fun, the Sanfords grow pineapples in separate containers. Figs and grapes grow in a wire-enclosed The fruit hangs in bunches, sometimes up to 10 pieces on a branch.

area to protect them from the deer. Luckily, deer don’t like citrus. They also have ducks that refuse to get in the water and prefer to play with the chickens, but those chickens offer Deborah a way to give back to the community.

“We just gather the eggs up each day, and I take them to the church or to someone – wherever they are needed.

We just have so many blessings, and I want to share those,” said Deborah.

When the fruit begins to grow in the summer, they hang in bunches – sometimes up to 10 pieces of fruit in a bunch – and the weight can bend a branch to the ground.

“It’s ready to harvest about mid-November. We will have thousands of pieces of fruit – around 1,500 lemons from two trees. One year, I froze the juice of 90 lemons and had fresh lemon juice for two years. I am really spoiled with our fresh lemons. They just taste so much better than the ones I buy at the store,” Deborah said.

Sanford said he has so much fun with his hobby that he is willing to share tips with anyone who is interested.

He has groups come to ask questions and learn his gardening tips, which he claims are simple but tried and true.

“I just plant the trees, and the Lord provides the fruit,” said Sanford, who is also a veteran and serves on the Alexander City Honor Guard.

Anyone interested in visiting Citrus Creek Farm or purchasing fruit at the harvest, should call the Sanfords at 256-234-5483.

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Native

Azaleas The true beauty of

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Garden Talk

Shane Harris

A

s another well-anticipated spring arrives, one will notice almost daily, multiple species of plants beginning to bloom and showcase their beauty. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts anxiously await the spring display of flowering cherries, evergreen azaleas and dogwoods, as well as colorful bedding plants.

But unless you walk off the beaten path, you might not notice some of the most prized plants and spring flowers. Our native or deciduous azaleas bloom throughout the spring and present a spectacular flower show like none other.

Once you experience them, you will fall in love with these enchanting native plants.

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Native Azalea Seminar – April 16 The Tallapoosa County Master Gardener Association will host a seminar All About Native Azaleas. Ernest Koone III, an expert on native azaleas, will be the guest and featured speaker.

Mr. Koone is president of Lazy K Nursery, Inc., in Pine Mountain, Georgia, the largest grower of native American azaleas in the United States. In March 2019, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Azalea Society of America, which is its highest honor. The one-hour presentation will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 10 a.m. at Betty Carol Graham Technology Center at Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City. There is no charge for this event, and members of the community are welcome to attend.

If interested, contact Tallapoosa County Extension at 256-825-1050 to reserve a seat.

Native Azalea Plant Sale – April 18 The Tallapoosa County Master Gardeners will host a native azalea plant sale on Saturday, April 18. The public sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. while supplies last in the River Bank & Trust parking lot located at 3617 U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City. Many of the popular species of native azaleas will be for sale. Available plants will be sold first-come, first-serve. No pre-orders will be taken. The only form of payment that will be accepted is cash or personal check. All proceeds received will benefit local Master Gardener and Extension projects.

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Unlike the more popular evergreen azaleas and common plants blooming in yards and landscapes, native azaleas are a little more secretive and mysterious.

They are typically found growing in undisturbed natural areas, commonly in forests and along creeks all across the Southeast. For the ones found in this area, this usually means they are along hillsides and steeper terrain, as well as along streams, but occasionally where you least expect to see them. Native azaleas go nearly unnoticed year round and blend in with their natural surroundings until they bloom in the spring. That is when their beauty is discovered, and they become a spectacular spring highlight.

Not all azaleas are created equal.

Our native azaleas are deciduous plants and are native to America.

They are often referred to as “deciduous azaleas” or “American azaleas” and mistakenly labeled as “wild honeysuckle;” however, most known and popular landscape azaleas are evergreen and actually originate from Asia. Both are in the large rhododendron family but are very botanically different. Native azaleas have the form of a small

Spring is in the Air

Previous page: Plumleaf is one of the latest blooming azaleas and Callaway Gardens' signature flower; From top left: Azaleas can range in shades of color; Piedmont azaleas are the most common in our area and first to bloom; Florida azaleas are the brightest yellow of the varieties; Alabama azaleas have a lemony fragrance.

upright tree rather than a rounded mounding shrub of evergreen azaleas.

The honeysuckle-like flowers of native azaleas are what gets all the attention and makes them quite unique. They produce funnelshaped flowers ranging in colors of pink, white, orange, yellow and red, all depending on species. Some even have flowers with delightful fragrance.

The true beauty of native azaleas is to find and see them growing out in the wild. But thanks to modern horticulture techniques and plant nurseries, you don’t have to walk deep into the forest or up along a steep hill to enjoy their beauty. Many varieties have been propagated successfully and are sold at various plant nurseries. You can buy native azaleas and incorporate them into

your home landscape for your own personal enjoyment.

There remains a growing trend and interest in incorporating native plants and natural areas into residential landscape plans. Many homeowners prefer to have a natural woodland landscape rather than formal gardens and manicured lawns. This presents opportunities to add beloved native azaleas to gardens.

When planting native azaleas, be sure to give them justice by placing them in natural areas away from the house where they physically look like they belong. Native azaleas prefer cool, partially shaded sites with rich, moist woodland soil. A site with morning sun and afternoon shade is best. Note that deep shade will drastically limit their number of flowers. They can be used in combinations with other plants, such as evergreen azalea and dogwoods, for fantastic flower shows.

One reason native azaleas are so popular is there are so many different kinds to choose from. And they do not bloom all at once. Depending on the species, native azaleas bloom from early spring to mid-summer.

The following are the most popular varieties of native azaleas arranged by bloom order for East Central Alabama:

Piedmont Azalea

(Rhododendron canescens) is the first one to bloom in the spring. It has fragrant white to light pink to dark pink flowers and grows up to 15 feet tall. It blooms in late March to early April and is the most common one found growing wild in the Southeastern states.

Florida Azalea

(Rhododendron austrinum) is native to North Florida. It has fragrant yellow to gold to orange flowers and grows up to 10 feet tall. It blooms in early April.

Oconee Azalea

(Rhododendron flammeum) is native to Georgia and South Carolina. It has non-fragrant orange to red flowers and grows up to 6 feet tall. It blooms in early to mid-April.

Alabama Azalea

(Rhododendron alabamense), is found in northeast Alabama and northwest Georgia, and has snow white flowers with yellow blotches and a lemon fragrance. It grows up to 6 to 8 feet tall and typically blooms in April.

Pinxterbloom Azalea

(Rhododendron periclymenoides) is native to north Alabama up to New England. It has fragrant white, pink or violet flowers and grows up to 6 feet tall. It blooms in April.

Swamp Azalea

(Rhododendron viscosum) has fragrant white flowers. It grows up to 5 feet tall and blooms in May to June.

Flame Azalea

(Rhododendron calendulaceum) is non-fragrant and has large yellow, orange or red flowers. It grows up to 15 feet tall and blooms in late May to June.

Sweet Azalea

(Rhododendron arborescens) is native to the Appalachian Mountains and foothills and has very fragrant white flowers. Common near streams, it can get up to 10 feet tall and blooms in late May to June.

Plumleaf Azalea

(Rhododendron prunifolium) is known as the one found at and growing only within 100 miles of Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. It has non-fragrant orange to red flowers and grows up to 20 feet tall. It is a summer feature and blooms from early July to August. ~ Shane Harris is the Tallapoosa County Extension Coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Contact him at 256-825-1050 or visit aces.edu/Tallapoosa.

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Millstone Nursery Thriving family business sells more than 200 cultivars of Japanese maples

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STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY MICAH BENNETT

illstone Japanese Maple Nursery is a family-run operation that took roots in the ’70s and has blossomed into a thriving Dadeville location complete with more than 200 cultivars.

Paul Lowe graduated from Auburn University with a horticulture degree. After teaching high school science for 11 years, he started a nursery in the 1970s. Here, he and his family grew Japanese maples, along with other plants. When he retired, he re-located a few of his Japanese maples out to the countryside on state Route 50, just south of Dadeville. It wasn’t but a short time that it became a full-blown nursery keeping his wife, Glenda, and their children all busy.

“We love the nursery, along with meeting new customers from all over the country,” said Lowe.

Maintaining the nursery is a seven-day-per-week job, and growth and harvesting is done year round. The Lowes grow all trees on site to ensure they are healthy and don’t undergo the shock of transportation.

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“From seed to graft stage takes about three years; then, the trees are grafted for about a year before they hit the market,” said Lowe.

The Lowes begin by gathering select seeds in September; planting them in a heated greenhouse; and when they germinate, they are transplanted to cell pack trays. These grow quickly and can be sold for less than grafted trees, plus customers like to admire the large inventory for any new plants.

“We do have several unusual Large Collection trees we’ve discovered from these Top: Millstone seedlings, but the most popular is Japanese Nursery is Sherwood Elfin,” said Lowe. “The located in Dadeville; Paul and Glenda seed came from Sherwood Flame, Right: Lowe have run this and it is a very short grower with business since the vibrant red color and a beautiful '70s; There are more shape.” than 200 cultivars of In January and February, the Japanese maples.

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majority of grafting is done at Millstone. During this time, the trees are dormant, with no leaves or sap flowing.

“Good rootstock is chosen and cleared of any additional growth.

Scion wood is chosen from the mother tree. The sprouts are removed from the understock body and scion wood is inserted to fit; taped in place; and covered with plastic bags, which act as mini greenhouses. This ensures moisture is kept in and bacteria stays out,” said Lowe. “Once it swells, we cut it open.”

While business is operational year round, Lowe said, they sell most of their plants during the spring and fall.

“People love the fall colors,” he said. “With more than 200 cultivars, collectors come from far and wide to pick out their favorites to add to their collections.”

Millstone Nursery now has a wide selection of older, larger Japanese maples for landscaping, and some customers choose plants to add a pop of color, shape or size to enhance their gardens.

The Japanese maples are resilient, tough plants, and if planted properly, could live longer than 200 years, said Lowe.

“They cannot be potted too deeply, and roots cannot be kept too wet,” he said. “These are two of the things that could kill them.”

The soil mix Millstone Nursery uses for growing maples in pots is a mixture of ground bark, mini nuggets, sand and soil conditioner – all of which will create good drainage. For those planting them in their yards, Lowe recommends a bag of good garden soil mixed equally with the original soil.

“We’ve been impressed with the ability to grow these in the Alabama weather,” said Lowe. “It’s a Hand Grown Trees wonderful business to be in.”

Left: Rootstock is Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery specifically chosen is located at 11265 state Route 50 in for grafting; Below: Dadeville. For more information, visit Millstone sells its plants year round, but people the Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Facebook page or call 256-896-0105. love the fall colors.

"We love the nursery, along with meeting new customers from all over the country." ~ Paul Lowe

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Haggerty Hills Farm

Couple finds peace at home with their own little zoo STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY MICAH BENNETT

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elissa and Mike Haggerty have found their own piece of paradise on roughly 40 acres of lush, rolling farmland in Jackson’s Gap. Home to a large variety of goats, two alpacas, some quail and 10 rescued dogs, Haggerty Hills Farm is not only the couple’s refuge but a beautiful haven for their animals.

Melissa, an Alexander City native, and Dadeville native Mike, married in 1994 and moved to the farm the next year.

Over the years, they built a house, fenced pastures and made an animal sanctuary but have had very little time away.

“We do not have children, but all these animals are our babies. I don’t trust them with just anyone. I have a great friend who will occasionally come over so we can make a weekend getaway. We took a trip Animal Haven Previous page: Bunker back in 2007 but really haven’t was the Haggertys first been able to since. The farm boy goat and holds a is truly a time commitment,” special place in their Haggerty said. hearts; Clockwise from Over the years, the Haggertys below left: Haggerty have raised chickens and pigs, also has a natural but they are happy with their soap making business; current “little zoo,” as they call it.

The goats love to eat; Eliana (right) had a Mike is the supervisor at White yearlong pregnancy Acres Farm in Camp Hill, a job before giving birth to that requires many hours of his Legacy (left). time, so Haggerty takes care of

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most of the land maintenance and animal care in Jackson’s Gap. The couple rescued two adult male alpacas in 2016, and one passed away six months later. In February 2017, a female, Eliana, was purchased from Southern Star in Alexander City.

Outlaw, the other rescued male, sadly passed away this past April. Eliana gave birth to Outlaw’s offspring, Legacy, on July 10, 2019, after a little over a year-long pregnancy.

“When she went into labor, I sat with her for hours and checked on her throughout the night. When I came back in the early morning, there they were, just like a perfect picture,” Haggerty said.

Eliana is gentle with her owner, even taking an apple directly from her mouth. Alpacas tend to kick with strong back legs if they need to create a little personal space. At just 1 month old, Legacy has that kicking skill, but Haggerty intends to slowly halter train and break his bad habits. The baby nursed for about 6 months, but he was already eating grass and hay one month after being born.

“I take them to Southern Star to be shorn in April before it gets too hot. I’ve kept the entirety of sheared fleece to have it professionally cleaned and spun. I would love to have a blanket made one day,” she said.

All of the pair’s dogs have been rescued from different places, even on the road near the farm. If they find a dog, the Haggertys first take it to the vet to be checked for a

microchip, so they could return the dog to its owner, if who just didn’t want them anymore. She does not breed or possible; however, this rarely happens. This also allows them milk her goats, but she nurses them back to a manageable to check on any issues the animals may have that might state and can call each one by name. need to be addressed in order to nurse them back to health.

“Lucy is really special. She has a plate with 10 screws Their St. Bernard, Beethoven, showed up at White Acres in her leg due to a break at a very young age in her right Farm in the summer of 2018 weighing only 112 pounds front leg,” said Haggerty. “Bunker was our first boy, and I and covered with tar, feel like he is my whole probably from roaming heart. Fancy thinks she up and down the is the star of the show. highway. The animalSometimes I say the loving duo decided to goats should be called take him in, and he now Fancy and Friends. I weighs 175 pounds. A bottle-raised her, and she knee surgery with a very just loves humans and lengthy recovery added dogs. She had to learn a bit of stress – since how to be a goat.” the Haggertys could To help with the cost not carry him in and of feeding their babies, out of the house – but plus health expenses, they added a ramp to Haggerty has two side the front porch, and jobs that have become Beethoven is now doing part of her personal well. commitment to health “We also have a and nutrition. menagerie of other Since 2015, she has rescued dogs – one been an ambassador we jokingly believe to for Plexus products, be part possum. They plant-based health and each have their own wellness supplements. personalities, so there’s She also started a never a dull moment natural soap business at Haggertys’ House of five years ago with the Paws,” she said. help of longtime friend In March 2012, the Libby Engstrom, who Haggertys survived a taught her the process of devastating tornado. making soap. All of the The pastures they have products are handcrafted now were forests then, with various oils, plus stripped of every tree. fresh goats’ milk (that She is still haunted by she gets from another that night – a pine tree farm), fragrance or in the kitchen; glass essential oils, botanicals, everywhere; and no one natural clays and lye. could reach them until “I love making the Rescue and Nurture the next day, but they natural soap, and my line survived. Haggerty said Melissa Haggerty rescued the St. Bernard Beethoven, pictured of fragrances has really her husband has done so here after a knee surgery, and nursed him back to health. grown,” Haggerty said. much work since then to Customers can find get them to where they Haggerty Hills Farm are today.

Homemade Goat Milk Soap at Sweet Pick’ins in Dadeville; In 2014, after clean up and repairs from the natural Linda’s at Walnut Hill; and Longleaf Antique Mall (booth disaster, the Haggertys started goat farming. A variety of A18) and Thirty-Two Main both in Alexander City. breeds now graze in their pasture – Nubian, LaMancha and Years on the farm and the menagerie of beloved pets have brush/Boer-cross. led the Haggertys to a peacefulness and sincere joy in how The pets will come from the center of the field over to they live every day. the fence when they are called. The goats know this means “This place is my whole heart. I know that everything I it’s time to eat, which is pretty much all they ever care to do. have comes from God, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere Some of these animals were purchased; some were gifts; and else,” Haggerty said. some Haggerty saved either from slaughter or from people

Lake Martin Living 23

A Love of Zinnias

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STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY MICAH BENNETT

ayne Davis has been tending to a garden since he was a little kid by helping his father on their land. Now, in his retirement location of Jackson’s Gap, Davis focuses solely on zinnias and tomatoes – and he has thousands of plants.

While he does not grow them for retail, the astonishing number of plants Davis cares for has expounded over the years.

“I got to like the zinnias – they get so tall and big, and they spread out. If you plant one, it will put out more,” Davis said.

Each year around the beginning of March, Davis plants diverse varieties from the seeds he has collected from previous blooms. Between U.S.-made seeds; seeds from Ukraine and other foreign countries; and old-fashioned seeds that were gifted to him, the colors and styles that bloom are always a surprise.

While Davis attempts to organize his seed containers by color, it can be a daunting and difficult task.

“There are about 37 blooms in one plant, and they keep splitting off,” said Davis. “Sometimes the seeds fall out and get taken by the wind or a bird, but a lot of the petals fall off, and the seed remains inside.”

The zinnias bloom about three to five weeks after being planted, based on the weather conditions, and they grow all summer long. Once the first freeze of the year comes, the plants tend to die out.

Davis also has a fondness for tomatoes and was once told to never plant fewer than six to nine different varieties each year.

Some have good years, and some have bad ones, he said.

“I’ve always planted anywhere from 10 to 61 varieties,” said Davis. “But my number one is the Better Boy. It’s a goodlooking, hearty tomato, and they are unusually all pretty uniform when grown.”

Tomatoes take about 50 to 80 days to grow, he said, from the time they are planted in the ground until the fruit is pulled.

When the weather gets cold, tomatoes could be planted indoors and slowly acclimate to the outside weather by spending a little time outdoors each day.

“Eventually, they get adjusted, and you push them out,” said Davis. “If frost comes, bring them back Lots of Variety in and cover them up.”

Top: Davis prefers As years progress, Davis is beginning the Better Boy to plant less. From his 550 plants in tomato for look 2018, Davis planted about 200 last and taste; Below: spring.

His garden contains “Anyone can grow them … they just no less than 10 keep blooming,” he said. varieties each year.

24 Lake Martin Living

Lifelong Hobby

Wayne Davis grows zinnias of all colors, many of which can be a surprise when they bloom.

Lake Martin Living 25

Innovative couple creates a flourishing ecosystem through aquaponics STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY SHANE HARRIS & AMY PASSARETTI

Natural Ecosystem

W

hen Gina and Lloyd Lancaster bought their home in Alexander City 17 years ago, they were told the land would not grow anything and to not even try. To this day, the couple has changed the entire habitat of the backyard, which includes a hand built aquaponics system designed by Gina and constructed by Lloyd.

“We have more than 230 different varieties of tropical fruits, medicinal herbs and veggies, as of a few years ago when I last counted,” said Gina Lancaster.

When the Lancasters first started researching this system about a decade ago, there wasn’t a lot of information out there on aquaponics, so they basically worked using a trailand-error procedure.

“We’ve had some failures,” said Lloyd. “One Christmas morning we came out here and about 800 pounds of fish had died.”

Aquaponics is a farming technique that combines conventional aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment. The 25-foot by 5-foot wide and 5-foot deep pond dug into the ground holds 5,000 gallons of water and grows mostly tilapia, with a few koi.

“I just observed what the fish needed and adjusted accordingly,” said Lancaster. “I let whatever wants to grow, grow and what doesn’t work, we take it out.”

26 Lake Martin Living

Clockwise from left: Gina Lancaster (left) points out plants to visitors; Tilapia and koi are the basis of the system; A wicking bed grows root vegetables; The solar panel helps heat the water; Peppers are among the species growing in the greenhouse.

She feeds the fish once every morning and said they eat the fish on occasion but not as often as they should.

Some of the surviving fish are close to 9 years old and have been there since the beginning, despite some fiascos.

The greenhouse is composed of three different grow systems. Fish water is automatically pumped into one of the grow systems every hour for about 20 minutes. In another system, the water fills up to about 2 or 3 inches from the top of each grow bed and uses a flood-and-drain system with a bell siphon. The third system is called a wicking bed.

“Everything in here grows out of gravel, except the wicking bed, which has soil,” said Lancaster.

The wicking bed is made of gravel on the bottom; a middle layer of coconut coir and straw; topped with sterilized compost, worm castings and sterilized potting soil.

“It doesn’t use the fish water because there is too much nitrogen in it,” she said. “We grow root crops in the wicking bed.”

Typically, twice a year she will add layers of straw and compost to the pile, but it’s become self-sustaining and hasn’t required additional elements in two years.

All the plant beds are made from recycled parts, including those from old pontoon boats.

Lancaster, an herbalist and naturopathic doctor for more than 30 years, originally brainstormed the growing method

as a way to provide food and medicine.

“We have something growing here that would feed people year round,” she said. “We harvest the plants for medicine, as well – such as jioagulan that brings down high blood pressure; graviola, which is considered 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy; and moringa, used in third-world countries to battle malnutrition and prevent children from going blind due to lack of protein.”

Lancaster even designed a bio-filter that cleans the entire fishpond, and there is a wood-burning heater that helps warm the water during winter months to about 80 degrees.

This warm water circulates throughout the greenhouse; and then, filters back into the fish tank.

“It’s considered thermal mass,” she said. “This process warms the gravel, which retains the heat and keeps the roots of the plants warm.”

The couple recently built a solar water heater outside to help supplement warm water on sunny days.

“Ideally, tilapia should live in water about 70 degrees,” said Lancaster.

The solar water heater uses recycled materials similar to the rest of the greenhouse and is made of metal roofing with leftover pipe from previous projects.

“We don’t like to throw anything away,” said Lloyd.

The metal greenhouse surrounded by Solex has become

it’s own little ecosystem filled with beneficial insects – such as brown lacewings and ladybugs, which do most of the work of balancing out the bad bugs.

The Lancasters’ aquaponics system has been studied by visitors from around the world and is used as a yearly field trip destination for Auburn University Fisheries Department Dr. David Cline and his student teachers.

Some examples of plants found in the greenhouse are peppers, ghost peppers, limequats, lemonquats, oranges, allspice, coffee, pineapple, red turmeric, asparagus, 9-foot tall ginger root plants, fig trees, Mexican bread fruit and more.

There are many plants that are not native to this area and should have no reason to flourish here but seem to anyway, said Lancaster.

“This is a little piece of heaven on earth,” she said.

The couple met at Auburn University where Lancaster was hand illustrating all the biology textbooks – some still in use today – and Lloyd was an architectural intern. Lancaster also is a 3D abstract expressionist wall sculpture painter.

“Now I’m weaving plants like I was weaving art,” Lancaster said.

The house and greenhouse will be on the market this spring.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit glaquaponics.com or call 256-786-9669.

Lake Martin Living 27

Valley's Prestige Program Perks

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he 4,000 members of Valley Bank’s Prestige program get some cool non-traditional bank perks like game nights, holiday parties and group travel opportunities. But what they really get is the opportunity to meet other people in their communities and form friendships that could last a lifetime.

The Prestige program began in Alexander City in 1988 by previous bank president John Russell Thomas, as a way to build more personal relationships with Valley customers. More than 31 years later, the program has members across Alabama and Florida markets.

Prestige is an unorthodox program for Valley customers who are 50-plus years old and maintain at least $10,000 in deposits at the bank. Members receive perks including discounts on safe deposit box rentals and a bump in CD rates. They also enjoy fun activities, timely educational lunch Nannette Sheaffer and learns, a great holiday party and access to trips.

Valley employees understand that customers want to do everything from reviewing their balances to making deposits online. But we also see that many customers want opportunities to interact with other folks, and that’s why the Prestige program is so popular in its Alabama markets.

As the Prestige group has dramatically increased in Alabama over the past five years, it’s become clear that there’s one thing Prestige members rave about – the travel.

In any given year, the Prestige program offers access to multiple international trips, from cruises around Italy to safari tours in Africa. Also, there are numerous stateside trips, ranging from multi-day stays in places like Yellowstone National Park or New York City to shorter day

MONEY MATTERS

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trips for entertainment such as Group Travel museums and theater shows.

Left: Valley customers wine In 2020, members can look tasting in Italy; Right: forward to exclusive advenPrestige members at tures to Ireland, Tuscany, the a Broadway show in Albuquerque Balloon Festival, New York. national parks in Arizona and Utah and the Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina, at Christmas.

Travel with Prestige offers competitive group pricing, but it also offers unbeatable experiences. For example, when Prestige members go to Italy, the group might tour a vineyard with the owners; and then, smash some grapes together before sharing a five-course meal in the winery under the stars.

Members love the trips Valley offers, but the real benefit is building relationships and lifelong friendships with people in the community. For Valley, the benefit is that we get lifelong customers, as our staff helps them with both personal and business banking needs.

Many people wonder what changes at a bank when there’s a name change or a branch moves, but for Valley customers, the Prestige program reinforces the fact that no matter what, Valley is still the same customer-oriented, Alabama-minded bank.

The only requirement to be a member of Prestige is to maintain a balance of $10,000 in deposits at Valley Bank and for you or your spouse to be 50 years or older. ~ Nannette Sheaffer is the Alabama Senior Marketing Specialist and Prestige Manager for Valley National Bank.

She is based in Birmingham and has been with Valley Bank, formerly USAmeriBank, since 2014. Contact Sheaffer at 205-408-2066 or visit Valley.com for more information about Valley’s Prestige program.

Cancer screenings save lives

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ussell Medical is committed to improving people’s health, including detecting cancer at its earliest stage when it’s often easier to treat and cure.

That being said, we have exciting news to share. Russell Medical recently installed a new GE Senographe Pristina™ 3D Mammography system. Threedimensional mammography, also called digital breast tomosynthesis, creates a three-dimensional picture of the breast using X-rays. Several low-dose images from different angles around the breast are used to create a series of dimensional, fine-detailed images paired with iCAD® Profound AI, allowing for the best evaluation of breast tissue, layer-by-layer.

Digital tomosynthesis of the breast is different from a standard 2D mammogram in the same way a CT scan of the chest is different from a standard chest X-ray. By comparison, think of the Susan Foy difference between a ball and a circle.

One is 3D; the other is flat. The images are much more clear and detailed.

We know that early detection saves lives. Statistically, eight out of nine women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. Odds are you could be at risk for breast cancer and not even know it. With early detection, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent, which means 100 percent more time for life’s most memorable moments.

3D mammograms are more accurate, detect cancers at an earlier stage and have fewer false positives.

Talk to a physician about scheduling a 3D mammogram today. Mammography technologists, Alison Burton and Kimmy Thompson, together have 48 years of expertise conducting mammograms

Medical News

at Russell Medical. For more information, call Russell Medical Women's Center at 256-329-7246.

March is designated National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, which provides the perfect opportunity to emphasize the importance of colon screening.

Men and women are equally affected by colon cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk* of colorectal cancer start regular screenings at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test) or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (colonoscopy).

During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist views the interior of the colon, looking for cancer or precancerous polyps. During the procedure, the doctor removes any growths and small amounts of tissue for biopsy, if needed. *For screening, people are considered to be at average risk if they do not have: n A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps n A family history of colorectal cancer n A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) n A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer or HNPCC) n A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer Gastroenterologist Derek Holcombe, MD, has been caring for patients at Russell Medical for 26 years. He has seen many advances in this field, including more effective treatments, simpler ways for patients to prepare for procedures

New Technology and increased patient awareness Mammography about GI diseases, technologists Kimmy Thompson including one and ALison Burton of the most now have the preventable option to do 3D diseases. mammograms.

“The most important thing I screen for and treat is colon cancer, and people are so much more aware of it now,” said Holcombe. “The goal is to find and remove pre-cancerous polyps before they develop into colon cancer. If colon cancer is found early, nine out of 10 patients are alive after five years. Those are significant statistics for combating cancer.

“It is important to emphasize that a colonoscopy procedure does not hurt. I can’t emphasize that enough. With the type of sedation we use, you will be ‘out’ for 10 minutes. It’s really a breeze, but vitally important to catch problems early to prevent cancer. Early detection is key.”

Talk to a physician about a colonoscopy, or call Dr. Holcombe at Central Alabama Gastroenterology at 256-329-2829 to schedule one today.

~ Susan Foy is the marketing director at Russell Medical.

Lake Martin Living 29

PGA Hall of Fame inductees inspire other golfers

F

ebruary was not a great month for golf in our area.

It’s been some time since I’ve seen that many days of rain in one month. As a golf professional for three decades, I learned one thing: You cannot make up a day in revenue due to a washout day of rain. Rainout days are sure to come, but golly, this past February was crazy.

My golf team was restricted to practicing indoors most days and although it keeps us loose, hitting into a net doesn’t benefit their feel in distance control and ball flight.

I would love to have a simulator for the boys, but I just cannot remember which rock I hid that $20,000 under.

Although we’ve been inside a lot as a team, it did allow me to do some other activities, including preparing for three upcoming golf tournaments. I am hosting a fundraising tournament at Moore’s Mill Club in Auburn on April 6. If you would like to enter a team, please email me at djennings@cacc.edu. I also will host two college tournaments this spring in Foley: the Honor the Game Glenlakes Invitational and the Bob Barrett, Dave District-IV Championship.

Atnip, Tab Hudson In mid-February, I spoke to (receiving for his the Alabama-NW Florida PGA father, Travis Hudson), members on how to prepare Tommy Burns and Jim Brotherton Jr. were junior golfers for college golf. inducted into the This was a tremendous day in PGA Hall of Fame last Montgomery at Wynlakes Golf month. and Country Club.

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From the Tee

I was proud to see Matt Sheppard, Willow Point Country Club head golf professional, elected as secretary of the section. I know that he will do a tremendous job, as he is very passionate about the PGA of America and his PGA section.

During that same event, the new PGA Section’s Hall of Fame inductees were announced. Of the five gentlemen inducted, I am fortunate to personally know four out of five. The men inducted were Dave Atnip, Bob Barrett, Travis Hudson, Jim Brotherton Jr. and Tommy Burns.

I don’t know Mr. Brotherton but Dave Jennings learned that he was the first head professional for Old Overton Club in Vestavia Hills for 23 years and now he has taken on the position of fundraising for the PGA section’s foundation.

I first met Dave Atnip in 1969 when he was the head golf professional at Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery.

When my father retired from the Marines and we moved off Maxwell Air Force Base to town, my parents joined Arrowhead CC. I am certain that Atnip had a great deal to

do with my parent’s decision. He is a tremendous gentleman – quiet, honest and hard working. In his golf career, Atnip also worked as a sales representative for Mizuno Golf and Cleveland Golf. Currently, he provides golf instruction in the Huntsville area.

I first met Bob Barrett in 1978 when I moved to Birmingham to become the assistant golf professional at Inverness Country Club. Shoal Creek Golf Club had just opened, and Barrett was the first head golf professional hired by Hall Thompson. A golfing buddy of mine from Montgomery, Danny Allen, became Barrett’s assistant professional. My roommate Rich Ritter was the assistant pro at The Country Club of Birmingham under Jon Guston. The three of us would regularly play either Shoal Creek or CC of Birmingham on Mondays – our one day off.

Barrett was very kind to me, and I was in awe of where he served his apprenticeship: Augusta National Golf Club. One of the companies that Barrett started and grew is Honours Golf, a leading golf management and development company.

This man is so talented and has accomplished so much in the golf industry, I could write about him in the next 10 issues.

Tommy Burns is the oldest son of Bud Burns, who was the golf professional of Selma Country Club. Every decent junior and amateur golfer in the state of Alabama knew Mr. Burns.

He hosted the Dixie Junior Golf Tournament (now titled: the Bud Burns Dixie Junior Championship) and the Selma Invitational. These two events had a waiting list to get in and were almost as popular as the old Willow Point Invitational hosted by Steve Lyles. Burns’ job is unique, but so is he. I remember watching him as a young man, working for his father. Burns never sat down or stood still and was always productive in golf operations. He is not only the head pro at Selma but also gives golf lessons to his members. He has developed a boatload of tremendous junior golfers and performs the duties of superintendent of the course.

From Jasper, Alabama, Mr. Travis Hudson passed away a few years ago, but his legacy lives on through the Musgrove Invitational named after him and through his two sons, Steven and Tab. Mr. Hudson was Mr. Everything at Musgrove.

He was the head golf professional and never had an assistant – that’s what his sons were for.

Both Steven and Tab developed into two of the finest amateur golfers in the State of Alabama. Mr. Hudson was Bear Bryant’s golf instructor and was highly respected among his peers. Tab accepted the award last month on his father’s behalf. Many times, his acceptance speech hit a sensitive nerve with me, as Mr. Hudson was a tremendous man.

Seeing these gentlemen inducted into the Alabama-NW Florida PGA Hall of Fame was like a walk down memory lane. It was a very good day.

As we go through life, we never know how the people we meet will impact us. I am so grateful to have so many friends I admire, and I’ve learned so much from them. Each of the gentlemen I spoke of in this article is hardworking, kind and considerate, with high morals and integrity. Knowing people like this has helped to mold me into a better person.

See you on the first tee. ~ Dave Jennings is the men’s golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

Lake Martin Living 31

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23rd Annual Alexander City Kiwanis Dinner and Auction Feb. 13, 2020 The Mill Two Eighty, Alexander City 1. Haley Fuller and Wesley Lamborne 2. Marge and Ed Shikoski 3. Emily and Lee Williams 4. Mary Berry, Rosemary Misencik, Gail Gaston and Joanna Roberson 5. Kylie and Chris Brown 6. Sherry Willis and Sheree Zandbeek

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Presentation and Lunch Feb. 21, 2020 Kowaliga Restaurant 1. Ed Collari and Tommy Abernathy 2. Jodie and David McGirt and Bill Harper

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3rd Annual Leslie Gaston Memorial Chili Cook-off Feb. 22, 2020 Ocie & Belle's, Alexander City 1. Robert Scroggins and Olive and Josh Owens 2. Dalton Broome and Wendy Mitchell

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3. Douglas Baker 4. Lizi Arbogast, Santana Wood and Julie Harbin 5. Kaci Letts 6. Ken Estes and Chad Calhoun 7. Scott Blake, Lewis and Cathy Goode and Mary Jo Johnson

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Lake Martin Wedding Expo Feb. 23, 2020 The Mitchell House, Dadeville 1. Anaya Todd, Annie Bartol and Ryleigh Ruffin 2. Haley Fuller and Malorie Mann 3. Emma Cole and Cooper McCants and Jack and Julianne Meacham

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4. Brittni McDonald-Moran and Hallie Peters 5. Terry and Diane Mitchell 6. Paige Patterson, Sharon Fuller and Vivian Autry 7. Brooks and Tina Parker 8. Andrew Staley and Brannon Bynum 9. Bailey and Laurie Sturdivant

Lake Martin Living 35

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Boogie salutes 20 years of music and merriment

For two decades, the small yet mighty town of Waverly has hosted thousands of music-loving friends during the Old 280 Boogie held at Standard Deluxe. This print-shopturned event venue held the first of this spring concert as a one-year anniversary celebration of U.S. Highway 280 being re-routed to avoid passing through the town.

What started as a local gathering of food, music and community has morphed into one of the most highly anticipated events of the year in Central Alabama.

As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the outdoor music festival, Standard Deluxe is adding a pre-night celebration in honor of the event. Friday night, April 17, Sweet Lizzy Project will take the outdoor stage at 7:30 p.m.

The doors will open at 5 p.m., and Drive By Tacos will be available for purchase in the yard. Tickets are $15, and guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, coolers and friends, but please no pets or glass bottles.

The next day, five stellar and unique bands will perform, starting at noon. The gates will open at 10:30 a.m., so be sure to come early and stake out a spot on the lawn – it fills up quickly.

This year’s performers include The Band of Heathens; Mike and The Moonpies; Lillie Mae; Lee Bains III and The Glory Fires; and The Pine Hill 36 Lake Martin Living

Haints. Tickets are $35 in advance until midnight on April 16 and $40 at the gate.

This family-friendly event will be complemented with artisans and vendors, as well as food options and the T-shirt shop on site.

Festival Fun The Old 280 Boogie was recently named a “must-see” top Concertgoers from the Southeast 10 event in 2020 by the State of around have gathered on Alabama. the lawn to hear For more information good tunes at or to purchase tickets, visit Standard Deluxe for two decades. standarddeluxe.com.

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 16-18

Plein Air in Soft Pastels

Tallapoosa School of Art will host this three-day workshop for beginner to advanced levels with artist Nancie King Mertz. One or two paintings will be fully completed each day. Individual attention will be the focus, and short demos will be offered as needed.

Participants will travel by pontoon boat to paint private lakefront gardens. Visit tallapoosaworkshops.com to register.

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 fellowship while painting a canvas.

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

March 28

Women on Lake Martin

Get ready for the boating season with this informal, down to earth 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 popular boats used 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 special demonstrations and interpretive programs. The program is free to the public. For additional information, visit nps.gov/hobe, check out the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Facebook page or call 256-234-7111. 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 business stability for careers in the arts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Emporium Wine, 128 Calhoun St. in Alexander City. Register at alvisarts.com for $25.

Lunch will be available for $10 or you can bring your own.

March 29

Little House Show

The Wild Ponies will take the Little House stage at Standard Deluxe in Waverly at 7 p.m. when they open for headliner 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. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit standarddeluxe.com.

March 31-April 11

Sylacauga Magic of Marble Festival

The Alabama State Council on the Arts will sponsor the annual marble festival on North Norton Ave. in Sylacauga. Sculptors will travel from around the country, even internationally, to spend 10 days sculpting some of Sylacauga’s finest marble into artistic sculptures.

Throughout the nearly two-week event, there will be sculptures for sale; marble quarry tours; library tours; and the opportunity to interact with the visiting artists. For additional information, visit bbcomerlibrary.net/marblefestival/.

April 3

5th Annual United Way Quail Fry

Lake Martin Area United Way will host its annual quail fry and baked goods auction at The Stables at Russell Crossroads. Tickets are $35 and will be available at the United Way Office.

Those interested in donating to the bake sale should call 256-329-3600 or email uw211@unitedwaylakemartin.org.

April 4

2nd Annual Fish for Ferst

Ferst Readers of Tallapoosa County will host its second annual fishing tournament at Chuck’s Marina to benefit the program that sends free books once a month to children ages 0 to 5. Entry fee is $150 per boat and $15 to buy in for the Largest Bass prize.

Email Kathy@FerstreadersTC.org for details.

April 4

Wind Creek Easter Egg Hunt

Wind Creek State Park will host its annual Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. in the North Picnic Area across from the beach. The hunt will be divided by age groups: 0-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-12. Prizes will be given in each division. Please be at your designated group by 9:45 a.m.

The event is free for campers, but park entrance fees apply for non-campers.

April 4

Boating Safety Course

Alabama Marine Police will conduct a Boating Safety Course at 8 a.m. at The Ridge Marina to help boaters, first-timers and veterans review the latest rules and regulations for boating. This course is NASBLA and Alabama Boating Safety certified.

Contact Officer Cartwright for more information at 334-239-5082.

April 6

CACC Fundraising Golf Tournament

Central Alabama Community College Trojan Golf Team will host a four-person scramble golf tournament at Moore’s Mill Country Club in Auburn. Entry fee for a team is $1,000, and all proceeds benefit the Trojan golf team. Registration will open at 8 a.m., and tee time is 10 a.m. There will be post-round food and prize drawings, as well as a silent auction. First, second and third place teams will be awarded prizes for net and Lake Martin Living 37

gross team golfer. Closet-to-pin prizes will be awarded for each par-3 hole.

Mail checks, payable to CACC, to Coach Dave Jennings CACC, 1675 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City AL 35010. To charge by credit card, call Gina Wall at 256-215-4355. A portion of the entry fee will be tax-deductible. For information, call Dave Jennings at 256-215-4242 or email him at djennings@cacc.edu.

April 6-10

Holy Week Lenten Lunches

St. James Episcopal Church in Alexander City will host soup and sandwich lunches at noon each day of Holy Week, with messages from community church leaders. For more information, call 256-234-4752.

April 11

Farm Day Spring Edition

Meadows Farm will host a free, family-friendly farm day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3585 Dudleyville Rd. in Dadeville. There will be vendors, eggcoloring contests, pony rides, nature walks to the creek and more. For more information, visit meadowsfarmal.com.

April 11

Downtown Easter Egg Hunt

Main Street Alexander City will host an Easter egg hunt throughout downtown from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eggs may contain candy, prizes or discounts from retailers. The Easter bunny will be on site for photos, and there will be a bouncy house and additional kids activities. Children must be accompanied by adults.

April 14-17

Making Art Outdoors

Tallapoosa School of Art will host this workshop with John P. Lasater IV, who will help intermediate to advanced level artists find intention, plan the design and capture the essence of what they see. Visit tallapoosaworkshops.com for details and registration information.

April 18

Second Annual Living History Cemetery Tour and Arts Event

An arts and acting event hosted

by Russell Medical Foundation and Alexander City Theatre II, this one-day show features actors in period costume relating stories from Alexander City’s past during the cemetery tour while local artisans will offer their wares from 38 Lake Martin Living

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Mill Two Eighty.

Cemetery Tours will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wristband tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students at The Mill Two Eighty on the morning of the show and must be worn for admittance to the tour. For information, email actheatreii@gmail.com.

Season-Long Events Strand Sessions

The Lake Martin Young Professionals will once again host its seasonal music series through August from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m on the first Thursday of each month at Strand Park. Check the LMYP Facebook page for details and artist lineup.

Millerville Trade Day

Bibb Graves School on state Route 9 hosts this trade day on the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m with free outside setup for vendors, yard sale and flea market (no food vendors). Donations from sales to BGHS Alumni and Friends Association would be appreciated. There will be a designated area to bring vehicles for sale with $20 donation to BGHSAFA upon sale. For information, contact Bruce Lowery at 205-522-5794.

Ladies’ Book Club

Ladies 18 years of age and older are invited to participate in the club at Adelia M. Russell Library on the last Thursday of every month. Meet in the conference room at 4 p.m. Call the library at 256-234-4644 for each month’s book title.

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 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.

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.

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday night of each month at 6:30 p.m. on state Route 9 in Equality.

Visit the Equality Performing Arts Center Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming artists.

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.

For information, contact Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@ alexandercitychamber.com.

Charity Bingo at Niffer’s Place Lake Martin

Niffer’s, 7500 state Route 49 in Dadeville, hosts charity bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Cards are $1 each, and funds go to participating charities.

Equality VFD Cookout and Bake Sale

On the first Saturday of each month, the Equality Volunteer Fire Department hosts a bake sale, starting at 8 a.m. and lunch is served starting at 10:30 a.m. at the old Masonic Lodge in downtown Equality. For information, email Richard Penton at drichardpenton@gmail.com.

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 routes

and help clean up the streets in the community. There will be a dumpster on site for free trash bag drop off. To become a sponsor or adopt a first Saturday for an organization, call Dianna Porter at 256-750-0075.

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.

Open Studio

The Artists Association of Central Alabama meets from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Senior Center and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays at the Dadeville Senior Center on Columbus St. Beginners are welcome, and there is no charge for open studios. For more information, call June Dean at 334-301-5317 or Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

Amateur Radio Club

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

Santuck Flea Market

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

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin exhibit is on display all year long at the Alexander City Board of Education building, located at 375 Lee St. To have an event listed in Lake Martin Living’s Calendar of Events, email date, time and information to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

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 uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL

Lake Martin Living 39

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

280

18

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

14

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

Flint Hill Church

22

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

27

11

9

Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church Friendship Church New Hope Church

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Smith Landing Willow Point

6

Seman

4 Camp Kiwanis

9

10 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

Stillwaters

19 5

7 2

Union Landing

Ba

24 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

23

Walnut Hill

y

20 26

80

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

8 63 17 9

Equality

231

16

22

57

12 24

Dade

280

28

Liberty Church

20

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

25

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

15

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck

11 Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

40 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUN

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

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

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

22

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 5 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

hoe Bend nal Park

7 Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

19 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853 20 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 21 Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 21322 U.S. Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853 22 The Tiny Rabbit 256-307-1998 220 N. Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853

Hotels & Lodges 23 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Restaurants & Venues

CHAMBERS COUNTY

eville

ON NTY

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

9 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 10 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

50

Camp Hill

88 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

11 Acapulco Mexican Grill 334-283-2725 2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078

21

12 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com 280

Business & Shopping Waverly

50

13 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850 14 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 15 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

13

Churches 24 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 25 Lake Pointe Baptist Church

8352 AL-50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293

Dock Builders 26 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 27 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation & Entertainment 28 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

16 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

LEE COUNTY

17 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka 14

Notasulga 85 81

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-414-3174. Space is limited.

Lake Martin Living 41

Proudly keeping Lake Martin in Good Hands

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE!

The Marcus Agency Nathan Marcus 256-384-1172

nathanmarcus@allstate.com

Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy.

© 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.

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For elderly and disabled individuals needing assistance with activities of daily living.

Homemaking... Personal Care... Companionship 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.

Lake Martin innovation Center 175 aLiant Parkway • aLexander City, aL • (256) 414-6090

42 Lake Martin Living

A&E Metal A&M Plumbing Advance Cardiovascular Alex City Marine Alex City Chiropractic Alexander City City Hall Alfa Insurance American Inn Amy Clark Anytime Fitness BB&T Big B Barbeque Bone & Joint Specialists Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Chapman's Nursing Home Citgo Cloud Nine Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Downtown Girl Dr. Sublett Emporium Wine Exxon First Realty First Insurance George W. Hardy Dentist Grace's Flowers Hampton Inn Hillabee Towers Holley's Home Furnishing Holman Flooring Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jackson Refrigeration Jake’s Jet Pep JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Karen Channel Koon's Korner Koon's II Lake Martin Building Supply Lake Martin Home Health Larry's General Store Longleaf Antiques Mark King Furniture Medical Park Optical Mistletoe Bough Moore Wealth Management Noel J. Boone North Lake Condo Petro Playhouse Cinema PriCare Queen’s Attic Regions Bank ReMax Ridge Clubhouse Ridge Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Robinson Iron Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Shay Donna Aesthetics Sho’ Nuff Restaurant SpringHouse Restaurant Sunrise Docks Super 8 Tallapoosa Ford T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Temple Medical The Body Shop

The Sure Shot Touchless Boat Covers Urgent Care Valley Bank Vision Landscapes Warren Appliance Center Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek entrance Wind Creek store Winn Dixie

DADEVILLE

Alabama Power Bay Pine Marina Blue Creek Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Creekside Lodge Crossroad Cafe Dadeville Courthouse Dadeville Public Library Dadeville Wellness Center Farmer's Merchants Bank Foshee Boat Dock Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Marina Homeplate Restaurant Hwy. 50 Eagle Jim's Pharmacy Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Realty Lakeshore Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Lakeside Mercantile McKelvey Millstone Nursery Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Paradise Lake Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Renfroe's Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 The Tiny Rabbit

ECLECTIC

Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center First Community Bank Hometown Lenders Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Kowaliga Restaurant Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

TALLASSEE

Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce Community Hospital Marathon State Farm Tallassee Eagle The Tallassee Tribune

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald

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Pacific Artists Studios

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Lake Martin Living 43

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY SEE ME FOR INSURANCE Heating & Cooling Central Alabama for over 30 Years

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BOATHOUSES | STATIONARY DOCKS FLOATING DOCKS | SEAWALLS EZ PORTS PWC LIFTS | BOAT LIFTS RE-DECKS | BOAT LIFT REPAIRS

AD INDEX A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 6

Lancaster's Aquaponics...................................................................... 4 3

A&O Tree Service............................................................................... 3 1

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery..................................................... 5

Advanced Heating & Air.................................................................... 4 4

Oskar's.............................................................................................. 3 1

Beyond Home Care............................................................................ 4 2

Prime Home Health.............................................................................. 8

Alexander Landscaping ....................................................................... 8 Bolton Cove.......................................................................................5 Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6 C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 3 1 Coosa Valley MRI..............................................................................44 DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 4 Designs by Trish................................................................................... 6 Eddie & B's Carwash & Produce......................................................... 4 4 Four Seasons..................................................................................... 4 4 George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 6

Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery........................................................... 4 3 Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6 River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 4 Russell Medical.................................................................................. 4 8 Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 2 Southern Sash..................................................................................... 5 Surgical Dermatology........................................................................... 8 Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 4 5 Swearingen Fence.............................................................................. 3 1

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 4 4

Sweet Pickins..................................................................................... 4 4

Heritage South Credit Union.............................................................. 4 7

Sylacauga Marble Festival.................................................................. 4 3

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance................................................ 4 4

Tallapoosa County Board of Education................................................. 3

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 13, 44

The Marcus Agency, All State............................................................. 4 2

Lake Martin Signature Construction..................................................... 2

UAB................................................................................................... 3 9

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

Lake Martin Living 45

The Side Hustle

A

re you familiar with Side Hustle Culture?

This concept is all around us. I am sure everyone knows someone who sells Rodan + Fields or Mary Kay; babysits; or maybe teaches swimming lessons in a backyard pool in the summer.

Side hustles are born out of either a need for extra cash or as an emerging passion project. Either way, it can give a person flexibility and freedom.

The internet is a funny place. I have discovered inspiring people from all over the world in a variety of fields.

Whether they are online boutique owners, fashion influencers or web coaches – these folks are making money, y’all.

Making money really is not that difficult, as long as you are willing to put in a little overtime.

My real estate career was initially going to be a side hustle, but as fate would have it, I jumped in with both feet when my mother passed away.

It was the scariest, most rewarding risk I have ever taken. All of a sudden, I went from the comfort of a salaried job to “no paycheck unless I sell a house.”

You better believe I figured out how to sell houses.

Fast forward to present day, and I have a new side hustle. South Ride Co. is my equestrian lifestyle brand, where I make cool apparel for riders.

It was born out of a desire to be a part of a world I love with all my heart.

Stephan Tomlin of North Lake Crafted helped me craft a logo, and she screenprints my small-batch orders by hand.

Making $100 off T-shirts at a horse show has proven to be just as rewarding as selling a big lake house. It is fun, creative and brings me joy.

I recently went to Palm Beach, Florida, for an equestrian workshop – a weekend of marketing, branding and entrepreneurship with a very diverse group of women. I was honored just to 46 Lake Martin Living

Culture Shock

Lacey Howell be in their presence and was so inspired by the hustle. Most of them had full-time jobs. There were models, nutritionists, graphic designers, trainers, realtors, students and photographers. At the core we were all the same – horse-crazy kids who never

Here's a few side hustle ideas to consider: • Rent out rooms or houses on Airbnb • Become a tutor (in person or online) • Sell used or new items on EBay, Poshmark or Etsy • Make/sell handmade art • Design online courses • Think service based jobs – cleaning or yard work • Take online surveys • Freelance for a small business – marketing, writing, photography, etc.

• Think like a farmer – sell garden goods at the market or start a beehive • Drive for Uber or Lyft – we need one in this area!

really grew up.

I probably would have never finished school if it were not for my parents.

I was a horse-crazy kid and probably would have run off and joined the circus a million times over. I still might before it’s all said and done.

I once read that millionaires have at least seven streams of income. So I was surprised when someone said that one of the reasons they were not working with me as an agent, was it seemed I had another business (South Ride) going on.

I was taken aback. My initial reaction was to be offended. Who says that?

Successful people are busy and always have a lot of balls in the air at once.

Then I decided I was flattered that they thought South Ride sounded legitimate enough to be more than a side hustle.

Why not dream big? Why couldn’t it be the next Wrangler? Fake it ’til you make it guys, and never quit dreaming. ~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @LaceyHowell.

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The promotional rate of 1.99% APR is valid on new HSCU VISA Platinum Rewards credit cards for all activity (purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances) completed during the promotional period and that rate will remain in effect on that promotional activity through the final billing cycle of June 2020, at which point the balances on that promotional period activity will convert to the standard card rate of 9.90% APR – see credit union for details. Promotional offer good from 1/1/2020 – 7/1/2020. APR = Annual Percentage Rate

Lake Martin Living 47