Lake Magazine March 2022

LAKE MARTIN ALABAMA EDITION

LAKE Russell Forest Run in Pictures Return to the River Lake Martin in Stitches

MARCH 2022 LAKEMAGAZINE.LIFE MARCH 2022

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Join one of the nation’s largest river cleanup initiatives.

Over the span of 20 years, Alabama Power’s Renew Our Rivers has grown into one of the nation’s largest river cleanup initiatives, removing over 15 million pounds of trash and debris from Alabama’s waterways. Alabama Power is committed to protecting our river ecosystems for generations to come and invites you to join us in carrying out that mission. mbclella@southernco.com

Learn more at AlabamaPower.com/RenewOurRivers. © 2022 Alabama Power Company

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Letter from the Editor

Staff

H

ere comes spring!

And not a moment too soon. It’s the perfect scenario, as Lake Martin’s water level steadily rises with the rule curve just as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to cut the country a break. Winter’s gloom has given way to sunshine and longer days, and the lake is beginning to wake up to another season. Events and activities are on the calendar – some for the first time – and from the look of things, interest is more than piqued.

This year’s Russell Forest Run, for example, registered 368 runners, according to Robert Gunn, Russell Lands’ director of events and marketing operations. The shotgun start sent them into the woods to raise funds for local schools, but there’s so much more to that story. Kenneth Boone and I share the day in pictures on page 26.

Martin Dam is getting into the action, too. This month, our beloved dam will host a long-distance bicycle ride to benefit two water access projects in Guatemala and Bolivia. The Auburn University chapter of Engineers Without Borders has planned the event, dubbed the Water Cycle and Dam Jam, for March 26. Check it out on page 33 but register online early because it looks like this ride is taking off for a great time.

Then mark your calendars for Riverfest. The Tallapoosa County Tourism paddle from Horseshoe Bend National Military Park to Jaybird Landing is back for a second year, and it’s going to be even more fun than last year’s event.

Sandra Fuller shared her preliminary plans with us on page 22, but be sure to visit tallapoosacountytourism.com as details emerge.

And I am so excited to share with you a novel story from Columbus, Georgia, with threads connecting it to Lake Martin. Turn to page 16 for the inspiring story of quilt artist Cathy Fussell, who turned her interest in the area’s history into two spectacular quilts. Though it’s only March, this could be my favorite story of the year.

As the lake moves toward summer pool, it can be confusing to see the water level rise after a good rain (yay!) but fall again just a few days later (sigh), but don’t lose heart. There is a good reason for it – and a simple explanation on page 20.

So sit back and watch the water rise as the calendar carries us toward full pool on April 19. It’s time to come back to Lake Martin.

Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Editor-in-Chief BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Audience Development Director ERIN BURTON erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing RACHEL MCCOLLOUGH

rachel.mccollough@alexcityoutlook.com

MARILYN HAWKINS

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

CATHY PARR

cathy.parr@alexcityoutlook.com

Digital Success Manager ELLE FULLER

elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors JEREMY & STACEY JEFFCOAT KENNETH BOONE PETE MCKENNY JULIE HUDSON ANDY ANDERS GREG VINSON HARRY DENEGRE ROB WITHERINGTON LONNA UPTON CLIFF WILLIAMS STEVE ARNBERG SIRI HEDREEN

Betsy Iler, Editor All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life

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On the Cover

W E R EQUI

MAYVILLE & WEST BEND, WI

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ISO 9001 Registered

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It's paddling season on the Tallapoosa River that feeds our beautiful Lake Martin, so choose your ride – a fishing, sit-in or siton-top kayak or a canoe – and take to the water above the lake.

Tallapoosa County Tourism this month opens registration for its Second Annual Riverfest, and that makes it official. Come on along. The river is waiting.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

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Serving Lake Martin Since 1997 docksunlimitedllc.com | 256-203-8400

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MARCH 2022

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Contents

16. INSPIRED STITCHES The history of the lake area sparks a textile artist's creativity – twice 20. FLOOD CONTROL VS RULE CURVE The battle rages as Lake Martin's water levels go up and down when it rains

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22. LET'S DO IT AGAIN! Last year's Riverfest was so much fun that Tallapoosa County Tourism is launching another 26. RUSSELL FOREST RUN The sun came out and runners were smiling as this year's run was captured in pictures 33. WATER CYCLE Martin Dam will host a gravel bike ride to help people in Guatemala and Bolivia access fresh water 34. HOME SWEET CAREFREE TOWNHOME After 16 years in a sprawling lakehouse, this couple trades up to maintenance-free living at The Ridge

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES: 9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 12. CALENDAR OF EVENTS 15. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 30. NATURE OF THE LAKE 44. LAKE PROPERTY

47. HOBO 49. FAB FINDS 50. CHEF'S TABLE 52. HEALTHY LIVING 54. CHEERS! 56. BIG CATCHES 59. THE SCRAMBLE

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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

15 11 12

$908,580 $548,091 $567,125

$644,000 $410,000 $562,500

180 208 212

40 191 246

January 2022 January 2019 January 2016

Inventory/ sales ratio 1.27 7.77 8.27

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).

Kowaliga boat ramp closed for renovations The Kowaliga Public Boat Ramp on Lake Martin in Elmore County will temporarily close for renovations on Feb. 28, 2022.

The facility will remain closed for approximately one to two weeks until the project is completed.

During the Kowaliga boat ramp closure, the is closed for renovations Wildlife and until further notice Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will resurface the parking lot and repair potholes near the boat ramp.

WFF operates four additional public boat ramps on Lake Martin. Visit boatramps.dcnr.alabama.gov or call the WFF Fisheries Section at 334- 242-3471 for more

information.

Funding for this project was provided through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, which is supported through excise taxes on the sale of outboard motor fuel, fishing equipment and the sale of Alabama fishing licenses.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at outdooralabama.com.

Weather Outlook for March March 2022 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid-toupper 60s with average lows in the low 40s and more than 5.5 inches of precipitation in the month of March.The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be above average and rainfall will be normal this month.

Year-to-Date

Precipitation: 1.7 inches Avg. high temp.: 55.1 Avg. low temp.: 30.2 Avg. temp.: 42.7

Our Normal March Precipitation: 5.64 inches Avg. high temp.: 68.1 Avg. low temp.: 41.5 Avg. temp.: 54.8

Information from the National Weather Service.

MARCH 2022

Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 484.24 Lowest: 480.96 Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.

Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and 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) Late evening fog made for a spooky scene with the vibrant orange and gold colors from the sunset. (2) Colorado artist Robert Watson created this leather and driftwood three-dimensional artwork for Lake Martin resident Sandra Harvey and her family. (3) Johnny Spears and Asher Barrett spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon throwing rocks into the lake. (4) Featured here is the final product after Avery Dixon and her family created her sand portrait. (5) Margaret and Willa Grace focus intently on catching fish from Mimi and Big Mac's dock at Cedar Point.

(6) The trees at Smith Mountain put on a beautiful show when Tony Johnson took out his camera.

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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

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March 7 ForestHer Chainsaw Safety Workshop

The Alabama Extension ForestHer workshop series was created with women landowners in mind. The workshops offer women landowners an opportunity to learn about forest management in a fun, relaxed setting.

Participants will learn the basics of chainsaw safety, personal protection equipment and how to start and operate a chainsaw. The workshop will be hosted by the Elmore County Extension Office from 9 a.m. until noon.

Register at aces.edu/event/foresther-chainsaw-safetyworkshop-2/.

March 9 Jake Blount at Standard Deluxe

March 22 Landscapes in Oils

Join this three-day studio workshop at Tallapoosa School of Art on Lake Martin, where artist Perry Austin will demonstrate painting principles each morning and work individually with students to help them understand and apply them. Visit tallapoosaworkshops.com for details, package options and costs.

April 1 Lakewind Homemakers Charity Event

March 10 Rockland Band

Six musicians on 23 different instruments create the background for a powerhouse of soulful vocals under the heritage of country-pop supergroup Exile, Country Music Hall of Fame’s The Oak Ridge Boys and Grand Ole Opry. Join the Martin family at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium for a musical experience you won’t soon forget. For details and tickets, visit alexcityarts.org.

Enter your favorite chili recipe in this inaugural event at Pennington Park in Dadeville from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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March 17 United Way Campaign Wrap Up

Lake Martin Area United Way will wrap up the 2022 campaign, “Hometown Heroes,” at 12 p.m. in the Central Alabama Community College Betty Carol CALENDAR OF EVENTS Graham Center. The campaign total will WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN be announced, along with top businesses, Revisit the boating safety donors and past board rules April 2 with Alabama members. Lunch will Marine Police be available, and at The Ridge Marina attendees will meet the agencies served

by LMAUW. This event is sponsored

by CACC, Valley Bank and Burgess Distributing.

Focusing on Black and indigenous string music traditions of the American Southeast, fabulous young fiddler and banjo player Jake Blount will pass through the area with his string quartet for a special show at the Little House at Waverly’s Standard Deluxe. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with supper by Wiltons Catering, a pay-what-you-like operation, so be sure to bring money for the tip jar. No outside alcohol or coolers allowed for this performance. Audience is limited to 50.

Non-refundable tickets are $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the show, if available. Visit standarddeluxe.com for tickets.

March 12 Dadeville Chili Cook-off

First prize takes home $500; second prize is $250; third and fourth prizes are $100 each; and fifth place gets $50.

There will be a $100 prize for the best looking booth.

Beer, soda and water will be available, and there will be hot dogs for non-chili eaters. The entry fee for chili competitors is $50, but a $5 donation gets you in to taste and enjoy the live music all day.

The Lakewind Homemakers and Community Leaders will host an inaugural event to benefit Dadeville Beautifucation from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville. There will be a fashion show, food and silent auction for gently used purses.

April 2 Boating Safety Class

Alabama Marine Police will conduct a boating safety course at The Ridge Marina from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help all boaters – first timers and veterans alike – gain the certification necessary to operate boats in Alabama. For

MARCH 2022

more information, contact Jennifer Powell at 256-3971715 or email her at jpowell@russelllands.com.

Season-long Events Music in the Air

April 9 - May 1 Phins Fishing Classic

This inaugural virtual fishing tournament spanning eight Southern states will benefit the United Way organizations represented by the zip codes of entrants. The event will feature six fish categories for bi-weekly and tournament door prizes, including both saltwater and freshwater categories. A special high school division will be a qualifier for scholarship applications. Visit fishingchaos.com for details and online registration. Entry fees start at $35.

Spend your Thursday evenings at Zazu’s Verandah on the beautiful Dadeville Square enjoying a variety of live music. The music begins at 6:30 p.m. indoors or outdoors under the verandah, depending on weather conditions and performers’ preferences. Come early to settle in and be sure to get a seat. Drive-by Tacos will be present at most events on a Food Truck with a Purpose mission; every taco purchase makes a meal available for a food challenged person in Alabama. Free admission but please tip the musicians. Visit Zazu’s Verandah on Facebook for the weekly scheduled programs.

April 16 Iron Bowl Trash Cleanup

Free Tax Assistance and e-Filing of Federal and State Tax Returns

Meet at Lake Martin Mini Mall between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. to pick up bags, pickers, vests and water from Lake Martin Resource Association. You’ll be assigned an area where your help is needed to pick up trash and beautify the Lake Martin area. Bring your own gloves. There will be a tailgate cookout and live band at noon. Dress in your best team spirit and come out to support the community to clean up Lake Martin.

IRS certified volunteers will provide free tax assistance and e-filing for senior citizens age 60 and over with no income and taxpayers under age 60 with incomes less than $57,414, as well as disabled taxpayers. Dropoff by appointment. Call 256-234-0347 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday to make an appointment and for information about what to bring.

This service is coordinated by the Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, a United Way agency.

April 23-24 Old 280 Boogie

Artists Association of Central Alabama

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s festival of music, art, food and Southern culture in Waverly.

Saturday’s lineup includes The Sheepdogs, Seratones, Robert Finley, Taylor Hunnicutt and The Pine Hill Haints. Sunday afternoon, Caleb Caudle and Larry Mitchell and Band will appear. Gates open at 11 a.m. both days. Performances will be on the outdoor stage. Saturday only tickets are $60; Sunday only $25.

Purchase a two-day pass for $75. Kids 14 and under are admitted free. Visit standdarddeluxe.com for details and ticket purchase.

April 24 Lake Watch Annual Meeting

First Saturday Markets

Standard Deluxe in Waverly hosts the First Saturday Market on the first Saturday of each month from now through August. Pick up lunch, local artwork, T-shirts, posters and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For details, visit the website at standarddeluxe.com.

Charity Bingo

Guest speaker Dr. Bill Deutsch will present an overview of 30 years of watching the water on Lake Martin at this year’s annual meeting at Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville. Masking will be encouraged, and the meeting is contingent upon COVID conditions. Registration opens at 1 p.m. with the program from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, visit lakewatchlakemartin.org.

April 30 Gumbo Get Down

AACA artists meet on the third Wednesday of the month at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex grounds. Meetings are followed by an open studio program, which also is open to the public. Club dues are $20 for the year.

Main Street Alexander City will host a gumbo cookoff with live music, a kids corner food trucks and more from noon to 4 p.m. downtown. Visit the Main Street Alexander City Facebook page for more information.

Every Tuesday in September, stop in at Niffer’s at the Lake at 6 p.m. for eight rounds of Bingo to benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way. Cards are $1 each. The first seven rounds pay Niffer’s dollars, but the last round pays a cash jackpot.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

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

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a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Dianna Porter at 256-750-0075.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Tallassee Lions Club

Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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. For more information, call 334-857-2008.

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 RussellLands. com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

6:30 p.m. on state Route 9 in Equality. Visit the Equality Performing Arts Center Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming artists.

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday nights of each month at

The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant, across from the football stadium in Tallassee, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism. For more information, call Ron McDaniel at ronmcd416@gmail.com.

Wellborn Musclecar Museum

Housed in a restored vintage auto dealership in downtown Alexander City, the Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open for public viewing Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This exemplary collection includes the famed K&K Dodge, the 1970 Grand National Champion, as well as Aero cars designed for NASCAR. You will see an example of each manufacturer’s highest horsepower cars of 1970, from Dodge, Plymouth, Chevrolet, Buick, Porsche and Oldsmobile. The inventory on display changes frequently, so every visit includes something new and exciting. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free. To arrange discounted group tour or private tours, email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@ gmail.com or call 256-329-8474.

lakemartindock.com

334.857.2443

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Lake Martin News Two Lake Martin photographers place in annual statewide contest

Outdoor Alabama last month recognized Tallapoosa County photographers Jim Denney and Kyle Thornton in the annual statewide photo contest. Denney placed second in the Birds category with a bald eagle photo.

Thornton's picture of the Children’s Harbor Chapel received an honorable mention in the Sweet Home Alabama category.

“The abundant diversity in Alabama’s landscape and native wildlife make it a photographer’s paradise,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“From the north Alabama mountains to the state’s gulf coast beaches, th winning images in this year’s Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest highlight the natural beauty of our state.”

The 2023 contest will be announced later this year. ~ Staff report Kyle Thornton's photograph of the Children's Harbor Chapel received an honorable mention

Malibu Boats buys local production plant

Malibu Boats last month announced it will bring part of its production line to the Lake Martin area, adding 60 new jobs to the local economy. The boat manufacturer closed on its acquisition of the Coosa County AmTech plant in February, according to the subsidiary’s general manager.

Based in Loudon, Tennessee, Malibu Boats had relied on AmTech’s wiring harnesses – a cluster of electrical cables that power the various parts of a vehicle – for six years before deciding to purchase the facility just outside Alexander City limits.

According to CEO Jack Springer, the unassuming bundles of cables have been especially difficult to source over the past nine months, which led to the decision to buy AmTech. The plant now exists under a new subsidiary, Malibu Electronics.

“As we bring this Alabama-based manufacturing oper-

ation in-house, we will be better positioned to control our own destiny and alleviate supply constraints in the near term,” Springer told investors in a quarterly earnings call.

Wiring harnesses for boats were not AmTech’s only product; about half the company’s production went to non-marine customers, but that part of the company has been liquidated without any loss of jobs, said general manager Brad Ditchfield.

“We transitioned all those folks over to the marine side,” said Ditchfield, who was sent to Alexander City by Malibu Boats.

Meanwhile, Malibu Electronics will hire throughout the year, growing its current 120-employee workforce to about 180, Ditchfield said. His goal is to make five to six new hires per week.

AmTech, a private business that was once familyowned, was registered in 1997. Ditchfield said the previous ownership had been struggling with supply constraints, employee turnover and a change in personal interests at the ownership level before seeking financial help from Malibu, which as of last year had purchased 60 percent of its wiring harnesses from AmTech. After accepting price increases and sending personnel and a significant cash infusion, the boat manufacturer ultimately bought its key supplier rather than risk its closure.

Since then, Ditchfield said, Malibu has invested $1 million in the plant’s development and $1.5 million in employee pay, with a new starting wage of $13. Previous starting wages ran between $8 and $10 an hour.

“I think, no, I know, Malibu Electronics is going to be better for the employees than previous ownership ever was,” longtime employee Sandra White said. “I wish some of the previous employees could be here to experience these changes.”

Malibu Boats will retain established relationships with other wiring harness suppliers but still plans to grow its new subsidiary’s production while integrating additional electronic products not yet produced there.

“The marine marketplace continues to grow, and we need more capacity,” Ditchfield said.

Malibu Boats was founded in 1982 and is currently the largest manufacturer of waterskiing and wakeboarding tow boats, according to its website, with plants in Tennessee, California and New South Wales, Australia.

After six months in Alexander City, Ditchfield said he has yet to spend time on Lake Martin, but he’s pleased to see Malibu Boats being towed on area roadways. ~ Siri Hedreen

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Inspired Stitches

The history of Lake Martin sparks textile artist's creativity STORY & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

Fussell's studio shares living space in a renovated cotton mill in Columbus, Georgia

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Fussell cut out Lake Martin's many slender sloughs by hand

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Cathy Fussell developed an affection for maps as a child. On road trips with her family, her father always put the map in her hand and told her to mind where they were going. Of particular interest to her were the blue ribbons of water that dissected topography shaded in green on the old multi-fold sheets of paper.

She also loved to perch at the end of her mother’s bed and watch her mother sew on a Singer Featherweight machine across the room at the Buena Vista, Georgia, home where she grew up.

“I started sewing when I was about 4 years old,” Fussell said. “To teach me to sew a straight seam, Mama had me practice on the machine without thread, on lined notebook paper, punching holes on the lines on the paper.”

She’s been stitching for more than 55 years now.

When she started quilting, it was only natural that Fussell paired childhood memories in her art projects.

She has quilted waterways far and wide across the country, but none has given her quite so many fits as the deeply fingered shorelines of Alabama’s Treasured Lake. She created her first Lake Martin quilt last year.

“I really could have used a laser cutter, but I didn’t have one, so I cut out all those tiny curves,” Fussell

said in only half-mocked exasperation. “All 880 miles of it – by hand.”

The 39-inch by 36-inch cotton duck canvas quilt is simple only in its pictorial design. Fussell used just two colors. An almost pale blue light-weight canvas depicts the 31-mile length of Lake Martin from Jaybird Landing to Cherokee Bluffs, and a heavier weight cotton represents the surrounding land area in an even brown tone. The neutral coffee color accentuates the painstakingly accurate many-lobed footprint of Alabama’s Freshwater Coast.

Around the lake, Fussell stitched a fantasy quilt pattern that very nearly – but not quite – mirrors the topographical lines on the map she enlarged and printed across a series of 13-inch by 19-inch sheets of paper.

She used a lightboard to transfer the map image onto a sheet of appliqué backing, pressed it onto her fabric and began the laborious process of cutting around the lake. The sheets of paper were pinned to a wallsized board mounted in her studio for reference as she worked.

Fussell’s studio doubles as a guest room in the renovated cotton mill apartment she shares with her husband, artist Fred Fussell, in Columbus, Georgia. The

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The Tallapoosa River runs red for the Creek blood that was shed in the 1814 battle

old mill complex once included seven buildings next to the train tracks in this historic Southern city, but four of the buildings were lost to fire. The three that remain were converted into artists’ studios and high-end apartments that feature refinished original mill flooring, reclaimed brick walls and high ceilings. Steel-framed panes of glass create the outside wall.

Fred paints colorful modern landscapes in an openconcept great room, the walls of which are lined with the couple’s art. Quilts and canvas co-exist and intermingle in the spectacular natural light that fills the room.

But down a hall bordered with an array of antiques small and large, a sliding barn door harbors Fussell’s work tables, shelves of fabric, rolls of quilt batting and the Juki 2010Q, a simple straight-stitch machine, on which she stitches her wonderful maps.

She finished the Lake Martin canvas several months 18 LAKE

ago, having not ever actually visited the lake.

“We drive through the area when we visit family in Mississippi, but we’d never stopped,” she admitted.

Fussell’s interest in the area was piqued when she read Casey Cep’s Furious Hours, an investigative account of the Rev. Willie Maxwell, a rural Tallapoosa County preacher who in the 1970s was accused of murdering five members of his family but never was convicted in any of them. Maxwell was assassinated by a relative at the funeral of his last victim. Cep’s story incorporates the research of beloved author, Harper Lee, who had worked on an unpublished book about the crimes. Having learned more about Lake Martin then, Fussell was motivated to render the lake in fabric.

After finishing the Lake Martin quilt, Fussell stopped last month at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park on a return trip through the area. She toured the displays in the visitors center and learned

MARCH 2022

details of the historic 1814 battle in which an estimated 800 to 2,000 Red Stick Creeks were massacred by Gen. Andrew Jackson’s troops. The Indians attempted to escape across the river but were killed by militia Cathy Fussell waiting on the opposite bank. The pivotal battle changed the course of the nation, as it led to the Creeks ceding of most of the lands in what is now the Southeast U.S. “I felt so strongly about what happened there that I came home and started working on a Horseshoe Bend quilt the next day,” Fussell explained. “I have never before included politics in a quilt work.

Quilting is solace and meditative, but I just felt like I had to do something. It has me thinking about a series of genocide quilts.”

The Horseshoe Bend quilt is an earthy shade of green, and Fussell followed the actual topographical lines to create the quilting pattern. Over the battlefield, she hand-embroidered 1,200 seed stitches to represent the bodies of Indians killed in the massacre. The river was the first element she added to the fabric but not in the lively blues of her previous water quilts. In the Horseshoe Bend quilt, the Tallapoosa River is depicted in bright, rich red.

“It is red to represent the blood of the Creek nation,” she said, her voice edged with emotion. “It just affected me so.”

Her research on the subject of the Horseshoe Bend quilt included a study of the painting by American artist Roger Brown (1941-1997), which is part of the Roger Brown Study Collection at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Given the 40-plus hours Fussell invested in the Lake Martin quilt, which is priced at $1,200, she expects the Horseshoe Bend quilt, being slightly larger, will require more of her time and talent, as well as more of her heart. Fussell will post the completed Horseshoe Bend photo on social media on March 27, the anniversary of the battle, and she expects to create some companion pieces. The quilt will be included in future exhibits.

A collection of Fussell’s quilts is on display this month at the public library in Hoover, Alabama. See more of her quilts, pillows and stitched art collections at cathyfussellquilts.com.

MARCH 2022

LAKE 19

Flood control vs Rule curve The battle rages as Lake Martin's water levels go up and down when it rains STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & COURTESY OF LAKEMARTIN.COM

D

on’t be discouraged this time of year when the water level on Lake Martin rises after a big rain event only to fall again a few days later. The lake is still on target to reach full pool by April 19, despite how it might look when the water goes down after it’s already been up. What we’re seeing at times like these is flood control vs. rule curve.

The rule curve is a pre-determined year-round schedule of targeted water levels for Lake Martin.

This rule curve is an important component of

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Alabama Power’s license to operate Martin Dam. For example, the rule curve for the first day of spring, March 20, calls for a water level at 487.75 mean sea level feet. A week later, on March 27, the rule curve target is 488.6 msl feet, as the water gradually rises between February and April to the summer pool level we so enjoy. Give or take 6 inches or so, the operators at Martin Dam hit the rule curve numbers on target pretty well, barring heavy rains, droughts or unforeseen circumstances.

Heavy rains are the culprit that sometimes prema-

MARCH 2022

turely raises the lake level above the targeted rule curve depth, fooling us into thinking the water level will simply climb from there to full pool.

It’s a matter of flood control, as the Lake Martin reservoir is used to prevent flooding Flood control always trumps the rule downstream. The curve as Lake Martin inches toward Tallapoosa River summer pool basin collects rainwater from a watershed of some 3,000 square miles. When excess water is washed into the lake after a heavy rain, the water is reserved temporarily in our lake and is released with greater control through power generation or the opening of spillgates at Martin Dam. This could take several days or even a week or more, depending on the amount of excess water in Lake Martin, the amount of water in the river system and the generation schedules at the dams in the river system. It is a bit of a complicated dance, as Martin Dam is one of four that Alabama Power operates on the Tallapoosa River, and all four dams work in tandem when it comes to flood control.

A case in point: According to the chart on the facing page, the Lake Martin area received record rainfalls two years ago in February – 14.2 inches compared to normal precipitation at about 5.5 inches. On Valentine’s Day

of that year, the water level at Lake Martin was 489.58 feet, less than 18 inches shy of the summer pool level, even though the rule curve called for a water level at 484 feet.

That much water washing downstream at once could have caused devastating flooding, so the water was reserved in the upriver lakes, including Lake Martin. Over the next two weeks, the water level dropped to 488.36 feet on March 2 when the rule curve called for a level of 484.61 feet. More rain brought the flood control level up to 490.1 feet on March 6 as the rule curve stipulated the lake level at 485.43 feet.

It wasn’t until March 20 of that year that the flood control measures met the rule curve level at 487.74 feet. At that point, Lake Martin returned to filling up for summer on the targeted schedule.

If you were playing cards, flood control would trump the rule curve every time, but when flood control measures are not in effect in the river system, the water level on Lake Martin must follow the rule curve.

Visit apcshorelines.com to follow Lake Martin’s progression toward summer pool.

MARCH 2022

LAKE 21

Let's STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

R

egistration for the Second Annual Tallapoosa Riverfest will open March 21 with a limit of 150 paddlers, an increase of 25 over last year’s event, said Tallapoosa County Tourism director Sandra Fuller.

“Last year, we had 125 paddlers and launched them in groups of 15 every 15 minutes, but we thought we could get another group or two of paddlers out on the water and still get everyone off the river by 1 p.m.” she explained. “We’ve raised the price to $40 this year. Last year, everyone said we didn’t charge enough, and we think that, with the help of sponsors, $40 will allow us to cover the cost of doing the event.”

Like last year’s Riverfest event, this year’s kayakers and canoers will board a van at Kylee Cooper Farm and shuttle to the put-in point at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. The first launch will hit the water at 8 a.m. When paddlers come off the river at Jaybird Landing, they will catch a shuttle back to the farm for a meal, music and giveaways.

“We also will have swag bags for all of our participants, with a few different things in them than last year. A lot of the paddlers last year said they liked having patches, so this year’s Riverfest has patches,” Fuller said.

While local artist Jim Denney will design the event T-shirt again, this year’s design will depict the Cahaba Lily, which is expected to be in bloom during the river ride.

Also at the post-paddle party will be more vendors, including outfitters who will have gear and other items for sale.

“Last year, most of the paddlers came down the river pretty quickly. We thought they might take more time than they did, and we really encourage people to go a little slower this time and appreciate some of the beautiful scenery. We just suggest that if you are going to take a slower paddle, you request an early launch time, so we can have everyone off the river by 1 p.m.,” Fuller said.

Register, sign waivers and find details for the event on the Tallapoosa County Tourism and Tallapoosa Riverfest Facebook pages and on the website at tallapoosacountytourism.com.

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do it again!

Registration opens this month for the Second Annual Tallapoosa River

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LAKE 25

Russell Forest Run PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & BETSY ILER

Clockwise from above: Runners are full of smiles and energy at the start; some runners pushed hard to make their best times or qualify for future competitive races; meanwhile at The Stables, early finishers were already filling up at the after-party grits bar; the Russell Forest Run included categories for all age groups; Lake Martin Machine Gun provided the shotgun start.

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Clockwise from above: Early visitors sidled up to get their grits; crossing the finish line hand in hand; the beer bar was ready; some 368 runners registered for this year's fun; the ladies in pink warmed up in the cold morning temperatures; over the years, the race has raised more than $100,000 for the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation; prepping the start line; runners pour into The Stables after the run; finishing well for another year.

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LAKE 29

Marbled Salamanders

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Marbled Salamanders are rather stout-looking amphibians that live in moist woodlands where they burrow under leaves, logs and stones – which means they could be living in almost every Lake Martin yard. But if you don’t rake your leaves or spend time flipping over logs in the woods, you are not likely to run across your amphibious marbled neighbors.

Marbled Salamanders are native to the eastern and southeastern U.S. from New England to Illinois and south from Georgia to Texas; however, their range does not extend south into the warmer Florida peninsula. They are found throughout Alabama.

Adult Marbled Salamanders are about 4 inches long.

Their whole bodies are black or dark gray with white, light gray or silver markings on their backs. Young Marbled Salamanders have white speckles on their backs and white striped toes; older salamanders develop larger light colored blotches and bands that cross their backs. Males are smaller than females, and during the fall breeding season – late autumn in our area – the bands on a male’s back become bright white.

These salamanders prefer damp woodlands close to streams, ponds and lakes, though they are sometimes found

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in dry areas that are close to wetlands. Unlike other closely related salamanders, Marbled Salamanders do not breed in water. Instead, these black and white salamanders breed in dry areas that hold water at times, like flood plains and vernal pools.

When it comes time to breed in autumn, Marbled Salamanders will migrate to those sites on rainy nights.

In fact, rainy fall nights are the most likely times to see a Marbled Salamander in the wild. Scientists studying these creatures at the University of Georgia put low fences around breeding sites that direct the salamanders toward buckets sunk into the ground. During the breeding migration, thousands of Marbled Salamanders will fall into the buckets, giving the scientists the opportunity to monitor the local population count.

Once the salamanders get to their breeding site, the male will begin circling a potential mate while waving his tail and waging his head and raising his body by standing tall on his legs. He will then leave a spermatophore – a small capsule of sperm – on the dry ground. The female will walk above the spermatophore and pick it up with her cloaca, fertilizing her eggs.

The females lay a mass of 50 to 100 round eggs under

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Marbled salamanders spend most of their day under logs, leaves or underground

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

leaves in the low areas, and the eggs hatch out when rains fill the dried ponds and ditches. The mother salamander will stay with her clutch, protecting the eggs until the pool fills. If that doesn’t happen in the fall, the eggs can survive throughout the winter until spring rains trigger hatching.

Once the salamander larvae hatch, they quickly move to the top of the food chain in their temporary ponds, starting by eating tiny zooplankton and adding aquatic insect larvae, worms, snails and larger creatures as they grow. Marbled Salamander larvae look something like tadpoles with legs and big protruding bushy gills.

Sometimes they consume other salamander larvae, including their own species. Here in the deep South, Marbled Salamander larvae grow very quickly and can morph into their adult land-based form in as little as two months. They can reach sexual maturity in roughly a year and a half.

Adult Marbled Salamanders are active carnivores, hunting and eating large amounts of insects, worms, spiders, snails and slugs and pretty much anything that moves that will fit into their mouths. These salamanders spend most of their days underground in burrows or tun-

Adults have large markings while the young have speckles

nels or under logs or thick layers of leaves. They are most active at night, when they move above ground to hunt.

Marbled Salamanders are known as Ambystoma opacum to biologists. They are one of the smaller species in the Ambystomatidae family, which goes by the common name “mole salamanders,” a reference to their burrowing habit.

These salamanders live for about four years in the wild. That time could be cut short by nocturnal animals that prey on them, like raccoons, opossums, skunks, shrews, weasels, snakes and owls. Like many other salamanders, Marbled Salamanders do have poison glands on their tails, and some predators will eat the salamanders while leaving its tail untouched.

Some information for this article came from the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, the Virginia Herpetological Society, The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory at the University of Georgia and the Animal Diversity Web at the University of Michigan.

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Water Cycle

The ride will traverse the area's beautiful countryside on mostly gravel roads

Martin Dam to host long-distance gravel ride this month STORY BY BETSY ILER

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artin Dam this month will host the inaugural Water Cycle and Dam Jam to benefit drinking water and irrigation projects in Guatemala and Bolivia by the Auburn University Chapter of Engineers Without Borders USA, said Alabama Power’s Tallapoosa River manager, Chris Goodman. The bike ride on March 26 will feature 30-mile and 60-mile routes across gravel roads through Alabama’s beautiful rural countryside.

Limited to 100 cyclists in this inaugural event, the ride will be fully supportive and will begin and end at Martin Dam on Lake Martin with a post-ride meal and live music at the Dam Jam. Three bands will play at the event, including Dr. Funchess and the Hydroponic Collards, an Americana group made up of Auburn University professors. Nashville singer/songwriter Jason Broyles will perform as well.

The post-ride meal will include made-to-order tacos by Durango Tacos of Auburn.

The entry fee for riders is $60. Nonriders can join the fun for the postride meal and Dam Jam at $15 each.

Register for rider and non-rider admission at wp.auburn.edu/ewb.

The ride will help the Auburn University EWB chapter further its mission to help communities in Guatemala and Bolivia meet basic needs through engineering projects.

Their current projects will supply

drinking water and irrigation to remote areas of Guatemala and Bolivia, said co-mentor of the EWB Auburn Chapter, Christian Brodbeck.

“One of our projects right now is in Guatemala. We are developing a spring, putting in a transmission line and designing and building a water tank for about 250 people. These households do not have access to water, so they currently have to purchase water, which uses up about 20 percent of their resources,” explained Brodbeck, an avid cyclist. “The other project is in Bolivia where we are installing a water transmission system with the goal of irrigation, so the community can grow two or three crops per year instead of just one during the rainy season. That would help them increase the food supply.”

Brodbeck said this month’s Water Cycle event is a great fit for the chapter’s mission because bike riding is a lot like water.

“It’s rushing. You’re always moving, and there are moments of stillness. We don’t realize how important it is until we’re in a situation where we lack water,” he explained.

The idea for the event was the brainchild of Goodman and Brodbeck, who MARCH 2022

frequently enter gravel rides together.

“These gravel rides we go to were always selling out, and we thought we could put on our own ride as a fundraiser for EWB,” Brodbeck said.

The 60-mile riders will leave the east bank of the dam at 8 a.m. and travel Overlook Drive to Pineforest Drive and take Lovelady Road to Obed Loop in the Beulah community.

They will cover Duck Creek Road, StillWaters Highway, Churchill Road and Sycamore Creek Road, continuing to Hayes Mill Road, turning onto Moss Flat Road and then county roads 217 and 66 to McRitchie Mill and back. The 30-mile route will leave from the dam an hour later and travel to the turnoff from Sycamore Road to Hayes Mill Road before returning to the dam for the post-ride party. Riders should be able to finish the 30-mile route in under two-and-a-half hours.

The 60-mile riders should finish within five hours.

Cash and check donations will be accepted at the event as well, or donors are invited to donate online. Event T-shirts will be available for sale as the supply lasts. Visit wp.auburn.edu/ewb for more information.

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Home Sweet C

A back porch at The Ledges provides a spacious outdoor living space overlooking the lake

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Carefree Townhome

STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

MARCH 2022

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A

The sunroom offers plenty of natural light

After 16 years in his 4,000-square-foot home on beautiful Lake Martin, Tom West decided to downsize and go maintenance-free at The Ledges at The Ridge. Moving into his townhome two years ago gave West and his fiancée, Annette Cox, more time for relaxing and less need for worrying about the yard, the shoreline or exterior home and dock maintenance.

“When Tom found out this home was for sale, we knew it would be perfect. You know, as we get older, we just don’t want as much work to do. We just want to relax and let someone else do all the mowing and blowing. We have 2,500 square feet now, and we do not miss the space,” Cox said.

Cox has always dabbled in interior design, including working with customers and designing displays in a gift shop in Montgomery. She was happy to step in and help with the blending of West’s furnishings with a few new pieces.

“I have always enjoyed playing with décor – moving things from one room to another. I love antiquing, finding old rugs and artwork, so I just had fun with this. Luckily, everything he wanted from the old house fit perfectly in the new one, and we just had to decorate around those pieces.

I had rugs, of course, mostly from King’s House in Birmingham, and I had recently redone my

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own house in Pell City, so I moved a few things here that he wanted,” she said.

The main level of the townhouse includes the master bedroom, family room, dining area and kitchen. A beautiful sunroom, covered porch and deck add to the spacious living area. The home includes hardwood floors throughout the main level.

A tall console table and lamp, plus a mirror framed with stacked wood and an antique clock in the foyer hallway, provide a lovely entry into the home. Just off the foyer, the master bedroom, appointed in dark furniture and cream linens, features a bookcase perfect for displaying family photos, as well as duck mounts from West’s hunting trips. One wall proudly holds a framed folded American flag and a photo from West’s father’s Army days. Black and white animal print throw pillows and a chair cushion add whimsy to the otherwise stately room, which also features bead board wainscoting.

The kitchen includes granite countertops and a large island. Custom cabinetry adds warmth to the gathering space. The dining table, which belonged to West’s mother, is an heirloom piece and adds one more addition to West’s preference for a more rustic feel, combined with Cox’s love of color and more traditional pieces. An antique

An antique sugar mold holds 12 pillar candles for the dining table centerpiece

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The kitchen island offers space for both prepping and dining

The master bedroom is decorated with neutrals and pops of red and black

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The Ledges community is maintenance free

Oututside the sunroom doors, a wrought iron high top table sits ready for entertaining

sugar mold from Cox’s hometown of Shorter is perfect for candles on the table, and antique cutting boards add more charm. The main room also includes a large pantry and coat closet, while the laundry and powder rooms are situated just off the kitchen.

Cox’s style is seen in the bright rug, chairs and window treatments in the living room and a colorful painting by Linda Ellen Price over the mantel. She found antique doors with mirror panels, bronze lamps and deer head candelabras for the sofa table. Two of West’s guitars are easily accessible in the room for his leisure time.

“Mary Ann Neil, a dear friend of Tom’s, helped him select many of the beautiful pieces he has – two down-filled sofas with nail head trim and the large armoire in the family room, for instance. The wooden bowl on top of the armoire is another piece I really like, and I bought the antique cuckoo clock for Tom in Germany,” Cox said.

The sunroom provides yet another exquisite room in which to relax. The neutral sectional is from Birmingham Wholesale Furniture, and Cox found the pine cabinet at Trish’s Treasures in Birmingham, one of her favorite locations to shop. The pine cabinet is large enough for books, photos and a television inside glass doors on the top. These allow for bottom storage behind cabinet doors. West found the iron and reclaimed wood coffee table on one of his treasure hunts, she said. Russian art, another favorite find, hangs near a bamboo chair. Shades filter the sun when needed on the three walls of windows.

Fresh, dried and artificial flowers are focal points throughout the home. Grace’s Flowers in Alexander City designed the dried arrangements in the home, and Mike Walls at Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market in Birmingham arranged the fresh flowers to add a little springtime to winter days.

The deck floor is easy-to-clean concrete, and

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this outdoor living space includes a bead board ceiling and a fabulous view of the lake. The outdoor living area is furnished with a sofa, chairs, coffee table and a high top, wrought iron table for dining.

West purchased the furniture at King’s in Alexander City.

Downstairs, two bedrooms, two baths and a powder room offer plenty of space for guests. One bedroom is furnished with a queen sized bed, while the other has a pair of poster beds. Also on this level, guests have a bar area and access to the patio, where they find iron chaise lounges, a table and four chairs and a comfortable swing. A storage area under the patio is heated and cooled, too. An old chandelier was added to the hallway, along with a commemorative turkey mount from another hunt.

“We have been very happy with our move to The Ridge. Since Russell Lands takes care of everything outside, we have plenty of time for the boat, tennis and golf. It was a perfect choice for me,” West said.

West stays busy with 200 cows on a 500-acre farm in Alpine, Alabama, so his home at The Ridge is definitely for relaxing. Whether sitting on the deck with a glass of wine, inviting friends for a lively dinner or competing on the tennis courts, the move to The Ledges has given the couple more time and a beautiful home to enjoy together.

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Clockwise from top of facing page: Neutral foundation pieces combine with bright colors for a perfect palette in the living room; Downstairs bedrooms provide for family and friends; The master bath has a soaker tub, double vanity and glass shower; Cox enjoys preparing lovely refreshments for special occasions; Two queen-sized four-poster beds grace one of the guest rooms; Dried flowers, as well as fresh arrangements, are part of the home's decor; A bookcase in the master bedroom showcases books, family photos and duck mounts.

MARCH 2022

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L A K E M A R T I N R E A LT Y. C O M

Unlock the value in your lake home and trust the market leaders.

Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417

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WE’RE THE MARKET LEADER Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share

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256.825.9092

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OUR CLOSEST COMPETITOR

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MARCH 2022

LAKE 43

Lake Market Boundaries Expand Buyers snap up water access in lieu of waterfront

The Lake Martin real estate market has grown. The lake has not grown – it is still 880 miles of shoreline – but access to the lake has provided additional ownership opportunities. Because of the lake’s popularity, a large number of sales have been recorded for water-access properties in addition to traditional waterfront. This new demand has caused a number of buildAs traditional properties ers and developers grow scarce, buyers expand to reconsider neighoptions into water access borhood amenities, house sizes and land use.

Traditional properties fail to meet demand

In the past, property sales have fallen into one of two categories. The first type of property is the traditional waterfront lot with a single-family detached home. The second type of property is an attached and denser residential style. Examples of this type would be townhomes or condominiums. In most cases, these properties are located along the water, attached with a common wall in the case of townhomes or stacked adjacent to the waterfront in the case of condominiums.

Over the last three years, these property types have failed to meet the entire market demand. In the case of the single-family detached lake home, this type of property has seen double-digit annual appreciation rates. The average sales price for the 12-months ending on Jan. 31 was $978,446. This increased price places waterfront ownership just out of reach for many people.

In the case of townhomes and condominiums, these 44 LAKE

properties have been in short supply and experienced rising costs, currently averaging $413,350 for the 12-month period ending on Jan. 31. While this property type hits the price button, supply is limited, and the dense development style does not provide privacy that many people hope to find at Lake Martin.

A new property type is evolving – the water-access home

A significant number of potential property owners are looking for a blend of the two property types listed above. There is strong demand for single-family homes with rustic designs built on traditional lots with adequate space for landscaping and privacy. As one might imagine, there is also a desire to find such properties in roughly the same price range as the condominiums, which is less than half the price of traditional lakefront homes.

While property type and price are important, proximity and access to Lake Martin are equally important. Proximity to the lake means that part of the community or neighborhood actually touches the lake. Access to the lake means property owners can legally access the lake either through a common amenity, boat ramp, community pier or all of the above.

Neighborhoods that can provide clubhouses, community pools, deeded slips and lake views are in high demand and sell at premium prices.

A few neighborhoods offer all or parts of the proximity and access described above, creating a new supply of real estate in the growing lake real estate market. Over the last year, 58 properties have been purchased or are pending

MARCH 2022

completion of construction, according to Multiple Listing Service data. Sales prices range from a low of $185,000 LAKE PROPERTY for just

BY STEVE ARNBERG being near the lake to more than $900,000 for having proximity, access, amenities, security and deeded piers.

The largest number of sales are in the $300,000-to-$400,000 range, proving that being at or just below condominium/townhome prices makes wateraccess homes a viable option. Over the same period, 73 condominiums/townhomes have sold. As more of these neighborhoods are developed, and the supply of this property type equals the condominium/townhome, this may become the second-most popular property type at Lake Martin.

What to look for

As of this writing, I know of several developments that are in the concept stage and will be providing this type of ownership opportunity. There is little doubt that Lake Martin has reached a new level of popularity. Developing this property ownership type opens the lake up to a much larger segment of the population for a lake retreat or a full-time residence. Given the rapid sales pace of several of the current developments on the lake, these new developments cannot come to the market soon enough.

Local real estate professionals’ excitement is growing for this new property type. As you can imagine, there are many requests for more affordable lake options. Having properties available allows them to help their clientele begin enjoying lake life.

Steve Arnberg is Vice President Real Estate Sales for Russell Lands.

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inSight DOCK C O M P A N Y

(334) 377-1055 info@inSightDOCK.com 46 LAKE

MARCH 2022

I

Gearing up for the summer

concerns of our members. t is spring 2022 at Lake Martin. Like a bear A recent issue brought to our attention by coming out of hibernation, Lake Martin is our membership is the development around the waking up and shaking off winter’s coat. lakeshore. As discussed in previous Lake magaLake Martin is plugged and will be returning zine articles, our lake is continuing to change to full pool. It is time to clean up the shorelines and grow. We know we cannot stop change. and get ready for spring and summer activities.

We can only influence this change. HOBOs Soon, fulltimers will welcome weekenders works together with Alabama Power, residential back to the lake. Lake activities will come back developers such as Russell Lands, commercial to life. Daffodils are blooming. Pollen is comdevelopments and other lake organizations to ing, and cleaning will be in full swing. Fishing have influence over these changes. Unrestricted has been good and will get even better. Boating development of the lakeshore will continue until will pick up and return to full activity. People, some action is taken. animals and plants around the lake will welHOBO HOBOs is a volunteer group created to reprecome new life brought by spring’s warmth and

BY HARRY DENEGRE sent and advocate for the homeowners and boat sunshine. Soon, hummingbirds will return, as owners around the lake. HOBOs can only do this through its sure as pontoons and wake boards. membership. You must be involved to have influence.

Lake Martin Homeowners and Boat Owners have been March 1, 2022, is the renewal date for existing HOBOs active over the winter and are planning a full year of activimembership. We want to thank everyone that has already ties for 2022. The HOBOs welcome everyone back to our renewed.

Treasured Lake Martin. HOBOs thanks our current memberIndividual membership is $15.00 annually. Family memship for their support and looks forward to all our current bership is $25.00 annually. membership renewing in 2022.

Visit our website and renew your membership online. You We thank our business sponsors for their support, as well, can send us a check as well. and request all members support our HOBOs business sponVisit our Facebook page, Lake Martin HOBOs, and sors. Their donations to Lake Martin HOBOs allows us to become better informed. Join us at our board meetings and continue our work protecting and preserving Lake Martin. become engaged. We will For those of you not enthusiastically welcome familiar with the HOBO you. organization, Lake Martin We will have our annual HOBOs is a non-profit, all HOBOs will sponsor membership breakfast on volunteer advocacy group the following activities this year: .Saturday, June 11, 2022, at formed to protect and prethe First Baptist Church in serve Lake Martin and to n Boating safety checks with the U.S. Coast Guard downtown Dadeville. Please represent the stakeholders of Auxiliary, April 23 and May 14. plan to attend.

Lake Martin. It was started n Boating safety classes held by the U.S. Coast Our executive board by a group of individuals Guard Auxiliary – dates to be determined meets every two months that were concerned about at Zazu’s Verandah in our lake and lake levels.

HOBOs will support Dadeville. Members and These concerned .citizens the following activities this year: visitors are welcome to formed a steering commitn Water quality monitoring and announcements by attend. Our next executee, advertised, sent out Lake Watch tive board meeting will be flyers and put up road signs n Monitoring upstream agricultural activities and Monday, March 14, 2022, to encourage people from commercial development/residential development beginning at 4 p.m. all areas of the lake to join and its impact on life and water quality at the lake.

Join us. Become part of in the effort to protect Lake n Continue working with Alabama Power, local govthe solution in 2022. We Martin. These efforts continernment officials, chambers of commerce and other look forward to working ue today through support for lake organizations to answer members’ concerns with you. the water quality efforts of about continued growth around our Treasured Lake.

Lake Watch, licensing of the n Work with government officials to pass safe Harry DeNegre is lake with Alabama Power, boating laws to protect our shoreline and boating president of Lake Martin boating safety through the activities.

HOBOs. Follow the Lake Alabama Marine Patrol and Martin HOBOs Facebook U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Please check our website, www.lakemartinhobos. page and visit the website at monitoring residential and com for further details concerning these activities. lakemartinhobos.com. commercial development around the lake and other MARCH 2022

LAKE 47

APRIL 8-9 0.99

% RATES AS LOW AS LOGO*APR

UP TO 60 MONTHS! NUMEROUS LOCAL DEALERS! Join us as we partner with local dealers for our 12TH 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.

Vertical Logo

Horizontal Logo

APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates as low as 0.99% on new purchases April 1-9. 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.

48 LAKE

MARCH 2022

FABULOUS FINDS

128 Restful Cove, Dadeville • $1,600,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jeff & Denise Cochran 256.786.0099 LakeMartinRealty.com

356 Highlands Ridge, Alex City $1,690,000 • Beds: 4 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com

1147 Willow Way N, Alex City • $8,995,000 Beds: 11 • Baths: 12 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com U NS UN TR DE UC R TI ON CO

W AT E

RA CC

ES

S

50 Loft Circle, Dadeville • $564,900 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3.5 • Water View & Access • Lake Martin Realty Adam Yager 205.914.0830 LakeMartinRealty.com

FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

1671 Shady Bay Dr, Jackson’s Gap • $999,000 • Beds: 6 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372 LakeMartinRealty.com

203 Kidd’s Cove Road, Dadeville • $1,390,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Lindsay Kane 356.675.6792 LakeMartinRealty.com

Russell Cabins at The Willows, Portico • $995,000 • Builder: Classic Homes • Beds: 4 Baths: 4.5 • Sq Ft: 2,396 • Russell Lands Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com

MARCH 2022

Ridge Run, Southern Comfort • $1,485,000 Builder: Lake Martin Signature Construction Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • Sq Ft: 2,906 • Russell Lands Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com

LAKE 49

SpringHouse Crab Cakes Ingredients

Remoulade Sauce Ingredients

1 can pasteurized crab meat (jumbo lump) 1-1/2 whole eggs 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 to 3 cups panko bread crumbs 3 dashes Crystal Hot Sauce 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red onion, diced

Directions

3 cups Duke’s Mayo 1-1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard 1/3 cup Crystal Hot Sauce 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 1/4 cup grated yellow onion 1/3 cup Wickles Pickles, relish or chopped pickles 1/4 cup chopped capers 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sauté the peppers and onion in 1 tablespoon oil until tender, about three to five minutes; then, cool in refrigerator. Combine all ingredients together except crab and eggs.

Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Mix in eggs and fold in crab meat. Add enough panko brad crumbs to form a ball.

Start with 1 cup panko and add more if it is too wet. Form into patties and cover with remaining panko bread crumbs.

Fry at 350 degrees until golden brown, about two to three minutes.

CHEF'S TABLE

BY PETE MCKENNY

50 LAKE

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

MARCH 2022

Directions

Combine all ingredients; mix well. Check for seasoning and serve on the side.

MARCH 2022

LAKE 51

The Best Exercise Walking helps to prevent bone loss, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and positively impacts depression, anxiety and mood

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I

improves posture, balance and coordination. f there is an exercise that should win an award In The Six Year National Runners Study and the for its minimal risks and long list of benefits, it’s National Walkers Health Study, the energy used for walking. Walking burns calories and lowers risk moderate-intensity walking and vigorous-intensity of long-term physical and mental health issues. It’s running resulted in similar reductions in high blood easy on the joints and contraindicated for very few health conditions. People of all ages and fitness levels pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease.

When looking at these important health markers, can achieve benefits from walking workouts.

Walking and running have many of the same bene- walking at a moderate intensity can get the job done fits. Both activities work the same muscles and joints, as well as running by expending the same amount of burn calories and strengthen the heart and lungs; how- energy.

Walking for exercise does not have much of a ever, running is much more demanding on the body, learning curve; however, it is different than a casual which can stress joints, ligaments and tendons. stroll. To boost the fitness level, brisk walking is best.

An argument against walking that it is low impact, “Brisk “is a relative term and will depend on each and it takes longer to cover the same distance or person’s own fitness level. Someone just achieve the same amount of calories beginning to work out should strive for burned when compared to running. a 20-minute mile. If that goal can be Running is not for everyone and cerachieved, reduce it to a 15-minute mile. tainly not at any age. Walking is a perfect To gauge intensity, pay attention to option in place of running. breathing. According to the American As a huge advocate of walking, I Heart Association, when walking briskly, decided to explore what the experts say. a person should breathe heavier than The first statement I read said walking normal but still be able to carry on a conwas unfairly placed in the “pointless” versation. To improve speed, walk heelcategory. If we write off walking as a to-toe. This rolling motion should help form of exercise, we are missing out on propel the walker forward. Arms should an extremely effective form of exercise, be held at 90-degree angles while pumpnot to mention the positive mental impact HEALTHY LIVING ing back and forth, rather than across the it has on emotions, mood, depression,

BY JULIE HUDSON body. Increasing arm motion will autoanxiety and self-confidence. matically make the feet follow.

A pace that keeps the walker slightly Walking is a basic exercise that can bump up the out of breath or sweaty can prolong life and lower intensity to fit personal needs. Walking up and down risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes as much as running. Science has hills builds stamina. Find a hilly route or repeat going found a link between walking and improved cognitive up and down a hill. Leaning slightly forward when going uphill and taking shorter steps with knees function and lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. slightly bent on the downhill will decrease stress on Improvements in conditions like knee osteoarthritis, the knees. back pain and sleep quality are apparent by simply Interval training will intensify a workout. Time the incorporating more steps into the day. intervals by walking as fast as possible; then, slow Bone loss happens naturally as through aging, the pace for a given time. Use markers, such as mailbut studies have shown that walking can prevent boxes, trees or number of steps, if timed intervals are bone loss, especially through an intensified workout. inconvenient. Pavement is an obvious terrain choice Increase pace and add body weight options throughfor a walk; however, choosing different terrains also out the walk in the form of pushups, squats or climbcan make a huge impact on the intensity of the working stairs. out. Walking on grass, gravel or sand will increase the The Department of Health and Human Services number of calories burned. advocates brisk walking for adults as a form of modStudies have shown walking can be one of the most erate exercise to lower the risk of excess weight gain beneficial forms of exercise to improve overall physiand promote long-term health. The guideline recommends 150 to 300 minutes of brisk walking per week. cal and mental health, increase longevity, mobility and functional years. The biggest difference in end The mental health benefits of walking also are impressive. Walking is the number one way to relieve results is determined by vigorousness and duration of the exercise. If the goal is to maximize health benstress and improve mental well-being. Walking efits, going beyond the minimum recommendation improves overall fitness, manages heart health and of walking 10,000 steps to 30 minutes per day while prevents high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. It adding intensity is the key. creates less stress on bones and joints than running, reduces pain, can help prevent weight gain, reduces Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness the risk for cancer and improves endurance and cirCenter in Dadeville. culation. It also strengthens bones and muscles and

MARCH 2022

LAKE 53

Amaretto Am I Wrong 54 LAKE

MARCH 2022

Amaretto Am I Wrong Try this sweet and tart cocktail with no artificial mixer from The Local at 41 Main in downtown Alexander City.

Fresh ingredients make the difference.

Ingredients

1.5 ounces Amaretto 0.5 ounces simple syrup 0.5 ounces egg white Juice of 1 Lemon

CHEERS!

BY JEREMY & STACEY JEFFCOAT

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients and dry shake (with no ice) for 10 seconds.

Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake again for 10 seconds.

Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.

Garnish with two cocktail cherries and a lemon-peel twist.

Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur originating from Saronno and may be made from apricots, almonds or peach stones. Amaretto also has culinary applications, as it is frequently added to desserts or whipped cream. It can be used in savory chicken dishes or used in an almondine sauce for fish and vegetables. A shot or two also adds a rich flavor to pancake batter.

This month’s cocktail was provided by The Local at 41 Main in Alexander City.

MARCH 2022

LAKE 55

Spring Conditions

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another plus for the activity level of the s I sat down to write this month’s bass. article, I was facing a dilemma In other words, this scenario is a prime at a Major League Fishing event opportunity to catch bass – and some of the that many anglers face in the largest bass of the year, at that. Since they late winter and early spring. We’d had a are heavy from the winter feed and haven’t variety of weather conditions within a few faced the rigors of the spawn yet, the fish days that are typical of the season we are now will be the healthiest all year. This is a in. Within less than a week’s time, we had great time to catch a trophy class fish. days in the 70s followed by heavy rain; When deciding what baits and presenthen, nights below freezing that warmed tations to use, first consider the activity with each day, followed by more heavy rain level of the bass. Warming water, wind in the forecast. Wind directions varied each and warm rain all indicate that the fish day. One day the wind blew very hard from BIG CATCHES should be looking to eat and on the move. the south; then, they switched to a north

BY GREG VINSON Typically, and angler wants the baits and wind following the front; and one day, there presentations to be more active as well. was no wind at all. Finding an approach Moving baits like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, vibrating to catch fish on a day like any one of these could be jigs, swim jigs, and possibly even surface baits like tricky because at any time, the mood, location or bait buzzbaits and toads, are possible fish catchers in these preferences of the fish can change just because of the conditions. Larger profile baits work well to target the weather. Trying to tackle this entire scenario could take a book and then some and still probably not cover it all, big bass. They are looking to feed and want more return on their investment when they decide to take a bite. but just for fun, let’s pick apart just one of these days/ The water closer to the surface will be the warmconditions. est around, so expect the fish to move shallower.

The day after this article was written was forecast Crankbaits that run 0 to 4 feet are ideal with the 4-foot as unseasonably warm. Heavy rain was likely, and the to 6-foot baits being a next option. It’s not uncommon wind was forecast to be strong out of the south and west until the front passed. Approaching fronts like this for the fish to position anywhere from 2 feet to inches of water in these type conditions. could trigger the bass to feed for a variety of reasons.

Match color selection to water color and consider First of all, the water temperature is on an upward forage in the process. Since we expect some clouds trend, especially in the shallower areas. In late winter with the rain coming and possibly more stained water, and early spring, the bass are gearing up for the spawn. colors should be darker or brighter as opposed to Each time the water warms, they tend to move shalneutral colors that work better in clear conditions. lower, perhaps to search out the spawning grounds and Crawfish are an important forage now, so reds, browns feed along the way. They also like to take advantage of and oranges are good crankbait and jig colors, while the warm water in the shallows. chartreuse is a good addition to baits that are meant to Warming water tends to boost the metabolism of the mimic baitfish. bass and their forage, meaning activity levels will be Some of the best cover to target this time of year is much higher with a warming trend. Then, there’s the rock, where crawfish hang out, as well as wood. A mixwind, further boosting the fish’s desire to feed. Heavy ture of the two is even better. When entering a potential wind can be too much of a good thing if it hampers an area, identify all the visible targets that may hold bass. angler’s ability to present a bait correctly. It’s almost Making multiple casts to each good target and possibly as if there’s a perfect amount of chop on the water. Too even presenting a couple of different baits will help in much, and proper casts and presentations are difficult; triggering a bite and helping dial in exactly what bait is too little, and the fish are more spooky.

Sometimes, this means finding an area that’s not get- most productive at the time.

The late winter/early spring can be a fickle time of ting directly hit by the strong winds because it’s slightly year to guess just how the bass are going to act. But, by buffered by a land mass like a point, hump, etc. The understanding the conditions at the time and adjusting overall area may be good because strong winds are the approach accordingly, anglers can maximize their piling in, pushing baitfish into the area. But the most chances of catching more fish, especially big fish, with productive area to catch the fish will be somewhat proan oncoming front. tected from the strongest wind.

Then, there’s the rain in the forecast. This rain fallGreg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on ing on warm terrain around the lake will generally be the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in the warmest water as it runs into the lake. A stain in the water accompanies this runoff, making a great feed- Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin. ing opportunity for the bass. Warm flowing water in the back of a creek or pocket can be a magnet for the forage and the bass. Even crawfish are being washed in from some of the larger creeks. Generally, low barometric pressure accompanies the front as it hits. That’s MARCH 2022

LAKE 57

New Homes With Luxurious Amenities: Resort, Golf, Tennis, Fishing, Spa, and Wooded Trails

Everyday Grandeur D I S C O V E R A LU X U R I O U S G O L F L I F E ST Y L E L I V I N G A LO N G G R A N D N AT I O N A L G O L F C O U R S E Tucked away on the outskirts of Auburn University at the world-class Grand National Golf Course, the award winning National Village offers everything you’ll ever need for the way you want to live. The thoughtfully crafted master planned community features georgeous homes designed by national award winner Larry Garnett and built by Ab and Don Conner at Conner Bros. Construction Co., Inc., a local company with more than 100 years of experience. With the Marriott at Grand National on site, residents enjoy championship golf, miles of picturesque nature trails and lakes for fishing, spa and pool. National Village is truly an unbelievable place to live – inside or out.

Plus, thanks to the high speed fiber optic network of Opelika (Alabama’s first Gig City), our homeowners enjoy some of the Nation’s fastest internet for any work- or learn-from-home requirements.

58 LAKE

T O L E A R N M O R E , C A L L U S AT 3 3 4 . 7 4 9 . 8 1 6 5 O R V I S I T W W W.MARCH N AT I O N2022 A LV I L L A G E . C O M .

Give some love to your short game

H

golfers putt to the ball and stop, instead of ello Lake Martin! putting through the ball, following through March has arrived, meaning to the target. that spring is drawing ever closer.

During the winter months, focus is diverted Chipping for success from golf and lake activities by what I call, Place the hands and weight slightly for“the big four” – Thanksgiving, Christmas, ward in the stance. This will create a slightly New Year’s and the Super Bowl. I know, descending clubhead to pop the ball in the I know. In the South, the NCAA National air. Keep the body stationary and hands quiet Championship game is substituted for the through the chip. Think and play as if putNFL. But I do hope that everyone managed ting with a pitching wedge. Keep the lead to enjoy these periods of celebration safely hand moving through impact towards the with family and friends, and now, let’s focus target. This will keep the club face square to on the future. the target throughout the shot.

THE SCRAMBLE I have been blessed to work and teach Sand saving techniques

BY ROB WITHERINGTON in the golf industry for more than three Align the body open in relation to the decades. I have met and taught many wontarget.

The club face should be open; then, derful people how to improve their games. swing across the body line to slice the sand from under More often than that, I have seen many people attempt to the ball.

Hinge the wrists and use them aggressively. This improve their games on their own. The majority of these creates the club head speed needed but keeps the toe golfers hit bag after bag of range balls but spend very trailing through the shot. little time on the practice green area.

Take a dollar bill of sand without striking the ball.

When I teach a short game lesson as part of my beginThis is the only shot in golf where the club does not hit ner’s series package, I promise a five-shot improvement the ball.

Picture a $1 bill on the sand, and imagine that in scoring. Harvey Penick acknowledged that about the ball has come to rest covering George Washington’s half of a golfer’s shots are struck within 60 yards of the face.

Forget about the ball and look at the beginning edge flagstick. But many continue to wear themselves out by of the dollar.

Slice a dollar bill of sand with your swing. spending 80 percent of their efforts on the long game.

“March” into spring with a focus on improving the Flip that this spring by spending more time practicshort game to save shots and minimize the madness. ing the short game, and watch scores get lower. Here Bobby Jones said the secret of shooting low scores is are some tips to overcome many of the common errors I the ability to turn three shots into two. Find the practice have seen. green area more often and find your local PGA profesPutting for performance sional if you need some help.

Begin practice sessions with short putts to gain confiHappy golfing. dence early in the day. See the ball go into the cup often before lengthening the putting distance. Keep the head Rob "Gabby" Witherington is the PGA professional at and body stationary throughout the putting stroke. Many Stillwaters Golf Club in Dadeville. Contact him by email golfers sway, move or look up while putting, but the at robwitherington@gmail.com. stroke should accelerate through the ball strike. Many MARCH 2022

LAKE 59

Legend

63 280

To Sylacauga

Ti L

22

23

19

9

Churches

4

T

Alexander City

Public Boat Ramps

Camp ASCCA

11 Flint Hill Church

Camps & Parks 280

Power lines U.S. Highways

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

10

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

18 20

New Hope Church

Liberty Church

12 Willow Point

24

7

13

Equality

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

Camp Alamisco

14

Kowaliga Boat Landing

22 The Ridge

55

5

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

1 15

Church in The Pines

24

2

The Amp Ko w

ali

19 80

9

Central

ga

Ba

y

29 90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

20 Kent

60 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

34

MARCH 2022

Timbergut Landing

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Lake Martin Alabama Marinas

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

49

Jacksons Gap 280

Bethel Church

21

Dadeville

57

280

25 Camp Hill

Smith Landing

28

16

6

4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 20 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

42. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700 19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

4. Russell Building Supply 21 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

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

4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 22 256-794-1333 288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010

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

234. Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

2. Parker Creek Marina 7 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 83. Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600 397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853 www.harborpointe.net

Restaurants & Venues

Walnut Hill

27 26

50

on

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

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

9

17 50

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

2. Alex City Marine 11 256-215-FISH(3474) 2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Stillwaters

8

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

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

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

18 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010

2. Lakeside Marina 9 256-825-9286 7361 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Pleasant Ridge Church

6. SpringHouse 13 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 146. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 15 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

Business & Shopping

11. Kowaliga Marina 256-397-1210 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

24. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 25 . Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 21322 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853 26 . Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage 334-391-0717 8421 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 27 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853 28 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820 8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders 29 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25.

Contact our Marketing Department at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

16 Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337 5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853 17 The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887 8605 AL HWY 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Reeltown

MARCH 2022

LAKE 61

Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine Downtown Girl Shay Aesthetics JR'S Hillabee Towers Senior Nutrition Center Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Dark Insurance Warren Appliance MainStreet Family Care Grace's Flowers Koon's Korner Larry's General Merchandise Daylight Donuts Alfa Valley Bank - 280 Pricare Temple Medical AllState BB&T Bank Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance North Lake Condo River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro

Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall A&E Metal Regions Bank Marathon - 280 Renfroe's Market Russell Medical Center Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors Koon's II Tallapoosa Ford Dylan Johnson - Country Financial Holley's Home Furniture Jackson's Drugs Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark The Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que Russell Do It Center Russell Home Decor Holman Floor Satterfield Inc. Grain & Leaf, Bottles & Cigars Tippy Canoe Love Lake Martin Real Estate Office Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina on Lake Martin Nails Kowaliga Marina Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office

Russell Lands Real Estate Sales Center Springhouse Restaurant Ridge Club Ridge Marina HACKNEYVILLE Hackneyville Water Authority NEW SITE Piggly Wiggly - New Site Foodland DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Ellaby Boutique, LLC Alabama Power Siggers Siggers Barbershop Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library At the Beauty Shop Dadeville Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's Tallapoosa Nutrition Sweet Pickins Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters Country Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Aronov Realty Lake Martin

lamberthandlamberth.com

256-234-6401 6 Franklin Street • Alexander City

Mon - Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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MARCH 2022

Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks Lake Martin Pizza CAMP HILL Link Gas Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina Charles Borden ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Offshore Marina Lake Martin Mini Mall Corner Stone Coffee Co. Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Catering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Anchor Bay Marina Wetumpka Wetumpka Herald Office Tallassee Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber Parris Mullins Jr. O.D. Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $50 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

COACH KRAFT

KOWALIGA WHOLE HEALTH PET CARE

We’re Live!

Mary S. Battistella, DVM March Special

www.lakemagazine.life

UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery!

Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers ■

Spays & Neuters (334) 857-1816

Patrick Mason 334-283-6759

8610 KOWALIGA ROAD ECLECTIC, ALABAMA

676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com

IF YOUR ADVERTISING HAS NO AUDIENCE, IS IT REALLY ADVERTISING? IT’S ALL ABOUT THE AUDIENCE.

ALEXCITYOUTLOOK.COM | 256-234-4281 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKETING CONSULTATION

LAKE

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Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin.

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MARCH 2022

LAKE 63

Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing............................................................. 55

Insight Dock Company.............................................. 46

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

Alabama Power.............................................................. 3

Jill Floyd Holt Fine Art................................................. 6

Reinhardt Lexus.......................................................... 25

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

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

Renaissance Electronics............................................... 5

Alex City Marine......................................................... 21

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

Russell Lands................................................................ 68

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

Lake Martin Baptist Church..................................... 45

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

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

Lake Martin Dock....................................................... 14

Satterfield........................................................................ 5

Childersburg Primary Care...................................... 45

Lake Martin Mortgage................................................ 49

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

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

Lake Martin Realty...................................................... 43

Singleton Marine......................................................... 49

Custom Docks............................................................. 55

Lake Martin Signature Construction...................... 32

Sparkle Cleaning Services......................................... 65

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

Lake Martin Storm Shelters..................................... 24

Sunrise Dock................................................................ 11

Diamond Golf Cars.................................................... 24

Lamberth & Lamberth............................................... 62

Temple Medical Center............................................... 8

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

Mark King's Furniture................................................ 42

Tippy Canoe................................................................... 6

Electronic Technology Group................................... 63

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

TowBoat US................................................................. 64

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

National Village............................................................ 58

Vacation Rental Management................................... 63

Henderson Glass......................................................... 63

Odd Jobs....................................................................... 48

Heritage South Credit Union.................................. 48

Offshore Marine....................................................11, 19

Holiday Cove............................................................... 12

Off the Beaton Path..................................................... 8

Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage............... 63

Precise Pressure Washing......................................... 63

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MARCH 2022

WINDOW CLEANING PRESSURE WASHING GUTTER CLEANING SOFT WASHING

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Serving Auburn, Opelika & Lake Martin Areas!

(334) 759-7080 • sparklealabama.com

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LAKE 65

Parting Shot

A young runner celebrates crossing the finishing line at the 2022 Russell Forest Run

Photo by Kenneth Boone

"The harder the struggle the more glorious the triumph." ~ Thomas Paine

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MARCH 2022

Lake traditions begin at The Heritage. Build yours.

Russell Lands extraordinary lakefront community and Coore & Crenshaw golf

O

ne of the South’s most distinguished companies, Russell Lands, has unveiled plans for Lake Martin’s newest luxury residential development, The Heritage. With stunning lakeside living,

families will build memories, season after season. The centerpiece of the neighborhood will be Wicker Point Golf Club, a signature Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw private golf course, with 18-holes in an extraordinary natural setting of pine plantations, meandering creeks and lakefront holes. A flagship lake club for residents will offer fun, family recreation.

Don’t miss the life that will rewrite your heritage for generations. Opportunities coming summer 2022.

RussellLands.com/The-Heritage | 256.215.7011 | RealEstate@RussellLands.com

This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in The Heritage development to residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania or South Carolina, or to residents of any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. No offering can be made to residents of New York until an offering plan is filed with the Department of Law of the State of New York. The

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Heritage is a proposed planned master development on the shores of Lake Martin, Alabama that does not yet exist.

MARCH 2022