Lake Martin Living March 2023

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From the Editor’s Desk Lake Martin Living

My mother is a plant whisperer. She can coax any of a variety of vegetables out of the ground and sweet talk the saddest of plants back to life. Unfortunately, it is not a gene that she passed on to me. I think I have mentioned in a previous column that my husband and children used to buy plants for me on special occasions; and then, among themselves, take bets on how long the plants might survive before I neglected them to death.

When we moved into the rectory at St. James Episcopal Church a few years ago, I was determined to offer passersby the same kind of lovely and colorful garden displays my neighbors put out in their front yards. I purchased good potting soil and quality plants; and then, I tried something new: I actually watered them.

The results were amazing. My hanging baskets overflowed with magnificent color, and the potted plants on my porch grew tall enough to create a screen so thick it shaded the dining table on the porch from the hot afternoon sun. Visitors who didn’t know me better complimented my green thumb. Little did they know …

For those of you who recognize that successful gardening requires more than just good dirt and water, this year’s gardening issue of Lake Martin Living magazine includes more – more instruction, more information, more options.

Tallapoosa County Extension Coordinator Shane Harris offers the most essential advice in his column, ‘Best way to spend $10 in your garden’ on page 18. The answer is simple, but it’s sound wisdom from someone who is as good at gardening as my mother.

Be sure to pop in on George Miranda’s Medical News column on page 30, too. I ran into the director of Russell Medical’s UAB Cancer Center downtown a couple of months ago, and he confessed to me that his undergrad major was journalism. He’s written one or two guest columns for us in the past, and I remembered him to be an engaging, entertaining writer. George was kind enough to jump at the opportunity to write these medical features going forward, so please welcome him to our pages and thank him for lending his expertise.

When my friend, Brandy Hastings, showed off the jellyfish planters she’d made for her patio, I was so tickled, I just had to share it. She graciously agreed to send directions, which you will find on page 12.

Then, Erin Chesnutt discovered Fig & Wasp, a wonderful shop full of collectibles, antiques and unique gardening what-have-you in Waverly. Check out her article and the photos on page 10. Erin said it is definitely worth the drive to the east side of Tallapoosa County to spend time at this charming discovery.

You’ll find another harbinger of spring on page 40, where the calendar is filling up with our favorite seasonal activities. We’ll be out there, too; whispering spring flowers into bloom and sharing stories of how lucky we are to live where we do.

Chairman

Kenneth Boone

General Manager

Tippy Hunter

Editor-in-Chief

Betsy Iler

Creative Services

Audra Spears

Business & Digital Development Director

Angela Mullins

Contributors

Kenneth Boone

Breanna Manley

Lacey Howell

Shane Harris

Jerry Clark

Brandy Hastings

George Miranda

Gina Abernathy

Audra Spears

Cliff Williams

Abigail Murphy

Henry Zimmer

William Marlow

Erin Chesnutt

Lizi Arbogast Gwin

Katherine Denton

Audience Development Director

Erin Burton

Marketing/Advertising Sales

Renee Trice

Emily Gregg

Marilyn Hawkins

Sheryl Jennings

Hidey Arrington

Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999

Alexander City, AL 35011

256-234-4281

www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

Betsy Iler, Editor-in-Chief

FEATURES

12. SUCCULENT JELLYFISH

Brandy Hastings shares a tutorial for a whimsical patio planter project.

14. FARM -TO-TABLE RESTAURANTS

Local chefs connect with area farmers to bring patrons fresh ingredients.

26. TIPS FROM LOCAL GARDENERS

Local gardeners share their best tips and tricks for first time gardeners.

34. INHERIT THE WIND

Inherit the Wind directors share what audience can expect in upcoming production.

IN EVERY ISSUE

9. AROUND THE AREA 10. GO LOCAL 18. GARDEN TALK 22. GOOD EATS 30. MEDICAL NEWS

Follow local gardeners best tips for growing beautiful flowers that attract butterflies and other desireable wildlife.

Short Term Rehab

Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

Long Term Skilled Nursing Care

New editor is a familiar face at TPI

Lizi Arbogast Gwin has been named the new managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

A born and raised Virginian, she describes herself as a sports fanatic and an avid Washington Capitals and Detroit Lions fan. Gwin attended Virginia Commonwealth University before launching a full-time career in journalism.

She began her career in newspapers in 2011 and worked six years as a sports reporter for various Pennsylvania newspapers.

In 2017, Gwin transplanted to Alexander City to serve as sports editor for The Outlook from 2017 to 2020 and said she immediately fell in love with the area.

“I am so excited to be back at TPI, and I can't wait to start serving this community again,” Gwin said. “When I moved here in 2017, I didn't expect this to be my forever home, and when I left TPI in 2020, I never thought I'd have the opportunity to come back. I am so happy to be working with my TPI family again.”

She Couldn't Stay Away

~ Abigail Murphy

Rotary takes state awards

Generosity was the name of the game for the Alexander City Rotary Club, which recently earned awards at a state conference comprising Rotary clubs from across northern Alabama.

Alexander City’s club was recognized for 100 percent participation in the Rotary Foundation, specifically with all members donating at least $100 during the 2021-22 year.

Alexander City Rotary Club president Larry Bates expressed his admiration to the Alexander City club’s 18 members and their dedication, noting the significance of the achievement.

“That’s a worldwide goal we have, which is for every Rotarian to contribute $100 annually to the foundation,” Bates said.

“Our motto is ‘Service above Self,’” Bates said. “Rotary fundamentally exists to bring together business and professional

leaders to provide humanitarian services and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. We find ways in which we can serve the communities we live in.”

In Alexander City, the club’s signature local project is supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“We were looking for an ongoing project that would be a benefit over time to Alexander City and surrounding community, and the children we send books to are in Tallapoosa, Coosa and Clay counties,” Bates said.

Over the past decade, the club has provided books monthly to over 600 children in the tri-county area, with the club’s grant purchasing enough books to increase community participation in the program by 20%.

~ William Marlow

Lizi Arbogast Gwin now serves as the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Wild Azalea

TPI art director Audra Spears placed third in the 2023 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest with this stunning close up of an azalea.

Fig & Wasp

A Waverly shop that's worth the drive

Tammy “Scout” Nance and Meredith Frye are more than just antique enthusiasts; they are a mother-and-daughter team that offers a unique collection of items in their Waverly shop called Fig & Wasp. The pair have been at their location on Patrick Street since August of 2020, and business has been brisk.

“I grew up collecting antiques with my mother and just fell in love with them myself,” explained Frye. Although they started as collectors, they soon realized they needed to sell a few pieces. When Nance relocated to Auburn from Marietta, Georgia, she knew there would not be enough room in her new home for everything she had collected over the years. The mother-and-daughter team decided to start a booth business in antique malls. The business kept them busy for 10 years, but as they added different vendors, they realized it was time to open their own store.

Nance traveled to England about six years ago to visit a friend in London and fell in love with European Farmhouse pottery. When her friend moved back to the States and began making the creamy white pottery, it was added to the store.

The pottery has become a favorite item for customers, and Nance has expanded the “Scout Pottery” line to include mugs, wine crocks and platters. Frye added Huriz Rugs imported from Turkey, and the addition became an instant hit.

“The rugs are beautiful and very popular; I became known as the “Rug Lady,” Frye said.

Along with her family and parents, Frye moved to Waverly and looked for a place to open the store. The old Waverly Railroad House was a perfect fit, and the store originally opened in January of 2020. Once the pandemic hit, the mother-and-daughter team decided the timing was not right. With the future of the world

in very uncertain times, they shut everything down and closed the store in April of that same year.

By August of 2020, they decided to try again. They opened in the old grocery store and from the very first day, customers were excited about the variety of quality products they offered. The new location seemed perfect – there was even a fig tree in the back. Each owner lives just one block from the store in opposite directions, so the location is perfect for both.

Fig & Wasp got its name when Frye was picking figs with her children and noticed there were many wasps around it. She did some research and found that figs and wasps need each other to survive.

“It seemed perfect for us. My mom and I have very different personalities but have always gotten along and enjoy working together,” Frye explained.

The pair have established great vendor relationships and attribute those to much of their success. They are

looking forward to spring and will be bringing in gardening items from Maine. They will stock a variety of gardening accessories, everything from watering cans to vegetable baskets called Garden Hods, which will be ready for shoppers to prepare spring gardens. Quirky pots with faces molded into them would be a fun addition to any porch or patio.

All in the Family Clockwise from Left: The Waverly shop is filled with treasures collected by the mother-and-daughter owners; a variety of gift items are available; the storefront matches the charm of this offthe-beaten-path town.

Fig & Wasp is located at 1500 Patrick St. in Waverly. The shop is open Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Succulent Jellyfish

STORY & PHOTO BY BRANDY HASTINGS

Create whimsical fun and add an attractive aquatic vibe to your patio setting with an easy succulent jellyfish planter project. Use string of pearl or string of dolphin succulents for the tentacles, and plant rosettes or other close-to-the-ground succulents for the bell to invite a coastal flair to your outdoor living space.

The first thing you will need is a hanging coco basket with metal framework. Try to find one that has a removable hanger that you could remove and reinstall to hang the basket upside down. Coco baskets have a lining made from compressed coconut fibers. They are a gardener’s favorite planter for a natural look.

You also will need heavy duty felt and craft wire. Find a piece of felt that is large enough to cover the open space of the basket; and then, cut it slightly larger than the outer edge of the wire basket. With the coco lining in place inside the basket, use the wire like thread and sew the felt over the one half of the basket opening. Keep stitches no more than about 1 centimeter apart. This step is the most important and is crucial to creating a firm foundation for your jellyfish.

Once you have sewn the cover over half of the basket rim, fill the inside of the basket with an appropriate soil mix for your selected plants. You may also choose to add in some sand or peat moss to ensure you have ample drainage, as this will help your plants thrive.

Make sure to fill the basket completely since you will be flipping it over and planting on the outside. Any lack of soil will create an empty spot at the top of planter, and the succulents wouldn’t have ample soil in which to root.

When you have finished laying in the soil, sew the wire around the other half of the basket, again making tight stitches. Keep the felt taut, as you don’t want it to have too much give or make your jellyfish droopy. Don’t worry too much if your stitching looks less than stellar; your plants will cover the rim, and the stitching will not be visible.

Before turning the jellyfish over, use a blade to make a small slit about 1 inch long into the center of the felt. Gently plant the roots of the string succulents inside the small hole you created. To give your stringy plant a little more

stability, form a small piece of outstretched wire into a ‘U’ shape, like a staple. Place it around the base of the plant, near the roots, sticking the wire ends into the soil. This will help hold the plant in place as it is taking root.

For the bell of the jellyfish, turn the basket upside down and gently place it over a large bowl or between two large pieces of wood, so the string succulents are not crushed. Rosette succulents tend to lay very nicely over the bell, but there are many opportunities to customize your jellyfish. The possibilities are endless.

Insert plants across the bell, spacing them evenly, so they have room to grow and spread. Simply separate the coconut fibers, dig a small hole and work in your plants. Just like you did with the succulents that made up the tentacles, you can create wire clips to give the plants a little extra security as they establish their new roots. Just tuck the clips under the fibers to make them less visible. You can continue to insert your plants around the bell of the jellyfish until you are pleased with the final product.

Your succulent jellyfish won’t require much maintenance, and it will flourish in a nice spot with indirect light. While they will need to be watered about once a week, succulents don’t need to be kept at a high-moisture level. If in doubt, err on the side of less water, as overwatering succulents can cause root rot.

There are no set rules to this project. Harness your inner creativity and have some fun with it. Try experimenting with Spanish moss for the tentacles instead of using string succulents, or maybe weave in some fairy lights to add a little sparkle. While these tips serve as a blueprint for the project, don’t be afraid to use your imagination while creating your own succulent jellyfish. And don’t stop at making just one. Make a whole smack of them using various sizes of coco baskets if you can find them. Whatever you choose will individualize this intriguing conversation piece in your home, and you will have a great time creating this coastal arrangement.

Smucker Get creative about your jellyfish names; Brandy named hers after a jar of jelly.

Farm-to-Table Restaurants

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

Lake Martin is home to some incredible farm-totable dining options that seamlessly incorporate fresh and local ingredients into a variety of mouthwatering dishes by learned chefs who have passion for the plate.

Though the view from SpringHouse draws in customers from around the lake and beyond, it’s the unique blend of locally sourced ingredients that captivates them and keeps them coming back.

SpringHouse at Russell Crossroads prides itself on serving fare centered around farm-fresh, local ingredients picked up at area farmers markets.

SpringHouse General Manager and Executive Chef Pete McKenny credits his interest in fresh ingredients to his time spent in Washington before making his way back to Russell Lands, where his culinary career began.

“I got into farm-to-table when I was out in Washington state. We had quite a few farmers we used. It was just something amazing to see the local produce. Coming here to Alabama and SpringHouse, I began going seven months out of the year to the farmers market to pick up as much as I can locally,” McKenny explained.

McKenny looks forward to knowing where the food comes from and interacting with local farmers and merchants. Knowing the quality of ingredients puts his mind at ease when preparing dishes.

“I really enjoy knowing where the food comes from. Going and seeing the food in person, I get to pick out some of the highest quality produce that I’ve seen in years. I think the guests at SpringHouse know that quality is a big thing. For the guests, being able to witness what we do is satisfying and rewarding,” McKenny said.

Depending on what he’s looking for, McKenny goes to several local sources for produce.

“I go to the Montgomery Curb Market, and I go there every week. I also get a bunch from other area local farmers. I use Maddox Farms for the heirloom tomatoes. I was using Ruby’s Slippers for a while, but she got out of the restaurant industry. I just try to source as much as I can from local farmers before I go into ordering from the bigger companies,” McKenny explained.

SpringHouse also sources blueberries, figs and strawberries from local farmers. In addition, McKenny has discovered Sky Farms in Alexander City, where he can find

oysters, lions main mushrooms and sprouts. With several local connections to provide fresh flavor and ingredients to SpringHouse patrons, this unique dining experience at Lake Martin also has a garden of its own. McKenny uses it for herbs and other fresh produce.

He believes sourcing local ingredients and implementing them into dishes provides a unique taste and flavor combination that wouldn’t be achieved with frozen ingredients.

“Using frozen, it retains a lot of water, so once it thaws, I can tell the difference. The texture and taste are affected by the water it retains from being frozen. Depending on how long it’s been in the freezer, it can take on that freezer taste. I believe just having fresh ingredients uplifts the plates much more,” he said.

In fact, one of the most requested SpringHouse dishes heavily features local produce.

“I have to say the signature dish is the vegetable plate when it’s in season. It’s our top seller for about a good four months out of the year when I have it on the menu. Those first four months, I’ll sell 40 to 50 plates a night, and I’d say that’s more than 50 percent of sales,” McKenny said.

Another great opportunity for locals to experience fresh produce is The Landing at Parker Creek in Equality, where Chef Torrey Hall takes advantage of having one of his favorite ingredient suppliers just up the road at Forestwood Farm. Having a distribution center so close means receiving great, local produce in its best condition. According to Hall, being a farm-to-table restaurant is not for the faint of heart nowadays. Finding good produce can be time consuming, but with his experience in his own garden, he understands the difference made in choosing fresh over frozen.

“Being a farm-to-table restaurant nowadays is hard, but at The Landing, we try our best to source as many local ingredients as we can,” Hall explained.

The signature dishes at The Landing are always changing, depending on the availability of locally grown ingredients.

There’s nothing like the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables. Enjoy these great eats knowing you’re supporting local, hardworking farmers.

If you’ve ever tried to keep an herb and/or vegetable garden thriving during a scorching Lake Martin summer, you know it requires a lot of water. But with the latest in hydroponic growing systems, you can use 98 percent less water, grow at a faster rate and have a greater yield.

Hydroponic gardening uses no dirt, herbicides, pesticides or GMOs. Plants thrive because their roots are immersed in nutrient rich water. Nowadays, practically anyone can grow a productive herb/vegetable garden in a very small space indoors or out. Systems have become more compact and smarter with some even alerting you when more water is needed.

The easiest things to grow in hydroponic systems are lettuces, tomatoes, radishes, kale, cucumbers, spinaches, beans, chives, basil, mint, strawberries, blueberries, peppers and flowers. Deep-rooted veggies like carrots and plants that need a lot of space, like melons, are not well suited for hydroponic systems.

Hydroponic systems are becoming increasingly popular with home cooks as they offer the freshness of a farm-to-table experience. Fresh food tastes better, has more nutrients and lasts longer in the refrigerator.

My dad recently experienced this phenomenon firsthand. He has always been a meat-and-potatoes type guy who reluctantly ate his vegetables. When my mom received a 6-foot-tall hydroponic farm stand as a gift, I began

Small Space Gardening

A SIMPLE LIFE

sarcastically teasing him about all the salads in his future. But when I went to visit them over the holidays, my dad raved about how fresh and delicious the salads were, how beautiful the broccoli was and how sweet the strawberries were. I was surprised, to say the least.

My sister, Karen Armendariz, purchased a 6-foot-tall Lettuce Grow Farm Stand at the height of the pandemic. She planted a mixture of 36 different herbs, vegetables and flowers. She describes it as edible entertainment.

“My farmstand is a hive of activity. I like to walk around it in the morning with my cup of coffee, just admiring the produce and the butterflies it attracts. Sometimes, things grow overnight. It’s exciting. I grew a zucchini almost as long as my arm,” she said.

If you’re a DIY sort of person, there are numerous resources on YouTube to help you design and build a custom hydroponic system. YouTube videos by Urban Gardening and Epic Gardening offer step-bystep instructions and make it look super easy and cost effective. If you’re more like me and prefer to buy a premade system, there are lots from which to choose.

AeroGarden has been providing indoor hydroponic growing systems since 2006. They offer numerous tabletop and stackable floor models with user friendly options, like vacation mode, touchscreen controls and app connectivity with Alexa. Options include the threepod Sprout (the most compact); six-pod Harvest (the most popular); nine-pod Bounty and 24-pod Farm 24 (the largest). The systems also come in a variety of colors and surfaces to match your interiors. Check them out at Aerogarden.com.

~ Katherine Denton is a professional organizer, bookkeeper and personal assistant. For more tips, visit myfriendkatherine.com.

Katherine Denton

Everyday Grandeur

DISCOVER A LUXURIOUS GOLF LIFESTYLE LIVING ALONG GRAND NATIONAL GOLF COURSE

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.

Best way to spend $10 in your garden

Ican always tell when people are getting in the mood to prepare for another year of gardening, taking care of the lawn and doing yard work. My phone rings a little more often, and the traffic of people coming by the Extension office increases as they seek information and answers to questions. The tease of spring weather and beautiful warm days seems to have that effect.

People calling for soil tests is a good thing. They naturally anticipate having another fabulous vegetable garden, a lush green lawn, a more abundant fruit orchard and an even better spring flower show. That’s what everyone wants, right? Of course, but to accomplish that goal, the necessary preparations must be made. It all begins with the soil.

GARDEN TALK

When it comes to finding out the nutritional requirements of your garden, lawn or field, don’t guess. Get a $10 soil test.

Harris

If you haven’t recently tested the soil where you plan to grow vegetables, grass, fruits, shrubs or flowers, you really have no idea if it needs or doesn’t need lime or fertilizer.

Plants will not grow without the proper amount of water, light, air and nutrition. That is a simple fact. Most plants naturally get plenty of water, light and air if grown in the right locations; however, the right location doesn’t always mean that plants are grown in the right soil to receive adequate nutrition. They may get some nutrition in an untested location, but more than likely, it’s not the amount they really need. The available nutrients for a plant are ultimately determined by the levels in the soil where the plant is growing. The real challenge is learning that nutritional level.

That’s where a soil test comes in. To determine what nutrients a plant really needs and how much it needs, a soil test is highly recommended. A soil test will reveal the pH of the soil and the amount of nutrients available to the plant. It also provides fertilizer and/or lime recommendations.

Money Well Spent

An inexpensive, soil test kit is the wisest investment you can make for your garden.

Finding out the soil pH is the most important result of the soil test analysis, as it measures the soil’s acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7.0 is neutral; below 7.0 is acid; and above 7.0 is alkaline. If

Shane

the soil pH is too acid (below 5.5), it may be too low for most garden plants. Lime would then be recommended to raise the pH to around 6.5. Most garden plants do best in a slightly acid soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). On the other hand, azaleas, rhododendrons, gardenias, hydrangeas and blueberries grow best in a very acid soil (pH less than 5.5).

Lime is not a nutrient but actually a finely ground rock that raises the soil pH. Since East Central Alabama soils are naturally acidic, adding lime will help raise soil to a level that plants prefer and from which they can better obtain nutrients.

This is why a soil test is so critical. To put it in simple terms, the soil pH chemically controls what nutrients and how much can be efficiently taken up by the plant, including any fertilizer the gardener might apply. All nutrients and fertilizers are best used and available when the pH is in the ideal range for a particular plant. Step one is to correct the soil pH; otherwise, fertilizer will be wasted.

Once that optimum pH level is reached, lime should not be added until the soil pH lowers and becomes more acidic. Over time, rainfall will naturally change the pH and slowly cause the soil to become more acidic. A soil test every three years will help keep that level in check.

The second most important information to be gleaned from a soil test are the nutrient levels and fertilizer recommendations. A soil test will reveal the level of nutrients in the soil. These include phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium. The test will indicate recommended amounts of fertilizer (ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and/or lime needed for the plant.

Although plants need fertilizer, especially nitrogen, to fully grow and develop, too much of a good thing may not be such a great idea either. Using the same type and amount of fertilizer for several years could create problems. Over time, certain elements, such as phosphorus, build up in the soil and do not need to be applied each year. Plants will only use what they need, and over fertilizing could cause them damage.

An official soil test reveals exactly what the plant and soil need. Guessing doesn’t work and probably would do more harm than good. I like to compare getting a soil test to hearing a diagnosis from a medical doctor. Before a doctor prescribes any type of treatment or medication for cold or ailment, he or she first finds out exactly what your medical condition or problem is; then, the proper amount and type of medicine is prescribed for getting well. Hopefully, doctors don’t guess. From the diagnosis, they know what to recommend.

Easy Peasy

Top to bottom: Just dig up a soil sample; put it in the box provided; fill out the paperwork and drop it by the Extension office or mail to Auburn University Soil Testing Lab.

The same could be said about the soil of a garden or lawn. Before applying lime or fertilizers, be sure of what the plant needs. Get a soil test; otherwise, you are simply guessing. Not only could you be harming the plants by applying the wrong products, but also, you could be wasting your time and money.

Before buying or applying anything, remove all doubt and get your soil tested.

Don’t spend thousands of dollars on a new landscape project or install a new lawn without it. An official soil test costs a mere $10, and the results from the Auburn University Soil Testing Lab are available after only a couple of weeks.

Extension offices all across the state have soil tests on hand and offer this service. The bags of fertilizers and lime that many people buy and possibly don’t need cost well over that. For $10, find out what the yard and plants need to look great this year.

A soil test is a wise investment.

For help on other home and garden questions, contact your local county Extension office or visit us online

~ Shane Harris is the County Extension Coordinator for Tallapoosa County.

Soil Testing Kits

Pick up soil test kits at one of these local offices or retailers

• Tallapoosa County Extension Office – County Courthouse, Dadeville

• Floyd’s Feed & Seed –Dadeville

• Pop’s 49 Feed & Seed –Dadeville

• Abernathy Farm Supply –Alexander City

• Tractor Supply – Alexander City

• Town Hall – New Site

• Linda’s Greenhouse –Walnut Hill

• Super Foods – Tallassee

Deliver them to the Tallapoosa County Extension office in the courthouse at Dadeville or mail directly to Auburn University Soil Testing Lab.

Sweet

Pineapple Casserole

A favorite treat for Easter dinner

Pineapple casserole is a sweet and savory Southern dish. It’s delicious, and after the first bite, you’ll be hooked. This recipe is straightforward and requires just a few pantry ingredients. Add this to your Easter menu, and your family will thank you.

Pineapple casserole is a dish usually seen during the holidays because it pairs well with ham or turkey. It’s intended as a side dish, but with the sweetness of the pineapple, it could be a dessert. It’s an odd combination, but all the flavors work nicely together.

Adding pineapple to this dish may seem strange, but it’s similar to bread pudding. You will be amazed at how delicious this simple casserole tastes.

GOOD EATS

and it’s a tried-and-true recipe. My family expects this pineapple bake to show up on the holiday table. It is a favorite side dish and is requested often. It’s fancy for the holidays but simple enough for a weeknight side dish.

This casserole is so simple, and with just a few minutes of prep, you can have it made and in the oven. This recipe can be mixed by hand; an electric mixer is unnecessary.

Try this for your next holiday gathering or something different during the week. In my opinion, no holiday is complete without a Pineapple Casserole.

~ Gina Abernathy is the author and recipe creator behind the blog, Home at Cedar Springs Farm.

I’ve been making this casserole for over 30 years,

Pineapple Casserole

Ingredients

5 cups cubed bread

1/2 cup milk

3 eggs, beaten

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter, softened

1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits with juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, mix milk, eggs, sugar and butter. Add pineapple and juice. Mix well. Add cubed bread. Stir until bread is coated.

Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. Pour the pineapple mixture into the dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Pineapple Casserole

• Do not drain the pineapple juice.

• If you don’t like tidbits, use crushed pineapple instead.

• You can leave the crust on or cut it off when cubing the bread.

• For a thicker casserole, use a smaller pan.

• Bake uncovered, so the top will brown.

• Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes before serving.

• Store all leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Gina Abernathy

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

7:30 P.M.

HAM AMPHITHEATRE

Tips from Local Gardeners

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

With daylight hours extending as summer nears, gardening is soon to be on the forefront of minds. Though the art of gardening may seem daunting at times, a few easy steps and tips from those who know what they’re doing could put you well on your way to planting any type of garden you want.

Before digging holes, take the time to do the research and create a plan. Envisioning the type of garden and plants you want – and scouting out their perfect locations – are key details to success.

“One of the main things to think of is what you want to accomplish and identify what you want to set up gardening-wise,” said Russell Lands’ Larry Bates. “You need to form a set of goals or a vision for what you hope to accomplish, rather than just marching out there and digging holes. You need to put some time into what you want to plant, what type of garden you want and the types of plants you use. You need to decide whether the area is sunny or shady – that makes a difference. Put a little effort into planning the work before you just dive in and start digging.”

Any avid gardener will tell you the success of your garden depends on two key points: the amount of sun your gardening location gets and the pH of your soil. Depending on the plants you’re thinking of adding, you may need a more acidic type of soil or one that is more alkaline. With proper research and a quick soil test, you could determine if a specific plant or vegetable will grow and produce well.

“Get the soil tested before you start. It helps you know what types of plants will survive there. The soil test will help you determine if the spot you’re planting flowers or vegetables in has acidity or alkaline. Depending on the plant, it might do better in soil that has acidity, or it might do better if the soil has a higher alkalinity, it just depends on the plant. Doing a soil test beforehand is the best way to ensure success,” said Tallapoosa County Master Gardener Prencella Hamby.

Where you place the garden will determine what you could plant in it, depending on the amount of sun exposure the area receives. If you want to grow specific plants, learn their requirements and locate the garden space accordingly.

According to Dadeville Beautification Board member, Elaine Forbus, when it comes to vegetable gardens, careful consideration of the seasons is also important. Different vegetables grow in different seasons.

“You need to consider the seasons. Vegetables grow in different seasons. For example, lettuce is not something you want to plant in May because it takes a cooler temperature to grow. A lot of research and planning goes into a successful vegetable garden,” Forbus explained.

A garden full of shrubs and flowers also takes a lot of research and careful, strategic planning. Though a plant might bloom and be beautiful during the spring and summer months, it might struggle to keep its beauty during the winter months.

“If you’re setting out shrubs by your home, you’ve got to do your research there, too. What kind of shrubs do you want? Do you want something that’s going to stay green year-round, or do you want your plants looking dead outside in the wintertime? Do you want color or not? There are just a lot of variations to consider,” Forbus said.

Though there’s a hefty list of things to consider for any sort of garden, there are also a few easy plants and vegetables that can be very forgiving and require next to no maintenance. Starting off with easy plants and vegetables could help get your garden off the ground.

“Get some good, basic shrubs to start. For a beginner, I recommend the wintergreen boxwood, also known as the Asian boxwoods. They do well here. Another great shrub is the loropetalum. The lorapetalum have great dwarf varieties on the market right now. It’s a reliable bloomer and very forgiving. It has beautiful, frilly pink blooms in the early spring. You just need to get the right variety and do your research,” Bates explained.

Another great shrub choice is lantana, which comes in a variety of sizes and colors.

“Lantana is one that is very easy to grow. It takes sun well and is drought tolerant. It doesn’t take a lot of care and maintenance over the summer. They come in a variety of pretty colors. Some grow close to the ground, and others grow taller,” Forbus said.

If you want more color than shrubs provide, there are some great starter flowers for first-time gardeners, too.

“Some people like to just start with a flower border for color, or perhaps some flowers to cut on. I recommend basic annuals like marigolds, zinnias or petunias. They are reliable, blooming plants. They’ll bloom for a long period of time and are easy to grow,” Bates said.

Herb gardens are popular and useful, too, these days. Instead of buying herbs in-store, grow them in the yard and harvest them for all sorts of recipes.

“I’ve always had an herb garden. I use the herbs I plant to cook with. Herbs are also forgiving. You can grow oregano, thyme, basil and things like that. You can find those types of plants most easily at big box stores. They’re easy to grow, but they take full sun. You need to know where the sun is and where the shade is around your property,” Hamby explained.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Clockwise from Facing Page: Share gardening time with others to make it more fun; visualize what you want your garden to look like; plant according to the seasonal conditions of your area; research the plants you plan to use and choose those that complement each other; for best results, make a plan for your space.

With all this in mind, plant what inspires you. Take the time to do your research and envision what type of garden you want to start. Though it may take some practice, nurturing a plant or vegetable can be a rewarding process.

“You don’t always have to dig up something to start over with it,” Forbus said.

Take advantage of the upcoming extended days and grow right alongside your garden.

One of the Best

After winning the No. 2 spot in USA Today’s ‘Best Small Town in America’ poll in early March, local leaders in Alexander City focus on retaining that position at the top.

The annual nationwide poll opened last month, and former Lake Martin Tourism Director Brandy Hastings nominated Alexander City to the Top 10 list, encouraging everyone to cast a daily vote for the gateway to Alabama’s Freshwater Coast.

“It is definitely a big deal for our city,” Tallapoosa County Tourism Director Sandra Fuller said. “I think for tourism as a whole, it’s going to make people around the country more aware of Alexander City, which is going to certainly drive some traffic here. As a community, I think everyone jumped on board and voted every day, and that just shows the pride that we have in our community.”

Although many residents from the area voted, Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jacob Meacham noted it’s nearly impossible to win a nationwide vote without outside support.

“USA Today is obviously a big publication, and it’s nationally branded media,” Meacham said. “This is usergenerated results, so what that tells me is a lot of people know about Alex City and feel strongly enough about it to say this town belongs among the top Southern towns in the U.S.

“This is really a reinforcement of what we already know and what we’re already promoting. Keeping your brand elevated constantly on digital and social media platforms where people are looking at things like destinations is huge. Any type of publicity like this just amplifies what we’re doing here on the ground.”

And it’s clear this Top 10 designation was an example of that team effort. After Hastings initial nomination, other area leaders joined the effort, including Main Street

Alexander City Board President JoAnna Banks who launched a grassroots campaign to keep folks voting.

“Any time a community is recognized among the top in the country for anything, it’s a pretty significant honor,” Tallapoosa County Commissioner T.C. Coley said. “The people in Alexander City have always had a sense of pride about the community, and my hope is that we continue to improve, and this isn’t the end. When nearby communities see we have this designation, they are going to want to compete. We need to really look at how we can compete, so we stay on top.”

Meacham added, “We just have to continue to invest and support the things that made this type of recognition deserving. We have to invest in what is here on the ground. The sales role is all about development, but if you don’t have people in the factory working on the product, the sales mean nothing. We have to continue to invest in what’s here and our product.”

Alexander City has a lot to offer with a highly rated school system; a top-tier healthcare facility in Russell Medical; a historic downtown and Main Street organization; and obviously Lake Martin. But it’s the friendly faces and the hard-working residents who really make a difference, especially in a small town.

“We really may be one of the nicest places in America, and maybe to a fault,” Coley said. “We tie into that positive energy from each other, and people who move here can see that, too. Do other communities have more tourism and things to do? Maybe. But we have the people.”

The average working-class person makes Alexander City a really good place to live and raise kids. Those people get lost in the shuffle. But that’s really the success of our story is the people.”

STORY BY LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN

PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

Inherit the Wind

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

Alexander City Theatre II is gearing up for one of its biggest productions to date, “Inherit the Wind,” with performances set for April 14 through 16 at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. With 33 eager castmates, directors Scears Barnes and Betsy Iler are leading the way to a successful rendition of the serious drama.

“It’s a classic production. It’s a very well-known play. It’s not a comedy. While there is a little comedic relief in it, it is a serious play. It’s objective, according to the playwrights, is that it gets people to think,” Iler explained.

Inherit the Wind was inspired by the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 and explores the arrest of a Tennessee schoolteacher for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to his science class, despite the illegality of it.

The play is not a historical account of the trial but follows similar goings-on in a small, Southern town. The script explores the rights of humans.

“The play isn’t meant to be a historical account of the Scopes Trial. It was inspired by the actual trial in 1925, but it isn’t a historical account of that trial by any means,” Iler said. “It was written in the 1950s, in the time of McCarthyism, as a political statement, according to the playwrights, Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee.” Iler explained.

McCarthyism was a campaign led by Sen. Joseph McCarthy in the early 1950s and was directed against alleged subversive communist influence in society but especially by individuals in public roles, including government leaders, labor organizers, artists, journalists, college professors, Hollywood actors and schoolteachers.

Though only the second serious drama the community theatre company has staged since their founding in 2015, the cast and directors have been hard at work to make it a successful performance for the public. With rehearsals going on every week

since the middle of February, the cast and crew are preparing to give performances that audiences will

Barnes was happy to take on a co-director role with Iler for the play and offers technical direction. As a retired lawyer, Barnes offers valuable insight during the trial scenes that take up almost the entire second

“Karen Kison is the president of ACT II and asked me if I would be willing to direct since I’m a retired lawyer. With the play being inspired by the Scopes Monkey Trial, she thought I could offer some insight. I told her I would only do it if Betsy would do it. I didn’t want to take on the task by myself,” Barnes explained.

According to Barnes, the cast is impeccable and includes veteran actors as well as first-time stage performers.

“Some of our most well-loved actors are turning out for this play. The part of Col. Matthew Harrison Brady will be played by Rodney Meadows, and Dave Upton, who Driving Miss Daisy, will play the part of Henry Drummond. Keith Garrett will take on the role of the cynical critic, E.K. Hornbeck,” Iler said.

The largest female roles in the play include Rachel Brown, the defendant’s girlfriend, played by Ella Grace Simmons, and Mrs. Brady, Col. Matthew Brady’s doting wife, portrayed by Lindsay Goree.

The play will be produced in period costumes of 1925 under the careful eye of Ivana Romanov.

“We are able to produce this play and other shows this year free of charge to the public due to the generosity of our season sponsors and the support of Alexander City Schools and Superintendent Dr. Beverly Price,” Kison said.

Inherit the Wind will be staged at 7 p.m. on April 14 and 15 and at 2 p.m. on April 16 at the BRHS Auditorium with free admission.

Good-for-You Gardening

Thanks to the generosity of Walt and Ginger Woltosz and other donors to the Russell Medical Foundation, a beautiful Serenity Garden will be dedicated this month in honor of Bruce and Brandy Pearl, whose AutLive initiative through the Bruce Pearl Family Foundation makes a generous yearly gift to the Cancer Center at Russell Medical. With the dedication looming, and because my editor assigned it, I began to ponder the health benefits of gardening. Not being a gardener myself – yet – I have no personal experience, but I was able to find some bona fide health benefits of playing in the dirt, as proven by an impressive list of scientific studies.

MEDICAL NEWS

George Miranda

I know, for instance, that Auburn basketball coach (and our patron) Bruce Pearl enjoys gardening for the peace of mind and relaxation it brings him, and he has even hinted that he might like to take an active planting role in our new Serenity Garden, which gave me an excellent fundraising idea, quickly vetoed by our CEO Jim Peace. He said I could not sell tickets to watch Bruce gardening, nor could I sell autographed trowels or bags of “Pearl’s Peat Moss.”

The Serenity Garden alone will improve the health of cancer patients who step outside our infusion center to enjoy the locale, as well as others (patients and non-patients alike), who stop to meditate and breathe. A Japanese study revealed that simply viewing plants altered EEG recordings, reduced stress, fear, anger and sadness and even reduced blood pressure and pulse rate. Another study housed post-operative patients in rooms with a view of plants and trees. Those patients asked for less pain medicine, had fewer surgical complications and were discharged earlier than the comparative cohort.

Active gardening, as opposed to passively enjoying nature, adds more health benefits, many of them psychological. A meta-analysis of 21 scientific studies on the health benefits of gardening, published in 2016, found only improvements in mental health and, as one would expect, no negative outcomes. Gardeners experienced reductions in depression and anxiety, as well as improvement in life satisfaction, quality of life and a sense of belonging. Several studies of patients with dementia even showed an improvement in cognitive function.

Gardening also has physiological health benefits. In seven studies comparing a group of gardeners to nongardeners, the gardeners had reductions in body mass index and stress levels, probably due to the active exercise involved in gardening.

Here are more real health benefits to gardening:

• The first and most obvious benefit of vegetable gardening, in particular, is growing and eating fresh vegetables, and, if grown organically, they’re free of pesticides and other toxins.

• Gardening increases exposure to sunlight, which in turn increases Vitamin D levels. Increased levels of Vitamin D help bones absorb calcium. In fact, one study showed gardeners had an improvement in bone mineral density, compared to non-gardeners.

• In one small study, gardeners had lower levels of cortisol in their blood. Cortisol levels increase when people are under stress. Chronic stress can lead to chronically high serum cortisol, which can lead to impairment of the immune system. There are some studies that even suggest a correlation between high cortisol levels and cancer.

• Gardening can be mood-altering, too. The soildwelling bacterium M. vaccae gets released into the air when you dig in the dirt. Inhaling this benign bacterium triggers a release of serotonin, which can reduce anxiety and improve your mood.

• This is only one population-based study, but it found that gardening, as well as other forms of exercise, could reduce the risk of dementia by 36 percent.

• Finally, gardening can be good for the soul. Participating in a community garden increases social interaction and a sense of community. Selling excess produce can line the pockets with change, but giving excess produce away can fill your heart with love.

My good friend Shane Harris, the Tallapoosa County Extension Coordinator and a Baptist preacher, reminded me that gardening is also a spiritual discipline.

“After all,” he said, “we were created from the dust of the ground and placed in a garden and told to tend to it.”

He added that Jesus went to a garden to pray, and Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener in the garden where he was entombed.

Is it just a coincidence that when sin entered the world, humanity was driven from the garden? Or that Cain, after killing his brother, moved to the city? One researcher even coined the term “nature deficit disorder” to describe the deleterious effects, both on health and behavior, in children who have limited contact with nature.

So, it seems that nature in general, and gardening in particular, provide holistic benefits to us humans, improving health and wellbeing, or as the Hebrews say, “Shalom.”

With that in mind, my friend Shane and I are planning to hold a workshop on “Gardening for Health.” We’ll get dirt under our fingernails and serotonin released in our brains as Shane provides us with some best practices for healthy gardening. A date is not set, yet, but if you’re interested, email me at gmiranda@russellmedcenter.com.

And while I have your attention, and being the cancer center director, I am compelled to tell you that March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. If you are 45 years old, it’s time for your first colonoscopy. There are other FDA-approved screening methods, but colonoscopy is by far the most effective. Because it is a screening procedure, Medicare and commercial insurance cover 100 percent of the cost. If a polyp is found on examination and removed, the procedure becomes diagnostic, and commercial insurance now charges you a co-pay or co-insurance; however, Medicare will still cover it as a screening (i.e., at 100 percent). Talk to your primary care doctor about getting your colonoscopy. Or call our local gastroenterologist, Dr. Derek Holcombe, to schedule your procedure. His number is 256-329-2829.

~ George Miranda is the Director of the UAB Medicine – Russell Medical Cancer Center.

Prepare to purchase the dream

Are you in the market for a home in the Lake Martin area? More importantly, are you ready to buy if you find a home you love?

While mortgage rates will fluctuate, your dream home won’t be on the market forever. So, if a house works for you and your budget, it’s important to have a plan and be ready to buy when the time comes.

For over 20 years, I’ve worked with buyers to purchase their dream homes. From saving for months or even years to figuring out all the associated costs of home ownership, there are many things homebuyers should think about.

As a mortgage specialist, it’s my job to help make sure buyers are ready. With that in mind, I’ve put together home buying preparation tips.

• Save up before you buy. Having a savings account isn’t just for rainy days or that vacation you’ve been dreaming of; it’s essential for buying a home. I recommend having at least six months of payments saved up when making a home purchase. This gives some wiggle room for variable expenses and provides the ability to put more money down as needed, since that can help lower the interest rate and monthly payment. Talk to a banker about opening a savings account specifically for the home purchase.

• Use a seasoned mortgage specialist. A mortgage specialist is one of the most important factors when it comes to securing a mortgage. Find a specialist to work with early on who can be involved in the whole process.

• Know what expenses come with buying. A mortgage is only one of many costs of purchasing a home. Ensure that you are aware of all the associated costs. What are the property taxes? Are there HOA fees? What’s the cost of homeowners insurance? A good mortgage specialist can help you find answers.

• Get preapproved. Mortgage preapproval means your banker has verified your finances and confirmed you

are eligible for a loan of a certain amount. This gives you more credibility as a buyer and allows you to move faster when you find the home you want.

MONEY MATTERS

• Remember, refinancing will be an option in the future. Love the home, but you don’t have to love the mortgage rate. In the time that you have a mortgage, rates will go up, and they will go down. If your interest rate isn’t where you want it to be now but you’re ready to buy, work with your banker to refinance in the future for better terms.

While rates have spiked recently, this may still be a great time to buy, knowing you can refinance when rates drop. The best first step is to work with a mortgage specialist you trust to put together a plan that works best for you.

The result: a house that you love and that you can afford.

Your Keys? That dream home purchase is possible with help from a seasoned mortgage specialist.

~ Jerry Clark (NMLS# 642761) is an Alabama Mortgage Sales Manager for Valley Bank and has been a mortgage banker for more than 20 years. Jerry is located at Valley Bank, 1946 East Glenn Ave, Auburn, Al 36830. Email him at jclark@valley.com.

Jerry Clark

Plug Day Party

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Lake Martin Pizza Company

1. Linda and Rich Hickey

2. Keith and Debbie Hiett

3. Colby and Tammy Blackwood

4. Shannon, Olivia, Mark and Mia Bowlin

5. Lynn, Addison and Johnathan Garner

6. John Coley, Jamie Burnett, and Chase Bradley

Midnight at the Masquerade Murder Mystery for Main Street

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Waterside Azalea Cove

1. Jamie Dark and Richie Radney

2. David and Denise Booth

3. Laurie Sturdivant and Leanne Calhoun

4. Stormy Britton and Tayler Mahan

5. Mary Perry

6. Robert and Vicki Ballard

7. Deb Calabria, JoAnna Banks, Stacey Jeffcoat, and Michelle West

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Friendship Fire Department

1. Troy and Natalie Hillard

2. Erin and Jason Sears

3. Wesley and Harper Davis

4. Dylan and Hailey Quinn

5. Elbert and Kaitlyn Simpson

6. Lance, Hallie and Collins Abernathy

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Central Alabama Community College

Russell Forest Run

1. Lily and Jennifer Farris

2. Tommy Johnson

3. Justin Clayton

4. Allie Laney

5. Adalyn and Stephanie Ridgway

6. Lisa Stimson, Erin and Michael Doolittle, Kathy Mowry and Mike and Patsy Bickford

7. Kendall Davis, Becky Williamson, Gen Williamson, Destiny Wrightson and Hannah Gregg

8. Paula Arnberg, Nikita Iverson and Princella Johnson

9. Anthony Flowers

10. Robert Gunn

Lake Watch Annual Meeting

Saturday, February 25, 2023

First Baptist Church of Dadeville

1. Janne Debes and Ken Autrey

2. Dianna Porter and Barbara Butler and Bill Butler

3. Marci and Joe Logan

4. Mryna Lehman and Cheryl Losik

5. Dale Campo and Lori White

6. Eric Reutebach, Joanne Walker, and Maria Reutebach

Lake Martin Wedding Expo

Sunday, February 26, 2023

The Mitchell House at Lake Martin

1. Mandy Clifton

2. Sandra Carlisle

3. Kennedy and Lia Pemberton

4. Tammy and Shelby White, Nikole Sheffield

5. Jason and Stephanie Stepney

6. Hagan McBride and Leanne Mcwhorter

Calendar

FEATURED EVENT

The 22nd Annual Old 280 Boogie

You know it’s springtime when Standard Deluxe rolls out the lineup for the Annual Old 280 Boogie, a rousing good time as Waverly celebrates the fact that U.S. Route 280 bypasses the town. Though the original highway was built through Waverly in 1931, the four-lane that replaced the old U.S. 280 moved the route outside of town 22 years ago, and Waverly’s townsfolk have been grateful ever since.

Join this celebration of music, art, food and Southern culture in the yard at Standard Deluxe from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., rain or shine. This event was named among the Top 10 Events Not-to-Miss by Alabama Tourism.

This year’s lineup includes Maggie Rose, Aaron Lee

Tasjan, The Heavy Heavy, Billy Allen and the Pollies, and The Pine Hill Haints. Tickets are $40 in advance until April 1; $50 online after April 1 and at the gate. Kids 12 and under admitted free. Standard Deluxe also offers a 20 percent discount for veterans and students. To get more information, email peepaw@standarddeluxe.com.

All shows are on the outdoor stage, so bring chairs and blankets and empty water bottles – Standard Deluxe has a filling station. No outside alcohol is allowed, and no dogs.

It will be a weekend of fantastic music, beautiful wares from local artisans, great food from local vendors and plenty of good vibes.

March 16

St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Music

The Lake Martin Dulcimer Club will perform at 5:30 p.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for tickets and information.

March 21

Celtic Angel Ireland

Alex City Arts will present a program of traditional Irish music and precision dancing with this program that has won rave reviews across the country. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. Tickets are $20 at the door.

March 24

Comic. Speaker. Soldier.

Jody Fuller will speak at 7 p.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Tickets and information available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

March 25

Jackie and Reuben Thornton Memorial Cleanup

Meet at Red Hill Community Center at 7 a.m. for breakfast before heading out with pickers, bags and safety vests for a spring cleanup around the lake. At noon, Lake Martin Mini Mall will provide lunch for cleanup volunteers, and Lake Martin Dock Company will sponsor music to honor volunteers who turn out for this event. Visit lmra.info for more information.

March 25

Battle of the Horseshoe Anniversary

This annual event recreates traditional Creek Indian life and frontier life in 1814, as well as emphasizes the importance of the battle. There will be several demonstrations and reenactments throughout the day, and a refreshment stand courtesy of the New Site Volunteer Fire Department. This program is free to the public. For more information, call the park at 256-234-7111.

March 26

BJ Barham and Rob McDaniel at Standard Deluxe Standard Deluxe will host BJ Barham of American Aquarium at the Little House in Waverly with supper prepared

LAKE REGION EVENTS

by Chef Rob McDaniel of Helen, Birmingham. Dinner menu and price will be posted closer to the event. Visit standarddeluxe.com for details.

April 1, 7 - 9

Bunnies & Chicks

Russell Lands Naturalist Marianne will share the gentle innocence of new life with all ages when she brings baby rabbits and young chicks to the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 1 and 8 and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 7. She will bring them to SpringHouse from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 9. Call Marianne at 256-496-2710 with any questions or email her at naturalist@russelllands.com.

April 1

Auburn University Singers

Alex City Arts invites Auburn University’s 36 vocalists and 10 instrumentalists under the direction of Dr. Dale Farmer to Central Alabama Community College’s Betty Carol Graham Technology Center stage in this presentation of traditional and contemporary music and dance. This program is open to the public and free of charge.

April 1

Annual Easter Egg Dash

Pennington Park will host Dadeville’s Third Annual Easter Egg Dash for children ages infant to 14 at 11 a.m., along with 3 Hilltop Acts and BChill Entertainment. This free event features a visit and photo with the Easter Bunny. Find the Golden Egg, enjoy free snacks and drinks. For additional information, call Kurt Pfitzner at 334-233-9852 or Bobby Hill at 334-332-2971.

April 1 & 8

Boating Safety Course

April is a great time to review the boating rules or get your license. Alabama Marine Police will conduct a boating safety course at The Ridge Marina from 8 a.m. to 3 pm. Call Chase Maynard at 256-397-1300 or email him at cmaynard@russelllands.com for details.

April 1

Second Annual Backyard Boilers

The first Backyard Boilers crawfish boil and music fest was such a great

succes that Reeltown’s Lions Club is at it again this year. Musical guests include Dan Lee, Dixie Red, Russell Craig Band, Shades of Gray, DJ Red and special guest, songwriter Ashton Shepard. Bring coolers and chairs to 19700 State Route 49 South in Notasulga at 2 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults; $10 for 12 and under. Be sure to enter the raffles and sign up for door prizes. This event will benefit Reeltown Fire Department. Vendors are welcome. Vendor fee is $25. Call Jimmy Browning at 334-415-9611.

April 7

Favorite Songs with Larry Whitfield

Larry Whitfield will share country music memories with old and new friends at 7 p.m. at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Tickets are available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

April 18

Assisted Living Musical

Alex City Arts brings this theatrical presentation to the Central Alabama Community College Betty Carol Graham Technology Center stage. Laughter will come naturally as this hilarious story unfolds when an elderly couple enter heaven suspecting their son pulled the plug on them to get his hands on his dad’s vintage Corvette. Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door.

April 21 Bill King

Bro. Billy Bob Bohannon King will regale the audience with clean comedic stories about Alabama culture through humor with a message at 7 p.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. King is the author of several books. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door and are available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

April 22

Water Cycle

Alabama Power will host the second annual Water Cycle at Martin Dam with a 60-mile gravel race, 30- and 60-mile gravel rides and a 15-mile fun ride to raise funds that improve the lives of those in need in Guatemala and Bolivia. Join the fun after the ride for music and food at the Dam Jam. Visit aub.ie/watercycle for details and registration.

LAKE REGION EVENTS

Season-long Events

Lake Martin Civitan Club

The Lake Martin Civitan Club meets at noon in the private room at JR’s Grill, 145 Alabama St., Alexander City, on the second Thursday of each month. For more information, call Audrey Moore at 256-786-0465.

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 tours or private tours, email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@ gmail.com or call 256-329-8474.

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 Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289. In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the second 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 a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.

Lake Martin Creativity

This group meets every Monday at 1 p.m. in the downstairs community room at the StillWaters Residential Building.

Anyone interested in arts and crafts is encouraged to join. Bring something to work on or come see what others are doing. A monthly fee of $5 is charged to help pay for the use of the space. For more information, contact Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

Fiber Fridays

Bring your knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber art projects to The Yarn Shop Around the Corner in Dadeville from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays to meet fellow fiber artisans, share tips and techniques and talk with others who share your interests. Call 334-444-1038 for more information.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Children’s Library in Alexander City

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children.

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin exhibit is on display all year long at the Alexander City Board of Education building, located at 375 Lee St.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on State Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open 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. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. and sew until 2 p.m. Bring your lunch or a snack, sewing projects, machines and questions.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

Amateur Radio Club

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

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on State Route 9 in Equality. Visit the Equality Performing Arts Center Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming artists.

Tallassee Lions Club

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 Marilyn Speake at 334-283-6864 or email her at marilyn.speake@tcschools.com.

Equality VFD Cookout and Bake Sale

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

A signature dinner with Adam Evans-Automatic Seafood and Rob McDaniel-Helen to support Children's Harbor Family Center in Birmingham

Marinas

Kowaliga Marina

334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

The Ridge Marina

256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

3. River North Marina

256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

3. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors

256-397-1700

19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Real Island Marina

334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Blue Creek Marina

256-825-8888

7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Parker Creek Marina

256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Harbor Pointe Marina

256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's Froyo

256-444-8793

smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

Restaurants & Venues

8 SpringHouse

256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Catherine’s Market

256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Kowaliga Restaurant

256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Acapulco Mexican Grill

334-283-2725

2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078

Business & Shopping

Russell Do It Center (Alex City)

256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

Russell Do It Center (Eclectic)

334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Russell Building Supply

256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

The Stables at Russell Crossroads

256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort

334-857-1816

8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Dark Insurance

256-234-5026

www.darkinsuranceagency.com

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

Aronov Realty Lake Martin

256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853

Off the Beaton Path

205-994-0847

21300 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853

Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage

334-391-0717

8421 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Hotels & Lodges

Creekside Lodge

256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches

Red Ridge United Methodist Church

256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

Lake Pointe Baptist Church 8352 AL-50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293

Dock Builders

Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc

Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Docks Unlimited LLC

256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation & Entertainment

Dixie Sailing Club

767 New Hope Church Road

Alexander City, Al 35010

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

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

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE!

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 & 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

Nails

Kowaliga Marina

Children's Harbor

Catherine's Market

Russell Lands Corporate Office

Russell Lands Real Estate

Sales Center

SpringHouse

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

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 Martin Living delivered to your mailbox for just $50 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

*Standard maximum of 10 acres; however parcels not exceeding 20 acres may be considered if typical for the area and supported by acceptable appraisal valuation. Lot loans are not intended for investment or speculation purposes. Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loans amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products

and services. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2019 U.S. Bank 257701c 10/19

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Get financing that includes your construction loan and your mortgage – all in one. That’s one closing and one set of fees. Plus, make interest only payments during the construction of your home. Choose from fixed- or adjustable-rate construction loan options.

Scarecrows for the Garden

L.Frank Baum wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900 and introduced us to Dorothy Gale, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion and the loveable Scarecrow who was looking for a brain. Scarecrow famously pointed out: “Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.” How true that is!

Scarecrows are a classic fixture in gardens and pop culture. Decoys dressed as humans in old clothes are placed in fields to discourage birds from feeding on freshly planted seeds and growing crops. The intent was practical: Scare the crows.

Culture Shock

Scarecrows are apparently over 3,000 years old and were first thought to have been used by the ancient Egyptians. Early American settlers brought their own ideas of scarecrows to farms in the New World. It was the German word for scarecrow, “bootzamon,” that eventually became “bogeyman,” a creepy mythical man who has been frightening children into good behavior ever since.

That was how Baum came to incorporate a scarecrow into Oz. As a child, he had nightmares of being pursued by a scarecrow.

Synthetic pesticides took hold after World War II, and the scarecrow eventually became part of autumn décor found at Hobby Lobby.

These days, we are all aware of how important it is to be cautious about added chemicals in and on food. Insects are part of a healthy garden ecosystem. Bees and other pollinating insects ensure a plentiful harvest from herb and veggie gardens and fruit trees, while ladybugs and praying mantises help control plant-damaging pests.

When fruit worms, aphids, Japanese beetles, roaches and their destructive kind gain traction in a garden, they can quickly ruin crops. A targeted insect killer can help prevent this. Consider a safe insecticide for vegetable gardens, like Bonide Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray, Monterey LG6135 Garden Insect Spray or Garden Safe Neem Oil Extract Concentrate. Essential oils also are safe repellents. Peppermint, rosemary and thyme oil repel a variety of garden pests ranging from squash bugs to caterpillars.

Companion planting is another way to avoid pesticides. Basil planted with tomatoes will repel tomato hornworms, and mint planted in gardens deters aphids, ants and beetles.

As you ready yourself to combat your home garden’s enemies this year, with all the modern tactics of warfare at your fingertips, I say position a classic scarecrow in the center and change his outfit from time to time. Afterall, there’s no place like home!

~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Instagram@ LaceyHowell and on her Facebook page.

Lacey Howell