Lake Martin Living April 2020

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

Thank a nurse Raise some chickens April 2020

www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

APRIL 17-18 .25 LOGO

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% *APR

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10 DEALERS / 250+ CARS Join us as we partner with local dealers for our 10TH ANNUAL Car Sale Event. We will have a team onsite to assist with questions and financing. The two-day event is happening at our main office on HWY 280 - but don’t forget we can also help with your auto re-financing needs at any of our five locations from April 1-30. Trust us - you don’t want to miss this opportunity! Get pre-approved today by calling, visiting us online, or coming by one of our branches.

Horizontal Logo APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates as low as 1.25% on new purchases April 1st-18th. Special refinancing rates available all month. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates, terms, and conditions subject to change without notice.

Other restrictions may apply. HSCU does not warrant, guarantee, or insure any product or service offered or provided by any dealership. HSCU and participating dealers are separate entities. Contact the Credit Union for further information.

Federally Insured by the NCUA.

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.

Learn more at AlabamaPower.com/RenewOurRivers. © 2020 Alabama Power Company

Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

I

t’s been a long time since I have written in this space, and it’s good to be back with you. Last month, we juggled jobs at Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., and Amy Passaretti moved into the newsroom to help The Outlook’s team report on the coronavirus pandemic. That’s just one of the changes that TPI has made to help you stay informed as the situation unfolds.

Visit alexcityoutlook.com for regular updates.

I am proud to be a part of this community, proud of the way people have turned out to support our first responders and others on the frontlines of the outbreak. These are services that we sometimes take for granted. Nurses, for example, run to help 24/7/365, pandemic or not. National Nurses Week is May 6 through 12, and it is our privilege at Lake Martin Living to honor them and their dedication in the Business Spotlight article on page 10. Please thank a nurse.

At the same time, it is important to remember that beauty still reveals itself in the world around us, and with patience and perseverance, it tells its stories. We found just such a wonderful tale up the road at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga. The upland outdoors resort celebrates the spirit of creativity that has helped the adventure center grow from a research golf course to a luxury retreat that features golf, UTV trails, a wedding venue, upland hunting fields, fishing and – soon – an art gallery. Turn to page 24 to follow the Pursell family’s story of art.

These uncertain times challenge us to look at things a little differently, and often, glancing back through history helps us to better plan for the future. TPI marketing director Tippy Hunter recently showed me an ad from the WWII era that encouraged people to plant victory gardens, and I’ve noticed a number of new gardens going in around town this spring.

We’ve also noticed an upswing in the number of folks raising chickens.

They are great pets that are reputed to provide some benefits to a household, namely eggs for the breakfast table and teaching responsibility to children. Amy Passaretti, Kenneth Boone and Audra Spears put together a delightful piece on the subject for this issue of Lake Martin Living. Check it out on page 18.

And finally, it’s most important for us to stay safe and protect others in this difficult time. To help you do that, we’ve included a simple tutorial for making a mask on page 34. We hope that it will serve you well as you endeavor to abide by the guidelines we’ve been provided to prevent the spread of infection. Please remember to keep your distance, wash your hands and don’t lose hope.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Contributors Kenneth Boone Dave Jennings Shane Harris Cliff Williams Lizi Arbogast Lacey Howell Amy Passaretti Santana Wood Susan Foy Lee Wiliams Chip East Mary Lyman Boone Katy Shelton Magazine Distribution Manager Erin Burton Creative Services Audra Spears Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Rachel McCollough Marilyn Hawkins Julie Harbin Andy Carr Liz Holland Digital Services Kat Raiford Elle Fuller Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

Lake Martin Living is published monthly

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

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

Lake Martin Living 5

ON THE COVER

DESIGNS

BY TRISH - Custom Bedding - Draperies & Upholstery - Blinds & Shades

Find us on Facebook!

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

Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry

6 Lake Martin Living

Brandi Worthy has nursed patients in medical/ surgical, labor and delivery, home health, the emergency room and in clinical settings for 17 years, giving up nights, weekends and holidays to take care of others. "It's what we do," she says of the work she and some 500 other nurses in the area do every day.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 14. MONEY MATTERS 15. MEDICAL NEWS 16. GARDEN TALK 30. FROM THE TEE 32. OH SNAP! 36. LAKE REGION CLOSURES & CHANGES 46. CULTURE SHOCK

FEATURES 10. THANK A NURSE An army of servants works to keep us healthy 18. POULTRY PETS Easy to care for and fun to keep 24. ART AT THE HEART Pursell Farms celebrates its creative spirit 34. HOW TO SEW A MASK A simple pattern and easy instructions help to protect you

Keeping chickens for pets and household provision is a growing enterprise. Learn more on page

18

(334) 745-7966

primehomehealth.net

Healthcare Provided in the Comfort of Your Own Home Skilled Nursing Care • IV Medication Medication Education • Disease Management Post Operative Care • Wound Management Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy 8 Lake Martin Living PHH17_HalfPg_Magazine_8.2017_2.indd 1

8/24/17 3:14 PM

AROUND THE AREA

Russell Medical makes light work for masks Senior director of facilities services at Russell Medical Mike McCaleb invented a way to help extend the duration of the hospital's N95 mask supply with the help of his chemical engineer son, Tucker, Russell Medical Maintenance Manager Shannon Browning and ultraviolet rays.

“Shannon did a great job taking the concept we developed and turning it into a safe reality,” Mike McCaleb said. “UVC is the only UV ray that is germicidal.”

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says UVC rays can eradicate 99.99% of the virus at 1 joule per centimeter squared,” McCaleb said. “This would mean 24 masks at 30 seconds per side, but to be safe, we were able to double up at 2 joules per centimeter squared

Mother of Invention

Planning ahead for the possible need of prolonging mask life for healthcare workers, Russell Medical staffers developed a sterilization box.

for two minutes each side to make the masks sterile and maintain their integrity.”

This is a preemptive measure Russell Medical is taking as a precaution in case of running low on its supply of masks, which are vital for employees dealing with COVID-19 positive patients, waste or rooms.

“It’s important for the community to know that we are being proactive and we’re prepared if this continues to drag on and supplies are at a minimum,” Russell Medical director of marketing Susan Foy said. “We’ll be ready.” ~ Amy Passaretti

Local nurse volunteers on NYC front line Alexander City traveling nurse Mallory Adair landed in what felt like a war zone — the heart of New York City where hundreds of people are dying daily from the coronavirus pandemic. The city has confirmed more positive cases than any country in the world, according to the World Health Organization, and it’s not something soldiers can tackle.

“We’re in a war, and this is one thing the military can’t fight,” Adair said.

“Nurses have to fight this, and people don’t know how bad it is here.”

Adair, who has been a nurse for eight years and a traveling nurse for four, flew into New York, the epicenter of the virus, last month to work 12-hour shifts for 21 straight days to help relieve the nurses working with no time off in area hospitals, clinics and facilities.

“There’s supposedly 650 nurses that just got here,” Adair said. “We’ll all stay together in hotels in Times Square.”

She said the eeriness of the city is evident through the empty streets;

refrigerated Medical Infantry Alexander City's trucks outMallory Adair side hospitals deployed early this acting as month for a 21-day temporary tour as a traveling morgues nurse in New York City, and the the virus hot spot. “coronavirus ship,” which accepts non-COVID-19 patients to offset the numbers at hospitals, outside thes hotel where Adair is staying.

“I walked down Times Square, and there was not one car on the street,” Adair said. “In a 2-mile walk, I saw maybe seven or eight people. It’s really crazy.”

Adair said situations are so bad in New York that some patients are dying in the waiting rooms before they even get seen.

“They’re sometimes having to decide who goes first and who doesn’t,” Adair said. “If I didn’t go help, I would regret it. This is a huge thing, and one day, I can say I tried to help.” ~ Amy Passaretti Lake Martin Living 9

Thank a Nurse STORY BY BETSY ILER

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hey know what they’re in for – the physical challenges, emotional roller coasters, personal sacrifices and the demands to keep up with constantly changing procedures, therapies and technology – and they’re more than just glad to do it. Most nurses actually dreamed of it as children and, even after years in the field, couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Nurses perform selflessly every day. It’s part of the job description: Give up nights, weekends and holidays; put your own health on the line; work under intense pressure where the wrong decision could cost a person’s life; and do it with a good attitude and a servant’s heart. More than a paycheck, nursing is a vocation, a calling, said 17-year veteran Brandi Worthy, nurse coordinator of the surgery clinic at Russell Medical.

“I absolutely do think it is a calling,” Worthy said. “We just want to take care of people.”

In Tallapoosa County, the number of nurses on active duty tops more than 500 and includes nurses on hospital floors, in nursing homes, doctors’ offices, clinics, treatment centers, home healthcare and schools.

“We couldn’t function without the nurses,” said Russell Medical’s Vice President of Clinical Services Sarah Beth Gettys. “They’re in every department, and they do so many different kinds of service.”

Each department makes its own special demands on a nurse’s education, qualifications and abilities. The nursing skills and knowledge required change from department to department, be it medical and surgical, recovery, obstetrics, newborn nursery, rehab care, the emergency room, ICU or psychiatrics. Each area has something specific to it that requires additional training.

“Most nurses gravitate to a particular area, but they still have to be so flexible,” Gettys said. “A medical/surgical nurse has to be able to go from a surgery patient to someone having a stroke; and then, she’s a nurse to the family members of the person who had the stroke. Nurses really do so much.”

Within each department, nurses also fill administrative positions that include coding, record keeping, data reporting and documentation of quality standards. Many of these 10 Lake Martin Living

roles are new to the nursing profession, Gettys said.

“The Lord hasn’t changed the human body, but the detail that we have now – the specialty medications and the intricacies of the equipment – is unreal. With so much more detail, nurses need to be able to relate that back to treating the patient,” she explained. “You can’t stop learning in this vocation. You have to be a lifelong learner because you learn something new every day.”

One of the biggest changes to rock the nurses’ world in recent years is the electronic health record, noted Medical/ Surgical Nurse Manager Nancy Ammons, a registered nurse who came to Alexander City’s Russell Medical to fulfill a passion for rural healthcare.

BUSINESS MATTERS

“The safety checks it provides are great. You can scan the medicines and verify the patient is getting the right medication. It tells us right there in front of us about the medication, so a nurse can educate the patient on the drug.

When I first started out, we put pills in a cup and checked a patient’s wristband. The safety checks we have now are wonderful,” she said.

Still, these and other technological advances have created some distancing from patients, she added.

“To do all that documentation in a computer takes you away from the patient. There’s more criteria to meet, and sometimes, that takes a long time. You don’t have as much interaction with patients,” she said.

It adds stress to an "It's What We Do" Healthcare professionals, already stressful job.

“People don’t realize especially nurses, work the front lines every day, the amount of stress pandemic or not. that nurses deal with.

It takes a toll on you,” Ammons said.

“The biggest challenge is when you’ve done everything you can, and there’s nothing you else you can do,” Worthy said. “You’re physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted.

You have to be able to leave your work at work, but there are still those patients you never stop thinking about. You wake up at night and hope you did the right thing.”

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Dr. Jennifer Steele, Director of Nursing Education at Central Alabama Community College, said the growing demand for nurses has lead CACC to double its class size over the past two years.

“We used to only admit students in the fall and then only admitting 48 students, but in January, we began offering admission in the spring as well. Now, instead of admitting 48 students once a year, we’re admitting 36 to 42 students twice a year,” Steele explained.

The number of male nurses is growing as well. No longer a traditionally female position, nursing appeals to more men because of the technological advances, breakdowns in society’s gender rules and the physical demands of the job.

The academics of nursing school are challenging at different levels as well, Steele said. Students – whether male or female – need a variety of gifts.

“Some do very well academically but may struggle with the nurse-to-patient communication. Others do very well relationally but struggle academically. The exams simulate what life will be like on the floor. Yes, you have to pass the class, but the measurement that matters most is how are you doing at the bedside? I want a nurse that can put their hand on me, and I have confidence in their ability to care for me based on that interaction,” she said.

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Always Learning

Nurses receive special training for each department in which they work, from the unique circumstances involved in helicopter air lift nursing to the baics of dressing wounds.

That’s never been more important than now, as nurses are the frontline heroes in combatting the coronavirus pandemic that has swept through the nation.

“We have been prepping for all of this,” Gettys said. “We knew what was coming. Nurses are built to run to the fire. A nurse is going to be the

one who runs to help.”

The reward for doing so, in addition to a good living wage, is the satisfaction of fulfilling the call to help.

“That’s the job,” Worthy said. “That’s what we want to do.”

“A simple ‘thank you’ is the best way to show appreciation,” Ammons said. “It means so much when someone says ‘thank you’ because what we do is hard. It’s day after day after day after day working with people who are really sick. They are scared, and it takes so much from a nurse – mentally, physically and emotionally. Your heart is in it, and hearing ‘I appreciate you,’ ‘you’ve gotten me through this;’ a ‘thank you’ goes a long way.”

Lake Martin Living 13

T

Stick to the plan

he last few weeks have been straight out of a movie and almost unimaginable in terms of how quickly all our lives have changed from a social standpoint. When it comes to investing, we have seen many events in the past that caused markets to panic. The one thing these market events have in common is that they unfold in different ways. As an investor, the key is to have a strategy and a plan. As the saying goes, ‘Fail to plan then plan to fail.’

As I write this article, our markets are extremely volatile, seeing declines over a short period of time that have never been seen before. In times like this, it’s human nature to panic, worry, doubt and in some cases, make irrational decisions. As I’ve written before, I love reading and studying anything Warren Buffett with regards to investing. He has a poem he references that applies to times like this:

don’t have a plan, you can most likely achieve decent results; however, when things turn south, which they inevitably will at some point, it is your plan and the strategy that are your guiding light to keep you on the path. Your plan will help you to be patient and think clearly. Your plan will help you trust that you will make it through whatever rough times may come.

In closing, I would like to leave you with something to think about. A couple months ago, I was at a work conference, and we had a guest speaker who was an economist.

He told us to imagine that the year was 2000, and we fell asleep until now and just woke up.

Among all the changes that occurred in this short period of time were invention of iPhone, flash drives, Google Maps, Human Genome Project, YouTube, electric cars, driverless cars, Uber, 3D printing, stem cell research and many more life changing things.

This happened throughout a few very difficult times that included the bursting “If you can keep your head when all about of the internet bubble, 9/11 and The Great you are losing theirs…

Recession. Each event was different than the If you can wait and not be tired by past and each event heralded an uncertain waiting… future; however, through all of this, If you can think and not make thoughts innovation happened; our world became your aim… more efficient and stronger after each event.

If you can trust yourself when all men Today’s event, in my opinion, will not doubt you… be any different. We will have a lot of Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in advancements that come through this very it.” difficult time, and my thoughts are if we fall ~ Rudyard Kipling asleep again for another 20 years we will awake to a world with many great inventions Lee Williams These emotional decisions happen, and that advanced us to become more productive they happen to a greater extent when people and prosperous. don’t have a strategy or a plan. A strategy is built on a strong foundation anchored to certain goals and time ~ Lee Williams offers products and services through horizons. When building this strategy/plan, you should Nowlin and Associates. He also offers securities and base it on facts and not emotions. As the poem says, “If investment advisory services through Ameritas Investment you can keep your head when all about you are losing Corp. (member FINRA/SIPC), which is not affiliated with theirs…,” which is what the strategy will help to do.

Nowlin and Associates. Contact him at 334-703-3454 or The good times are easy for everyone, and even if you lee@nowlinwm.com.

MONEY MATTERS

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COVID CARE

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oday, I find myself writing about a topic that wasn’t on our radar screen just a few short weeks ago. COVID-19, aka coronavirus, has taken the spotlight on the world stage. Our lives have changed quickly since the World Health Organization declared an international pandemic in March and our governor issued a stay-at-home order in April .

We’ve all had to amend our plans. At Russell Medical, we have temporarily put on the back burner events that include a ground-breaking ceremony for a new health clinic in the county; the unveiling of our new 3D mammography unit in the Women’s Center; and the fanfare surrounding an annual Russell Medical Foundation. We look forward to bringing these celebrations back to the front in the coming weeks.

There’s one thing for certain, however: We are prepared to meet the challenging demands of this virus, and we are forever grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support from you, our friends and neighbors.

As of the afternoon of Friday, April 10, Russell Medical has conducted 440 COVID-19 tests to patients meeting the CDC criteria for testing, and of these, 60 have been confirmed positive. There is no telling what the numbers will be by the time this magazine appears in racks, but hopefully, we will be at the flattening stage; or better yet, on the downward stretch.

During this quarantine, most of our physicians offer telehealth options whereby a patient’s office visit is conducted over the phone or computer. This is quite convenient for patients needing prescriptions refilled or follow-up appointments. Call your physician’s office to inquire about tele-health options, or visit our website atrussellcares.com for a list of physicians offering this service.

Over the last few weeks, so many of you have shown our healthcare team an abundance of love, gratitude and support. It means more than you know. You also continue to ask what you can do to buoy the spirits of those on the front lines. Here are our answers:

Stay healthy

Everyone in our organization is working tirelessly to take care of our community. The best thing you can do for us is to stay at home and remain healthy. Practice good hand hygiene and adhere to the social distance guidelines to slow the tide of the virus. So hunker down at home and only go out when necessary.

Medical News

Say Thanks Virtually

We love hearing from you. Send us a virtual message through our website on our Contact Us page, Susan Foy and we will get it to our team. We would love to see your little ones draw a picture, sing a song or create a card. Take pictures of their creations or record messages (no more than 30 seconds), and post them to Russell Medical’s Facebook or Instagram pages with the hashtag #ThanksRussellMedical.

Make a donation

We have received many offers for homemade mask covers, supplies, food and other donations. We are directing all outreach efforts to Tammy Jackson, Russell Medical Foundation Director, 256-215-7459 or 256-749-4541; and Holly Williams, Human Resources Director, 256-329-7394.

Please call one of these ladies if you are interested in making a contribution. We appreciate your kind generosity.

To use a nautical analogy, we are moving through uncharted waters, and although it’s rough and choppy, we know there will be smooth sailing ahead. We look forward to that calm day when our corner of the world returns to normal. Until then, take care and stay well. Wash your hands often; wear a mask when you are in public; and count on us to take care of you if you need us. We are here for you! ~ Susan Foy is marketing director at Russell Medical.

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This is your year to grow a great lawn

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any different factors come to mind when selecting the best turfgrass for a particular location. It would be easy to say that people should plant the kind of turf they like the best; however, that might not be the type that is adapted for the area. Some turfgrass will not tolerate high pH soil, and others will not tolerate cold winters. A turfgrass that grows fast may be less expensive to establish but might need to be mowed more often. Some turf may need to be mowed every five days on average during the growing season, as compared to others needing to be mowed every 10 days. Knowing the extra time, as well as wear and tear on a lawn mower, may make the price of establishment less important.

How the turf will be used is a big factor on selection. High use areas, such as playgrounds or athletic fields, need turf that will recover from wear as fast as possible. How much sun a turfgrass receives also is extremely important in the selection process. The grasses commonly used for turf prefer full sun, but some are more tolerant of a little shade than others.

A lawn that stays in the shade most of the day may never look as good as the neighbor’s lawn where turf is in the full sun. I am not suggesting to cut limbs or remove trees from 16 Lake Martin Living

the yard, but too much shade is a common reason for poorgrowing turf.

If you have a mixed turf and one of the species in the mix is one that you like better than the others, I encourage you to manage for that grass. If that grass responds well to being mowed low and heavily fertilized, you will encourage that grass to spread by applying the management practices for that species. That practice works well unless you have more than one turfgrass species that responds well to the same management practices. In some instances, using selective herbicides could take out one species but leave another.

If you only have a few bare places, the improved management practice idea could work great for filling in turf.

You could dig up grass from one area and move it to the bare places. Stolons are the above ground stems that grow out from the plant and eventually take root, forming new plants.

I have pulled up the stolons that creep across a sidewalk or driveway and planted it in bare places. It does not cost any money, but it does require time.

These stolons may not have any roots, so they have to be in contact with the soil. I usually bury part of the stolon and leave part above ground. I do this during the growing season, and they must be watered. They may be covered

Garden Talk

tolerate a pH a little higher or lower.

It needs to be mowed low and mowed often. It is often used in high traffic areas because it grows back faster than other turfgrass species.

It responds well to fertilizer, has a very good color and looks great, but again, it needs to be mowed often to look the best.

Zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass is also adapted statewide and needs to be planted in the full sun, but partial shade is acceptable. The recommended pH is similar to bermudagrass and should be in the 6.0 to 6.5 range, but Dr. Chip East it can tolerate a pH a little higher or lower. Zoysiagrass does not need to be mowed as often as bermudagrass, and a weekly mowing during the growing season may be sufficient. It tolerates a lot of traffic before it wears down, but it does take a long time to recover after wear. For this reason, it is not recommended in high traffic areas, such as athletic fields and playgrounds.

The color is not a deep green like bermudagrass but is very acceptable, and it could be darkened up with fertilizer.

Centipedegrass

lightly with pine straw and checked for moisture every morning and evening for at least a week. I like to water early in the morning. It’s important to not let them dry out. If they do not dry out in a week, they should make it. This process of taking the stolons from a mature plant and establishing them in other areas is called sprigging.

It saves money to plant sprigs and plugs, but it does take time to grow. Some species establish very slowly from seeds as well. If you want instant turf, solid sodding is the way to go. With sprigging, seeding or sodding, I recommend applying the nutrients needed for that particular grass, and a soil test is the only way to know how much of what fertilizer or lime to apply. Any high places or dips need to be addressed, and it is easier to fix these places before planting.

It is common to establish bermudagrass, and centipedegrass by seeding. Vegetative propagation methods, including sodding, sprigging and plugging, are used to establish bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustine and zoysiagrass.

Bermudagrass

Bermudagrass is adapted statewide and needs to be planted in the full sun. A little shade may result in a thinner stand. The pH should be in the 6.0 to 6.5 range, but it can

Centipedegrass is not as cold tolerant as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass and is only recommended in central and south Alabama. It prefers a pH of around 5.5 but can tolerate a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It has a course texture and is usually mowed higher than bermudagrass and zoysiagrass; however, it is a slow growing grass and does not need to be mowed as often. Of all the turfgrasses discussed in this article, centipedegrass has the lightest green color. Some turfgrasses respond well to nitrogen fertilizer and will green up readily and spread faster when applied; however, centipedegrass does not act like other turfgrasses in this regard, and too much nitrogen fertilizer will even suppress growth.

St. Augustinegrass

St. Augustinegrass is not cold tolerant and is adapted only for the southern part of the state. It prefers a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5 but can tolerate a higher pH of up to 8.0. It has a course texture and will need to be mowed higher than fine textured turfgrass, such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass.

St. Augustinegrass is the only one of our warm season turfgrasses that can tolerate shade and is a very common species in south Alabama.

Finally, I highly recommend collecting samples of your soil for an analysis. A soil test report is a very important part of diagnosing turf problems. We did not discuss weed and fire ant management, but both of those can make a pretty lawn look terrible. The local Extension office can provide information that will help with those issues as well. If you have questions about these turfgrasses or other species that can be used as turfgrass, give us a call at your local Extension office. ~ Dr. Chip East is a regional extension agent for Commercial Horticulture for Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

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18 Lake Martin Living

Poultry Pets STORY BY KATY SHELTON PHOTOS BY KATY SHELTON & AUDRA SPEARS

Lake Martin Living 19

A

mericans love chicken, and with the rising popularity of keeping them as pets, they might be as popular as puppies.

“Last spring, my husband and I went to the Tractor Supply Company to buy dog food, and we came home with four hens,” said Jessica Daniel of New Site.

Her husband Brad, and their daughters, Whitley, 4, and Macon, 2, had never before owned chickens. Adorable and irresistible, the baby chicks – named Peach, Strawberry, Lemon and Feathers – quickly became part of their home and their family.

Chickens are subspecies of the red jungle fowl, a member of the pheasant family native to Asia. Chickens were likely first domesticated for cockfights rather than food. Though they cannot fly, they can gain enough air to hop over fences or into trees. Chickens are omnivores, meaning they eat not only seeds but also insects, mice and lizards.

The average chicken lives five to Popular as Puppies

Previous Pages: Chickens have been kept as pets for many years; Left: There are hundreds of species; Below: Christy Smith's chicken, Sassy, lays eggs on the porch swing; Opposite: Chickens live for 5 to 10 years.

20 Lake Martin Living

10 years. There are hundreds of breeds of chickens, and there are more chickens in the world than any other bird species. Today, there are said to be more than 19 billion chickens in the world, outnumbering humans roughly three to one.

Around 20 years ago in America, keeping chickens as pets began to gain popularity.

“Chickens are the easiest pets ever,” Daniel said. “We put them in the coop when the sun goes down and let them out in the morning.”

Keeping the chickens in a coop at night ensures their safety from predators, such as owls, hawks and foxes.

Daniel’s chickens have a feeder hanging inside the coop. She fills it weekly with a crumble mix.

She also gives them scratch feed and, occasionally, table scraps as special treats. Daniel sprinkles a lyme mix over the chicken waste beneath the coop to keep the chickens healthy, and the birds give themselves dirt baths regularly to keep clean.

“They roll in the sandy soil under the girls’ play set, and that’s the way they bathe,” said Daniel.

Female chickens are called pullets until they turn 1 year old.

At this time, they become known as hens. Male chickens are called cockerels until they turn 1 year old; then, they’re called roosters.

Hens start laying eggs around 5 months old. A laying hen’s body naturally lays one egg per day, and she does not need a rooster to lay an egg; however, if a rooster and hen mate before she lays an egg, that egg becomes fertilized.

Daniel checks the coop every morning for eggs.

“The hens go on vacation from laying eggs during the winter, but they’ll start laying again when the weather gets warm and the days get long,” she said.

After getting the hens settled in their new home, the Daniels added a rooster to the flock.

Buzz, a territorial fellow, proudly sports a bright red comb atop his head.

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22 Lake Martin Living

So you want to raise chickens?

Beautiful Birds

Above: Whitley Daniel loves her pet chickens; Clockwise from Top Left on Facing Page: Jessica Daniel said chickens are the easiest pets to keep; hens begin to lay at 5 months old; it's best to designate an egg-laying location; chicken feathers are made of fibrous proteins called keratin; the birds abide by a pecking order.

“He is the boss,” Daniel said. “He will protect his hens from any unknown person or animal by rushing at them and flapping his feathers. He’s not aggressive, but he is in charge.”

The flock always stays together. They don’t wander far from each other, and they never leave the yard. There’s no need for a fence; the chickens stay close to home by choice.

Christy Smith, an Alexander City resident, also raises chickens as pets. One of Smith’s chickens, a particularly stubborn hen named Sassy, insists on laying eggs in the center of Smith’s porch swing.

Smith had recently covered the swing with a cream-colored linen cushion on which she didn’t even want her family to sit. But Sassy decided that swing was perfect for laying eggs.

Smith then decided to cover the pillows with plastic, in the hopes that the noise would scare Sassy away. But the next day, there sat a freshly laid egg right on the plastic covered porch swing. Not one to give up, Smith went on to place a rubber snake, a plastic spider and finally a life-sized skeleton on the swing to discourage Sassy. But Sassy had good taste. Day after day, she continued laying eggs on the beautiful linen-cushioned porch swing.

“Finally, for no apparent reason, Sassy quit laying eggs on my swing,” said Smith.

And the problem solved itself.

Daniel asked, “And what is your favorite pet?”

Whitley said, “My chickens!”

Raising chickens is not always economical, but there are benefits, such as fresh eggs and meat. A small backyard flock of chickens could supply a family with eggs and meat and help children to learn valuable life skills, including business management, budgeting, problemsolving, responsibility and confidence.

The upfront costs of keeping chickens include providing a coop that is electrically wired to provide laying hens with the prescribed 16 hours of light each day.

Raising chickens requires the right nutrition at the right times in a chicken’s life. Food costs and bedding for a 20-bird flock account for about 70 percent of the cost of raising the birds and can run close to $100 per month, in addition to the cost of electricity to the coop. It’s also important to keep the birds disease free and safe from predators.

Egg supply and meat quality will depend largely on the breed of the chickens. A 20-bird flock of a breed developed for egg supply will produce about 360 eggs per month.

That’s enough to supply a large family and a few friends and neighbors.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service website offers information about the costs, requirements and benefits and can provide support for adults and children interested in raising their own flocks.

Youth ages 9 through 18 can participate in the 4-H Chick Chain, a project that teaches business management, record-keeping skills for income and expenses, contributes to the home food supply and develops confidence. Through the Chick Chain, a participant will receive either 10 or 18 female chicks in the spring and will feed and care for them for approximately 20 weeks. At the end of 20 weeks, they will select two or three hens for the 4-H Chick Chain Show and Auction.

For more information about the Chick Chain or raising chickens, visit aces.edu.

Lake Martin Living 23

Art Heart at t he

A

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS COURTESY OF PURSELL FARMS

surprising thread of dreams – bright, vibrant and teeming with creativity – runs over the upland hunting fields, UTV trails and rolling fairways at Pursell Farms, a 3,200-acre resort renowned for indulging its guests in the outdoor interests of traditional Southern culture. Juxtaposed against these rugged adventures, the finely appointed cottages, cabins and inn accommodations display original works of art, pieces inspired by faith, family and farm and fashioned by the farm’s CEO David Pursell and family artists in residence.

Pursell grew up in the family business, a fertilizer concern, but when it was time to go to college, he chose to study commercial art at Auburn University instead of following the obvious line of agribusiness. And that’s how the thread started.

“As a kid, I loved art. I always had pen, paper, pencil with me, and I drew cartoons and Army men,” Pursell said. “I went through high school self-taught, and when I went to Auburn, I decided to try my skills at commercial art. I liked the idea of designing – ad campaigns, T-shirt designs, anything. I really think I’m more of an ‘ideator’ than an artist.”

When he returned to the farm after graduation, Pursell started an in-house ad agency at the family fertilizer company. His wife, Ellen, an interior designer, wove art and creativity into the fabric of life with their six children, encouraging them toward vision and expression. The Pursells’ daughters harmonized to radio tunes in the car on the way to school and found visual inspiration for art supplies and subject matter on the family farm.

“There was nothing out here but trees, fences, pasture and cows,” Pursell said.

It was fertile ground for ideation.

In 1997, the family business split into two divisions: His brother took on the consumer market while Pursell handled the professional side – the golf courses.

“To get the story across to end users, I developed the goal to make a presentation of our From Fashion to Fauna product to every golf course Artist-in-residence Vaughan superintendent in the country,” Pursell Spanjer traces the he explained. “The golf history and beauty of Pursell course was a living lab for the Farms through portraits and paintings of the wildlife. products.”

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Lake Martin Living 25

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As CEO, Pursell master-planned a research golf course and guest lodge and brought superintendents to the farm for demonstrations. The strategy was so successful that in just nine years, the product line went from No. 6 in the nation to No. 1.

In the meantime, Pursell drew. He created the FarmLinks course logo and drew portraits of legendary pro golfers Sam Snead, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and others. He drew Sylacauga native television star Jim Nabors, who had introduced his parents, and civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “He inspired me because he dreamed big,” Pursell said.

The cabins on the property were named after the golfers, and Pursell put a portrait of its namesake in each cabin.

In 2006, he sold the commercial product line but kept the hospitality business, which included the lodge, cottages and cabins, the restaurants, the golf course and the original farm property.

The following year, Pursell’s daughter, Vaughan, moved to New York City. She’d met New

York native Tim Spanjer there on a study trip while in college at Auburn University. The two married and pursued creative careers in Manhattan: Vaughan in fashion design, and Spanjer in design and marketing in the diamond industry.

The newlyweds looked forward to starting a family and blending their creative lives.

Vaughan had embraced the artistic encouragement of her childhood and kept notebooks of dress designs. Though she had doodled and sketched wildlife growing up, her heart was set on fashion. She joined a boutique design team in New York City, sourcing fabrics, connecting with factories and embellishing layouts. After the team did a Fashion Week at Bryant Park, Vaughan learned she was pregnant. She thought all her Pop and Poeple

Facing Page: Tim Spanjer's pop art pieces are refined in computer software and painted with colors he purchases in hardware stores; Right: Vaughan first applied her artistic interests to fashion design; Below: Art classes are among the experiences offered at Pursell Farms.

Lake Martin Living 27

dreams had come true.

But life in New York had its challenges, including a five-hour round trip commute. The cut-throat fashion design industry demanded long hours, stamina and endurance.

It was not a lifestyle conducive to full term pregnancy and raising a child.

Vaughan had lost previous pregnancies and went on bedrest following the triumphant Fashion Week experience.

“I couldn’t do both. I had to stop,” she said.

One month after the birth of his granddaughter, Pursell called his son-in-law and offered him a job as marketing director at Pursell Farms.

Spanjer had grown up on a farm in upstate New York and studied art in Oklahoma. His degree was in graphic design, but in New York City, he also pursued interests in theatre, literature, playwrighting, poetry and visual arts.

A dimensional thinker, Spanjer maintains artistic interests that run from A to Z. He loves design, shapes, color, doodling and painting with block colors from hardware stores. He makes his own frames for large pieces that first are hand-drawn; then, manipulated in PhotoShop; and finally, transferred to lauan plywood and painted. His pop 28 Lake Martin Living

Legacies and Leadeers

Above: CEO David Pursell began drawing portraits of golfers he admired and (left) leaders who inspired him.

art works, featured in offices at the farm, juried shows throughout the state and online at artofspanjer.com, present elements of literature, poetry and theatrics, as well as contemporary culture.

“Art for me is the process of landing on a concept; and then, drawing and positioning it in the computer. It’s composition and typography. That’s where the fun is,” he said.

Spanjer’s art often approaches commercial subject matter from unique perspectives, which helps him to look at marketing from different viewpoints as well.

“It’s given me the ability to tackle marketing with creativity,” Spanjer explained. “It has helped me to develop a mind that works creatively in marketing the farm. And here, my hands are not tied by corporate style guides and rules and requirements. I can come up with new advertising concepts for what we’re trying to do here, bring a level of design and creativity that is unique to the hospitality world.”

Six months after making the move from New York, Vaughan was pregnant again, and bedrest was ordered immediately. The Spanjer family moved into her parents’ house, where Vaughan’s mother could better care for her daughter and infant granddaughter. That care included efforts to keep Vaughan’s spirits up.

“I had run out of things to do. I was struggling with anxiety and depression,” Vaughan said. “My mom set up a picture, a pencil sketch of Jesus holding a lamb close to His heart, close to His face. She had set that up as a reminder for me of His love and protection, and I started drawing sheep.”

Ellen took her daughter’s sheep drawings to a local printer and had notecards made with them; then, she took her daughter to shops in the area to sell them.

“I had no confidence. I was pathetic. I waddled around to different places to sell them, and I would ask the store owners’ advice. ‘Do you like these? Do you think you might want to sell them?’ They were all so nice and so helpful to me,” Vaughan laughed. “There was a local frame shop that wanted me to display my work in their window, and I got some orders from there. Eventually, I started to branch out to cows and birds and other things I saw at the farm.”

Self-taught, Vaughan learned by trial and error and established herself as a local artist. She painted the quail that escaped the hunters at the fields, and she painted herons on the lake.

Now artist-in-residence at Pursell Farms, she illustrates for Orvis, which has a retail store on the grounds, and prints of her work are featured in every guestroom in the Inn. When the farm expanded to include a wedding venue, her mother commissioned Vaughan to paint a heron for the ballroom at Hamilton Place, a 22-acre space with indoor and outdoor areas for ceremonies and receptions.

Watercolors of her birds also are in the resort’s rooms, as are her trout and other fish, butterflies and wildlife vignettes.

Vaughan also has worked with Jenny Pfanenstiel of Forme Millinery out of Louisville on Derby Day illustrations. She’s illustrated Christmas cards and has done designs for Dixie Design Collective of Birmingham. She also paints pet portraits and teaches art to children.

But she traces her artistic roots to her parents, who cultivated a creative environment for their children.

“That was really affirming when I was a kid, and I drew from that affirmation. It pushes me to try harder, to think outside the box. I am so grateful for the platform of creativity at the farm. It definitely inspires me,” Vaughan said.

The next expansion at Pursell Farms will incorporate the family’s love of creative pursuits, Pursell said. Later this year, the resort will open a gallery where the story of art at Pursell Farms will be told in the works displayed.

Storytellers will host programs in which they will share anecdotes and spin tales about the artwork displayed in the gallery, the cabins and guestrooms – stories about the golfers and the wildlife, as they encourage guests to see the rolling landscape from new perspectives and realize what can happen when big dreams are woven into the fabric of life.

Lake Martin Living 29

Silver lining for college sports?

E

From the Tee

very sporting association in the world opportunity for our present student-athletes has postponed events or cancelled but may pose a problem to present high school them altogether for the spring and early juniors. summer. Every student in the country is now I have three sophomores on my CACC completing the academic year by some form of Trojan Golf Team. Dylan Moncus, from distance/online learning.

Alexander City, will transfer to Samford Pressures at home for many families are University next fall; and rather than only having building, or they are hopefully bonding more two years of eligibility available, Dylan will now than ever before. So many things we take for have three. This means that Dylan may be able granted have changed. I am hopeful that life, as to begin work on his Masters Degree while still we knew it a few short weeks ago, will return active on the Samford Golf Team. quickly. I suspect that we may soon have a A similar situation exists for my red-shirt brand new normal. freshman Jack Goldasich who will transfer to Greeting people by handshake may become the University of Alabama. Jack only played a thing of the past. The traditional Japanese collegiate sports for me for this one year. This bow may very well become a worldwide means will mean that Jack will have four years of of greeting another person. I have no idea eligibility at UA. Dave Jennings how society will react to the impact that the My other sophomore is Andrew Friend, who coronavirus pandemic leaves behind, but it will will transfer and play golf for Jefferson State certainly leave a scar.

Community College in Birmingham next year.

In the cancellation of spring collegiate sports at the The NCAA has followed the NJCAA lead in offering junior college level, I am delighted that the National the spring sport student-athletes another year of eligibility.

Junior College Athletic Association has waived this year At presstime for this magazine, both NCAA and the of competition and will grant one more year to all of the NJCAA were in talks in regard to enlarging the number junior college student-athletes. This will be a tremendous of scholarships that may be available for these spring 30 Lake Martin Living

sport athletes. For NAIA, NJCAA and NCAA D-2 athletic programs, there are no considerations given to financially assist schools for additional scholarship student-athletes.

This could be an interesting test for everyone involved.

This situation should work out well for many of the student-athletes receiving this additional year of eligibility.

Seniors will now have the options of returning to their universities; turning professional in the sport; or joining the working world. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors will have an additional year of eligibility in which to grow and improve in their chosen sports, as well. Many of these student-athletes could use this additional year to work on post-graduate classes or reduce the number of hours they had earlier planned to take each semester or quarter to graduate; who knows – grades could improve.

I just read that the Ivy League universities have chosen not to extend this additional year to their seniors, as they believe that college athletics should be a post-graduate activity.

A very questionable situation with this additional year for the college athletes could create issues and problems in other areas. Among the questions it creates are: Will there be room for the present high school junior student-athletes at the collegiate level upon their graduation? Will colleges and universities have adequate funds to offer to these additional student-athletes after this pandemic beats the daylights out of our economy?

The NCAA has permitted institutions to allow for the senior student-athlete to return to collegiate athletics for an

additional year, but the institutions they represent will have the option of renewing scholarships, awarding studentathletes portions of their scholarships or offering them no financial assistance whatsoever. It will be an interesting dynamic as the year progresses. Some universities and colleges could take the additional cost without issue; whereas, others might be in different financial situations.

On the lighter side, the Golf Coaches Association determined that it would offer the annual awards for this shortened year. Each association will recognize its outstanding student-athletes.

For CACC Trojan Golf in District-4 of NJCAA Division-1, four players have been recognized as AllDistrict Athletes. Jack Goldasich, Dylan Moncus, Keith Watkins and Jarod Edwards are four of the 10 selected for this honor within District-4. Your friendly neighborhood college golf coach (that’s me!) was selected as District-4 Coach of the Year. These four golfers and I will be in consideration for All-American status by that committee later this month.

During these uncertain times, I feel confident that the United States will endure this tragedy. Our economy will return. We will survive. Sports also will return. God is love, and He has a plan. We will all be blessed to watch Him work and receive His Grace. God bless us all. ~ Dave Jennings in the men's golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

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

Lake Martin Living 31

OH SNAP! 1

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7th Annual Lead Forward Women's Conference March 13, 2020 Betty Carol Graham Technolgy Center 1. Melinda Blackwelder and Alison Burton 2. Karen Channell, Lisa Andrews and Kim Oliver 3. Ashley Patterson, Alane Hagan and Kristi Thompson 4. Leanne Calhoun and Laurie Sturdivant 5. Allison Bazzell and Christy Parker 6. Khara Jones, Lisa Woodruff, Dana Fuller and Michel Bryan 7. Joanna Vines and Kelly Adams

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6

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OH SNAP! 2

3

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1 5

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Good Deeds in Our Community Early April, 2020

1. Tonya Knight shopped for several families.

2. Two gentlemen from Tapley Appliance helped John Coley change a tire on the River Bridge.

3. Railee Windsor made greeting cards for residents at Chapman's Nursing home.

4. Josh Tenold was grateful for the staff at Chapman's who helped to arrange a phone call with his Granny.

5. Route 63 Stop fed our local Alexander City firefighters.

6. Joy Johns took care of her neighbors' children and helped Ruth Anna Culberson catch a lizard.

7. LaDerick Russell (right) helped Randy Walters load up a new rug.

Lake Martin Living 33

How to Make a Cloth Face Mask DESIGN ADAPTED & TUTORIAL BY MARY LYMAN BOONE

What you need n S ewing machine (Or needle and thread for hand sewing) n Scissors n Straight pins n 100% cotton fabric, at least 20” by 20” n Pipe cleaner, cut 5½” long (optional)

STEP 3 Starting the mask.

Place the rectangle of fabric face down (right side down) and fold the long edges in ¼” and press.

Optional step – to stabilize the mask on the nose, add a pipe cleaner in a casing. Mark the center of the mask on the fold. Measure 2½” from the center of the mask. Stitch ½” keeping the needle in the fabric, pivot the fabric 90 degrees and stitch a line 5” long to create a pocket that extends 2½” on each side of the center mark. Bend both ends of the pipe cleaner back on itself ¼” to eliminate the sharp ends.

STEP 1

Prepare and cut the fabric.

Wash the fabric with laundry detergent and bleach to clean it and make sure the fabric is colorfast. Dry on high heat.

Cut four strips 1½” wide by 18” long for the ties.

Cut a piece 9½” wide by 13” long for the mask.

STEP 2

Make 4 ties (If you have shoelaces or something else you could use to tie the mask on, eliminate this step) For each 18-inch strip: Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press with an iron or by hand. Open the strip back up and fold the long sides to the center; then, fold again to enclose the raw edges of fabric. It is helpful to press it into place with an iron or by hand. Stitch the fabric down the middle lengthwise. On one end, stitch across the bottom so it doesn’t fray. Repeat with each strip to make all four ties, and set aside.

STEP 4

Attach the ties

Take the unstitched end of one tie and sandwich about ½” of it between the two pieces of fabric at a corner. Pin the tie in place. Repeat for each corner. Stitch one of the short sides of the fabric with the tie end sandwiched inside, and then repeat on the other side, removing pins as you stitch.

STEP 5

Fold the fabric in half with the right (front) sides together, matching the 9½” edges.

Pin. stitch ¼” from the edge then turn the mask rightside out and press.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY KENNETH BOONE

Make pleats

Adding pleats in the mask will help it conform to the face. Fold down the fabric lengthwise ¼-½” to make three pleats, as if you were making a fan.

The pleats should be facing downward from the top of the mask. If you have a pipe cleaner encased in the top of the mask, make sure you fold the pleats down away from the pipe cleaner. Secure pleats with a straight pin. Stitch ¼” from the edge all the way around the perimeter of the mask. Add a second row of stitching ¼” inside the first row to strengthen the mask.

Congratulations, you have just completed a COVID-19 face mask.

34 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 35

Closures & Changes THE LAKE REGION

In these uncertain times, we have altered the format of our Lake Region Calendar section this month to provide you with the following update for local businesses and services. To the best of our ability, this information was accurate at Lake Martin Living magazine's n The Outlook’s office is closed to the public until further notice.

Up-to-date information will be featured online as well as in our newspapers. n Main Street Alexander City’s office is closed until further notice. Executive Director Stacey Jeffcoat can still be contactedat 256-329-9227. n City of Alexander City City Hall is closed until further notice. Residents can pay bills online or via the postal service. n The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce announced Coffee & Connections are cancelled until further notice and Strands Sessions are cancelled until further notice.

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presstime; however, we suggest you call, check Facebook pages and websites before venturing out to make sure the information below has not been changed or updated.

We look forward to filling these pages with places to go and things to do next month.

n Sakura Bistro is temporarily closed. n New Site’s senior center, recreational park and gym are closed until further notice. n New Site Town Hall will remain open but asks residents to call 256-234-2049 and conduct business over the phone if possible. n Shay Donna Aesthetics will be closed until further norice.

This includes all scheduled appointments and events. n Adelia M. Russell Library and Mamie’s Place are both closed until further notice. In the meantime, staff will be at work to answer telephone calls, emails and text messages. For

information, call 256-329-6796 . n First United Methodist Church Alexander City on Green Street’s Tuesday and Thursday dinners have been suspended until further notice. The church will provide brown bag takeouts on Thursday nights only at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. n Jack’s in Dadeville, along with all its locations, has closed its dining rooms. Guests are invited to order takeout for curbside or go through the drivethru. n Russell Printing has closed its office to the public until further notice. Operations may continue digitally. Call or email for more information.

n The Piggly Wiggly in Alexander City modified its store hours and is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

upon request. Business hours will remain Thursday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. To place an order, call 256-215-7035.

n Lakeshore Pharmacy is utilizing drive-thru window service only.

n River of Life Church will host simulcasts at regular service times, 10 a.m. Sunday and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday; they can be viewed by searching River of Life Alexander City on YouTube.

n Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center is closed until further notice. n Cloud Nine is closed until further notice, except for pickups and online orders. n Dadeville City Hall lobby is closed. Services such as notary, faxing and copying have been suspended, and the city has requested city council meetings not be attended by the public. Call 256-825-9242 for information or concerns. n SpringHouse will serve takeout orders only from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

A family-style menu will be offered during this time. To place an order, call 256-2157080. n Emporium Wine will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will offer curbside pickup for those who do not wish to come inside. To place an order, call 256-212-9463. n Jim’s Pharmacy in Dadeville is offering curbside service or delivery only. Call 256-3733449 or text 334-731-7059. The new hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. n Chuck’s Marina has postponed its opening weekend until April 18. Check the Facebook page to verify. n Kowaliga Restaurant will accept take-out orders only, and curbside delivery is available

n Walmart in Alexander City has changed its hours to 7 a.m. through 8:30 p.m. until further notice. It has also closed its Auto Care Center to have those employees help with stocking and sanitation. Walmart stores will offer an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday one hour before the store opens. n River Bank & Trust offices have temporarily transitioned to drive-thru operations only. To schedule an appointment, call 256-329-0500. n Russell Lands Naturalist presentations will be cancelled through April, but Marianne Hudson will post a Nature Note daily on the Naturalist Marianne Facebook page. n Walgreens will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and pharmacy hours will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

$10 or more. It will also deliver outside city limits for orders over $25 with a small delivery fee included. Debit or credit cards only. Call 256-409-8088. n Anytime Fitness is closed until further notice. n Half Moon Market & Interiors is closed until further notice.

They will post items daily, with prices, on their Facebook page and interested customers should text Vickie at 256-749-4716 or Robin at 256-794-5700. n Mary Jo Johnson Insurance Agency office will be closed for in-person visits. Call Johnson at 256-409-8080 or email her at mjohnson@farmersagent.com. n The State Farm Harold Cochran office will be closed to walk-in business. To contact the office, call 256-234-2700, fax 256-329-0513 or send an email to harold.cochran.b2cn@ statefarm.com. Payments can be made by phone, online or left in the dropbox. n Root 49 in Dadeville is closing its doors until further notice. n Playhouse Cinemas is closed until further notice.

n Downtown Girl has temporarily closed its storefront but will post new arrivals daily on Facebook and have pickup options available.

n Mapco on Highway 280 in Alexander City is limiting its store to 10 people at a time.

Others may wait outside until there are fewer than the maximum capacity. Its lobby will be closed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. with the exception of police, firefighters, EMTs, doctors, nurses and truck drivers.

n The Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show has been postponed until May 15-17.

n Bethel Baptist on Young’s Ferry Road will provide services online at 11 a.m. Sunday.

n Route 63 Stop will deliver in Alexander City Tuesday to Friday only with no delivery fee within city limits on orders of

n Equality Performing Arts Center in Coosa County has cancelled Fourth Friday events until further notice.

Lake Martin Living 37

n Tractor Supply in Alexander City is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice. The staff encourages use of the store’s buy-online/pickup-in-store feature on tractorsupply.com in which a staff member will gladly bring the order to the curb if customers phone ahead. n Creative Touch Beauty Salon in Alexander City will be closed until further notice. n JR’s is closed until further notice. n Carlisle’s is closed until further notice. n Thirty-Two Main is closed until further notice. n Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is temporarily closed, which includes all indoor and outdoor spaces. n St. James Episcopal Church has suspended church services through the end of April. Check stjamesalexcity.com for virtual worship services. n Both Alexander City Vet and Wayside Animal Clinic are asking clients to call when they’re in the parking lot, and someone will come out to get your pet for an appointment.

They are operating under normal hours at this time. n The buildings, playgrounds and ballfields at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex are all closed to the public, but the park itself remains open for folks to walk in groups of five or fewer. n Who’s Diner is offering curbside during its normal hours and free delivery from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on orders of $25 or more.

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n All horseback riding at The Stables at Russell Crossroads has been ceased for the time being.

Call 256-749-1333 for more information. n Temporary hours at Catherine’s Market are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The café is doing take-out orders 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Call 256-215-7071 to place an order. Curbside delivery available upon request. n The Alexander City and Goodwater Housing Authority offices, community centers, youth and adult services centers and maintenance shop are closed to the public until further notice.

The staff continues to work and is available at 256-329-2201. n Tippy Canoe is temporarily closed. If customers would like to make a purchase in the coming weeks, call 334-399-7874 to make safe arrangements. n Scooter’s Grille in Hackneyville will be closed until further notice. n Idletime Family Center is temporarily closed. n Daughtry Insurance Agency in Alexander City and Dadeville Insurance has temporarily closed its doors to the public.

n Sho’Nuff BBQ will be closed until further notice. n Buck’s offers free delivery from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on all orders of $25 or more. n Jake’s has modified hours for curbside service from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Jake’s also will deliver lunch and dinner to local businesses and has a family meal plan available for curbside pickup. Family orders must be placed by 9 a.m., and pickup begins at 5 p.m. For more information, call 256-234-4300. n Dadeville Animal Clinic’s lobby will be closed until further notice, but curbside service is available. Call when you and your pet arrive, and someone will come out to retrieve your pet and bring it back out when finished. Call 256-825-9308 for an appointment. n Southern Star Pet Grooming and Boarding and Charlene’s Pet Grooming are both closed until further notice. n Dark Insurance is closed to the public until further notice. n Thrift Center, located in the Rose’s Shopping Center, is closed until at least April 18.

n Carib Kitchen is offering delivery in and around Alexander City to homes and work places. Call 256-392-4433 to place an order.

n Longleaf Antique Mall is closed until further notice.

n Heritage South Credit Union has closed its lobbies and will accept visitors only by appointment. The drive-thru is still open and ATMs are free to all users. Call 256-245-4776 with questions or to make an appointment.

n Genesis 1 hair salon is closed until further notice.

n Chique Hair and Nails salon is closed until further notice.

n Advance America is allowing only five people in the building at a time.

n Russell Medical Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine is still open and accepting patients by appointment only. The staff does not want people to delay treatment if needed. For more information, call 256-215-7450. n The Tallapoosa County Sheriff ’s office can still renew and issue gun permits and asks that patrons call 256-825-4264 or 256-234-3488 and the staff can explain the procedures since offices are closed to the public.

n Russell Do it Center and Russell Building Supply locations will be open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. n McGhee Furniture Warehouse is offering curbside sales. n Sav-a-Life is still open and in the office 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday through Wednesday and is seeing clients for pregnancy testing. If anyone is in immediate need for baby items,

call 256-329-2273 and leave your name and number. n All spring workshops at Tallapoosa School of Art have been cancelled through May. Register for June and July summer workshops at tallapoosaworkshops.com. n The Tallapoosa County Extension native azalea seminar and plant sale, originally scheduled for April 16 and 18, has been postponed.

Wash your hands to protect yourself against COVID-19 and other diarrheal and respiratory illnesses, and help prevent the spread of germs to others.

Lake Martin Living 39

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

280

18

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

14

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

Flint Hill Church

22

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Pleasant Grove Church

27

11

9

Piney Woods Landing

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

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Smith Landing Willow Point

6

Seman

4 Camp Kiwanis

9

10 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko

wa

Stillwaters

19 5

7 2

lig

Union Landing

aB

ay

24 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

20 26

80

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

8 63 17 9

Equality

231

16

22

57

12 24

Dade

280

28

Liberty Church

20

Jacksons Gap

23

Walnut Hill

25

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

15

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck

11 Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

40 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUN

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

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

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

22

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

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

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

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

hoe Bend nal Park

7 Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

19 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

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

Hotels & Lodges 23 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Restaurants & Venues

CHAMBERS COUNTY

eville

ON NTY

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

9 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

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

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

50

Camp Hill

88 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

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

21

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

Business & Shopping Waverly

50

13 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

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

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

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

13

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

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

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

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

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

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

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

16 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

LEE COUNTY

17 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka 14

Notasulga 85 81

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

Lake Martin Living 41

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE!

“Our Family Caring for Yours”

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

“For long-term care or short-term rehab, Tallassee Health and Rehabilitation, LLC is a 5-star facility dedicated to providing the best care right here at home.”

CALL SUNNY TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS TODAY!

Tallassee

Health and Rehabilitation, LLC 334-283-3975

2639 Gilmer Avenue • Tallassee, AL 36078

ATTENTION READERS: Due to the

RUSSELL DO IT CENTER

COVID-19 Pandemic some of

JIM'S PHARMACY

our distribution locations have

LAKESHORE PHARMACY

changed. This month, you may

CITGO

pick up the most recent issue of

BAY PINES MARINA

Lake magazine at the following

BLUE CREEK MARINA

locations. If you are ordering take

STILLWATERS

out from any of the restaurants

LAKESIDE MARINA

listed below or delivery from any

HARBOR POINTE MARINA

of these groceries, request your

WALNUT HILL EAGLE

free copy of Lake magazine with

STORE 34

your order.

LAKESIDE MERCANTILE WALNUT HILL CHEVRON

ALEXANDER CITY

SIGGERS

WINN DIXIE

PNC BANK

PIGGLY WIGGLY WALGREENS

ELMORE COUNTY

KOONS II

NAILS CONVIENCE STORE

KOONS KORNER

RUSSELL DO IT CENTER- ECLECTIC

RUSSELL DO IT CENTER

REAL ISLAND MARINA

CATHERINE'S MARKET

TALLASSEE MARATHON

SERVICE PRINTING

EQUALITY FOOD MART

JET PEP

WETUMPKA HERALD

HOME DEPOT HOMETOWN PHARMACY

RESTAURANTS WITH TAKE OUT

JACKSON DRUGS

ORDER

KOONS KORNER

CARIB KITCHEN

NORTH LAKE CONDO

JAKE'S

RIVERBEND STORE

DAYLIGHT DOUGHNUTS

LAKEMARTIN BUILDING SUPPLY

EMPORIUM WINE

RUSELL MARINA

BIG B

SHELL GAS STATION

JIM BOBS

LARRY'S GENERAL STORE

NIFFERS

THE SURE SHOT

OSKARS

WIND CREEK GATE

POPLAR DAWGS

WIND CREEK STORE

FUSION GRILL

NEWSITE FOODLAND

COTTONS BBQ

RIDGE MARINA

WOW CATERING

KOWALIGA MARINA

KOWALIGA RESTAURANT

WILLOW POINT PETRO

Get Lake magazine delivered to

EXXON

your mailbox for just $25 per year.

TALLAPOOSA PUBLISHERS, INC

To start your subscription, call Linda

PLAYHOUSE CINEMAS - OPEN

Ewing at 256-234-4281.

WHEN THEY ARE SELLING THEIR CONCESSIONS AND KONA ICE

DADEVILLE RENFROE'S WALGREENS

42 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin’s Best Source for News and Information.

TPI

Lake Martin Living 43

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

334-857-2443 lakemartindock.com

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

44 Lake Martin Living

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

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

A&O Tree Service............................................................................... 2 9

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

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

New Stone Realty................................................................................ 8

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

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery................................................... 3 5

Beyond Home Care............................................................................ 3 5

Oskar's.............................................................................................. 2 9

Alexander Landscaping ....................................................................... 8 Bolton Cove.......................................................................................13 Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6 C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 2 9 Coosa Valley MRI..............................................................................44 DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 4 Designs by Trish................................................................................... 6 Eddie & B's Carwash & Produce......................................................... 4 4 Four Seasons..................................................................................... 4 4 George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 6

Prime Home Health.............................................................................. 8 Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6 River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 4 Russell Medical.................................................................................. 4 8 Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5 Southern Sash................................................................................... 4 2 Surgical Dermatology......................................................................... 3 5 Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 3 1 Swearingen Fence.............................................................................. 2 9

Harbor Pointe Marina........................................................................ 4 5

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

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

Tallapoosa County Board of Education............................................... 4 7

Heritage South Credit Union................................................................ 2

Tallassee Health & Rehab................................................................... 4 2

Jim DeBardelaben.............................................................................. 3 5

TowBoatUS........................................................................................ 3 9

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

UAB................................................................................................... 4 3

Lake Martin Living 45

Culture Shock

51. Fearless and True

by Wade Bennett

What to

Read

I

love to read.

It goes without saying that these are interesting and trying times, and I decided not to talk about that. This month, I wanted to make my column a big fat list of book recommendations.

Relax and go somewhere else if you need to. In no particular order: Kids Books: 1. Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown; recommended by Julianne Meacham 2. Clap Your Hands by Lorinda Bryan Cauley; recommended by Jack Meacham 3. The Good Egg by Jory John 4. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carl; recommended by Julianne Meacham 5. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt; recommended by Breck Sanford 6. Pete the Cat by James Dean; recommended by Rosemary & Amelia McDaniel 7. The Llama Llama series by Anna Dewdney; recommended by Bennett Dunnaway 8. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein 9. Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Seuss 10. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans Adult Books: 1. Daisy and the Six by Taylor Jenkins 2. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens; recommended by – everyone!

3. Open Book: the Jessica Simpson Biography 4. Untamed by Glennon Doyle; reommended by Liz Holland 5. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng; recommended by Steph Graves 6. Educated by Tara Westover; recommended by Marty Cook 7. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi 46 Lake Martin Living

Adeyemi 8. It’s Not Supposed to Be the Way by Lysa TerKeurst 9. Strange As This Weather Has Been

by Ann Pancake 10. One Minute Out by Mark Greaney; recommended by Scott Goslin 11. Fervent by Priscilla Shirer; recommended by Martha Jane Murphy 12.The Reckoning by John Grisham; recommended by Lane Saunders 13. Off the Grid by CJ Box; recommended

by Lane Saunders 14. Before Anyone Else by Leslie Hooton; recommended by Lane Saunders 15. All the Light We Cannot See; reommended by Linda Ewing 16 Zone One by Colson Whitehead; recommended by Benjamin Arnberg 17. The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai; recommended Benjamin Arnberg 18. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood; recommended by Benjamin Arnberg 19. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez; recommended by Benjamin Arnberg 20. The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel; recommended by Benjamin Arnberg 21. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien 22. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho 23. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling 24. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie 25. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

by C.S. Lewis 26. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown 27. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White 28. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

29. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank 30. More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth 31. The Arrangement by Robyn Harding 32. Is There Still Sex in the City? by Candace Bushnell 33. Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian 34. The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory 35. The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai 36. Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark 37. Moccasin Square Gardens by Richard Van Camp 38. Shut Up, You’re Pretty by Tea Mutonji 39. Hot Comb by Ebony Flowers 40. Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey 41. The Last Resort by Marissa Stapley 42. The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward 43. The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister 44. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid 45. Conviction by Denise Mina 46. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes 47. Fair Play by Eve Rodsky 48. The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott 49. The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda 50. The Cactus by Sarah Haywood ~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn, who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @ LaceyHowell.

Lake Martin Living 47

48 Lake Martin Living