May Lake Martin Living

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

Carly Herrmann's Unique Job at the Farmers Market

Entrepreneurial Sisters May 2020

www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

Splashplex Opens

2 Lake Martin Living

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From the Editor’s Desk

S

ummer reading, summer feeding and summer fun.

That’s what we have in store for you this month in Lake Martin Living magazine as the area emerges from the social and economic shutdown of the coronavirus outbreak. And it all starts with one great big splash.

In a matter of days, Alexander City Parks and Rec will open Phase I of the Splashplex, a collection of water features that will entertain kids on hot summer afternoons.

This highly anticipated project is set to open the day after Memorial Day at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City, and it will be free to use. See how it all came together on page 28.

As you might imagine from a writer and magazine editor, I was a voracious reader as a child. Always at the top of the local library’s summer reading awards programs, I visited the library every week and always came home with a new stack of adventures. Even now, I look forward to the summer reading program at the local libraries. This year, the summer of reading fun will kick off virtually on June 1 with story ideas for children and adults. Turn to page 39 for details and go online to register.

My most recent read was the second novel in Angela Mullins’ Uncle Henry series. The Fictional Biography of Samuel Archer is the exciting prequel to last year’s Working for Uncle Henry. This story of espionage and family secrets, written by an Alexander City native, actually began in the 1930s when Samuel Archer picked the wrong pocket. For years afterward, the womanizing con man was blackmailed into service as a spy. I talked with Mullins about writing this installment and her plans for the next book in the series on page 34.

Then on page 24, we launch a new series of articles spotlighting unique jobs in the area, starting with Main Street Alexander City Farmers Market Manager Carly Herrmann. The downtown farmers market will open early next month with social distancing and hand sanitizer stations, along with other health-related safeguards. Carly will be there, toting canopy tents, putting out signs, helping folks shop and arranging entertainment in accordance with one of the area’s most unique job descriptions. If you know of someone with a unique or interesting local job, drop us a line at editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

To wrap up this issue’s delicious treats, Amy Passaretti discovered a most delightful baker in Equality’s Mimi Heffelfinger. At 13 years old, this young entrepreneur started her own business when her scrumptious and beautifully decorated cookies became a Facebook phenomenon. Tasting Mimi’s success, her sister, Lacey Rae, followed suit with goat’s milk soaps to use the extra milk produced by her nanny goat. Learn more about these industrious young ladies on page 14.

And join us for a wonderful summer!

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 Lori Harrell Susan McCrispin Sarah Childers 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 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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6 Lake Martin Living

Alexander City’s Carly Herrmann holds one of the area’s most unique jobs: She manages the Alexander City Farmers Market. Carly recruits farmers, opens the market every Saturday morning from June through September, arranges entertainment and assists shoppers, loving every minute of it.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS 12. MONEY MATTERS 18. GARDEN TALK 23. MEDICAL NEWS 32. FROM THE TEE 46. CULTURE SHOCK

FEATURES 14. LEARNING THE BUSINESS Equality's Heffelfinger sisters take on entrepreneurship with overwhelming success 24. UNIQUE JOBS: FARMERS MARKET MANAGER Alexander City Farmers Market manager Carly Herrmann combines a diverse set of skills 28. SPLISH SPLASH Alexander City Parks and Rec this month will open the Splashplex with help from Steve Robinson and the Leadership Lake Martin Green Team 34. PICKING THE WRONG POCKET Blackmail and espionage in the second installment of Angela Mullins' Uncle Henry series 36. SHELTER FROM THE STORM An Alexander City couple turns a Mother's Day gift into a helping hand to neighbors 39. IMAGINE YOUR STORY Summer reading adventures continue despite coronavirus distancing requirements Mimi Heffelfinger started her own business baking cookies that taste as good as they look!

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AROUND THE AREA

Strand Sessions return Strand Sessions will return to Alexander City's downtown park from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4, and

patrons attending will find new seating available to enjoy the music. Sponsored

by Lake Martin Young Professionals, the summer music-in-the-park event will launch with Blake Cartrair Band.

Music Returns to Strand

When Blake Cartrair (right) takes the stage at Strand Sessions June 4, patrons can listen in leisure at new tables (above) that were installed this month at the top of the hill.

Blake Catrair is a pianist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Auburn. Influenced by a range of genres, his solo compositions combine many elements of rock, blues, funk, jazz and folk music. He has performed with a variety of musicians, including the Auburn Knights Orchestra, Lee Bains III, Allen Aucoin, David Murphy and various other original acts.

Cartrair is currently recording his debut solo album and playing with local rock band, Three Toed Sloth. Blake Catrair Band performs a mix of original tunes along with classic rock and pop covers.

Earlier this month, the City of Alexander City and Main Street Alexander City partnered to provide patio tables and chairs at the park. ~ Staff report

Annual Jazz Fest concert series moves to August The Alexander City Jazz Fest has been postponed to Aug. 7-8 due to social distancing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexander City Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Ed Collari said.

“Our primary concern for rescheduling is the health, safety and level of comfort of the performers, volunteers and attendees of Jazz Fest,” Collari explained. “We felt like hosting an event of this magnitude in early June was too soon, given the current regulations. We will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate any additional changes that need to be made to ensure the safety of everyone involved.”

Following traditional protocol, the Friday night show Aug. 7 will be held in Strand Park in downtown Alexander City, followed by the Saturday show at The Amp on Lake Martin. Live music on both nights is currently scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and is presented by Russell Lands On Lake Martin.

“We feel like this is one of Alexander City’s signature events and hosting it on an annual basis is part of the fabric of our community,” Collari said. “Considering this is the 30th year of Jazz Fest, we felt rescheduling was a more appropriate option at this time than cancelling the event. With the continued support

Anniversary Delayed But Not Cancelled

The 30th Jazz Fest concert series will take place in August, preceded by the weeklong Sun Festival celebration.

of our sponsors, the City of Alexander City, Russell Lands On Lake Martin and all the fans that join us each night for free live music, we look forward to another tremendous Jazz Fest weekend in August.”

An announcement regarding the music lineup will be made in the near future. ~ Amy Passaretti Lake Martin Living 9

Community is our business G

STORY BY BETSY ILER

overnment stimulus monies and creative thinking have helped hundreds of local businesses weather the coronavirus storm and re-emerge battered but still standing as state-mandated guidelines are relaxed, stores reopen and services ramp up.

When the shutdown began and Congress rolled out the payroll protection program, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce issued a call to arms.

“We started calling our membership to make sure everyone was aware of the SBA and payroll protection program. A lot of our local businesses were eligible, and that’s pumped millions of dollars back into our economy,” said chamber CEO and president Ed Collari.

Customers that were able to secure funding through the program sing the praises of local bankers that helped them complete applications in record time. When the Small Business Administration’s computers became overloaded during business hours, eight River Bank and Trust employees volunteered

10 Lake Martin Living

Taking Care to work in the wee hours of the morning to make sure applications of Business Mark Spencer and were uploaded for local businesses Kevin Speaks of Valley before the money ran out.

Bank drove an effort “We told our customers ‘if you to help local businesses are eligible, you need to apply,’” said apply for funding.

River Bank local president Randy Dawkins. “We came together as a community to help and support each other.”

Some customers applied for small amounts of the relief money while other customers got the limit, Dawkins said.

“We had some applications that were for companies with just two employees and others as much as 50. It helped businesses of all different sizes. That money is here in our community,” he said.

Elizabeth Roberts said the SBA loan ensured that employees Alex City Chiropractic would be paid when the practice experienced a 60 percent decline in patient visits.

“We only got enough just for our payroll for the eight-week

BUSINESS MATTERS period. That was our major concern. It saved us from having to layoff our employees,” she said. “Randy Dawkins did an amazing job getting our application in right off the bat. We did it all on the first day.”

At Valley Bank, Kevin Speaks said he started educating himself on the PPP before it was passed.

“I started watching C-Span on television when the program was in discussion. I knew we would need to get our program up and running. When it came online, we were fully immersed the day it passed,” Speaks said.

Because the program was rolled out so quickly – in just three weeks – aspects of it changed rapidly, Speaks said.

“I would have a conversation with a customer, and an hour later, the program changed and what we had talked about no longer applied,” he said. “We knew there would be changes and tweaks the first week that it launched, and we stayed on it, so we could advise and guide as much as possible.

“Our community is a step ahead of others because most employers here qualified for this.”

Speaks said accountants in the area were the unsung heroes as the applications were prepared.

“We worked hand-in-hand with them in a joint effort to stay on top of the program, and they did the lion’s share of the work, providing documentation that helped us get our mutual clients approved even faster,” Speaks said.

Welcome Relief Kelly Adams at Beyond Instead of waiting for Home Care said the PPP customers to apply, Speaks gave her peace of mind. reached out to customers that he thought might need the help.

One of those customers was Ralph Holley at Holley’s Furniture, which closed during the stay-at-home phase of the guidelines.

“Kevin reached out to me and sent the paperwork that had to be filled out. I didn’t understand exactly the questions, and he was patient to answer every question, every email. He was working Saturdays, Sundays. He made it happen,” Holley said.

“I have seven people here that depend on a check for their families, their livelihood. I needed to take care of the people who are taking care of me and took care of my parents before me.

When we closed for six weeks, the bills didn’t stop,” Holley said.

Kelly Adams at Beyond Home Care said the PPP funds offered her peace of mind.

“Our business is only four years old, and we have 30 people on payroll. To be in a position where you’ve poured your heart and soul into this business and have the rug pulled out from under it was earth shattering. It gave me peace of mind, so I could pay my people,” Adams said.

Though many of Adams’ clients needed continued assistance, family members of others opted to shelter in place with loved

ones and care for them themselves. Beyond Home Care saw a decline of 25 percent.

“We just need to float through this and get out to the other side, so we can build based on what the new normal will be,” Adams said.

She expects to see a big increase and is looking to add at least 10 more caregivers, she said.

“Home care is essential. We need our seniors to stay in isolation; that is evident. We will see a big increase in services, and I haven’t been able to find new caregivers,” she said. “I am competing with unemployment benefits.”

Some businesses saw an increase in customer traffic during the shutdown because of the stimulus money that was paid to individuals. Matt Owen at Foster’s Automotive said he was grateful that auto parts and repair was deemed an essential business and was allowed to remain open.

“We have been in this location for only a year, and April was our best month. A lot of that had to do with stimulus money,” Owen said.

‘People were at home, and when they’re home they work on two things: honey-do lists and car repairs.

We saw a little of that earlier with tax refunds, which is normal for this business this time of year, but there was definitely a tick up when stimulus checks hit.”

In the meantime, city departments were able to operate at full capacity with adjustments to scheduling, such as working split shifts to maintain social distancing, said Economic and Community Development Director Al Jones.

“It’s really a testament to city workers and how hard they worked. There were no significant delays in meeting needs, and we were able to retain all of the jobs,” Jones said.

Sales tax numbers are not yet in, and Jones said it’s a guess at this point as to how those figures will affect the city’s budget.

“Big box stores saw an increase, but smaller ones had to close.

It’s hard to say how that will affect sales tax revenues,” he added.

The city has been awarded a grant for recovery at the airport, as well as $30,000 each for the fire and police departments.

Main Street Alexander City Executive Director Stacey Jeffcoat said she is proud of the community and the merchants she works with for how everyone handled the situation.

“We have been doing gift card giveaways and promoting Take-out Thursdays. Most of our restaurants sold out of food on past Thursday nights,” Jeffcoat said. “Even before retail opened up, people were supporting local stores with curbside and online purchases. Some of our retailers had their best April ever.

“It hasn’t been easy, but we live in a community that supports one another. Even though businesses struggled, I’m so proud of the way they took food out of their kitchens – that was their profit – and they used it to feed hospital workers and first responders. It says a lot about who we are in this community.”

Lake Martin Living 11

Financial Tips for an Uncertain Time

T

phone, claiming to be a relative in trouble or using he economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis some other excuse to ask for your personal financial are rippling through communities across the information. In some cases, they may solicit donations country, and Alabama is no exception. Millions for a charity that doesn’t exist. The best thing to do if are out of work, and countless others are you even suspect fraud is to call your bank yourself looking into the future and wondering how they will and ask about the situation. make ends meet. n Save or donate. I think that now, more Getting sick, losing a job or facing than ever, as Americans, we’re learning a reduction in income often presents about saving money. My grandparents told immediate problems to solve, like paying me, “Save three months of your salary,” for a home, food, utilities and healthcare. which is great advice. If you can afford If these are your concerns, your first to set aside more money than usual, take steps could be to apply for unemployment advantage of that luxury to prepare for and explore community and government what’s ahead. Also, some of us didn’t need resources. But no matter your situation, the stimulus money as much as others, so if you may be able to start making plans and you can, consider donating to a food pantry, shifting priorities to weather the tough shelter or clinic to help people in crisis in economic times ahead, even if you aren’t in the community. crisis. n Get the most out of your money.

As banks work with customers every day, Interest rates are extremely low right now, we see people make smart adjustments and so it could be a relatively easy decision plans for the future in some inventive ways. to make your funds more available if you With this in mind, here are some financial Lori Harrell think you don’t want too much money tied tips that could be of help as you navigate up in certificates of deposit. Money-market this challenging time. accounts can be very appealing while n Embrace digital banking. Banks offering flexibility for you. Check with your banker to are constantly adding resources to their websites and work through all your options. mobile apps, so there’s a lot you can do with your n Don’t panic. When banks started reducing hours finances, even though you may not be able to go to and closing lobbies, some customers got nervous. But your bank branch. For example, you may be able to know that your money is safe in the bank. The FDIC increase your credit limit; seek a payment deferment; insures deposits up to $250,000, and this economic or make other changes to your accounts. Your banker situation is not like the recession that began in 2008 should also be available to advise you over the phone because the banks are not in trouble. Check whether or via email. you should move money that you have invested, but n Take a hard look at your budget. I have a don’t frantically pull your money out of long-term 15-year-old daughter, and money usually seems to just investments. fly out the door. As everything has been closed now, we’ve been seeing where our money has been going.

Lori Harrell has spent the last nine years as market Use this time as a chance to cut unnecessary expenses manager of the Mill Square branch of Valley Bank in and make the most of your money. Do you subscribe to services like Audible or Netflix that you aren’t using? Alexander City. In April, Lori also was named market manager for the Dadeville Valley Bank branch. Lori will Consider canceling those and cutting out impulse spending. It’s a really good time to look at your budget. split her time between the two branches and is looking forward to serving the Dadeville community. n Protect your money from scams. At the bank, we are always looking out for people who are trying to take advantage of our customers, and in times like this, we know the chance of fraud is even higher. With stimulus checks arriving, criminals may be trying new ways to get access to accounts. Scammers may try contacting you via email, on Facebook or over the

MONEY MATTERS

12 Lake Martin Living

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

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

Perhaps the saying is true, the whole is equal to the sum of its parts.

Lake Martin Living 13

Tast y Business

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

14 Lake Martin Living

O

ne of the youngest entrepreneurs in the area, 14-year-old Mimi Heffelfinger started her business last year at age 13.

Shortly after she launched Mimi’s Baked Goods, her sister, Lacey Rae, 15, followed suit, making homemade goat’s milk soaps.

“Mimi was just baking all the time, and we had more than we could eat, so we found out about the Cottage Food certification,” the girls’ mother, Crystal Heffelfinger said. “And Lacey just took the wheel and went out on her own.”

The Cottage Food certification is a two-hour class offered through the Tallapoosa County Extension Service. Business individuals producing foods in their homes for public consumption are required by law to pass the class.

When Mimi was little, she loved helping her mom bake, and as baking shows on television and online became a huge hit, Mimi’s desire went into overdrive.

“It really caught us all off guard that Mimi’s business exploded,” Heffelfinger said. “We were worried nobody would trust a kid, but once people started getting orders, she had to actually limit it.”

Mimi’s top-selling baked goods are sugar cookies with royal icing, which can be colored and flavored for a variety of custom occasions.

“I can do anything custom and different themes,” Mimi said. “I’m not shipping yet because you need a certain license for that, so I usually hand deliver to people.”

Mimi’s main markets are Rockford and Alexander City, where she has attended the farmers markets.

“I use different frosting tips to make roses and other designs,” Mimi said. “I just like trying different techniques.”

Her largest order was 300 cake pops for a wedding.

She also has filled cookie orders of more than eight dozen. And she’s mastered the art of macaroons as well, which she makes with wheat flour since she’s allergic to nuts.

“It will be a nut-free bakery,” she said. “And I don’t work with peanut butter either.”

Mimi’s dream is to someday open her own bakery, but in the meantime, she receives orders through her Facebook page Mimi’s Baked Goods.

“It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding,” she said.

One dozen cookies are $15. The price drops to $12 per dozen when more than one dozen is ordered.

Her cakes range Cookie Cutter between $25-$30, Mimi Heffelfinger (facing based on size. page) started her baked Lacey Rae saw her sister’s business take goods business last year and stays busy filling decorative off, and she decided and delicious cookie orders to try her hand at for parties, showers making soaps from and holiday celebrations.

Lake Martin Living 15

16 Lake Martin Living

"Goats' milk is really good for your skin.

It breaks down dead skin cells and refreshes. It's also the same pH as your skin, so it balances it." ~ Lacey Rae the milk her goats produced, which was more than the family could consume.

“I had lots of milk, and I didn’t know what to do with it, so I looked up how to make soap,” Lacey Rae said. “I’m self-taught; I just read about it. It was hard at first, but it’s getting easier.”

Her two Nubian goats, Daisy, 6, and Cashmere, 5, are her pets, as well as her profit.

“Nubians have a higher butter fat percentage so it’s a creamier soap,” Lacey Rae said. “Goats’ milk is really good for your skin.

It breaks down dead skin cells and refreshes.

It’s also the same pH as your skin, so it balances it.”

One bar of soap takes roughly three to six weeks for cure time. She pours the milk into a mold, and she cuts it into bars a couple days later; then, lets it sit for several weeks.

“The longer it sits, the longer it lasts,” said Lacey Rae. She incorporates a variety of oils and fragrances to produce different blends, and she offers soaps in diverse shapes and sizes.

The sales price is based on weight and usually is between $4 and $6 per bar. She also started taking her soaps to farmers markets last August and intends to start selling her Muscadine Creek Creamery and Soaps products, which also include bath bombs and lotions, in stores. Her products can be purchased or ordered through Facebook.

“I plan to start showing my goats in the fall and breeding them,” Lacey Rae said. “They are pure bred and registered.”

The sisters’ parents help with driving, delivering or packaging, along with setting up at farmers markets, but for the most part, the girls run their own shows.

Creamy Soaps

Lacey Rae started making beautiful, fragrant soaps when her goats produced more milk than the family could use.

Lake Martin Living 17

After the Storm

18 Lake Martin Living

O

n Sunday morning, April 19, 2020, a mighty and underestimated severe thunderstorm blew across Coosa and Tallapoosa counties and other select portions of Central Alabama.

In an instant, numerous home landscapes; a campground; backyards; front yards; orchards; forest settings;and roadsides were abruptly uprooted, transformed and damaged. A powerful straight-line wind punched the area and broke tree limbs; pushed over mighty and massive oaks,;snapped historic pines with ease; flattened generational pecan trees; and scarred the natural landscape. Luckily, only a few houses and buildings were badly damaged by the storm, but many beautiful shaded home landscapes were abruptly changed.

Now that the chainsaws are silent and much of the debris has been cleaned up and hauled away, attention turns to evaluating the yard and property. The obvious realization after such a storm event is that what once may have been a shady lot is now in full sun with the trees gone. Such drastic changes, indeed, will have longterm effects.

If not able to grow grass in the past, that former shady spot likely could now.

Consider planting grass or laying sod, if necessary, to hold the Shane Harris soil intact and cover bare spots.

Sensitive and shade loving plants may become stressed and suffer in their new hot and sunny environment.

Attention will need to be given to them to see if they adapt. Add mulch and provide additional water this spring and summer to help relieve the stressful conditions.

On the bright side, if there is one, do take this as an opportunity to replant and create a new landscape.

Losing large, old trees in the yard can be heartbreaking, and though they can never be fully replaced in our lifetime, homeowners might be able to replant.

The quick response to that advice often is, “No, don’t want any more trees!�

I can respect that but do keep in mind how

Garden Talk

"Losing large, old trees in the yard can be heartbreaking, and though they can never be fully replaced in our lifetime, homeowners might be able to replant. "

Drastic Changes

After last month's hailstorm, many areas that once were shaded now are sunny.

~ Shane Harris Lake Martin Living 19

beneficial and valuable trees are near the home. Not only do trees increase property value and help sell homes faster, but also, studies have shown that trees help to save money on energy costs and slow water runoff, which prevents soil erosion. In addition, trees are just beautiful and are the most cherished asset of the home landscape.

It might be wise investment.

If you do wish to plant a new tree or two around the home or property, first choose a proper location that is safely away from the house in case of future storms. No need to go through this again and have the new tree cause future damage.

Be sure to choose the right tree for you. Consider the results you are trying to achieve. Shade, spring flowers and/or fall color?

Most homeowners want an instant landscape and fast growing trees to replace what was lost. Some fast growing trees to consider are yellow poplar, loblolly pine, sycamore, red maple, crape myrtle and willow oak.

Now that the storm has passed, the next extremely important task is to evaluate the remaining trees in the yard. It is wonderful news that you still have trees that were not affected or badly damaged. But as I have written

20 Lake Martin Living

in the past, it’s advisable to look up and examine those remaining trees closely. Storm damage is much different than dieback symptoms commonly seen in slowly dying trees.

From just riding around in the area, I have noticed many trees still standing with snapped and missing tops, large broken limbs and hanging branches. Minor broken branches may not be a big risk, but it’s hard for trees to cope with major breaks or cracks h. Once damaged, these trees will likely take years to fully recover.

Trees with only a few broken limbs are seldom a concern, but noticeable defects could lead to decay, hazards and failure. Broken limbs are even more serious because they require pruning to ensure minimal incidences of decay and insect attacks. Trees that have lost large limbs or several limbs need to be assessed with thought to the trees’ future structure stability, as decay is likely to occur as a result of such damage.

New Opportunities

Lawns that once were shady (below) might now support garden plants that need full sun to succeed (left).

In general, the younger the tree, the more easily it will cope with storm damage and continue to thrive; however, wounds on older trees tend to be larger, and tree growth is slower and less vigorous. As trees mature, loss of large branches increases incidents of decay, leading to future structural problems, as well as contributing to tree decline from loss of leaves.

Hangers are limbs that have broken but remain loosely attached to a portion of the tree. The easiest of these to see are those that hang vertically to the ground. A suspended branch is a limb that broke off completely, but during the fall was caught by another branch before it could reach the ground. Hangers and suspended branches should not be underestimated, especially if there are targets below them. Trees should be inspected carefully for hangers and suspended branches, especially after a storm or high winds. Carefully remove these hazards before they complete the fall and cause additional damage or injury.

Don’t forget to inspect the remaining trees’ roots, as well. High winds often cause trees to rock, severing the roots and, in extreme cases, leading to whole tree failure.

The most prominent sign of root failure is a leaning tree.

Because a tree leans doesn’t necessarily mean it would fall, but it certainly warrants closer examination. If you have a leaning tree, look for signs of decay and root instability. One indicator of a critical root defect is soil mounding on the opposite side of the lean. A tree that has recently shifted from its normal vertical position will require immediate action.

One final thought: It is baffling to find a tree has fallen from a storm and yet another nearby is still standing, having escaped the dangerous forces of nature. Many of the downed trees that fell or split during the April storms and high winds already had hidden structural problems.

Many large and mature oaks and pines specifically showed inner decay and rot or other major defects. Some may have had root rot. These weak points, coupled with advanced age, greatly increased the probability of trees falling or breaking in the direct force winds of a storm.

There are three simple rules toward having safer trees: regular systematic inspection; treating problems quickly; and removing trees when their risks outweigh their value.

As a community, we will continue to weather the storms of life that come our way. The sun soon comes out and almost always brings helping hands and folks who need them together. Be ready and stay safe. ~ Shane Harris is the Tallapoosa County Extension Coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Contact him at 256-825-1050 or visit aces.edu/Tallapoosa.

The Trouble With Trees

From Top to Bottom: When replanting, take care that the new tree will not hit the house when it is a mature height; beware of hanging limbs, which could break loose and cause damage or injury below; depsite the dangers, trees provide shade and curb appeal and have many other benefits.

Lake Martin Living 21

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

22 Lake Martin Living

We are

in this

together!

Protections in Place

A

t Russell Medical, our commitment to ensuring a clean, safe environment for our customers and staff is paramount. That’s true every day, but with the heightened focus of COVID-19, we’ve faced challenges during this unprecedented pandemic.

Now more than ever, safety and reliability are our highest priorities. As we carefully and methodically transition our services back to regular operations, rest assured our priority is to maintain a safe environment while minimizing Susan Foy the exposure risks associated with COVID-19.

We understand you may have concerns about coming into our hospital or professional building to see your physician. To make in-person visits safe, we have implemented a number of safeguards for our healthcare providers and for you:

Medical News

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Cleanliness is a hallmark trait of Russell Medical. Our environmental services staff rotates hourly through the complex sanitizing of offices, corridors, restrooms and all public areas. Hand sanitizer stations have been placed in multiple locations on every floor.

Visitor Restrictions

We continue to limit visitors and continue to adhere to CDC and state guidelines. Please contact the hospital

before arriving for a scheduled operation to see who may possibly accompany you.

Screening

We are currently screening everyone who enters Russell Medical and the adjacent Professional Building. This screening includes a few questions and a temperature check. Employees are screened for symptoms, and temperatures are monitored every day.

In addition, patients are pre-screened for potential COVID-19 before any procedures are conducted.

Masks and Social Distancing

All patients and approved visitors are required to wear masks when entering or moving about our buildings.

In addition, we continue to reinforce social distancing guidelines. There are fewer chairs set farther apart in our waiting areas to allow for safe distances and immediate disinfection.

Don’t put off getting the essential care you need. Now that reinforced safety measures have been instituted and restrictions have relaxed, we encourage you to call your doctor’s office if you have a health need that you have been waiting to address, or an annual examination or test that is due. Many doctors are seeing patients by virtual (tele-health) visits, and we are now rescheduling some procedures and diagnostic tests.

We know this has been a difficult time to take care of your health, as well as the health of those who may rely on you for their care and well being. You can rest easy knowing that Russell Medical is safe and ready to take care of your healthcare needs. ~ Susan Foy is the marketing director at Russell Medical.

Lake Martin Living 23

UNIQUE JOBS

Farmers Market Host Extraordinaire Carly Herrmann takes on the roles of recruiter, roadie and event coordinator to manage Alexander City's Saturday morning market STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY TPI STAFF

24 Lake Martin Living

C

arly Herrmann’s job description reads like a candidate for the witness protection program, never in one place too long and capitalizing on skills so varied that they don’t seem to belong together. In a day’s work, she pulls a trailer through downtown streets but also helps elderly shoppers bag their groceries; she verifies whether or not a farmer grew his own tomatoes while also booking musicians for outdoor concerts. She does the heavy lifting but makes small talk. She’s part event coordinator, part rain watcher and part family.

Herrmann is Main Street Alexander City’s farmers market manager.

“It’s definitely the most odd job Service With A Smile

Facing Page: Carly Herrmann helps to promote business and activities in downtown Alexander City; Right: She recruits beekeepers who bring fresh local honey to the farmers market at Broad Street Plaza (below).

I’ve ever held,” Herrmann said. “I just love it. It’s so many different things all thrown in together, and I never know when I’ll have to jump into something new or learn something I didn’t know before, like using cinnamon instead of pesticides or how to open a farmers market in the middle of a pandemic.”

Herrmann will begin her fourth year in the position when Main Street Alexander City opens the farmers market June 6 at Broad Street Plaza. She fell into the job, she said, after approaching then-director of the downtown association, Bree Smith, in 2016 about hosting a spruced up spring yard sale called Junque Jubilee.

As market manager, she recruits farmers and vendors, promotes the market to attract customers, maintains and transports the canopy tents that farmers use as temporary storefronts and makes the call to cancel the market during inclement weather.

She monitors the

Lake Martin Living 25

farmers to make sure they have the required permits to grow produce for public consumption and to ensure that the farmers are indeed growing their own produce and not just purchasing it from another party and reselling it as their own.

She’s in charge of setting up and tearing down the Saturday morning event that runs from June through September with occasional specialty markets around the holidays and in the spring strawberry season. That means she’s up before the sun every summer Saturday, hauling a trailer filled with tents to the parking lot at the corner of Main and Broad streets, erecting tents in record time, putting lawn signs in the grass and sometimes acting as makeshift roadie for the musicians that are scheduled to entertain shoppers until the market closes at 11 a.m.

During the market, she greets customers, answering questions and guiding them to the farmers that have brought the items the customers are seeking.

“I like seeing who needs assistance, maybe letting an elderly person sit in the shade while I go around and get the things they need,” Herrmann said. “But I never know when something is going to happen. Last year, we had a car accident at the farmers market.”

The best part of the job, she said, is working with the farmers.

“I am friends with everyone. I know their families.

In the off season, I miss them. I try to call and see how everyone is doing. I’ve been checking on them during the pandemic. I very, very much enjoy walking back and forth during the market, socializing with everyone, making sure they sell as much as they can and they’re happy while they’re doing it.”

The toughest part is recruitment, Herrmann said.

“I wish there was someplace I could go to find people who are looking to be in a farmers market. But there isn’t, really. The best way, the majority of the time, is word of mouth,” she said.

The job requires a lot of energy and a modicum of physical strength, as well as a memory for names and faces and a penchant for keeping active on social media.

It also requires an innate ability to jump from the frying pan into the fire at a moment’s notice.

“You really have to be on the ball all the time,” she said.

26 Lake Martin Living

Fortunately, it’s not a job she does alone.

Herrmann said she gets great support from the Main Street Alexander City Board of Directors and Stacey Jeffcoat, executive director of Main Street Alexander City.

“And I have the most amazing farmers market assistant in Jimbo Spencer. He helps me with everything,” she said.

Most of the farmers pitch in, too, and many hands make quick work, Herrmann said.

“Farmers are just a really good stock of people. They are unlike anybody else. They just Farmers Are Friends seem to outdo themselves Herrmann said she's all the time. They work learned a lot very, very hard. That’s about gardening the best part of the through the farmers who job, interacting with sell their produce the farmers. Getting to at the farmers market. know them and have relationships with them and learn from them.”

Herrmann also attends farmers market training every year. Held in various locations around the state, the training offers an opportunity for managers to network and share ideas.

“That’s where I learned the 70/30 rule,” she said. “I was asking how I could grow the farmers market with other vendors and keep it a farmers market but make it interesting. And they said you keep 70 percent farmers’ produce and 30 percent other vendors.

I learned how to use

Facebook and Twitter and social media for the market; what ages to follow and how to use pictures. You make connections. I can ask the guy who runs the Pepperell farmers market how he does something, and the guy who runs a small market with just four tents can ask me.

It’s very helpful.”

It’s a job that blends all of her work experience hereto-fore; and yet, it challenges her to grow.

Born in Montgomery, Herrmann moved to Alexander City when she was 8 years old. Her father was a Ford dealer in town, and Herrmann grew up on the lake, kicking her feet in the water off the dock while talking on the phone with her friends, and riding a Sea Doo to her tennis lessons. After leaving college early, she worked at the original Mama Goldberg’s Restaurant and drove a bus for adults with developmental disabilities at Valley Haven School.

“I would plug in the playlist on my phone, and we would all sing as we were driving along. They knew all the songs,” she said.

She also worked as a certified nursing assistant at a retirement home.

“I loved special education and CNA work. I very much need a job where I am helping people directly. It’s important for me to feel fulfilled. I want to make people feel good,” Herrmann explained.

Married to her husband, Travis, for 15 years, Herrmann is mom to son, Teddy, who attended Veritas, and 4-year-old daughter Emma, who has been enrolled at First Baptist’s Early Learning Center. The family attends Vertical Point Church in Alexander City.

In the winter, her job focuses on assisting Main Street Alexander City executive director Jeffcoat with data input to help match up potential renters with available buildings, working on Main Street projects and looking for farmers for the next season’s market.

While she would, someday, like to go back to college and finish her degree, she’s found her niche in the realm of the farmers market and hopes to stay connected to the unique position far into the future.

She thinks about that late on Saturday mornings after the market has closed up and the tents have been collapsed and stored in the trailer.

When the signs have been picked up, the tables cleared, she checks to make sure the parking lot is clean and there’s no

indication that the farmers market happened there earlier in the day. As she pulls the equipment trailer through the thick of traffic and pedestrians downtown – trying not to hit anything – she’s grateful for her rather odd job description and the joy it brings to life.

The Alexander City Farmers Market will open for the season on June 6 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Broad Street Plaza downtown.

The market will be open every Saturday morning through September with fresh produce, plants, honey, jams and jellies and handmade goods.

All produce is grown by local farmers.

To help protect farmers and patrons in this time of coronavirus precautions, the market has been set up with farmers’ tents 10 feet apart. In addition, farmers will bag all produce, helping to prevent contact, and hand sanitizer stations will be set up at the market’s entrance and exit points.

For questions about the market, call Main Street Alexander City at 256-329-9227.

Lake Martin Living 27

h s a l p S h s Spli STORY BY BETSY ILER

P

PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPE

hase I of the long-awaited Splashplex opened this month at Alexander City’s sportplex with fountains and bucket drops for kids and a shade pavilion for parents and grandparents.

The recreation feature is located on the main drive through the 212-acre park, near the recently updated Imagination Station playground, and like other recreational facilities at the park, use of the splash pad will be free.

28 Lake Martin Living

ARS

Lake Martin Living 29

Photo by Susan McCrispin

Test Run and Done

Previous pages: Local children Johnny Spears, Asher Barrett, Lynlee Jones, Jacob Meacham, Jackson Fields, CalebJones, Julianne Meacham and Blakely Sassano turned out for the test run and, after getting thoroughly soaked, proclaimed it a winner for summer fun; Descending order from top left: City crews prepared the site, and My Splash Pad from Louisville, Ohio, spent two days installing the equipment and tying into the city's lines; Leadership Lake Martin Green Team members Chad Jones, Lauren Fields, Tammi Montgomery, Susan McCrispin and Tyler Hancock spearheaded the fundraising effort for the pavilion; one final big splash before time to go.

“If everybody will do the right thing and follow the rules, we will leave it open from 8 a.m. to 5 or 6 in the evening,” said Alexander City Parks and Rec Director Sonny Wilson.

The project has been on Wilson’s wish list for seven years, but it was among the first items cut every time the budget needed to be trimmed, Wilson said.

“I had just about given up on ever getting it until Tallapoosa County Commissioner Steve Robinson came to me and said he wanted to do something for the kids to do around Tallapoosa County. He paid half the cost of it,” Wilson said.

Wilson sat down with Robinson and Alexander City City Councilman Scott Hardy to come up with the plan. When the Leadership Lake Martin Green Team heard about the project, they set out to raise the money for the pavilion.

“They are doing a very nice pavilion. It will have seating and lights and ceiling fans,” Wilson said. “We will dedicate the pavilion in memory of Jennifer Baker.”

Baker was a longtime employee at the Parks and Rec Department. She passed away after a battle with cancer.

The City of Alexander City paid the remainder of the $50,000 equipment and installation, and Green Team members Susan McCrispin, Tammi Montgomery, Lauren Fields, Chad Jones and Tyler Hancock spearheaded the effort to raise $16,000 for the pavilion, Wilson said. City departments prepared the site and ran water lines and utilities for the pad, which was installed

by My Splash Pad out of Louisville, Ohio. A donorrecognition plaque, featuring the names of donors in splashes, will be posted on a wall at the site.

The splash pad area includes four water features: elevated buckets that fill up and tip over to drop water on children below them; a fire hydrant that shoots a stream of water; a mushroom rain fountain and sprinklers that children could run through.

In addition to the roughly 30-foot by 30-foot water feature and the pavilion, the project will include a walking track. The area will be fenced in to keep children from running into the road.

Wilson said the original pad is only the beginning, as more features will be added in the coming years.

“If it goes well, we’ll add to it. We have a big enough 30 Lake Martin Living

area that we can do that,” he said.

While the water feature will not be specifically monitored during hours of operation, Wilson said, Alexander City Police Department patrols make frequent passes through the park and maintain surveillance and visibility around the clock.

Additional recreational facilities at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex include a 3-mile walking trail through open and wooded sections, disk golf, an archery range, ball fields, picnic grounds, a horse Picture Perfect riding arena and a The Splashplex will open at the football stadium. end of May with sod, a walking

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Lake Martin Living 31

Turn a setback into a bounce back

W

hile watching golf on TV, we often hear commentators refer to “bounce back” after players that have made double bogeys or worse follow them up with birdies or eagles. This bounce back indicates grit and fight in players that overcome adverse situations. For many of us, one of the greatest bounce backs in recent years of golf was when Tiger Woods won his first major championship in 1997 with his first Masters victory.

Tiger started the tournament shooting 4 over par on his first nine holes of this highly acclaimed Major Championship. After the horrific start, Tiger gathered himself to turn things around and not only won the tournament but also absolutely destroyed the field by 12 strokes over secondplace veteran Tom Kite. Tiger not only lapped everyone playing after his terrible start, but also, he broke Jack Nicklaus’ Masters scoring record by one shot. That was a bounce back to remember.

All adversity in life offers opportunities for bounce back. There are countless stories of people who spent most of their lives struggling but kept trudging on to finally achieve success.

Presently, I see America and Americans in a position not unlike the one in which Tiger found himself on the front nine of his first Masters: Think of coronavirus as the bogey.

Many of us think that we are losing ground 32 Lake Martin Living

and helpless. A vaccine to help people develop immunity against the virus has not been found or approved, and it may be in early 2021 before one is available. Things are tough right now: Our economy is in a perilous situation; countless people have lost jobs; many people have fallen ill; and too many have died. The public and public officials have conflicting ideas on how to best combat this virus. Yes, this is a difficult time for us all.

Although we may feel stifled for the time being by staying at home to slow the spread of the disease, at some point – hopefully very soon – I believe our nation will head to the 10th tee, as Tiger did in 1997, with an attitude the likes of which has not been seen since the conclusion of World War II. I have a gut feeling that there will be a new and greater sense of pride in working, earning a living and being an American. I can honestly foresee a surge in our economy on the horizon and improvement in our nation with a rekindled attitude that will make America and most of the world a better place. I don’t believe it will happen overnight, but I do believe that it will happen.

Sometime this summer, we will watch sporting events on TV with a different feeling, as many of these will be hosted without fans; however, the fans will be allowed inside the gates again. I have no idea what the plans are for college and NFL

From the Tee

may be intrigued to watch as history is football for this upcoming year, but I being made. Nothing or nobody truly do believe that games will be played sits totally still; there is always constant in 2020 – even if the season has to be motion. There is a start, a middle and extended into next spring. Things will an end to everything. We all remember most certainly be different over this the start of this pandemic. Presently, next year or so, but just as the sun will we are in the middle of it, and we will come up tomorrow, we will bounce certainly get through it to see it end. back.

I have great hopes that our This horrible virus has given our grandchildren will study in school country the wake-up call that we how America and Americans showed needed in American manufacturing. the character and tenacity to make I wholeheartedly believe that many it through this pandemic that we manufacturing facilities will reopen in presently experiencing. I would dearly industries that moved to other nations love to see a sequel to Tom Brokaw’s over the past 20-30 years. Personally, I book, The Greatest Generation, would love to see our textile industry written about our present generation. return to the United States. Although Dave Jennings I hope that this book would show we may initially pay a slightly higher the remarkable bounce back that we price for some products, we will be made after kicking the stew out of a stronger and more self-supportive COVID-19. I would buy that book; I bet Tiger’s nation if our manufacturing is returned to us.

This also would give our country the opportunity grandkids would buy it, too.

Stay safe and stay well. to drive unemployment in the U.S.A. down to levels not seen in years. What a bounce back this ~Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at could be.

Central Alabama Community College.

Regardless of how and when we come out of this present situation, we will come out of it. We

Lake Martin Living 33

Picking the wrong pocket Blackmail and espionage in the second installment of the Uncle Henry series

A

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY MEGAN MULLINS

lexander City’s Angela Mullins last month released the second title in her Uncle Henry espionage novel series, a prequel to the author’s 2019 debut, Working for Uncle Henry. The second book focuses on the foundation of intrigue, suspense and spellbinding storytelling of the first novel but is set 50 years earlier at the outbreak of World War II. The Fictional Biography of Samuel Archer introduces readers to Parker Madison’s grandfather and reveals the truth behind the family fortune, from card tricks to fine art forgery and the outright bilking of the U.S. government.

Mullins takes her readers on adventures in war torn Europe as Archer picks one pocket too many and finds himself the indentured servant of a U.S. intelligence agency that is shrouded in secrecy.

The incorrigible Archer puts his own spin on the dangerous assignments with which he is charged. That spin includes continuation of his well established life of crime and debauchery. The telling of the tale required countless hours of research from which Mullins gleaned not only a study of Hitler’s regime but also such details as the types of televisions and radios available in the 1940s and 1950s. Authenticity was a driver in the penning of Samuel Archer’s illustrious biography, Mullins said.

She also read several of Ian Fleming’s James Bond 34 Lake Martin Living

novels to inspire the personality of her subject, a stylish and debonair womanizer who amasses a fortune by ill-gotten means, only to have everything of true worth stolen from him.

“You end up in relationships with your characters,” Mullins said. “Samuel was fun to write, just from the con man and espionage perspective.

It was fun to write a character that I hope is one readers can’t decide if they like or not.”

Like characters in other author’s books, Samuel Archer took the story in a direction that Mullins did not originally orchestrate, but it was so true to his character that it added an essential element to further develop him.

“I didn’t plan for him to be forced into espionage at first,” she revealed. “The initial plan was for him to be an official on-thepayroll spy. Then he met Anderson, and that opened the door Telling Tales to everything else Angela Mullins dishes on the he does because he’s patriarch of her Uncle Henry being blackmailed by espionage novel series. The prequel to her first book was Anderson.” released last month.

Mullins said one of her favorite aspects of writing the series is tying in the conspiracy theories and how history has shown that many of them were factual, such as the place in Canada where Archer goes for espionage training.

“Camp X was a place where Americans and Canadians were trained, and it was a real place, but it wasn’t actually there until 1941. I needed for Samuel Archer to be there in 1940, so I created a precursor to Camp X in the location where Camp X really did exist,” she said.

From settings to her characters’ wardrobes and the conspiracy theories that were active during the time period, Mullins pulled historical events from news accounts and planted her own characters in the midst of what really did happen.

“This book involved a lot of research. I watched documentaries on Hitler and Nazis and the time period. I’m not an expert, but I’ve learned a lot,” Mullins said.

Writing the second book went faster than the first one, she said, because the writing of the first novel in the series set a timeline of events for the prequel.

“There were things I said in the first book that dictated what I had to do in the prequel. I had to fill in gaps or fit within certain parameters, like how the family’s chateau in France channeled out. In the first book, I said that Samuel bought it from the owner and that she was one of his lovers,” Mullins explained.

Mullins had to create the character of the chateau owner, develop her ill-fated romance with Archer and land her at the right place and time in the second novel to match with what was written in the first novel.

Now, the events of the second book are adding challenges to the writing of the third, which Mullins started when Samuel Archer’s fictional biography was finished. But Mullins already is cued into the process of making notes for the next book in her series.

“In the second book, I had Samuel start to record things in a notebook. I needed a way for Henry in the first book to know everything that had happened, but Samuel was not in a position to tell Henry anything, so Samuel realizes at one point that he needs to

start writing things down,” she explained.

The third novel, now under construction with a running title of Working for Uncle Henry Again, picks up the story where the first book left off, with Samuel Archer’s grandson, Parker Madison, running away from Uncle Henry, the mansion that Archer built in Virginia and the secrets that they hold.

The Fictional Biography of Samuel Archer and the first book, Working for Uncle Henry, are available in print and for Kindle at Amazon.com.

Lake Martin Living 35

Shelter from the Storm

STORY BY SARAH CHILDERS & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

B

ill and Diane Hough have lived in their Alexander City home for nearly 26 years, and like anyone who has lived in Alabama for an extended time, they are familiar with the temperamental Southeastern weather. One day, the sun is shining, and life is good; the next, everyday activities are interrupted by storm clouds on the horizon or the scream of weatherwarning sirens. Every storm brings the threat of changing life forever. With this in mind, the Houghs took some steps toward personal security – and at the same time, extended a helping hand to their neighbors.

Bill Hough hails from West Newton, Pennsylvania, but his wife Diane is from Montgomery. Hough is retired from the Tallapoosa County Sheriff ’s Department, and Diane is retired from Wells Fargo Bank.

They recently had an aboveground storm shelter installed in their backyard. The home they live in has no basement. Having lived in Alabama for so long, the couple is familiar with Dixie’s notoriously violent weather.

Diane said that she has always wanted a storm shelter; however, she was hesitant to spend the money until her husband offered to have it put in as a Mother’s Day gift.

“In Alabama, we have tornadoes dropping everywhere.

36 Lake Martin Living

This shelter gives us a sense of security,” Hough said.

Since the shelter has been installed, the couple has extended to their neighbors the security that it offers, making their shelter available to about 15 people on their street.

“It’s a wonderful neighborhood,” said Diane.

“We’re so close. We just take care of our neighbors,” Hough added.

Diane remarked that the neighborhood was made up of older residents and some families, many of whom are without a safe place to take refuge in the event of a bad storm. A recent string of storms hit the houses on their street particularly hard. Piles of fallen limbs lined the street, and the April 19 hailstorm left shattered windows and damaged the siding on houses up and down the street.

“I was scared to death with this last storm,” said Diane.

Reassurance

(Right) Bill Hough gave his wife Diane the gift of peace of mind when he purchased a storm shelter for Mother's Day. Hough is constructing a shell around the shelter to make it more aesthetic and to blend it in to the neighborhood; Above: A recent hailstorm damaged the siding on the Houghs' home.

Lake Martin Living 37

What to put in your shelter

The next time a severe storm or tornado strikes, you may not have much time to act. Prepare now for such an emergency by having a tornado emergency kit for your family.

Here is a checklist of items to have ready in your storm shelter or safe room: n A supply of water (1 gallon per person per day).

Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers, and identify the storage date; replace every six months. n A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener. n A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes. n Blankets or sleeping bags. n A first aid kit and prescription medications. n An extra pair of glasses. n A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries. n Credit cards and cash. n An extra set of car keys. n A list of family physicians. n A list of phone numbers for relatives, neighbors, your schools, and utility companies, and photos and descriptions of your family should you be separated. n A list of important family information; the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers. n Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members. n Don’t forget your pets. Canned pet food and water, sturdy leashes, harnesses or carriers, current photos of the pets and a litter box with litter. n A five-day supply of non-perishable food, bottled water and any prescription medications is recommended for your storm shelter/safe room.

On its website, Ready.gov, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says to obtain information after a disaster by watching TV, listening to the radio or checking the internet often for information or official instruction as it becomes available.

38 Lake Martin Living

“It sounded like rocks hitting the house. We were huddled in the closet.”

The shelter was not installed until after the weather front that hit the area last month. These storms left a trail of destruction across the Southeast. With wind speeds ranging from 70 to 80 miles per hour, the storms drove heavy rains, violent hail and flash flooding throughout Tallapoosa County, with the most serious damage in Alexander City. Trees and power lines were down in every part of the county, leaving many homes damaged and residents without power.

Help came from neighboring counties and states that sent utility crews to repair lines, replace utility poles and clear roadways of trees and debris.

In the Houghs’ neighborhood, a fallen tree forced one family to escape through a window. While no major injuries were reported, there was still significant property damage.

When choosing a shelter, the Houghs decided on an above-ground model, feeling that it suited their needs best. Their shelter came with special features that offer extra security, including a door that opens to the inside, to prevent occupants from being trapped if the door was blocked.

The 33,000-pound concrete shelter is secured beneath a pad of crusher run with augers bored more than 2 feet into the ground. It can hold 15 to 20 people.

The shelter was installed by Merry Hardy of Lake Martin Storm Shelters. The installation was completed in roughly two hours, and the safe room is designed to withstand a Category 5 storm.

“Merry and her crew did an excellent job,” Hough said.

Hough said that he and his wife have known Hardy for many years and have passed the storm shelters she has on display on state Route 63 several times.

He plans to add a wooden frame and siding around the shelter to make it look more like a regular building or shed. He hopes the building would double as Diane’s ‘she-shed.’

In the meantime, the Houghs are preparing the shelter for use by making it more comfortable and stocking it with non-perishable items such as water, batteries and other items on the supply checklist Hardy provided them at installation.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Hough concluded.

“It may not be for everybody, but you have to consider the alternative. I don’t want to take anything for granted.”

The mother of two, grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of three who has distanced from her family since the state’s COVID-19 outbreak, Diane plans to put family pictures in her new shelter in case the worst happens.

“Those are things you can’t replace. And you can’t replace lives,” she said. “A storm can hit so quick, you have no time to think. Everything’s fine one minute, and the next it isn’t.”

M

Imagine your story

amie’s Place and Adelia M. Russell Library staff have put together a cohesive summer reading program for everyone, despite the challenges of maintaining library services in the midst of the ever-changing landscape of the coronavirus pandemic, said library director Amy Huff. Registration begins June 1.

Fillable registration forms are available online, along with digital reading logs for this summer’s program.

“Even though we may be distancing, we will provide everything needed for virtual and online successful summer programming, including fun stay-at-home ideas, books, crafts, games and entertainment, along with other resources,” said Huff.

Residents without internet access could participate by visiting the library at 284 Church St. in Alexander City to register and pick up a log and other materials, including make-and-take projects and idea packages.

Crafts, games and other activities also will be uploaded weekly for stay-at-home fun, Huff said.

This year’s summer reading theme is ‘Imagine Your Story’ and invites readers to begin a quest to find their stories.

“Challenge yourself to read or explore books and subjects you have never tried,” Huff suggested.

To stimulate the thinking process, the library staff brainstormed a few ideas to help readers get started. n Help yourself – Explore ways to improve one or more aspects of your personal life. n Choose a book by its cover – What drew you to the book?

Was it something about the cover that reminded you of a life event? n Historical fiction – There are hundreds of great books that tell a fictional story based on real events. n Visit the classics – There are hundreds of timeless classics that individuals can relate to, regardless of the time in which they live. n A book by any other name – To this day, we use expressions and idioms based on the writings of the great English author, Shakespeare. n Peoples of the world – It is always good to expand your horizons. Learning the similarities and differences of other cultures is a great way to do just that. n Get to know a celebrity – In our modern “celebrity-dominated” world, reading the work of a favorite celebrity may give you a different perspective about that person. n Young adult novels – There are many great novels of interest to those in this transitional part of life.

n Q, X or Z – Just finding books with these lesser-used letters could be a fun adventure. n Food for thought – We all love food of some type. Find a book about one of your favorites and explore in depth. n Poetry – Poems cover the entire gamut of the human experience. Find those with your favorite theme or themes and read, read, read. n Fall in love – Romance is something that most people can relate to as a significant emotional human experience during their lives. n Feed your faith – Reach for something related to the spiritual side of your life.

Maybe even try reading an eBook, Huff said.

“There are thousands of eBooks available in fiction, nonfiction, history, romance and an almost limitless number of topics,” she said. “Who knows, you may find another genre that just might become your new favorite. Keep an open mind and dare to expand your horizons.”

With schools closing early this year, continuing to promote literacy-rich activities has been a priority for Mamie’s Place, Huff said. Both Mamie’s Place and Adelia M. Russell Library provide free access to educational programs, cultural and enrichment activities and materials that can help bridge the ‘summer slide.’

There are numerous benefits of summer reading, she added. Not only does reading enhance knowledge, but also, children develop positive attitudes about reading, books and the library. They often experience a sense of discovery and learn to work collaboratively and independently through summer reading programs.

While summer reading usually tends to sway more toward children and teens, adults can join in, as well, Huff said. To participate, call the library to register over the phone.

Both library buildings are open for library material access with limitations, practicing safe and healthy common-sense guidelines.

Call Adelia M. Russell Library at 256-329-6796 or Mamie’s Place Children’s Library at 256-234-4644 for more information about the summer reading program, ‘Imagine Your Story,’ or other library services. Or visit the website at www.alexandercityal.gov and library Facebook pages, which are updated daily with summer reading links.

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

Horseshoe B National P

Jaybird Landing

Flint Hill Church

22

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

27

11

9

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

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Smith Landing Willow Point

6

Seman

4 Camp Kiwanis

9

10 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

Stillwaters

19 5

7 2

Union Landing

Ba

24 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

23

Walnut Hill

y

20 26

80

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

8 63 17 9

Equality

231

16

22

57

12 24

Dadeville

280

28

Liberty Church

20

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

25

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

15

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck

11 Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

40 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACON COUNTY

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

te

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

eshoe Bend tional 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

deville

6

CON 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

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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

Millstone Nursery............................................................................... 4 2

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

Morris Haynes.................................................................................... 3 1

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

National Village................................................................................. 1 3

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

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

Alexander Landscaping ....................................................................... 8

Oskar's.............................................................................................. 4 2

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6

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

C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 4 2

Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6

DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 4

River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 4

Designs by Trish................................................................................... 6

Russell Marine..................................................................................... 3

Eddie & B's Carwash & Produce......................................................... 4 4

Russell Medical.................................................................................. 4 8

Four Seasons..................................................................................... 4 4

Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5

George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 6

Sistrunk............................................................................................. 3 1

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

Southern Sash..................................................................................... 5

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

Surgical Dermatology......................................................................... 3 5

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

Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 2 2

Jim DeBardelaben.............................................................................. 2 2

Swearingen Fence.............................................................................. 4 2

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

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

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 43, 44

Tallapoosa County Board of Education................................................. 2

Lake Martin Signature Construction................................................... 4 3

Tallassee Health & Rehab................................................................... 3 1

Live Oak Agency.................................................................................. 8

TowBoatUS........................................................................................ 3 3

Lake Martin Living 45

Riding Topless I

car, etc., I realized a truck was probably more practical n the age of coronavirus, Americans have realized than a car. I compromised with a Jeep Wrangler. what a luxury it is to be able to drive somewhere.

When the weather is warm (or even slightly chilly) People have even gone and just sat in their cars. and sunny, the top is off. I like The simple freedom that a reliable car and a good to run the heat on my feet and road provide is hard to match. turn my music up.

With the lovely spring weather here in our area Planning is somewhat (minus those straight-line winds that tore through the required. A check of the county a few weeks back), if drivers have a convertible Weather Channel app is or a Jeep, the tops are off and back, and sunglasses are smart. Attire and hair must on. be taken into consideration; Most early automobiles were designed off the horsejeans are often too hot. Hats and-buggy concept and were open air and sideless. As should always be in the glove engine strength increased, leather or textile tops began box, along with a hairbrush. to be featured in the late 19th century. By the 1920s, There are hazards at play steel body cars were being produced and, slowly, the as well. Just this week, a rock convertible became a high-priced luxury item. popped my friend, Alana, in During World War II, American soldiers were the back of the head, and the introduced to French and British roadster cars like next day, a plastic grocery the MG Midget and Triumph Roadsters. The 1930s sack flew up in the air and brought about the first power-operated retractable Lacey Howell attached itself to the back of hard top. By the ’50s and ’60s, that influence was my seat (good thing it didn’t carried over into hit me in the face!).

American-made cars, like One thing is the Rambler American and for sure, having your top the Studebaker Lark. The down is a mood booster and ’60s and ’70s brought one I highly recommend. awesome muscle cars, air conditioning and sunroofs, Some information for 1. Jeep Wrangler decreasing the popularity this article was found at of the convertible.

2. BMW 2 Series Wikipedia.com.

Now, both economy 3. Mercedes Benz E, C, S Class and luxury brands offer ~ Lacey Howell is a 4. Audi A5 or TT convertibles. There is an recovering English major option for everyone. A 5. Chevrolet Camaro from Auburn who now lives utilitarian Jeep or a sexy 6. Chevrolet Corvette on Lake Martin, sells real Porsche 911 can both put estate, rides horses and loves 7. Ford Mustang the wind in your hair and good wine. Follow her at the sun on your face.

8. Fiat 124 Spider Instagram@LaceyHowell and I always wanted a 9. Bentley Continental GT on her Facebook page. convertible. Once I started 10. Aston Martin DB11 working in real estate and had to throw signs in the

Culture Shock

The Topless Ten 2020 Convertibles

46 Lake Martin Living

000246682r1

Lake Martin Living 47