Lake Magazine May 2023

collaborative cancer

CANCER IS A BATTLE. WE’RE YOUR ARMY.

In partnership with UAB, we continue to invest in new talent, new technology, and new support structures so that, in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with cancer, you can fight it right here at home.

Ihope you have your running shoes on because this issue of Lake magazine will keep you dashing through the pages until Labor Day. It’s our Annual Summer Calendar issue, when we help you plan your lake time, whether you are visiting for a weekend, on vacation, or are spending the whole summer with us. Welcome to Lake Martin!

If you’re new to the area, it won’t take long for you to realize we’re all about the music.

You’ll find every genre here, and you’ll find it everywhere, from lake venues to outdoor stages at our lovely parks and tucked into corners at your favorite watering holes. We’ve included previews of some of the season’s earliest concerts in this issue, but if you’re here in June, July or August, be sure to pick up the current Lake magazine issue to get the full scoop on Alexander City Jazz Fest, Russell Lands’ July 4th concert and fireworks display, the incredible five-day Lake Martin Songwriters Festival and Labor Day at the lake. The calendar section begins on page 16.

And if you are lucky enough to live at the lake or have visited here in the past and think you know all there is to see and do, check out Breanna Manley’s article about what’s new at the lake this year on page 34. Lake Martin Pizza is opening in Our Town, and Wind Creek State Park now has a glamping option, just to tease you with a couple of exciting developments.

You might want to bookmark page 44, so you’ll easily be able to find the dining option you’re hungry for after a day on the water. From country cookin’ to upscale cuisine, there’s something for everyone here.

Hold your breath for the this month’s home feature on page 48. Lonna Upton tours Gary and Julia Nelson’s spectacular lake home with its cedar log greenhouse and elegantly arched exposed timbers in the living space. This is one of the most beautiful homes we have ever featured in the pages of Lake magazine. While there’s so much to be excited about this summer, it’s when the water is quiet that we pause to savor life at the lake. We invite you to those treasured moments as well – sailing on the soft breeze at the annual Dixie Sailing Club Punchbowl Regatta on page 66; slowing the boat as you pass a shoreline covered in delicate pink mountain laurel blossoms on page 58, or better yet, hiking along one of the lake area’s many trails to view this fleeting but beautiful flower up close.

And through it all, we hope you will share with us those moments you catch with cellphones and cameras, from a granchild’s first fish or a glorious tubing wipeout to evenings around the fire pit where you relive it all. Visit lakemagazine.life for a link and email your pictures to editor@lakemagazine.life. We’ll feature them in our Lake Scenes sections in print and online.

Welcome to summer at Lake Martin. We’re glad you’re here!

Chairman

KENNETH BOONE editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

General Manager

TIPPY HUNTER editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Editor in Chief BETSY ILER editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director

AUDRA SPEARS audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Business & Digital Development Director

ANGELA MULLINS angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com

Audience Development Director

ERIN BURTON erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing

RENEE TRICE renee.trice@alexcityoutlook.com

CRAIG HOWARD craig.howard@thewetumpkaherald.com

SHERYL JENNINGS sheryl.jennings@thewetumpkaherald.com

EMILY GREGG emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com

HIDEY ARRINGTON hidey.arrington@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

KENNETH BOONE

BREANNA MANLEY

JULIE HUDSON

GREG VINSON

CLIFF WILLIAMS

PETE MCKENNY

JODIE MCGIRT

WILLIAM MARLOW

LIZI GWIN

HENRY ZIMMER

ABIGAIL MURPHY

LONNA UPTON

CHERYL GAINER MCCALL

DAVE JENNINGS

Betsy Iler, Editor-in-Chief

On the Cover

It's summer at Lake Martin, and that means limitless fun. From the music playing at venues all around the lake to boating, swimming, wakeboarding, surf ing, picnicking on the islands and pulling the grandkids on a tube behind the boat, there's always something fun to do at the lake. In this, our annual summer cal endar issue, you'll find a guide to the options. Have a great sum mer! Photo by Kenneth Boone

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RN and LPN Management and Charge Nurse positions available, 100% pre-paid scholarships for aspiring nurses, tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, short-term contracts, and we consider buying out existing employment contracts

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Tuition FREE, paid training classes, prepaid exam fees, signon bonuses, and we consider buying out existing employment contracts.

Dietary and Housekeeping Positions

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Low co-pay & deductible BCBS

Health/Dental/Vision/Prescription

Drug Insurance, paid vacation, 401K, company paid life insurance, Longevity Bonus up to $1000 a year, employees and their children receive priority for scholarship opportunities, shift differential, and additional weekend differential that starts on Friday

16. SUMMER ON THE LAKE

Your guide to summer events on Lake Martin from May 1 to Labor Day.

34. WHAT'S NEW AT THE LAKE

From glamping at the park to pizza in Our Town, there's more happening at Lake Martin this summer.

38. NOW OPEN

Fanny Goldmine Diner opens for breakfast and lunch at Russell Crossroads.

42. TAKE A SAFETY REFRESHER

ALEA reminds boaters of some important safety measures as the season begins.

44. LOCAL EATS

For breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, ice cream or snacks, local venues serve it up at the lake.

48. IDYLLIC RETREAT

A builder-friend adds wow factor to a local couple's new lake home.

58. VISIT THE LAKE IN BLOOM

'Tis the season for flowering mountain laurel on lakeside shorelines.

66. DIXIE SAILING CLUB REGATTA

Kenneth Boone captures the full sails and friendly competition of the Punchbowl Regatta.

Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake

Lake

Martin Area Real Estate Indicators

Make shoreline cleanup fun

Lake Martin's Donna and Jerry Purcell needed to clean up the storm debris from their Sandy Creek waterfront during spring break for three of their six grandchildren, so they got waders for everyone and went to work.

Donna Purcell found a way to entertain the grandchildren and get the shoreline cleaned up over spring break

had their lake place for 30 years and have been fulltime at Lake Martin for the last 18 years.

"This was the worst mess we have had to clean up in 30 years," Donna Purcell said.

Twins Max and Riley, 5 years old, and their

brother, Ben, age 8, loaded their grandparents' row boat three times with sticks and logs that have washed up during the spring storms.

The Purcells have

"These boys were such a help raking and getting debris cleaned up. They were so willing. They actually thought it was fun," she said. "We had it great looking; then, we got more rain and had to start over. Hate that our little helpers had to go home!"

Weather Outlook for Month

May 2023 Forecast

Boat Inspections

Lake Martin Homeowners and Boat Owners Association will host the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for free boat inspections May 13 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Paces Point Public Boat Ramp on State Route 34. Find out what your boat needs to be safe and citation-free.

Last Month's Lake Levels

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the lower 80s with average lows in the upper 50s and about 4 and a half inches of precipitation in the month of May. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be above average and rainfall will be normal or slightly above normal this month.

Year-to-Date

Precipitation: 20.79

Avg. high temp.: 66.2

Avg. low temp.: 41.8

Avg. temp.: 54.0

Information from the National Weather Service.

Our Normal May

Precipitation: 4.46 inches

Avg. high temp.: 82.3

Avg. low temp.: 57.8

Avg. temp.: 70.1

Summer: 491 MSL

Winter: 481 MSL

Highest: 490.21

Lowest: 488.91

Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.

Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and waterrelated equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS. The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single-family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy of Lake Martin Realty, LLC (a Russell Lands, Inc., affiliated company).

READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Meriwether Long snapped this beautiful sunset on Lake Martin at the height of its color. (2) Lawson Jackson is learning the lake from grandfather "Happy" Ken DeBardelaben. (3) Aaron Gortney found a great way to spend a cool spring morning at Lake Martin. (4) Times like these - fireworks at Lake Martin - are on their way at the lake again. (5) Tony Johnson took this photo of a full moon over Lake Martin with his cell phone in early March. (6) McCrae Thornell watching the sunset at Lake Martin (7) Penny Moore knows how to spend a rainy day at the lake.

Lake Martin News

Deadening trail reopens after storm damage cleared

large root balls along the path had made passage impossible or dangerous.

“It certainly opened up the view,” Thomas said. “The ground will get a lot more sunlight, and whatever is there will grow better.”

He said that crews were not able to clear all of the trees in the woods around the trails, as they focused only on getting the trail open as soon as possible.

“When you hike the trail, you will see trees that have fallen in the woods, and you may have to go under some trees that are suspended above the trail, but we have checked those to make sure they are stable. The trail won’t be any more dangerous than it ever was, as we are cutting trees away from the trail, and we will continue to walk the trail and see what needs to be done.”

Thomas said evidence points to the damage being caused by straight line winds and not a tornado, as all the trees fell in the same direction. The Overlook Trail, just south of the Deadening area, did not suffer as much damage, as the main storm blew through the Acapulco Rock area. The storm also took out powerlines that crossed the lake, and crews closed the crossing to boat traffic for two days to make repairs.

“We’re just excited to have the trail open again. We’re grateful for all the people who turned out to help us do that,” Thomas said.

To volunteer with trail maintenance, complete the volunteer sign up form under the “Help Us” tab at crata.org, and you will be notified of future work days.

Betsy Iler

SHOR Act introduced with bipartisan support

Lake Martin’s Deadening Trail reopened April 17 after a late March storm downed hundreds of trees across area, said Steve Thomas, president of Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association, which maintains a network of public hiking trails here.

“We counted 50 trees just from the trailhead to the turn to go onto the 3.1 mile loop. There were so many more on the 1.1 mile extension trail,” Thomas said.

Volunteers spent one day clearing the bottom half of the 3.1 mile loop section, and another volunteer crew completed the rest of the extension a few days later.

“We had about a dozen volunteers with five chainsaws going. Most of the trees fell not across the trail but along the trail, so we had a lot of people hauling trees to the sides,” Thomas explained. “I heard that the straight line winds were 110 miles per hour, and I believe it after seeing these trees. They were quality ones, the healthy ones. Trees that have big crowns fell. Hardwoods and pines.”

With volunteers coming from as far away as Montgomery, Thomas said, the group cleared 44 trees in an hour and 10 minutes, which was the goal for the day.

“They all decided to keep going and get as much done as they could,” he said.

In some cases, the crew rebuilt trail sections where

Alabama Senator Linda Coleman-Madison last month introduced the Safe and Healthy Outdoor Recreation Act, which attempts to ensure outdoor recreationists, paddlers, swimmers and fishers across the state are better informed about fish consumption advisories in rivers, streams, creeks and bays. This bill has bipartisan support in the Alabama Senate.

The act would require the installation of signage with pictures and names of fish with an active consumption advisory to be posted at every public boat ramp or fishing area; require those with water pollution permits to post signs on waterways where their legally permitted pollution is being discharged; require the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to communicate the consumption advisories through its current fishing license program; and create a Fish Consumption Advisory Panel to meet annually to continue to improve the program for health and safety.

Staff report

Volunteers spent two weeks clearing the Deadening Trail of hundreds of fallen trees

Summer on the Lake

Now thru July 4

Crank 4 Bank

Registration is now open for this year’s tagged fishing tournament on Lake Martin, which includes the chance to win a $1 million cash prize, one of two new bass boats, a pontoon boat, a new truck, or $1,500 per tagged bass caught. This year’s tag color is hot pink, and every tagged fish caught by a registered angler is a winner. Registration is $110, which also includes entry into a virtual fishing event running concurrent with Crank 4 Bank. Visit crank4bank.com for details, rules and registration. Tickets can be purchased online, at Wind Creek State Park Marina, or from a member of your local high school fishing eam to help them raise money for their clubs.

Now thru May 31

Phins Fishing Classic

This virtual fishing tournament spans all 50 states and benefits the United Way organizations represented by the zip codes of entrants. The event will feature six fish categories for bi-weekly and tournament door prizes, including both saltwater and freshwater categories. A special high school division will be a qualifier for scholarship applications. There is no entry fee. Visit fishingchaos.com for details and online registration.

May 4

Tina Marie at Zazu’s Verandah

The music moves outside on the beautiful Dadeville square this month, so bring lawn chairs. Performance starts at 6:30 p.m. Beverages will be available for sale. Admission is free, but please generously tip and thank the musicians.

May 5

Surprise Package

Sweet Adelines Quartet

Surprise Package is part of the Harmony Hills Chorus based in the Birmingham area, and they’ll bring their a’capella music in the barbershop style to Dadeville Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. For more information, visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

May 6

Everything’s Art in the Park

Visit Pennington Park in Dadeville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for this annual juried art, crafts,

Spectators gather on water and the shoreline for Russell Marine's annual July 4th Boat Parade

Fireworks are spectacular at The AMP

It takes focus to win the hula hoop contest

music and food event. Vendors may apply by calling 770-328-2094 or inquire by email to the address at everythingsartguild14@gmail.com.

May 6

Derby Day at The Stables

Dust off the Derby Day hat and the seersucker suit for the annual Derby Day event at The Stables at Russell Crossroads to benefit Children’s Harbor from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. There will be food, wine, music and lots of fun. Call 256-397-1019 for more information.

May 6

Wild Game Cookoff

Lake Martin Amphitheater will host the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s annual wild game event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with food, wine and good times. Purchase tickets atalabamawildlife.org/ wild-game-cook-off for $40.

May 6

Myer Lemon Tree Sale

Tallapoosa County Master Gardeners will hold a lemon tree sale from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or as long as supplies last at 185 S. Tallassee St. in Dadeville (across

Friday On The Green

May 5 – Jonathan Bloom

May 12 – Jilla Webb

May 19 – Sid Phelps

June 2 – 3 Hand Jam

June 16 – Bama Sound Trio featuring Cameron DuBois

June 23 – Russell Craig

June 30 – Jonathan Bloom

July 7 – Mother Moonpie

July 14 – Suzanne Scholz

from First Baptist Church). The trees are 3-gallon sized and cost $30 each, cas only.

May 6

Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale

Elmore County Extension will host this plant sale from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 340 Queen Ann Rd., Wetumpka. The fare will include annuals, shrubs, perennials, vegetables, house plants, herbs, indoor plants, trees, butterfly garden plants, fruit, succulents, yard art and more. Come out early for great prices and plant selection. Master Gardeners will be on site, and there will be a variety of other local vendors and workshops to attend throughout the day.

May 9

Sign Language Classes

Adelia M. Russell Library in Alexander City will start a new series of free sign language classes at 10 a.m. for anyone interested. Call 256-409-7001 or email amrl@alexandercityal.gov or stop by the library for more information. Class size will be limited, so call soon.

May 10

Artist Association of Central Alabama

Alex Bocek will share his interest in Aboriginal art at 9:30 a.m. at the Senior Center in the sportplex in Alexander City.

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Food truck, lawn games, insect repellent provided. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, pup on a leash, coolers and picnics.

July 21 – shadowood

July 28 – Lake Martin Songwriters Festival

Aug. 4 – Richard Murray

Aug. 11 – Daniel & McDaniel

Aug. 18 – Blackbird Pickers

Aug. 25 – Kurt McKinney and Chuck Lofton

Sept. 1 – Labor Day Music Fest

Sept. 8 – Chasing Shadows

Sept. 15 – Wyatt Edmondson

Sept. 22 – Patrick Barnett

Sept. 29 – Shades of Gray

RXR Fest

Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and the lawn chairs and head to Russell Crossroads Memorial Day weekend for this year’s RXR Fest to celebrate the unofficial opening of boating season on Lake Martin. Russell Lands’ Director of Events and Marketing Operations Robert Gunn has planned a concert series that hits the high spots and still retains the relaxed, laid-back vibe of summer at the lake.

The Bank Walkers will kick off the event on Friday, May 26, at 6:30 p.m. on the Town Green, which the concert series will share with the annual Art on the Lake art show. Food trucks will be present from Friday through Sunday, so if you don’t have time to gather your own feast, there will be plenty of other options. Dogs are welcome but should be leashed, and owners are expected to clean up after the pups.

A popular local band, The Bank Walkers play a wide variety, from rock n’ roll to country, gospel and ballads. Professional businessmen with hearts for music, the friends draw a crowd at local venues whenever they’re in the lineup.

Sam Burchfield will take the first night’s stage at 8 p.m. with his folksy, Americana brand of music. His latest album, Scoundrel, dives into 11 tales of greed, betrayal, desire, heartache, despair and finally, redemption.

“We recorded these songs on my friend’s farm in South Georgia, tracking live in the same room,” Burchfield said of the pre-pandemic recording sessions. “It felt right. It’s nice to finally have this record out. It’s sort of a marker of a new chapter for me. A new sound, a new direction and a return to my

roots really.”

Burchfield grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains of South Carolina, where he was influenced by the strong connection to the earth and the community. Appalachian folk, gospel, country and Southern soul music have deep roots in his art and have helped him to build more than 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. He’s performed with John Oates, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, David Shaw with The Revivalists, Ben Rector and The Vegabonds. A passionate artist, he now lives in Jasper, Georgia, with his wife and newborn son.

Saturday’s concert opens at 6:30 p.m. with Georgia native Andrew Weaver, who has entertained RXR Fest audiences in the past. Weaver learned to sing and play guitar watching YouTube videos.

“Content creators on the internet are an amazing resource to young musicians and artists everywhere,” Weaver said.

Now 21 years old, Weaver won a “Golden Ticket” on television’s American Idol in 2018 and said he’s grateful for the doors the show opened for him. After the show, he began writing and recording original music and has released more than 15 songs on streaming platforms.

Wrapping up the season opener will be Easy Honey, founded by fast college friends at Sewanee, Tennessee, who wrote songs together in the basements of academic buildings. Since those days, the founders added two more musicians and have taken their blend of East Coast surf-rock to the music scene in Charleston, South Carolina.

Easy Honey’s witty melodies are dotted with catchy hooks in nostalgic anthems for daydreamers and night seekers with attention to realness in the post-COVID world. They have a packed summer tour schedule but will gladly spend Memorial Day weekend at Lake Martin.

The Bank Walkers

Easy Honey

Sam Burchfield

Andre Weaver

Music in the Air

Bring a lawn chair and come out to the beautiful downtown square in Dadeville at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday to hear free music under the awning at Zazu’s Verandah (inside the Listening Room in case of rain). Zazu’s will have beverages for purchase. Please tip the musicians.

May 4 – Duane Parker

May 11 – Chasing Shadows

May 18 – SoulCo

June 1 – Cris Costell

June 8 – Patrick Barnett and Tina Marie

June 15 – The Campbells

June 22 – David Jones

June 29 – Mother Moonpies

July 6 – George Maddox & the Apalachicola Sound

July 13 – Randy & The Rangers

July 20 – TBA

July 27 – Lake Martin Songwriters Festival

May 11 & 12

At the Bandstand Children’s Musical

Local Dadeville children will present the first musical play to be offered at DPAC. This short revival of ’50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll is directed by Elaine Forbus. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for tickets. The show starts at 6 p.m.

May 13

Vulcan Orienteering Club

VOC will host an orienteering event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all ages at Wind Creek State Park. Meet at the North Picnic Area and take a leisurely stroll through the woods to find predetermined control sites or push through to make your best time. For more information, visit vulcanorienteering.org for details and registration.

Dadeville Community Chorus Spring Concert

Local musicians have been practicing for months, so come out and enjoy their selection of traditional patriotic anthems and sing along to well known songs. This show sold out one performance last year, so a second show has been added this year. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. For tickets, visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

May 17

Games & Puzzles

In the spirit of this year’s summer reading theme, All Together Now, bring the kids to Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City at 10 a.m. to make new friends, have fun and explore the wonderful world of books. New games this year include Pound-A-Mole, Let’s Go Fishing, Toss Across and more.

May 17

Artist Association of Central Alabama

Debra Davis will share how she came to her current style, using an an approach she started using in the 1970s. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Senior Center in the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City. Lunch will be served after the presentation. Lunch is free for members; $5 for non-members.

May 23-25

Still Life in Oils: Capturing the Light

Join Manon Sander for this three-day workshop at Tallapoosa School of Art in Dadeville. In an immersive painting retreat, Manon will break down her process step by step to foster your confidence and replace the trial-and-error approach with informed decision making. Visit tallapoosaworkshops.com to register and for more information.

May 24

Artist Association of Central Alabama

Rebecca Mitchell will offer some perspectives on 3Dart, starting with a butterfly in various forms and discussing how they can be used. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Senior Center in the sportplex in Alexander City. Lunch will be served after the presentation. Lunch is free for members; $5 for non-members.

May 26 & 27

RXR Fest

Come out to Russell Crossroads at 6:30 p.m. for a free Memorial Day weekend concert series. Friday’s concert will feature The Bank Walkers and Sam Burchfield. Saturdays music will include Andrew Weaver and Easy Honey. Food trucks will be there to serve up your dinner or bring a cooler with your favorite picnic snacks and beverages. Start the summer on the Town Green.

May 27

Chuck’s Marina Adoption Event

Big Dog Ranch will visit Chuck’s Marina on Lake Martin with lots of dogs that need forever homes – big dogs, small dogs, dogs with spots and personality. Fall in love and take one home from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May 27-28

Art on the Lake

This two-day event at Russell Crossroads features the works of local and regional artisans. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, you’ll find jewelry, reclaimed wood décor, paintings, pottery, metalwork, photography, candles, soaps and more at one of the lake area’s most popular juried art shows. For more information, call Sydnee Riley at 256-212-1431 or send an email to her at sriley@russelllands.com.

June 1

Craft-a-Noon

Spend the afternoon getting creative at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library at 284 Church St. in Alexander City as children make crafts to go with this year’s summer reading program theme. Gather at 2 p.m.

May 31

Artist Association of Central Alabama

Don’t miss Mack Goddard and James Stone’s introduction to gourd art at 9:30 a.m. at the Senior Center at the sportplex in Alexander City. Lunch will be served after the presentation. Lunch is free for members; $5 for non-members.

June 2

Larry Whitfield at Dadeville Performing Arts Center

Larry Whitfield returns to his old digs at The Red Door to share some country music and family memories at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

June 3

Intro to Sailing

Dixie Sailing Club on Lake Martin will offer a free introduction to sailing course from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including a short course on the basics of the sport; an introduction to the parts of a sailboat; and a capsizing and recovery demonstration. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and guests will have an opportunity to skipper a small sailboat if they would like, as well as sail on larger boats with club members. Bring a life jacket,

swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes. This class is limited to the first 60 registered guests. To learn more or register, email cat221@msn.com or call Keith Bennett at 334-324-9383.

June 5

Summer Reading Kickoff

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City will kick off this summer’s reading program, All Together Now, at 10 a.m. at the sportplex with a visit from Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor group. There will be eagles, hawks, owls and more, along with goodie bags, snacks and fun. To register, visit the library at 284 Church St. or sign up online through the website at alexandercityal.beanstack.com to register.

June 5-9

Keepers of the Kingdom VBS

First Baptist Church in Dadeville will host a week of lessons on the Armor of God in the context of castles and kingdoms for Vacation Bible School this week. Call 256-825-6282 for details.

June 6

Movie Day

Catch a movie at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City at 2 p.m. in keeping with this year’s summer reading theme, All Together Now

June 6-9

Youth Sailing Camp

Dixie Sailing Club will conduct a youth sailing camp for ages 7 to 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., covering basic sailing skills, water safety and STEM sessions. Fee is $125 with a discount available for siblings. For more information, email dscypmail@gmail.com.

June 7

KidsFest Magic Show

Summer is a great time to teach kids to sail

Sun Festival’s KidsFest Magic Show will partner with Mamie’s Place Children Library at 284 Church St., Alexander City, at 10 a.m. for an All Together Now program.

June 8

Patrick Barnett and Tina Marie

The music starts at 6:30 p.m. on the at Zazu’s Verandah. Beverages will be available for sale. Admission is free, but please tip the musicians.

June 8

Craft-a-Noon

Spend the afternoon getting creative at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City as children make crafts to go with this year’s summer reading program theme, All Together Now. Meet at 2 p.m. at 284 Church St.

June 10

HOBO Breakfast Meeting

Members will elect officers at this annual meeting at First Baptist Church, 178 S. Tallassee St., Dadeville. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with speakers and business conducted from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sign up at lakemartinhobos.com.

June 10

BRHS Class of 1973 Reunion

The 1973 Class of Benjamin Russell High School is celebrating their 50th reunion at 6 p.m. The festivities will take place at The Ridge Club, 40 North Ridge, Alexander City. There will be a food truck to purchase burgers, barbeque and more. Soft drinks and water will be provided. Those wanting to enjoy a cocktail or beer should bring their own. Email Carroll Horton Magro at CarrollMagro@gmail.com for more information.

June 11

Pennington Park

Farmers Market

Visit Pennington Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to get freshly picked produce and home-baked goods at the farmers market.

June 13

Mr. Larry’s Magic

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City will present a magic show focused on this year’s summer reading program theme, All Together Now, at 10 a.m. The library is located at 284 Church St.

June 14

Games & Puzzles

Bring the kids to Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City at 10 a.m. to make new friends, have fun and explore the wonderful world of books in this summer reading program on the theme of All Together Now. New games this year include Operation, Dancing Challenge and more.

June 15

The Campbells at Zazu’s Verandah

Matt Campbell and his brother, Tom, will entertain audiences on the beautiful Dadeville square from 6:30

p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Beverages will be available for sale. Admission is free, but please generously tip and thank the musicians.

June 15

McWane Center

Bring the kids to Mamie’s Place Children Library in Alexander City at 10 a.m. for a wild morning of science about things that stay together - or apart in keeping with this year’s summer reading theme, All Together Now The program is free, and it’s not too late to sign up.

June 17

Main Street Farmers Market Opens

Main Street Alexander City will open the Farmers Market from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday through September. Pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, jellies, jams, breads, baked goods, handmade items and more at the market’s location in the old City Hall parking lot on Main Street.

June 20

Animal Tale

Join the fun at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library at 10 a.m. for an Animal Tale program in conjunction with the summer reading program, All Together Now.

June 20-23

Youth Sailing Camp

Dixie Sailing Club will conduct a youth sailing camp for ages 7 to 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., covering basic sailing skills, water safety and STEM sessions. Fee is $125 with a discount available for siblings. For more information, email dscypmail@gmail.com.

June 21

Games & Puzzles

Bring the kids to Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City at 10 a.m. to make new friends, have fun and explore the wonderful world of books in this summer reading program on the theme of All Together Now

June 22

David Jones

at Zazu’s Verandah

Enjoy David’s soulful approach to the jazz genre of trumpet and vocals, from Sinatra to Carole King and Chaka Khan from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the beautiful Dadeville square at Zazu’s Verandah. Bring a lawn chair. Beverages will be available for sale. Admission is free, but please generously tip and thank the musicians.

Music at The Local

The Local at 41 Main in downtown Alexander City features music every Friday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

May 5 – Suzanne Scholtz

May 12 – Cameron Havens

May 19 – Kyle Wilson

May 26 – Mother Moonpie

June 2 – Jake Dial

June 9 – Erica Ryleigh

June 16 – Brick Walker

June 23 – Tyler Holmes

June 30 – Elvis

July 7 – Kashus Culpepper

July 14 – Hwy 77

July 21 – Chris Rainwater

July 28 – Josiah Rodda

Aug. 4 – Chasing Shadows

Aug. 11 – Rocky Lucas

Aug. 18 – Patrick Barnett

Aug. 25 – Lane Maury

Sept. 1 – Pepper Brooks

June 22

Craft-a-Noon

Spend the afternoon getting creative at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City as children make crafts to go with this year’s summer reading program theme, All Together Now. Meet at 2 p.m. at 284 Church St.

June 25

Pennington Park Farmers Market

Visit Pennington Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to get freshly picked produce and home-baked goods at the farmers market.

June 26-29

Summer Music & Related Arts Camp

Dadeville Performing Arts Center and associated organizations will offer a four-day integrated music/art/ dance/drama camp from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children in grades one through five in Tallapoosa County. This is a free program for local children. A limited number of spaces are available at $80 for children visiting the area. Program registration information will be available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/classes.

June 27

Starshine Faces

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library at 318 Church St. in Alexander City will host a storytelling and face

painting presentation at 10 a.m. in conjunction with the All Togeher Now summer reading program.

June 28

Didgeridoo Down Under

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library at 318 Church St. in Alexander City will present the DDU Show, a unique fusion of Australian music, culture, puppetry, comedy, storytelling and audience participation in conjunction with the summer reading program at 10 a.m.

June 29

Mother Moonpies at Zazu’s Verandah

Start the Independence Day holiday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the beautiful Dadeville square at Zazu’s Verandah. Bring lawn chairs. Beverages will be available for sale. Admission is free, but please generously tip and thank the musicians.

June 29

Craft-a-Noon

Spend the afternoon getting creative at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City as children make crafts to go with this year’s summer reading program theme, All Together Now. Meet at 2 p.m. at 284 Church St.

The night sky over The AMP explodes with color for the show on July 4

July 4th Concert & Fireworks

The most spectacular fireworks show in Tallapoosa County is hosted on July 4 by Russell Lands at Lake Martin Amphitheater. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the music starts at 6 p.m.

The Bank Walkers will start the show, followed by Andrew Jannakos, who will come back this year as headliner. The Georgia native tenured on Season 16 of The Voice, and his Gone Too Soon indie country release debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artist chart in 2020. His latest single, released this year, is Meet My Maker on the RCA Records label. Jannakos will play two sets; one before the rockets fly and another after the fireworks display.

“When he sings the national anthem, it will give you chills,” said Robert Gunn, director of events and marketing operations at Russell Lands.

Gunn heard Jannakos’ version of the anthem last year when Jannakos had a great concert going before a storm knocked out the sound system and closed down the show.

In addition to the music and fireworks, Russell Lands will host the traditional twist and hula hoop contests. There will be a food truck or two on site, so bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers, but please leave pups safely at home.

Tickets are $10 and will be available at theamponlakemartin.com.

July 1-2

Arti Gras

Artisans and patrons from across the Southeast will gather under the big tents on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. once again for this annual juried art show. You’ll find jewelry, soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork, lotions, furniture and more. For more information, call Sydnee Riley at 256-212-1432 or email her at sriley@russelllands.com.

July 4

July 4thBoat Parade

Gather early for this long-standing tradition at Lake Martin. Boats line the parade route and the shoreline from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor to watch the boats troll by in patriotic regalia. Prizes are awarded for the tallest flag, largest flag, most creative theme, most patriotic crew and best overall boat and crew. For details, call Kowaliga Marina at 256-397-1210.

July 4

July 4th Concert and Fireworks at The AMP

Bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers to the grassy hillside at The AMP from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for the spectacular fireworks display and concert. Gates open at 5 p.m. The Bank Walkers will start the show this year, and Andrew Jannakos will perform from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with fireworks between the sets. Admission is $10. Check out the details at russelllands.com/blog/events.

July 6

George Maddox & The Apalachicola Sound at Zazu’s Verandah

Bring lawn chairs to the beautiful Dadeville square from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for this free concert to wrap up the holiday. Beverages will be available for sale. Please generously tip and thank the musicians.

July 9

Pennington Park Farmers Market

Visit Pennington Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to get freshly picked produce and home-baked goods at the farmers market.

July 10-13

Summer Music & Related Arts Camp

Dadeville Performing Arts Center and associated organizations will offer a four-day integrated music/art/ dance/drama camp from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children in grades one through five in Tallapoosa County. This is a free program for local children. A limited number of spaces are available at $80 for children visiting the area. Program registration information will be available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/classes.

July 11

Gene Cordova

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library will host ventriloquist Gene Cordova at 10 a.m. at the library at 318 Church St. in Alexander City, continuing the summer reading program theme, All Together Now.

July 12

Games & Puzzles

Bring the kids to Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City at 10 a.m. to make new friends, have fun and explore the wonderful world of books in this summer reading program on the theme of All Together Now. New games this year include Operation, Dancing Challenge and more.

July 13

Science Lady

Kids will love the Science Lady program at 10 a.m. at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City.

July 15

20th Annual Lions Lake Martin Poker Run

This event might just be the most fun you have at the lake all summer. Gather friends, family and/or coworkers and pick a theme to decorate your boat. Then, start this day of boating fun at 8 a.m. at Kowaliga Marina to pick up your first card. Throughout the day, you’ll visit five marina on the lake to draw your best poker hand and pick up T-shirts, koozies and other giveaways. The event ends with food and prizes at The Ridge Marina. Prizes total $5,800 for highest hand, worst hand and best dressed crew. Register your boat and crew for $175 at Kowaliga Marina from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Purchase an extra card at The Ridge Marina to better your hand. Call 256-749-4388 for more information.

Go patriotic on the 4th

July 18

Zoo2Go

Montgomery Zoo will entertain children at 10 a.m. at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library for the summer reading program, All Together Now. Bring the kids to meet snakes, birds and cuddly animals and learn how animals live together every day.

July 19

Bright Star Touring Theatre

Bright Star Touring Theatre will present a children’s theatre production in keeping with the theme, All Together Now, at 10 a.m. at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City. The program is free.

July 20

Science Guys

The Science Guys promise a morning of fun at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library for this 10 a.m. summer reading program event. This year’s theme is All Together Now.

July 22

Black Jacket Symphony

Black Jacket Symphony will make its Lake Martin debut on The AMP at Lake Martin with a performance that will include the entire classic rock album, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors Reserved seat and general admission tickets, priced from $39.50 to $49.50 are available at ticketmaster. com.

July 23

Pennington Park Farmers Market

Visit Pennington Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to get freshly picked produce and home-baked goods at the farmers market.

July 23

Twitty & Lynn

Tayla Lynn and Tre Twitty have country music in their blood. The grandchildren of famed duo Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty have taken to the road to honor their grandparents in an intimate evening of music and storytelling as only they can tell. The duo will perform at Pursell Farms’ Hamilton Place. Tickets are $45 general admission (no dinner); $88 (dinner and the show); and $417 (premium overnight accommodations, dinner and show). Call 256-208-7600 to book a premium overnight package. Purchase general admission and dinner and show tickets at pursellfarms.com.

July 24-27

Summer Music & Related Arts Camp

Dadeville Performing Arts Center and associated organizations will offer a four-day integrated music/art/ dance/drama camp from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children in grades one through five in Tallapoosa County. This is a free program for local children. A limited number of spaces are available at $80 for children visiting the area. Program registration information will be available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/classes.

July 26-30

Lake Martin Songwriters Festival

More than 20 musicians will play 12 Lake Martin venues during this year's event. For lineup and details, visit lakemartinsongwritersfestival.com.

July 27

Reading Program Finale

Bill Packard Magic Man will entertain children for the finale event of the summer reading program at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library. Prizes will be awarded for reaching reading goals, and there will be snacks, games and lots of fun.

July 27-29

Princess Whatshername

Alexander City Theatre II will stage the summer children's production of Princess Whatshername in the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium at 6 p.m. on July 27 and 28 and at 2 p.m. on July 29. Admission is free.

Aug. 5

Duck Norris Race

This annual fundraiser for Tallapoosa County Sheriffs’ Girls Ranch and Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center has raised more than $23,000 since the duck race began in 2018. Purchase rubber ducks for $5 each or buy in bulk. Purchase five ducks for $20. Ducks are available for purchase at Chuck’s Marina after June 2. They will be released upstream and the first one to reach the finish line wins! Funds raised through this event help to provide therapy services and transportation. Look for details in upcoming issues of Lake maga zine or visit the Chuck’s Marina Facebook page for more informa tion.

Black Jacket Symphony will perform Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors" album

Music @ Chuck's

On Saturdays in May, Chuckwalla’s Pizza will have music from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. Chuckwalla’s will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

May 6 – Jesse Coffey

May 13 – David Jones

May 14 – Lauran Roberts will play from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a special event fundraiser

May 20 – Russell Craig Duo

May 26 – Memorial Day weekend - Chuckwalla’s Pizza opens at 11 a.m.

May 27 – Shades of Gray

May 28 – Jonathan Bloom from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

May 29 - Chuckwalla’s Pizza open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the holiday.

Full summer hours begin after Memorial Day weekend. Chuckwalla’s Pizza opens 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, as well as 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, in addition to Friday and Saturday hours. Music on Thursdays is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; music on Saturdays is 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

June 1 – Patrick Barnett

June 2 – Ticket sales begin for the annual Duck Race for Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch

June 3 – JOBU Duo

June 8 – Alex Walker Duo

June 10 – Odd Alice Band

June 15 – Danny & Randy

June 17 – The Kept

June 18 – Richard Murray will play for Father’s Day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

June 22 – Brett Stafford Smith

June 24 – Jonathan Bloom

June 29 – Blane Rudd

The schedule for hours and music will remain the same as June in July and August, with special hours for the July 4 holiday (see below).

July 1 – 8-Track Rewind

July 3 - Chuckwalla’s Pizza will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

July 4 - Chuckwalla’s Pizza will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

July 6 – Trey Foshee

July 8 – Johnny Powell

July 13 – Patrick Barnett

July 15 – Danny & Randy

July 20 – Todd Gantt with Mother Moonpie

July 22 – Alex Walker Duo

July 27 – Russell Craig Duo

July 29 – Jonathan Bloom

Aug. 3 – Patrick Barnett

Aug. 5 – The ducks will race for Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch. Launch is at 2 p.m.

Aug. 5 – JOBU

Aug. 10 – David Jones

Aug. 12 – Danny & Randy

Aug. 17 – Alex Walker Duo

Aug. 19 – Trey Foshee

Aug. 24 – Suzanne Scholz & Band

Aug. 26 – Todd Gantt with Mother Moonpie

Aug. 31 – Russell Craig Solo

Sept. 2 - Football Saturday at Chuckwalla’s

Sept. 3 – Blane Rudd will play from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For the remainder of September, Chuckwalla’s Pizza will open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

11th Annual Sun Festival

The 11th Annual Festival will return June 1 with several back-to-back, can’t-miss events, including fan favorites and a few new ones, around the Lake Martin area. With so many events to choose from, you can easily make those beginning-of-summer memories with loved ones, so make sure to peruse the schedule inserted in this magazine and fill in your calendar.

The festival is presented by District 2 Tallapoosa County Commissioner Steve Robinson and coordinated by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce and celebrates the community through packed events over the course of 10 days.

Multiple events happen every day around the Lake Martin area, so if you can’t make one, look at the schedule of events to see if you can make another one. Some events recur throughout the week to give Lake Martin residents another chance to participate.

One of the recurring and favorite events of Sun Festival, the medallion hunt, is making its return June 5. At 6 a.m., a riddle will be shared on the Sun Festival, Alexander City Chamber of Commerce and the Alexander City Outlook Facebook pages. The riddle will also be shared again at 7 a.m. on The Front Porch/Kowaliga Country 97.5 for those participating. Solve the riddle to find the medallion and win $200. The medallion hunt debuts June 5, but residents can participate in the hunt with a new

riddle every day until June 10.

Though there are many events in which the whole family could participate, like the medallion hunt, there are some events with specific age groups in mind, such as the KidsFest College Bound event set to take place on June 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Head over to Central Alabama Community College to learn about different career paths and meet some of the sports coaches on staff.

There’s something for fur babies, too. Make your way to Strand Park on June 5 at 6 p.m. with your dogs for Bark in the Park. With costumes, a talent competition and more, you won’t want to miss out on the cutest event on the schedule.

Bring the kiddos out to the Splashplex at the Charles E. Bailey Sportsplex from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy the event sponsored by MainStreet Family Care.

Three new events are on the schedule, including a cocktail competition, bed races and a canvases and cocktails activity. To learn more about these new and returning events, make sure you check out the schedule inserted in the May issue of Lake Martin Living magazine.

Whatever events you plan to participate in throughout the festival, make sure to get out and enjoy yourself. Tag along with loved ones and make some memories.

Tykes in Trucks

Bark in the Park

Splashplex

Jazz Fest closes out Sun Festival

Sept. 1 & 2

Labor Day Music Fest at Crossroads

Russell Lands will host a free, two-day Labor Day weekend concert series at Russell Crossroads at 6:30 p.m. each night. Bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets, blankets and coolers or pick up dinner and your favorite beverage at Catherine’s. Pups on a leash are welcome, too. For details, visit russelllands.com/blog/events.

Season-long Events

Friday On The Green

There’s free music on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads every Friday night this summer, except during Jazz Fest. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, pups on the leash and coolers. There will be food trucks and lawn games. Friday On The Green is a great way to kickstart your weekend at the lake.

LMYP Game Night

Every third Thursday of the month, grab your crew and meet at The Local at 41 Main in downtown Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for games, laughs and exclusive LMYP drink specials. It’s free to play the games, like trivia and bingo and more, and the grand prize is always $50. Visit the Lake Martin Young Professionals Facebook page for more information.

The Waverly Local Music

The Waverly Local features live music every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., as well as Saturday in the courtyard from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and for Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For details and lineup, visit The Waverly Local on Facebook.

Driving & Docking Clinics

Boost your confidence and learn to operate and dock your boat during these free clinics at Singleton Marine. Sessions are held at 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Call 256-825-8888 or email lnowling@singletonmarine.com to reserve your free spot.

n First Wednesday of each month through AugustPontoons

n Second Wednesday of each month through AugustSterndrives

n Third Wednesday of each month through AugustTow Boats

Music & Related Arts Program

Dadeville Performing Arts Center, with Everything’s Art, will provide an integrated music/art/dance/ drama enrichment program for students in Dadeville Elementary School summer school. Register for this program through Dadeville Elementary School.

Strand Sessions

Lake Martin Young Professionals will host free music in Strand Park in downtown Alexander City at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month from May through August. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. Visit the Lake Martin Young Professionals Facebook Page for the lineup and details.

Yoga on the Green

Russell Lands will host yoga on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads at 7 a.m. on Saturday mornings from Memorial Day weekend to the end of September. Bring a mat, water bottle and towel and start your weekend at Lake Martin with yoga in the open air.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

Volunteers in Alexander City and Dadeville are encouraged to participate in community partnership cleanups every month. In Alexander City, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of the month. Meet at Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289. In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the second Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Mickey Forbus at 334-3290905.

Wellborn Musclecar Museum

Housed in a restored vintage auto dealership in downtown Alexander City, the Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open for public viewing Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free. Email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail.com or call 256-329-8474 o arrange discounted group tours or private tours.

Fiber Fridays

Bring your knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber art projects to The Yarn Shop Around the Corner in Dadeville from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays

Learn to drive and dock the boat

to meet fellow fiber artisans, share tips and techniques and talk with others who share your interests. For more information, call 334-444-1038.

Santuck Flea Market

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month, except for January and February, at 7300 Central Plank Rd., State Route 9 in Wetumpka.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on State Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

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

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. Check the calendar at RussellLands. com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Youth Sailing

Summer at the lake is a great time to introduce the kids to sailing, and Dixie Sailing Club at Lake Martin offers two opportunities in June. The course will be offered June 6 through 9 and again June 20 through 23. Classes are limited to 15 students, so register early.

The cost is $125 per four-day camp, with a $15 discount for siblings who also register. Students should bring their lunch and snacks. Bottled water will be provided. The camp fee includes a long-sleeved sailing club T-shirt.

“We are scheduling the camps over a four-day period, anticipating that weather may cancel one day. If we don’t lose a day for weather, the kids will simply be able to sail another day,” said Jim Simons at DSC.

Students should be comfortable swimming in deep water and be able

to swim unassisted for 100 feet. They should bring a properly fitting personal flotation device (life jacket), sun block lotion, a wide-brimmed hat, beach shoes, swimsuit, towel and a dry change of clothes for the ride home.

They will learn the proper terminology for various parts of the boat, as well as the names of sailing maneuvers and techniques. Righting a capsized boat and other skills also will be taught. Parents, siblings and friends are welcome to sit in on the presentations and might even get an opportunity to sail as well.

Students also will learn to read the wind and sail in very little wind, which will help them sail better in good wind, too.

Email dscypmail@gmail.com or call Jim Simons at 334-546-0224 to register or for more information.

Library Summer Reading

Along with plenty of lake time, be sure to plan some quiet time for the kids this summer, time for them to take ‘biblio-adventures’ that grant you a few minutes to relax with a good book and your favorite beverage. They can even win weekly prizes for their adventure progress through the Mamie’s Place Children’s Library summer reading program, All Together Now.

The theme celebrated all across the country showcases community togetherness through activities and programs from June 5 to July 27.

“It’s all about programs that are beneficial to the community,” explained Adelia M. Russell Library Director Amy Huff. “Traditionally, the summer reading program helps to prevent the summer slide, to help them keep up academically by reading about what interests them. They set their own goals. It’s fun and easy, and there are no tests.”

Mamie’s Place library assistants Teresa Holley and Nikisha Marbury have booked performances and filled the calendar with activities that promote togetherness and appeal to a variety of interests, from magic shows to movies, science, technology, nature, theater, games and more.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s so worth it to have the kids come in,” Holley said as she showed off crafts, new games and giveaways for kids who read at least 10 books over the summer. “There are rainbow putty balls, drink cups, magnets, pencils, balloons, plush stars, paper glasses for all kinds of occupations.”

The prizes coincide with the national library theme but were handpicked locally, Holley said.

A kick-off event will be held at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex on June 5 with Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center, but kids and adults can sign up between May 15 and June 10. The earlier registration is completed, the more time there is to read and log books. Log sheets must be

turned in at the circulation desk at the library by July 21.

To make it even easier, registration can be completed using the Beanstack app on a computer or smartphone. Library personnel also have partnered with local school and daycares to register children and attend programs.

But registration is not required to take part in the programs, so even children visiting the lake area over the summer can participate in programs and activities while they are here. Programs for adults include sign language classes, disaster preparedness workshops and more, Huff said.

“Reading can be a serious stress buster. It boosts brain power, increases creativity and helps us relax,” Huff said. “We are way more than books.”

To sign up for the summer reading program, download the Beanstack app at alexandercityal.beanstack.com or visit Mamie’s Place Children’s Library at 284 Church St. in Alexander City.

The library's reading program encourages children to maintain their academic skills over the summer

Worship on the Water

Church of the Living Waters at StillWaters

Guest preachers – services begin at 9 a.m.

May 28: Billy Coleman – Alexander City – Communion served

June 4: Rev. K.G. Jones – Tuskegee

June 11: Rev. Faron Golden – Dadeville

June 18: Rev. Matt Mobley – Auburn

June 25: Rev. Lee Cadden – Auburn

July 2: Chad Harrison – Dadeville

July 9: Dr. George Mathison – Auburn

July 16: Rev. Larry Patton – Carrollton, Georgia –Communion served

July 23: Rev. Mark Smith – Valley

July 30: Rev. James Cullins – Dadeville

Aug. 6: Rev. Pat Bethea – Auburn

Aug. 13: Rev. Skip Long – Opelika

Aug. 20: Rev. Marcus Poppenfoose – Auburn

Aug. 27: Rev. Kevin Flannagan – Auburn

Sept. 3: Dr. Tim Thompson – Jackson’s Gap –Communion served

Dress is casual. Address is 782 Lakeview Ridge Circle, across from the Golf Colony Villas and a short distance from the Harbor Pointe Marina in StillWaters. GPS coordinates N 32º 44.554’ W 085º 48.867’. Come by car, bike, golf cart or boat. Visit the website atcolw-sw. com.

St. James Episcopal Church

Holy Eucharist services will be held at noon every Sunday from June 4 to Aug. 27w at Church in the Pines this summer. Visit stjamesalexcity.com for dates and details.

Church in the Pines Services are at 9 a.m.

May 7 – Tim Alexander

May 14 – Sherry Harris

May 21 – Brian Erickson

May 28 – Mike Densmore

June 4 – Chuck Roberts

June 11 – Gates Shaw

June 18 – Karl Stegall

June 25 – Keith Thompson

July 2 – John Ed Mathison

July 9 – Lawson Bryan

July 16 – Hamp Green

July 23 – Andy Wolfe

July 30 – Chuck Hasty

Aug. 6 – Jeremiah Castille

Aug. 13 – George Mathison

Aug. 20 – Jay Wolf

Aug. 27 – Mike Densmore

Sept. 3 – Mickey Morgan

Sept. 10 – Mark Jackson

Sept. 17 – Larry Little

Sept. 24 – Mike Holley

*Guest speakers are subject to change upon availability. *Church in the Pines services continue year-round. For the most up-to-date lineup of speakers for the summer, please visit the website at childrensharbor. com/lake-martin-campus/church.

What's new at the Lake

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

AAs if Lake Martin wasn’t already a dream destination for residents and tourists, more businesses are setting up shop to bring glamping, shopping and more to the area. With summer fast approaching, the influx of things to do and places to visit could add excitement to your lake time.

Timberline Glamping Company is taking advantage of the beautiful scenery surrounding Lake Martin by setting up another way to enjoy nature with the use of their spacious tents. Located inside the Wind Creek State Park campground, Timberline Glamping seamlessly combines luxury with the great outdoors.

“We’ve been taking reservations for a while now. We’re opening April 21,” Mike Schlabra, of Timberline Glamping Lake Martin said. When reserving one of their tents, customers can pick between three to fit their needs. The

deluxe Safari tent sized at 14 feet by 20 feet is the biggest of the options and measures out to 280 square feet. Starting at $135 a night, it includes a king bed and two sets of bunk beds. The double Safari and standard Safari tents are sized at 12 feet by 20 feet and start at $129 a night. The double Safari option includes two queen sized beds, and the standard includes one queen sized bed and one set of bunk beds.

All the options include Keurig coffee makers, mini-refrigerators, air conditioning and heating units, hammocks, fire pits, picnic tables, camp chairs and more. Each tent is decorated with varying rugs and lamps and includes electrical outlets to charge devices.

To reserve one of the tents, visit lakemartin. tlglamping.com.

Just down the road a bit from the state park,

There are now seven glamping tent options in the E Section at Wind Creek State Park Campground

Sunrise Docks has settled down along their 12 acres of property and are looking to add additional business to the steadily growing area with a strip shopping center.

Bob Harris, manager of Sunrise Docks, said his construction company, RLH Construction, broke ground about four months ago on the center, which will contain five units to meet customers’ needs in Our Town. All the units are currently leased.

“I’m very familiar with the area, and there’s really no shopping area or strip center there. Most people drive to Alex City to find that. I felt there was a demand for space to rent. We broke ground for construction, never advertised, and all five spaces leased before we broke ground,” Harris explained.

The suites in the center have been rented to Lake Martin Interiors, Legacy Homes, Grain & Leaf, Rita’s Frozen Custard and Lake Martin Pizza Company. With construction at a steady pace, Harris is hoping for shops will open in midsummer.

Along with the variety of businesses moving onto the lot, the Stop for Breakfast food truck already welcomes visitors with a quick bite to eat.

Another business making its mark on the area

is KineticBit LLC, a company that provides a wide array of services, including installation of intelligent lighting and shade systems, home automation and control and whole home audio/video systems.

Owner Chad McCaulley has over 20 years’ experience in general construction, A/V engineering, control systems and more.

“One of our big specialties, we’re very good at structured wiring. Construction wise, we work with our clients to develop what they want to do with their homes in the long run; and then, we work with the builders and general contractors on the project to make sure that we’re integrated as part of that construction process,” McCaulley explained.

According to McCaulley, the company has been in full operation here since March of last year, and reps are eager to help Lake Martin and surrounding residents with whatever they can.

To get in contact with or learn more about services provided, email sales@kbitit.com or call 888-318-1305.

Tent interiors include beds, rugs, seating areas and more

Now Open

Fanny Goldmine Diner opens for breakfast and lunch at Russell Crossroads

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN CLAYTON Wraps and sandwiches are on the menu for lunch

FFanny Goldmine Diner opened its doors last month, greeting customers with a friendly, cozy atmosphere and delicious comfort food in a spacious indoor dining area, as well as ample seating on the back patio.

The long-awaited diner offers breakfast and lunch courses but plans to offer dinner soon, too. The menu features a collection of breakfast and lunch favorites fitting for the down-home, Southern-style cooking element the diner emulates.

Customers can build their own breakfast plates or opt for a build-your-own breakfast sandwich, among other mouthwatering options. For lunch, customers could go for the AC Diner Salad, which

includes fried onions, croutons, Wickles Pickles and more. Other delectable lunch items include Southern classics like chicken pot pie, wings and hand-breaded chicken tenders. Make sure to check out their assortment of sandwiches, hotdogs and wraps while you’re at it.

Though the menu and the atmosphere alone are enough to get new and returning customers through the doors, the growing staff is yet another reason to drop in for a bite to eat.

J.B. Hampton, a Montgomery native, has taken on the position of general manager at Fanny Goldmine Diner and brings to the table 11 years of experience in the industry. Hampton came

Fanny Goldmine Diner adds another dining venue at Russell Crossroads

The menu includes items for a delicious, hearty breakfast

Friendly staff also can help with T-shirt purchases

over from another Russell Lands dining venue, Kowaliga Restaurant, along with kitchen manager, Eric Sides, who made the move from Cashiers, North Carolina. According to Hampton, the diner fits in well with the rest of Russell Crossroads and brings something unique to the table.

“As far as the menu and the food, it’s another

piece to the puzzle. We’ve been needing a breakfast place around here. The price point is very good here, and it’s a place where everyone can come around and have a home-cooked meal,” Hampton explained.

The restaurant’s style leans into comfort and casual dining while giving guests savory dishes they might not be able to find anywhere else.

Although the dining experience is unique in and of itself, the building’s architecture seamlessly mirrors Russell Crossroads in both the exterior and interior components.

According to Chris Doggett, the Corporate Director of Food and Beverage at Russell Lands, the diner sports the same architectural design as other Russell Lands builds, blending with the theme and nature of Russell Crossroads.

“Just start from the roof and work your way down. We have the same roof we have in every one of our businesses, the cedar shake shingles. It’s just architecturally similar. The siding is very similar to the other buildings in Russell Crossroads,” Doggett said.

The Fanny Goldmine Diner is open for breakfast and lunch Monday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with breakfast offered until 10:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. until closing. The diner is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Visit fannygoldmine.com to learn more about the restaurant, staff and current hours.

The spacious dining area is cozy but filled with natural light

Guests also are invited to gather around a cozy fireplace at the gazebo

Take a safety refresher

FFloating debris could be a safety concern for boaters after a series of severe storms this spring downed trees, damaged homes and swept away docks and personal property, said Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Sgt. Steven McWaters.

After tornadoes and straight-line wind events toppled thousands of trees in all areas of the Tallapoosa River watershed from early January to as recently as mid-April, an unusually high amount of debris has washed into the lake. The problem has been further complicated as the rule curve for Lake Martin’s water level has steadily risen since March 1, reaching full pool at 491 mean sea level feet just a few weeks ago.

“The water level has just recently come up, and there are logs and debris in the main river channel. Everything upriver floats downriver. You can look over the river bridge and see debris floating in the water,” McWaters said.

throughout the summer season, as an Auburn University fisheries study reported to Lake magazine in 2017 that, due to Lake Martin’s volume, water is retained in the reservoir for as many as 190 days. This natural phenomenon contributes greatly to Lake Martin’s typically clear waters, as debris eventually is filtered out. Floating trees become waterlogged and sink to the bottom of the lake, where they contribute to fish habitat.

In the meantime, McWaters cautioned, increased boat traffic, especially around Memorial Day weekend and other summer holidays, could be adversely affected by the additional debris.

“As Memorial Day weekend approaches, be mindful of the floating hazards and be courteous as everyone tries to avoid them,” he said. “And if you do have a problem on the water, remember that 9-1-1 is the quickest way to get help.”

McWaters also reminded boaters to be aware of the wakes they create, especially around highly populated areas, like Chimney Rock and Blue Creek, among others, and in swimming areas, around docks and in narrow sloughs.

“Boat at idle speed and don’t plow through the area,” McWaters said.

At the same time, he urged lake homeowners to use discretion in placing swim buoys around docks and shoreline.

“Alabama Power put the regulation out there, and Marine Patrol enforces it. Swim buoys can be no more than 25 feet from the pier or dock or 25 feet from the shoreline. The first time we see them too far out, we will advise the resident to pull them in. The second time, we will pull them out of the water and take them back to the buoy office,” he said. “Last year, some people put them out like a swim line to keep boats from coming inside of it, but you can’t block off any part of the lake.”

In addition, McWaters reminded boaters that children aged 8 years and younger must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation any time they are on the water. Approved flotation devices are labeled with a regulation number on tags on the jacket or are stamped or sewn inside the jacket. If a device has no regulation number, it is not approved for use.

It’s a good idea to review these and other boating license regulations prior to hitting the lake for the season, he said. While free boating regulation classes are not offered once the patrols begin in May, the course is always available online at alea.gov/dps/marine-patrol.

White Oak Landing

is a collection of attractively priced, turn-key lakefront cottages. With nine cottage-style plans to choose from, the large, wooded, waterfront homesites are conveniently located on the north end of Lake Martin offering easy access to Highway 280, golf, dining, shopping, marina and medical care.

MODEL

Local Eats

Oskar’s Café 6684 State Route 49, Dadeville, AL

256-825-4827

Oskarscafe.com

Wharf Casual Seafood 4011 U.S. Route 280, Alexander City, AL 256-392-3227

Wharfcasualseafood.com

Chick-Fil-A 3899 U.S. Route 280, Alexander City, AL 938-867-4799

Chick-fil-a.com

Copper’s Bar & Grill 797 Moonbrook Dr., Dadeville, AL 256-373-3536

Coppers.stillwatersgolf.com

Niffer’s Place Lake Martin 7500 State Route 49, Dadeville, AL

256-825-5950

Niffersplace.com

The Social at Lake Martin 2001 Castaway Island Rd., Eclectic, AL 334-458-0260

Lakemartinsocial.com

Chuckwalla’s Pizza at Chuck’s Marina 237 Marina Rd., Dadeville, AL 256-825-7733

Lake Martin Pizza Co. 5042 State Route 49, Dadeville, AL 256-373-3337

Lakemartinpizza.com

SpringHouse

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alexander City, AL 256-215-7080

Springhouseatcrossroads.com

Fanny Goldmine Diner 57 Russell Farms Rd., Alexander City, AL 256-215-7090

Fannygoldmine.com

BRU 63

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alexander City, AL 256-715-7077

Catherinesatcrossroads.com

Fusion Grill

1065 Tallassee St., Dadeville, AL 256-307-1858

Fusion-grill-barbecue-restaurant.business.site

The Landing at Parker Creek 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 205-410-6091

Thelandingatparkercreek.com

Lake Martin Creamery 8212 County Road 34, Dadeville, AL 256-373-3246

Lakemartincreamery.com

Big B Bar-B-Que

1626 State Route 22, Alexander City, AL 256-329-9996

Jake’s Restaurant 16 Broad St., Alexander City, AL 256-234-4300

Jakesonbroad.com

Who’s Diner 1560 State Route 22, Alexander City, AL 256-212-1501

Castelluccio Fine Italian Dining 107 Alabama St., Alexander City, AL 256-392-5604

Kowaliga Restaurant 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alexander City, AL 256-215-7035

Kowaligarestaurant.com

Alana’s Place 110 Calhoun St., Alexander City, AL 256-392-3650

Cazadores Mexican Restaurant 910 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City, AL 256-392-3991

Carib Kitchen 68 Broad St., Alexander City, AL 256-392-4433

Carib-kitchen.webnode.page

Taqueria Avita 60 Broad St., Alexander City, AL 256-392-3457

Carlos Mexican Grill 136 Wheeler St., Alexander City, AL 256-329-9901

Carlos-mexican-grill.business.site

JR’s Sportsbar and Grill 145 Alabama St., Alexander City, AL 256-329-2328

Carlisle’s Soda Fountain 12 Main St., Alexander City, AL 256-392-3800

Jim Bob’s Chicken Fingers 1264 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City, AL 256-215-3998

Sam’s Kountry Kitchen 118-142 E. South St., Dadeville, AL 256-373-2028

Bob’s Fine Food & BBQ 306 N. Broadnax St. #1307, Dadeville, AL 256-307-1824

Ooh Crabs Juicy Seafood, Inc. 17957 U.S. Route 280, Suite D, Dadeville, AL 256-307-1163

Oohcrabsjuicyseafood.com

Me Mama’s Grub Hub 332 E. South St., Dadeville, AL 256-373-3314

Azteca’s Mexican Grill 18092 U.S. Route 280, Dadeville, AL

256-307-1898

Poplar Dawg’s Eatery

10277 County Road 34, Dadeville, AL

256-825-9288

Poplardawgs.com

Twice Baked

5052 Stillwaters Highway, Dadeville, AL

334-744-3061

Twicebakedopelika.com

Lil Smokey’s BBQ

8678 State Route 50, Dadeville, AL

334-530-3959

The Burritos Corner

8605 State Route 50, Dadeville, AL

256-307-1887

Bluffs Daiquiri Bar

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL

256-496-6715

Nibblers Float Thru-Grill

450 Ridge Marina Way, Alexander City, AL

256-404-4305

Nibblersfloatthrugrill. com

Nirvana Latte

5054 State Route 49, Dadeville, AL

256-307-1253

Nirvanalatte.com

Idyllic Retreat

STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

The Nelsons' home envelops guests in beauty and serenity upon arrival

TThirty-three years ago, Julia and Gary Nelson built a home in Columbine, part of the River Oaks development on Lake Martin. The Nelsons have countless memories of growing up in Alexander City, as well as memories of raising their two daughters on the lake.

“My father moved our family to Alexander City in 1968 to start his own company, Nelson Electric,” Gary Nelson said. “Russell Mills was my dad’s account, and when the mills were torn down, I knew I wanted to keep a part of that history. Over a period of about five years, I collected the bricks, heart pine timbers and over 100 beams, thinking I might have a project I needed those for one day.”

That day arrived when the point lot next to theirs became available,

and the Nelsons decided to buy it. The combination of the two lots became 2.1 acres and 610 feet of shoreline. They hired dear friend, Eddie Penton, who owns W.E. Penton Construction, to design and build their new home. They already had the bricks and wood they would need. Additionally, Nelson added Douglas Fir beams from the Hartwell Mills in Dadeville to his cache of reclaimed wood.

“We have known Eddie all our lives. We just showed him a few pictures, asked for a really big kitchen, and he got to work. Unfortunately, we started building in September 2019, and the pandemic started the following March. That definitely slowed us down, and with COVID, I could not go out and search for what I wanted. Luckily, I met a decorator

The greenhouse was built around cedar tree trunks

Russell Mills blueprints are a sentimental view of the past

The main living space is decorated in blues and grays

at our neighbor’s house, and she was able to help me select everything by sending me pictures and meeting online,” Julia said.

Lauren Salter, LS Interiors in Atlanta, sourced artwork and light fixtures out of Savannah, Georgia, and she assisted the Nelsons in combining their old furniture with new furniture that Salter selected specifically for the new home. Salter took an early morning photo of an island just off the point and commissioned Fred Cox to paint it for the Nelsons’ stairwell. Another of Cox’s paintings is found in the master bath. Nelson selected additional pieces of art from local artists, such as a copper map of Lake Martin by Whitney Clanton of Mystic Nature Design and fish painted by Emily Gettys Johnson (emilygjohnson.com), as well as works by Dadeville’s

Denney brothers.

Wood for the main level floors was cut from the reclaimed Russell Mill beams. The expansive main room stretches from the front of the house to the back, with windows offering a view of the lake. Arches are part of the design of the house, including the front doors, and heavy, arched trussed beams tower over the main living area. The walls in the main room are stained cypress and lightly whitewashed. Divided into comfortable seating around the stone fireplace, dining area and kitchen, there is room to spare for the family, which now is growing with sons-in-law and grandchildren.

“My daughters’ husbands love to cook, and so do I, so the kitchen was very important. We love to grill steaks and ribs and have shrimp boils,” Julia said.

A flagstone path leads from the back porch to the water

Arched beams were reclaimed from Russell Mills

The master bedroom opens to lake views on two sides

The kitchen has a separate refrigerator and freezer for additional storage. The countertops and backsplash are quartz while the island countertop is quartzite. Ken Meigs and Clayton Guy with Creative Cabinets built most of the cabinetry in the house. A long bar, divided into two sides with a kitchen entrance between them, is large enough to provide seating for eight on large bar stools. The cabinet color is Ellie Gray, and the island color is Gray’s Harbor.

Just beyond the kitchen, the Nelsons added a prep kitchen and pantry. The appliances from their first lake home were relocated into the working kitchen, so meals can be prepared and clean-up can be out of sight. Custom shelving and pantry cabinets were built by Curtis Wellborn at Wellborn Industries. A

1940s butcher block, purchased at Scott’s Antiques, sits in the center of the room.

With a beautiful view of the lake, the dining area features an impressive table built from a piece of sunken cypress the couple selected from raw slabs at Bruner Lumber in Ponce De Leon, Florida. Steve Averett at Ancient Wood Creations in Enterprise, Alabama, built the table from the slab. A hutch and the chairs were relocated from their previous home. The corner master bedroom was designed with windows and sliding doors for lake views in two directions. The room is painted a calming Silver Mist, which complements Julia’s favorite blues in the linens and rugs Salter found for the home. The bathroom features a tub from the previous home and a unique shower with curved glass walls. Just outside

An architectural detail, the round window adds light to the upstairs gathering space

A shuffleboard table in the upstairs bunk room is a favorite way to spend time

A glass shower with curved walls is the centerpiece of the master bath

The sandy swimming beach was added at the basement level

The pond and waterfalls were built into the landscape

The bunk room provides space for sleeping, gathering and playing games

the sliding doors, a private screened porch offers entertainment room for the couple and their guests.

Along the back of the house is a wide, roomy porch with a blue stone floor with several comfortable seating and eating areas, a bed swing and rocking chairs. The Nelsons credit Brag and Terry Grice with the excellent tile work inside the house and the blue stone on the back porch. Since the house was built on a point, porch lovers can count on breezes year-round. Wide steps lead to a flagstone pathway to one of two docks located on the property. Wind chimes and a kettle fountain add the perfect background music.

“I found some of the syrup kettles for the fountains and firepits online, purchased one at Scott’s Antiques, and one is an antique from the Goldens’ Foundry and Machine Company in Columbus, Georgia. An old millstone was added to make the fountain just off the back porch,” Nelson said.

On the opposite side of the house from the master bedroom, with access from the main living area and the back porch, is another screened porch with a stone fireplace and built-in kitchen. The copper hood was fabricated by Nelson Electric, and this team also handled the installation of the porch kitchen. Seating around the fireplace is comfortable, and a 10-footlong reclaimed table built by Wellborn Industries

provides plenty of outdoor dining space.

Builder Eddie Penton says his criteria for building the Nelsons’ home was views and breezes and every room with a view. Yet, for all the praise from the Nelsons, he says that God gave him every idea and deserves all the glory.

Penton added a specially designed pattern to the stairway landings. The open stairway with copper spindles, fabricated by Dale McCain and his team at Nelson Electric, provides architectural detail to the main level. Floors on the second level were built using roof decking from the mill. A seating area offers a view across the arches to the lake and down into the main room. Two beautifully appointed bedrooms and two bathrooms offer lots of space to accommodate guests, while an upstairs laundry room provides convenience. The bunkroom, floored with diagonally placed roughhewn boards, sleeps four and includes a comfortable sofa and chairs, plus foosball, air hockey and shuffleboard tables.

The house is located on a cul-de-sac with a gated entrance leading down a driveway built with reclaimed bricks from the mill. Rock columns with gas lanterns stand sentry at the gates, and the landscaping is a combination of old home and new, as the two flow seamlessly together. Water features, including a pond, syrup kettle fountains and

The combined prep kitchen and pantry are located near the main kitchen

The driveway is paved with reclaimed materials from the former Russell Mills

Family and friends can gather in the warmth of cypress walls and a stone fireplace alongside beautiful lake views;

waterfalls, are abundant. The landscape and hardscape were designed and installed by Ricky Pope of Haven Place Nursery, who paused his retirement as a special favor to Penton. Established and new to the property, Japanese maples and river birches take center stage while hundreds of ferns dot the landscape. A sandy beach area is a great play space for the grandchildren. A kettle firepit stands ready nearby.

Last year, the Nelsons added a greenhouse where their previous house once stood. Again, Eddie Penton served as chief designer and builder. The wall and ceiling supports are cedar tree trunks from Jim Ed Abernathy’s pasture. Glass walls and ceilings provide light, and the heated space will keep plants thriving in the winter months. Plenty of working spaces and a sink are available while another fountain carries the sound of gurgling water inside. A flagstone path leads from the house to the pond and beyond to the greenhouse. An outdoor stone fireplace and patio with a table and chairs, left from the first yard, sit between the house and the greenhouse. A corner of the rock foundation for the screened porch on their original house is worked into the landscape between the greenhouse and the lake.

In a hallway near the front entrance, the Nelsons have included one more nod to the past – framed reproductions of the factory mutual insurance blueprints from Russell Manufacturing Company.

Alongside memories of years of life in Alexander City, blueprints for their new home took shape. Now they can create new memories with their children and grandchildren, while the past is securely remembered in the bricks and the wood surrounding them.

SUMMERTIME IS A SPECIAL TIME, IS YOUR HEART HEALTHY?

Summertime means time on the water, time away from work, and more time with family and friends.

Make sure your heart is healthy and ready for the season with an appointment at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Russell Medical.

Kevin Sublett, MD, is board-certified in cardiovascular care and offers the latest in prevention, testing, and treatment for keeping your heart healthy.

Our clinic is backed by the knowledge and expertise of UAB Medicine, including:

• Advanced ultrasound testing

• Nuclear medicine imaging in fully accredited labs

• Management of cardiac rhythm disorders

• Interventional cardiology care

Our expanded clinical team is ready to serve you. Schedule a visit today by calling 256-234-2644.

Visit

the lake in bloom

TThis is the perfect time to view mountain laurels in bloom around Lake Martin, as they paint rocky hillsides with thickets of showy pink and white cups in tight clusters on waxy-leaved shrubs. Visit the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association footpaths soon at Smith Mountain, Overlook and the Deadening area to walk among these native members of the blueberry family for the few weeks that they flower here.

The mountain laurel is a natural for the hilly pine forests of Alabama and is often found in the understory of longleaf pine forests. Like the longleaf, it has adapted to endure frequent forest fires.

The shrubs grow 5 to 10 feet tall in our area and are covered in blossoms that attract bumblebees and hummingbirds.

But admire this classic Lake Martin beauty with your eyes only, as mountain laurel is extremely toxic to people and many other animals. All parts of this plant, from leaves to twigs, flowers and pollen, are poisonous. Even the honey collected from bees that pollinated mountain laurel has been known to cause illness.

By June, the mountain laurel flowers probably will be gone, so make it a point to take a hike or a lake cruise to see them this month.

PHOTO BY CHERYL GAINER MCCALL

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

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

From vacant lot to your future home, find help along the way.

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

has been building high-quality, American-made boats since 1874. The timeless design, trademark teak, custom upholstery and extensive selections of paints are just a few of the reasons Chris-Craft boats stand out in a sea of sameness.

On the water or at the dock, nothing else looks – or feels – like a Chris-Craft. Russell Marine and Chris-Craft strive for a total commitment to enhancing customers’ time on the water. Purchasing a Chris-Craft is more than buying a boat. It’s buying into a lifetime full of unmatched experiences and making lifelong memories. Visit Russell Marine and join the Chris-Craft lifestyle.

Many people who see a large, thick, dark-colored snake in the water immediately assume it’s a venomous Cottonmouth. And while that is sometimes the case, there are a number of other water snakes resident in the Lake Martin area that pose no danger to people. Before you pick up the hoe, it’s a good idea to know the difference.

The Plainbelly Water Snake, Nerodia erythrogaster, is one of those harmless snakes often mistaken for a Cottonmouth. This snake goes by a number of other common names, including RedBellied Water Snake (erythrogaster means red belly in Greek), Yellowbelly Water Snake, Copperbellied Moccasin, Orange-Bellied Moccasin, Redbelly or Red-Bellied Black Snake or simply Water Snake.

It is a large, thick-bodied snake. At maturity, a Plainbelly Water Snake can be more than 4 feet long. The record length for one of these snakes is 5.3 feet. Females grow larger than males.

Plainbelly Water Snakes are mostly solid colored on top, varying from black to gray, brown, olive or pink. As their common name implies, their belly is all one color, ranging from orange, to yellow to white. Young Plainbelly Water Snakes tend to be blotchy on top and lighter in color. The dark bars visible between the scales on a Plainbelly Water Snake’s lip is a quick identifier that it is not a venomous Cottonmouth.

There are two Plainbelly subspecies found in Alabama:

n Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster – the subspecies photographed here – is more greenish gray on top with a belly that varies from orange-yellow to pale yellow to almost white on the underside. It is sometimes called the Yellowbelly Water Snake and is found throughout Alabama.

n Nerodia erythrogaster eythrogaster is more brown on top with a belly that varies from orange to red or pink. This snake is found in the extreme southeastern Alabama

Plainbelly Water Snake

“We’ve got a good number of water snakes in Alabama, none of them are venomous,” Anderson said. “Some bask frequently up in trees … If a snake drops in your boat it’s almost definitely a water snake.”

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

~ Dr. Wes Anderson

The Plainbelly Water Snake will sometimes flatten its head and neck to try to look like a cobra if it feels threatened

counties and is sometimes called a Redbelly Water Snake.

“The closer to Dothan you get, the redder the belly,” said Dr. Wes Anderson, a wildlife specialist with Alabama Extension. Anderson said the two subspecies interbreed in Alabama, and genetically, there is evidence that the Redbelly Water Snake ranges all the way to the Tuscaloosa area; however, the actual color of the belly on these Plainbelly Water Snakes will be yellow in most parts of Alabama.

There is a total of five subspecies of Plainbelly Water Snakes in North America, and they are native between Mexico and Michigan all the way to the Eastern seaboard from Maryland to Florida.

While these creatures are called water snakes, they are semiaquatic and are sometimes found on land hundreds of feet from water. But they typically make their homes around some type of water, from lakes and rivers to small creeks, swamps and boggy areas.

Plainbelly Water Snakes mate in spring and early summer in shallow water. Their courtship involves lots of tongue flicking with males chasing females. Sometimes, multiple males try to mate with a single female, coiling their tails around each other in groups or “cords.”

Like other water snakes, Plainbelly Water Snakes bear live young in late summer or early fall. These snakes are thought to have one brood a year, and the number of offspring can range from two to 55 with an average of about 18. Once the baby snakes are born, they are on their own with no assistance from their mothers.

Plainbelly Water Snakes become sexually mature between 3 and 4 years, they old can live up to 15 years in the wild.

These snakes can be active during the day and night and are usually seen from spring to late fall. During the winter, they hibernate, often in abandoned burrows or even in crawfish holes, but also in stream banks or underneath rocks.

They tend to move around a lot and have a home range that exceeds a square mile.

Plainbelly Water snakes feed on fish, frogs, toads,

salamanders, crawfish, insects and sometimes even carrion. They often ambush their prey and swallow it whole, alive.

“Plainbellys tend to wander far away from water more than other water snakes,” Anderson said, adding that they are known to travel long distances to visit temporary wetlands on rainy nights, so they can “feast on frogs and salamanders.”

The list of animals that prey on Plainbelly Water Snakes is long, from Largemouth Bass to snapping turtles, Cottonmouths and King snakes, hawks, herons, foxes, otters, raccoons, bobcats, dogs, cats, coyotes and feral hogs.

This snake will bite aggressively and hard if handled, but it poses no danger to those who keep their hands to themselves. If a Plainbelly Water Snake is harassed, it will sometimes puff up or flatten its head and neck like the snake photographed here. When attacked, they often emit a strong musky smell.

“They’re trying to make themselves appear scary,” Anderson said. “They’re probably trying to convince you they are a venomous snake.”

Anderson said many species of snakes also will vibrate their tails to mimic rattlesnakes for the same reason.

Contrary to other water snakes, Plainbelly Water Snakes usually flee to the land instead of the water when being chased by predators.

One interesting fact about these snakes is that many adults have damaged tails. Unlike many reptiles, a Plainbelly Snake cannot regrow its tail once it is lost.

By the way, Anderson said when talking about toxic snakes, the proper term is venomous, not poisonous. Technically, venom is an injected poison.

“If it bites you and you die, it’s venomous. If you bite it and you die, it’s poisonous,” he said.

Some information for this article came from animaldiversity.org from the University of Michigan, OutdoorAlabama.com, The University of Georgia, iNaturalist and the Virginia Herpetological Society.

The marks along the Plainbelly Water Snake's lower lip indicate it is not venomous

Regatta

Dixie Sailing Club

PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Clockwise from Left: Steve Ambrose took second place in the MC Scow Fleet at this year's Dixie Sailing Club Punchbowl Regatta on April 15; With the help of his wife, Jennifer (right), and Todd Gardner of the Fort Walton Beach YC (center), Keith Bennett took second place in the C-22 Gold Fleet; Terry Gardner, from Fort Walton Beach, crewed for three races on Saturday and two on Sunday; The weather for this year's regatta was almost perfect with variable winds.

Clockwise from Above: The race committee takes a break; Sailors converge at the turn; Merry Hardy fills her sail and takes a ride; "You know it's a good regatta when you don't know who won until the last race is over," Bennett said.

LMRA

Lake Martin has been a beloved recreational destination for generations, and Lake Martin Resource Association wants to ensure you and your family continue to enjoy all the benefits of our beautiful lake. Our crystal-clear waters, abundant wildlife and picturesque scenery make it a popular spot for boating, fishing and leisure activities throughout the year. This popularity has allowed the local communities to prosper and has brought with it the challenge of preserving its health and beauty for future generations.

Since 1972, LMRA has worked tirelessly to maintain the health of the lake as it has grown in popularity through the promotion of three ‘P’s – Preserve Protect and Promote – the lake’s health, recreational opportunities, quality of life, leisure and prosperity for all future generations to enjoy.

government agencies to ensure that the lake’s needs are prioritized in decision-making processes. Our focus on advocacy is led through the expertise of Steve Forehand who is the LMRA legal advisor, and president of Alabama Wildlife Federation and is an active member of the Alabama Water Resources Commission. Steve partners closely with Alabama Power to advocate for Lake Martin in the Water War litigation, which is still bumping along with procedural motions that have been filed and are awaiting rulings focused on the recommended revision of the Corps of Engineers Water Control Manual. Although we have had significant rainfall recently, there is still concern on the seriousness of the impact to Lake Martin of the current language in this manual in times of low rainfall. Steve keeps a keen eye on this and any events in the current Alabama Legislature session that could impact the lake.

BY JODIE MCGIRT

LMRA is a non-profit organization of volunteers, led by a working board that supports Lake Martin through community engagement. This is all facilitated through membership dues, as well as corporate and individual donations. For over 50 years, LMRA has been dedicated to preserving and protecting Lake Martin’s natural resources and promoting its recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors. To achieve its mission, LMRA has developed a strategic plan that focuses on three core initiatives: water safety, environmental impact and advocacy for quantity and quality of Lake Martin.

One of three core initiatives of LMRA is advocacy for both the quantity and quality of Lake Martin. This includes efforts to maintain water levels to support recreational activities and ecological health, as well as advocacy for policies that support the lake’s long-term sustainability.

LMRA works closely with other organizations and

Through great partnerships with Alabama Power, Russell Lands and local community members, supporting education and outreach programs, LMRA encourages responsible boating and fishing practices that minimize harm to the lake’s ecosystem. In March, we re-instituted the partnership with Alabama Power to build fish habitats through the donation of real, undecorated Christmas trees placed throughout Lake Martin. These new sites will be posted on the Alabama Power website and app in May and are available to all fisherman who love Lake Martin.

Environmental impact on Lake Martin’s health is closely tied to the surrounding communities and is one of LMRA’s strategic initiatives where we are committed to reducing the impact of our increased population on the lake’s water quality and natural habitats. Throughout the year, LMRA supports multiple environmental cleanup efforts that include, but are not limited to, the Reuben Thornton Spring Cleanup in Elmore County; Third Saturday Cleanups in Alexander City, Throw Away days with Dadeville and Renew our Rivers with Alabama Power in November. Due to the recent rainfall, we have also implemented a storm cleanup effort in April at locations close to Wind Creek State Park and Kowaliga Boat

Ramp.

LMRA

Another of our strategic initiatives is our management and maintenance of hazard and safety buoys on Lake Martin. LMRA works at the direction of ALEA to place the buoys and maintains more than 440 buoys on Lake Martin. Since March 1, LMRA’s volunteer buoy management team has conducted six maintenance trips, encompassing 163 volunteer hours, where they replaced 17 hazard buoys, five Slow No Wake buoys and reset 15 buoys that had drifted off their positions. Our organizational structure, systems, process and collaboration for buoy management are unprecedented and are sought after by many throughout lakes across the southeastern United States.

In addition to buoy management for safety, LMRA supports ALEA in vessel licensing classes and works with Russell Marine marinas to conduct Women Boater Safety courses each year. These outreach programs have been successful for many years and are being expanded to include a collaboration with Children’s Harbor to support their volunteer boat captains and first mates. All of these efforts collectively promote responsible boating practices and ensure that everyone using the lake is aware of safety regulations and guidelines.

LMRA’s mission and strategic initiatives are aimed at creating better quality of life for Lake Martin residents and visitors and are a testament to our organization and this community’s commitment to the lake’s health. By promoting safety, environmental sustainability and advocacy for the lake’s longterm health, LMRA helps to ensure that Lake Martin remains a vibrant and cherished resource for all who live and visit here. Lake Martin is a true gem of Alabama and a testament to the power of collective action. Thank you for your continued support to LMRA and the health of Lake Martin.

Jodie McGirt is president of LMRA. Learn more at lmra.info.

“Hey folks call or come see us today. We are located at 1965 Eastern Blvd. in Montgomery just across the street from Lowe’s. We have a huge inventory of carpet, vinyl, hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl plank, ceramic and porcelain tile. We also do custom area rugs, countertops, blinds, and a variety of window coverings. We offer a “Low Price Promise” and professionally install everything we sell. Don’t pay too much or miss out on the great service at Georgia Floors Direct. We’ve been Flooring the River Region for Over 50 Years.”

Jeff Mallinson, Owner

Everyday Grandeur

DISCOVER A LUXURIOUS GOLF

LIFESTYLE LIVING ALONG GRAND NATIONAL GOLF COURSE

Tucked away on the outskirts of Auburn University at the world-class Grand National Golf Course, the award winning National Village offers everything you’ll ever need for the way you want to live. The thoughtfully crafted master planned community features georgeous homes designed by national award winner Larry Garnett and built by Ab and Don Conner at Conner Bros. Construction Co., Inc., a local company with more than 100 years of experience. With the Marriott at Grand National on site, residents enjoy championship golf, miles of picturesque nature trails and lakes for fishing, spa and pool. National Village is truly an unbelievable place to live – inside or out. Plus, thanks to the high speed fiber optic network of Opelika (Alabama’s first Gig City), our homeowners enjoy some of the Nation’s fastest internet for any work- or learn-from-home requirements.

WATERACCESS

Russell Cabins at The Willows, Verandas II • $1,095,000

Builder: Classic Homes • Beds: 4 Baths: 4.5 • Sq Ft: 2,396

Russell Lands

Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks, Thomas Lamberth 256.215.7011 • RussellLands.com

1147 Willow Way N, Alexander City • $8,590,000

Beds: 11 • Baths: 12 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592

LakeMartinRealty.com

1774 Pineview Drive, Alexander City • $149,900

Beds: 3 • Baths: 1 • recently updated

Lake Martin Realty

Amy Duncan 256.212.2222

LakeMartinRealty.com

31 Outboard Circle, Jackson’s Gap • $1,295,000

Beds: 4 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty

Damon Story 205.789.9526

LakeMartinRealty.com

Ridge Run, Bywater • $1,700,000

Beds: 3 • Baths: 4.5 • Sq Ft: 2,612

Russell Lands

Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks, Thomas Lamberth 256.215.7011 • RussellLands.com

536 Russell Cabin Point, Alexander City • $3,375,000

Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty

Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017

LakeMartinRealty.com

1137 North Ridge, Alexander City • $5,950,000

Beds: 6 • Baths: 7 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty

Jan Hall 256.329.6313

LakeMartinRealty.com

34 North Cardinal Heights, Dadeville • $449,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3 • Water View & Access

Lake Martin Realty

Mimi Rush 334.399.7874

LakeMartinRealty.com

395 Sunset Point Drive, Dadeville • $569,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3 • Waterfront Unit 302

Lake Martin Realty

Michelle Brooks-Slayman 256.749.1031

LakeMartinRealty.com

23 Magnolia Lane, Dadeville • $1,120,000

Beds: 4 • Baths: 3 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty

Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099

LakeMartinRealty.com

35 Poplar Point, Dadeville • $679,000

Beds: 3 • Baths: 2.5 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty

Adam Yager 205.914.0830

LakeMartinRealty.com

519 Stillwoods Drive, Dadeville • $1,225,000

Beds: 5 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty

Becky Haynie 334.312.0928

LakeMartinRealty.com

Arthritis

MMay is National Arthritis Awareness Month, calling attention to joint inflammation. Joints are the places in which two bones meet, such as an elbow or knee. Common symptoms of arthritis include swelling of the joints, pain and redness with heat. There are many types of arthritis with different causes and treatments. Some types of arthritis could affect other organs, such as eyes, heart or skin. If you think you may be experiencing arthritis, it is very important to consult a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment options.

Common types of arthritis include:

n Ankylosing spondylitis, a type that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine.

n Gout flares up, usually in a big toe or a lower limb.

gens or something else. Typically, we think of inflammation as swelling, pain and redness; however, sometimes inflammation occurs inside the body. For example, during bronchitis, the lungs may be inflamed. The signs of inflammation are not always noticeable. Whatever the cause, chronic long-term inflammation could be detrimental to health.

HEALTHY LIVING

BY JULIE HUDSON

n Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common type of chronic arthritis that affects children.

n Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is more common in older people.

n Psoriatic arthritis sometimes occurs in people who have psoriasis, scaly red and white skin patches. It affects the skin, joints and areas where tissues attach to the bone.

n Reactive arthritis is caused by an infection in your body. Symptoms often clear up on their own within a few weeks or months.

n Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune form of arthritis where the immune system attacks the healthy joint tissues. While there is no special diet for arthritis, there are foods that can help fight inflammation caused by arthritis. Decreased inflammation means decreased joint pain and other symptoms. Inflammation is a sign that the immune system is fighting an infection. It is a normal response that the body goes through to promote healing.

The infection may be related to germs, wounds, aller-

A diet rich in whole foods, including fruit and vegetables, fish, nuts and beans but low in processed foods and saturated fat is beneficial to overall health, as well as managing disease activity. If it sounds familiar, it’s the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting powers. Studies have confirmed that eating foods commonly on the Mediterranean diet provide the following benefits: lower blood pressure; protection against chronic conditions like cancer and stroke; alleviation of arthritis pain by curbing inflammation; healthier joints and heart; and weight loss, which may lesson joint pain.

The American Heart Association and The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends a 3- to 4-ounce portion of fish twice a week. Arthritis experts agree that more is better. Certain types of fish contain Omega-3 fatty acids and are known for fighting inflammation. Researchers have shown that fish oil supplements help to reduce joint swelling and pain, as well as the duration of morning stiffness and disease activity among people who have rheumatoid arthritis. Salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, anchovies, scallops and other cold-water fish are the best sources. If fish is not a favorite on the menu, it is suggested to take 600 mg to 1,000 mg supplements of fish oil daily to ease joint stiffness, swelling, tenderness and pain.

Nuts and seeds also have been shown to reduce inflammation. The recommendation is to eat 1.5 ounces of nuts daily (1 ounce is a handful). Nuts are packed with inflammation fighting monounsaturated fats. They are high in

calories and fat; however, they may aid in weight loss because the protein, fiber and monounsaturated fat provides satiety. In this case, more is not better.

Fruit and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants act as the body’s defense system, helping to neutralize free radicals that damage cells. Research has shown that the deep red and purple fruits, like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, have antiinflammatory effects. Citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, oranges and limes, are rich in Vitamin C, which helps to prevent inflammatory arthritis and maintain healthy joints. Research has also shown that eating Vitamin K-rich vegetables, like broccoli, spinach, kale and cabbage, significantly reduces inflammatory markers in the blood. The darker, more colorful the fruit and vegetables, the more antioxidants it provides.

Olive oil is loaded with heart healthy fats, as well as properties similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The recommendation is 2 to 3 tablespoons a day of extra virgin olive oil. Avocado and safflower oils have cholesterol lowering properties, while walnut oil has 10 times the Omega-3s that olive oil has.

Beans are loaded with fiber and phytonutrients, which help to lower CRP, an indicator of inflammation found in the blood. Studies have shown that the most common beans have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Beans also are excellent and inexpensive sources of protein. In just 1 cup of beans, there are 15 grams of protein. The recommendation is to consume at least 1 cup of beans two times a week. Red beans, red kidney beans and pinto beans rank the highest in antioxidant containing foods.

Whole grains provide lots of fiber and may lower blood levels of CRP. The suggested serving is 6 ounces of grains per day, at least three of which should come from whole grains. One ounce of whole grains is equal to 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice or one slice of wholewheat bread. Whole wheat flour, oatmeal, bulgur, brown rice and quinoa are the best sources of whole grains.

Nightshade vegetables, such as eggplant, tomato, red bell pepper and potatoes, are some of the best disease fighting powerhouses; however, they also contain a controversial chemical called solanine.

The question is do these vegetables actually prevent or cause arthritis pain? If you experience arthritis pain after consuming these, it is best to eliminate all of them and add them back into the diet one at a time to see if your symptoms get worse or stay the same.

Eating a healthy diet is very important; however, there are other factors that impact chronic inflammation as well. It is very important to get adequate sleep, stay active and achieve and maintain a healthy weight to reduce inflammation. Arthritis impacts more than 50 million Americans, making it the No. 1 cause of disability in the country. Learn more about the facts on the Arthritis Foundation website.

Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.

Lake Martin Iced Tea

CHEERS! WITH THE FUNKY GOAT

SSoon to open on the courthouse square in Dadeville, the Funky Goat this month serves up a sneak peek at the fun vibe and quality cocktails they’ll have ready when you come off the lake and into town. Like its official Long Island iced tea inspiration, the Lake Martin Iced Tea doesn’t actually contain iced tea, but it looks like a tall, cold glass of the South’s most popular beverage – with a sweet and delicious kick.

Ingredients

1/2 ounce 1800 Silver Tequila

1/2 ounce Bacardi Silver Rum

1/2 ounce Ghost Train Vodka

1/2 ounce simple syrup

Juice of half a lemon

Juice of an orange wedge

Splash of Coca-Cola

Directions

Add first six ingredients to a shaker with one scoop of ice and shake vigorously. Empty contents, including ice, into a tall Collins glass. Top with Coca-Cola; add a straw and stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Cake with Chocolate Orange Mousse

IIt’s best to make this delightful dessert a day ahead, so it has plenty of time to set up and let the flavors blend.

Cake Ingredients

15 eggs, separated

1.1 pounds dark chocolate chips

1/2 pound butter

4 ounces sugar for egg yolks

5 ounces sugar for egg whites

1 ounce cornstarch

Cake Directions

and bake at 325 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the cake should come out clean. Remove cake pans from casserole dish and allow to cool.

Chocolate Orange Mousse Ingredients

5.25 ounces dark chocolate

1-2 tablespoons orange extract

14 ounces. heavy cream

3 large egg whites

1 ounce sugar

Chocolate Orange Mousse Directions

Place chocolate over a double boiler and turn on low heat. Melt the chocolate completely and add the orange extract; keep warm. Whisk the heavy cream until firm peaks form; then, remove the whipped cream to another bowl and place the egg whites in the mixing bowl with the sugar. Whisk until firm peaks form. Add the egg whites to the chocolate and fold to incorporate. Once well mixed, add the whipped cream and fold to mix well. Place in the refrigerator overnight.

Assembly

Carefully remove cakes from pans and layer with mousse. Spread additional mousse on top and sides of cake. Garnish top with walnuts, if desired.

CHEF'S TABLE

BY PETE MCKENNY

Separate the eggs, placing yolks in one bowl and whites in another. Add chocolate and cubed butter to a double boiler and melt fully. Place the egg yolks in a mixer bowl and add 4 ounces of sugar. Whisk until light and fluffy. Slowly pour the hot chocolate mix into the egg yolk while mixer is on low speed. Add the cornstarch and mix again. Once all is incorporated, remove mixture to a clean bowl. Add the egg whites to mixing bowl, along with one quarter of the sugar. Whisk until stiff peaks form; then, slowly add the rest of the sugar. Egg whites will become stiff and shiny. Pour all the egg white into the chocolate, and fold until well mixed. Line the bottom of two cake pans with parchment paper and give it a light spray of cooking oil. Place the pans in a casserole dish that will hold water. Pour enough water in the dish to reach halfway up the sides of the pans. Cover

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

Livestream fishing I

In recent years, a huge hurdle to the sport of bass fishing has been crossed. Fans of professional fishing can now watch fishing “live.” Before television, radio broadcasts were the hit for fans tuning to professional sports. Television brought the game to life even more, but fans were limited to certain teams/ games, depending on what networks they could access. Professional fishing became popular in the early ’70s. Other sports saw huge upticks in reach and popularity because more people had access to television where live sports were broadcast. Because of advancements in technology at their respective times, more people were able to engage, learn and be entertained than just those who had tickets to the park or stadium. But fishing was bogged down by the logistics of the playing field.

Fishing fans are some of the most passionate and dedicated fans ever. They must have been, as the sport thrived despite not being easily accessible to the fanbase. Weigh-ins at fishing tournaments were the closest thing to fields or arenas, but even then, the real action had already taken place on the water. If they missed the weigh-in, fans had to wait on results to come out in a magazine or newspaper. The only way to watch an event was if/when an edited production aired weeks and even months following the actual event. That’s the way it was for many years.

A few decades later, anything and everything is accessible on the internet. A lot of good and a lot of not so good, I would argue, but that’s up to the individual to discern. On the good side of things, I can learn how to fix my toilet, change my own oil or just about any other DIY chore I want to tackle. I also can watch pretty much any show I want at any time I want, including fishing shows. Live sports are a huge hit because no matter the location or the time zone, fans can watch their favorite sports “live.”

This phenomenon has taken way too long in my opinion, but the fishing industry finally has tapped into the opportunity to broadcast events through live streaming. The technology to stream has existed for some time, but the costs to produce quality live productions were likely too high to take the risk. In other sports, cameras can be placed in strategic positions around the field or arena to catch the action and deliver it to screens. If a major fishing event were held on Lake Martin, the playing field of the lake’s surface area would be over 44,000 acres.

BIG CATCHES

BY GREG VINSON

Unlike other professional sports where the venues are located in highly populated cities, the best fishing destinations are often the most remote. The biggest issue here is wireless service to transmit quality images and sound in real time. Fortunately, service in these locations is improving at a fast pace, and more venues are becoming options for live streaming every year.

Showing my age here, but I remember buying blank VHS tapes to record my favorite fishing shows. Bassmaster and FLW were my favorites, of course, because I could watch the best anglers compete and stay up to date on the latest trends in bass fishing. Funny thing is, by the time the shows aired, fishing patterns had changed, so I couldn’t put into practice the real action I learned until the following year.

I also had tapes with the shows featuring the sport’s big names, like Bill Dance, Hank Parker, Shaw Grigsby and Orlando Wilson. I learned much from those, and I had a huge stack of Bassmaster magazines that were like a small reference library. That brings me to think; maybe a stack of Lake magazines wouldn’t be a bad idea. Keep only the ones that helped ya’ catch more fish.

When the internet was a new thing, it didn’t take long to figure out that I could access tournament results online, including the news of what baits and patterns worked for the competitors. That alone put the learning curve on a fast track.

As we’ve seen from the viewership, live coverage of professional fishing events has been a hit and probably would’ve been worth the investment all along.

Also, unlike other sports, one event day in fishing is eight hours of competition. Even as much as the fans love to watch, eight hours of the day is a long time and probably a big reason why television networks have been reluctant to give up time slots for fishing events. For reference, four hours is considered too long in some other sports; hence, shot clocks, play clocks and, most recently, pitch clocks and other game-shortening or monitoring means have developed in a number of sports.

The beauty of streaming is that fans can check in at their convenience during the competition and catch the action on cellphones or other devices. I’ve had a lot of friends and fans say they don’t get much done at work while watching MLF Now or Bassmaster Live. That’s a good indicator that it’s entertaining, which I really like to hear. It might be hurting pro-

ductivity in the workplace some, but so do Facebook and many other options.

People enjoy live productions as they show what’s happening right then and there, but streaming also presents opportunities to learn. I would argue that the largest percentage of people who watch fishing are watching to learn something that will help them catch more fish in the future. Since the action can be watched in real time, people can apply the baits, patterns, etc., the next time they’re on the water.

The coverage is much more comprehensive than a pre-edited television production, though those provide unique opportunities to learn as well. The decision-making process of where to go and what to throw is evident as cameras in the boats follow the anglers’ every move. Fishing enthusiasts can watch like hawks as anglers pick up certain baits for one scenario and other baits in different situations. If they’re lucky, fans can catch some good insight from the anglers themselves as they go through the process.

Seemingly minor changes have huge implications on how an angler does, and those watching intently will recognize them.

“Live” has put the learning curve on a fast track. Like warp speed, I would say. Baits and patterns that the pros might have kept under wraps before are now things of the past. New baits and techniques once

lasted a year or two before the fish saw them regularly. Now, that time frame has been reduced to days. “Live” is great for anyone wanting to learn quickly. Finally, folks watch competitive fishing for the same reasons they watch other sports. They want to see if their favorite anglers do well. They want to see the drama unfold. The Scoretracker feature on Major League Fishing gives fans the means to know results in real time throughout the day. Boat officials weigh the fish on the spot, call penalties, enforce timeouts and provide updates on the standings. Analysts provide colorful commentary and unique insight from the studio. The Basstrakk feature of Bassmaster is an estimate but still a good gauge of how the anglers are doing right up until weigh-in.

There are dramatic starts, incredible catches, funny and sometimes scary mishaps and some wild characters, but the finishes are where the real drama happens. The last-minute decisions, fish caught and fish lost create nail-biting drama as the last seconds tick off the clock.

If you haven’t seen it yet, check out MLF Now on majorleaguefishing.com or Bassmaster Live on bassmaster.com to catch the action.

Greg Vinson is a fulltime professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

Livestreaming has changed the fan experience in professional fishing

Never say "Never" to a good cause

IIt has been six months since my retirement as the head men’s golf coach for Central Alabama Community College. On the day of my retirement, I told someone that I was looking forward to not having the burden of hosting golf tournaments anymore. As the saying goes, “Never say never!”

Last month, I received an email from Alabama Community College Conference Commissioner Dean Myrick, who asked me to attend a committee meeting at the RSA building in Montgomery regarding a fundraising golf scramble.

I thought, “Why not? What could it hurt? I’ll give them a few ideas on what was successful in the events that I have hosted over the years.”

businesses is acquiring skilled labor. Paths for Success Foundation could become one of the best solutions to this overwhelming labor shortage issue.

After the meeting, I was asked to contribute thoughts on the golf scramble, as well as to consider overseeing the full event. I thought about it for days and did my own investigation on the foundation. Everything I have seen reminded me to never say never. So, I have agreed to support the Paths for Success Foundation and the ACCS on its 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Golf Scramble. The event will be held in the spring of 2024.

We have an audacious goal to host the scramble at each of the 11 Robert Trent Jones Trail golf facilities on the same day.

LOVE of the GAME

BY DAVE JENNINGS

I prepared what I thought was a basic outline for the meeting and made copies. At the time, I had no interest in getting involved with the scramble beyond this meeting. Then, as with most things that involve education and its ability to change lives, my mind changed after I heard more. As part of the 60th anniversary of the ACCS, a golf scramble will be held to benefit the Paths for Success Foundation. This foundation is a non-profit organization designed to eliminate barriers, such as transportation and childcare for Alabama citizens who desire to obtain skills, credentials and/or certifications that lead to gainful employment. Visit pathsforsuccess.com/ about to learn more. The money raised from the golf scramble and other events will be used for scholarships through the Paths for Success Foundation for individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford the opportunity of higher education in Alabama.

I thought about the positive impact the Paths for Success Foundation could make for so many people and businesses in Alabama. These days, one of the most difficult issues facing both new and established

I will keep the readers of Lake magazine updated as things progress. You may be hearing from your local community college president, asking for your involvement. If so, please consider playing a part in making a positive impact on many Alabama residents and businesses. Through this fundraising golf scramble, we are bound to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people and businesses in all four corners of Alabama.

That’s just another reason why I love golf.

To learn more about the 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee and how to donate to the Paths for Success Foundation, please visit accs.edu/jubilee.

Dave Jennings is the owner of Jennings Golfhelp LLC. Email him at djenn47495@gmail.com or visit Jenningsgolfhelp.com.

Lake Martin

Kowaliga Marina 334-397-1210

The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

River North Marina 256-397-1500

Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

Real Island Marina 256-397-1200

Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

Alex City Marine 256-215-FISH

Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's 256-444-8793

SpringHouse 256-215-7080

Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337

The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887

Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075

Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

Kowaliga Whole Health 334-857-1816

Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847

Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage 334-391-0717

Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293

Red Ridge UMC 256-825-9820

Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc 334-857-2443

Your Lake Martin Sightseeing Pass. Scan me!

Lake Magazine Distribution

ALEXANDER

Robinson Iron

A & M Plumbing

Carlos

The Body Shop

Walgreens

CITY

Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture

Longleaf Antique Mall

Playhouse Cinemas

Chamber of Commerce

Winn Dixie

Re/Max Around the Lake

Ridge Marina

HACKNEYVILLE

Hackneyville Water Authority

NEW SITE

Piggly Wiggly - New Site Foodland

DADEVILLE

Lakeside Mercantile

Walnut Hill

Chuck's Marina

Deep Water Docks

Lake Martin Pizza

CAMP HILL

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Jake's

Moore Wealth Management

Carlisle's

Emporium Wine

Cloud Nine

Downtown Girl

Shay Aesthetics

JR'S

Hillabee Towers

Senior Nutrition Center

Noel Boone

George Hardy

First Realty

Dark Insurance

Warren Appliance

MainStreet Family Care

Grace's Flowers

Koon's Korner

Larry's General Merchandise

Daylight Donuts

Alfa

Valley Bank - 280

Pricare

Temple Medical

AllState

BB&T Bank

Hometown Pharmacy

Lake Martin Home Health

Allen's Food Mart (Exxon)

Karen Channell - State Farm

Insurance

North Lake Condo

River Bend Store

River North Marina

Lake Martin Building Supply

Petro

Sho'Nuff BBQ

Hair Design

City Hall

A&E Metal Regions Bank

Marathon - 280

Renfroe's Market

Russell Medical Center

Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors

Koon's II

Tallapoosa Ford

Dylan Johnson - Country Financial

Holley's Home Furniture

Jackson's Drugs

Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark

The Sure Shot

Shell - 280

Big B Bar-B-Que

Russell Do It Center

Russell Home Decor

Holman Floor

Satterfield Inc.

Grain & Leaf, Bottles & Cigars

Tippy Canoe

Love Lake Martin Real Estate Office

Wind Creek Gate

Wind Creek Store

Willow Point Office

Willow Point Country Club

Smith Marina on Lake Martin

Nails

Kowaliga Marina

Kowaliga Restaurant

Children's Harbor

Catherine's Market

Russell Lands Corporate Office

Russell Lands Real Estate Sales Center

SpringHouse Restaurant Ridge Club

Chamber of Commerce

Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery

Root 49 Salon

Ellaby Boutique, LLC

Alabama Power

Siggers

Siggers Barbershop

Fusion Cafe

Dadeville Library

At the Beauty Shop

Dadeville Courthouse

Payne's Furniture

PNC Bank

Valley Bank

McKelvey Chevrolet

Renfroe's Market

Foshee's Boat Doc

Lakeshore Pharmacy

Russell Building Supply

Lakay's

Tallapoosa Nutrition

Sweet Pickins

Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Jim's Pharmacy

Poplar Dawgs

Still Waters Country Club

Still Waters Home Association

Russell Lands Realty

Fuller Realty

Harbor Pointe

Oskar's

Aronov Realty Lake Martin

Creekside Lodge

Blue Creek Marina

Lakeside Marina

Niffers

Hwy 50 Eagle

Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery

Link Gas Station

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart

Southern Star

Parker Creek Marina

Charles Borden

ECLECTIC

Lake Breeze Realty

Offshore Marina

Lake Martin Mini Mall

Corner Stone Coffee Co.

Lake Martin Dock Company

Cotton's Alabama Barbecue

Russell Do It Center

Johnson Furniture

WOW Catering LLC

Eclectic Library

Real Island Marina

Anchor Bay Marina

Wetumpka

Wetumpka Herald Office

Tallassee

Marathon

Tallassee Eagle

Tallassee Chamber

Parris Mullins Jr. O.D.

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Parting Shot

Photo by Kenneth Boone

"Survival can be summed up in three words – never give up. That's the heart of it really. Just keep trying."

~ Bear Grylis