Local Landmark gets a facelift Lake Martin Selfie Checklist
SUMMER FUN @ WIND CREEK STATE PARK JUNE 2021
LAKE 1
™
Assisting buyers & sellers with their real estate needs in the Lake Martin Area Rhonda Gaskins, Broker Century 21 Lake Area Realty, Inc.
256-749-3644 rhonda@lakearearealty.net
lakearearealty.net
Let Me Move You!
JUNE 2021
LAKE 3
Letter from the Editor
E
very job ought to have those “ahhh” times when you can’t believe you get to have so much fun at work. I recognize that I have more than my share of such occasions, and I am grateful for them. This month’s cover story provided just such an opportunity. Last month, my husband and I combined a getaway with our regular jobs when we parked our fifth wheel RV at Wind Creek State Park and commuted into town for work; well, he commuted more than I did. I have the good fortune of being able to write from almost anywhere. For the article on page 58, many of my interviews were at the park, and I was able to write the articles in the RV, as well. Riding my bicycle across the campground on my way to a conversation with Alabama State Parks Director Greg Lein one morning, I couldn’t help but recognize how blessed I am to get to help people have fun at Lake Martin. I am not alone in this endeavor, I am glad to say. This month, the art and editorial staff at Lake magazine makes recommendations for fun that include Take a Selfie on page 30. We compiled a pretty extensive list of landmarks and classic photos for you to take this summer. Chairman Kenneth Boone had some extra fun with his first-ever selfie, and we cheated a little by enlisting the help of family members and friends for some of the photos. Send your selfies on the list to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com for a chance to win a gift certificate from a lake area restaurant or business. We’ve got the lineup for this month’s Jazz Fest on page 24, too. This concert series promises a great time with family and friends; first, at Strand Park in downtown Alexander City; and then, at Lake Martin Amphitheater. And there are fun things going on in Dadeville, too. PGA Professional Gabby Witherington has returned to Stillwaters Golf Club, and if you know Gabby, you know he’s all about making golf fun. Find his column on page 87; then, turn to page 70 to meet Ben Spraggins, the new chef at Copper’s Grill. Ben’s unique story will enhance your dining experience, and check out the calendar section on page 14 for more fun around the lake. But just because I get to scope out these fun things to do at Lake Martin, don’t assume my job is easy all the time. Gathering information, coordinating schedules for interviews, photography and freelance writers, carving out a significant number of hours to write engaging copy (about one hour for every 300 words) and actually getting the information on the page – it really is work. And more often than I care to admit, I do mess up. I did just that last month in putting together the May edition of Lake magazine when I left out a slew of Russell Lands’ summer activities at the lake. These are some of the iconic celebrations at Lake Martin, and we didn’t want you to miss out on them, so we’ve highlighted them for you on page 40. Have a wonderful summer at Lake Martin, and when you take a few minutes every now and then to realize how blessed you are, take a selfie and send it to us at Lake magazine.
Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Publisher STEVE BAKER
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Magazine Department Manager BRITTANY SMITH editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Editor BETSY ILER
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Art Director AUDRA SPEARS
audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com
Circulation ERIN BURTON
erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com
Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER
tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com
Marketing RACHEL MCCOLLOUGH
rachel.mccollough@alexcityoutlook.com
MARILYN HAWKINS
marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com
JULIE HARBIN
julie.harbin@alexcityoutlook.com
ANDY CARR
andy.carr@thewetumpkaherald.com
CARSON WAGES
carson.wagesw@alexcityoutlook.com
Digital Success Manager ELLE FULLER
elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com
Contributors KENNETH BOONE JULIE HUDSON GREG VINSON STEVE SMITH CLIFF WILLIAMS SIRI HEDREEN
JACOB HOLMES DARIUS GOODMAN JAKE ARTHUR AUDRA SPEARS CHRIS MORINA ASHTON JOHNSON
ROB WITHERINGTON
All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
Betsy Iler, Editor 4 LAKE
JUNE 2021
P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281
On the Cover
W E R EQUI
MAYVILLE & WEST BEND, WI
P
CR
AFT O F MA
LE
M
ISO 9001 Registered
AL
T
USA
ET
EN
SCA
PO
M
G
Ricky Smith of Clay County and his daughter, Savannah, stroll hand-in-hand down the Wind Creek State Park fishing pier to hunt for treasure with a magnet on a line. They love spending time together, having fun, enjoying sunny days and retrieving interesting spoils from the lake bottom at Lake Martin's Wind Creek State Park. Photo by Kenneth Boone
YV
IL
Serving Lake Martin Since 1997 docksunlimitedllc.com | 256-203-8400
Stationary and Floating Docks | Pile Driving Seawalls | Boat Lifts | Boat Houses
JUNE 2021
LAKE 5
(256) 234-6366
V (256) 487-0308
We Touch the Lives of the People You Love
HOLY WATER Worship with neighbors, friends and family again.
- June 13 and 27 - July 11 and 25 - August 8 and 22 Service begins at noon. Come by car or boat. Outdoor praise & worship with acoustic band at Church in the Pines. Everyone is welcome.
stjamesalexcity.com
(256) 825-9244
Assisted Living & SCALF Short Term Rehab
(256) 839-6711
(334) 864-8854 6 LAKE
Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Long Term Skilled Nursing Care JUNE 2021
Contents 21. ALABAMA ART COLONY REGISTRATION Sign up now for this annual painting retreat experience at Lake Martin 24. JAZZ FEST Alexander City Chamber of Commerce announces this year's lineup for concerts at Strand Park and The AMP
46
30. TAKE A SELFIE Post your selfies at these Lake Martin stations and tag Lake magazine for a chance to win 34. A LANDMARK GETS A FACELIFT The Children's Harbor lighthouse got some tender loving care this spring 38. WATER WARS UPDATE The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision hardly makes a ripple in the continuing battle for lake water 40. RUSSELL LANDS SUMMER EVENTS You don't want to miss these fun and exciting times at Lake Martin
58
46. A FULLER HOUSE Lake Martin natives add space to their honeymoon cabin and fill it with love, laughter and family 58. SUMMER FUN AT WIND CREEK Lake Martin's state park has a lot going on for residents and visitors – and more improvements are on the way 70. BEN SPRAGGINS A Lake Martin chef returns to his roots to put a little K.I.S.S. on the plate for guests
LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:
40
e
- edition
9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 13. WHERE IS LAKE? 14. CALENDAR OF EVENTS 18. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 66. NATURE OF THE LAKE 72. LAKE PROPERTY
74. HOBO 77. FAB FINDS 78. HEALTHY LIVING 80. CHEF'S TABLE 82. CHEERS! 84. BIG CATCHES 87. THE SCRAMBLE
Lake magazine also features an online, digital edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with friends and family and provides you complete access to stories, photos and advertisements from anywhere in the world with Internet access. View our digital edition today at www.lakemagazine.life.
JUNE 2021
LAKE 7
Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry
27
A Place To Worship Lake Martin Area Churches
WATERFRONT Church of the Living Waters Inside StillWaters, Dadeville 256-825-2990 New Hope Baptist Church 529 Peppers Road, Alexander City 256-329-2510 Church in the Pines Kowaliga Road, Kowaliga 334-857-2133
OFF WATER Equality United Methodist Church 281 AL Hwy 259, Equality 334-541-4063
8 LAKE
OFF WATER
OFF WATER
OFF WATER
First Baptist Church Court Square, Alexander City 256-234-6351
Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa Street, Alexander City 256-234-6494
Hillabee Baptist Church Hillabee Road, Alexander City 256-234-6798
Red Ridge United Methodist Church 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL 36078 334-252-8618 (12 Miles South of Lake Martin)
First Baptist Church 178 South Tallassee Street, Dadeville 256-825-6232
St. James Episcopal Church South Central Avenue, Alexander City 256-234-4752
First United Methodist Church 310 Green Street, Alexander City 256-234-6322 First United Methodist Church West Lafayette Street, Dadeville 256-825-4404 First Presbyterian Church 371 Jefferson Street, Alexander City 256-329-0524
Lake Martin Baptist Church 9823 County Road 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist Church La 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293 Faith Temple Church 425 Franklin Street, Alexander City 256-234-6421
JUNE 2021
St John The Apostle Catholic Church 454 North Central Avenue Alexander City, Al 35010 256-234-3631 Flint Hill United Methodist Church 2858 Flint Hill Road Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-5047 Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy 280 Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-2555
Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month
Number of sales
Average selling price
Median selling price
Days on the market
Total houses for sale
32 24 25
$950,171 $718,742 $474,800
$736,220 $490,000 $392,000
92 73 211
72 297 377
April 2021 April 2018 April 2015
Inventory/ sales ratio 1.71 10.70 15.18
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).
Lake Martin Litter Limericks in Burma-Shave style Between 1925 and 1963, Burma-Vita - a liniment company Mel Long sent a few litter limericks to encourage volunteers in Minneapolis - marketed one of the country's first brushless in the Russell Lands roadway beautification project, 63 Pride shaving creams with a unique approach: They posted signs along Drive. the highway. They were small signs of few words - limericks "As volunteers, we have picked up many bags of litter along that broke up with monotony of the Alabama 63 from U.S. Highway 280 roadside with a touch of humor. The "There once was a man from Nan Tuck to the Kowaliga Bridge, Willow Point signs were placed in a series of six Who threw trash in the back of his truck. Road and Willow Point Cutoff, and and spaced several yards apart. The we have concluded that most of The wind came up big last sign was usually the name of the the litter is blown from the back of And blew trash from his rig. company's product, but some signs open-bed pickup trucks," Long said He was fined five hundred bucks. touted matters of safety. in an email to Lake magazine's editor. These rhymes were among the He sent a few modern limerDON'T LITTER" most popular slogans: icks that he hopes will trigger the ~ Mel Long, 63 Pride Drive Volunteer, Lake Martin n "Every shaver / Now can snore / thought in drivers not to litter: Six more minutes / Than before / By n "There once was a man from Nan using / Burma-Shave;" Tuck / Who threw trash in the back of his truck / The wind n "A shave / That's real / No cuts to heal / A soothing / Velvet came up big / And blew trash from his rig / He was fined five after-feel / Burma-Shave;" hundred bucks / DON'T LITTER;" n "Keep well / To the right / Of oncoming car / Get your close n "Keeping road clean is a simple trick / Trash and litter makes shaves / From the half pound jar / Burma-Shave;" and us all sick / So keep trash in your car / As you drive near and far n "If you dislike / Big traffic fines / Slow down / Till you / Can / Or we'll think you're dumb as a stick / DON'T LITTER;" and read these signs / Burma-Shave." n "There once was a man named Jerone / Who was always The Burma-Shave marketing campaign was such a phenomtalking on his phone / He said, "What the heck" / And soon had enon that it endured in action for nearly 40 years and now, a wreck / Now he is forever prone / DON'T LITTER." almost 60 years later, continues to be part of introductory marDevise your own litter limericks and post them on the Lake keting and journalism classes at colleges and universities across magazine Facebook page to remind drivers to tend to their the country. Still a success at the grassroots level, the limerick trash and keep the lake area clean. And when you see Mel style crops up intermittently to bring new attention to age-old Long, please thank him for his contribution and dedication to issues. It reappeared this spring when long-time lake resident the cause.
Weather Outlook for June June 2021 Forecast
Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the upper 80s with average lows in the mid 60s and nearly 5 inches of precipitation in the month of June.The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be above average, and rainfall averages will be slightly above the normal range this month.
Year to Date
Precipitation: 13.72 inches Avg. high temp.: 65.0 Avg. low temp.: 40.5 Avg. temp.: 52.8
Our Normal June Precipitation: 4.76 inches Avg. high temp.: 88.2 Avg. low temp.: 66.1 Avg. temp.: 77.1
Information from the National Weather Service.
JUNE 2021
Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.49 Lowest: 490.18 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.
LAKE 9
Lake Scene n People & Places
Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
1
2 5
3
4
READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Enjoy the beauty of sunset; after all, its Nature's farewell kiss to the day. (2) The dawn's early light over Lake Martin speaks in a thousand colors. (3) Benji McClendon loves spending time on the kayak on Lake Martin with his pet parent, Randy. (4) Johnny Spears met some new friends down by the dock on a lazy Sunday afternoon. (5) Greyson Lawhorn enjoyed his first round of golf in Alexander City this summer. (6) The moon decided to appear early on a cool December afternoon.
6 10 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Lake Scene n People & Places
Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
1
2
3 5
6
4 7
READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Creature Kitty enjoys sitting on the dock by the lake. (2) Jonathan, Ella Kate and Alice Griffin head out for an early spring boat ride on the lake. (3) Celia Kendrick took this photo of a full moon (yes, moon!) over the lake. (4) Adaline Sophia Lawhorn stretches out on the dock with a lollypop on her first day back at the lake this season. (5) An amazing sunset on Lake Martin, as seen from Coosa County. (6) Eli Patterson caught his striper prize from the river bank in February. (7) A glassy lake reflects windswept clouds over Lake Martin in this photo by Larkin Radney.
JUNE 2021
LAKE 11
Lake Martin’s Marine Construction Company 6732 Highway 63 South, Alexander Cit y, AL 35010 | (256) 392-5200 | www. sunrisedock sllc.com
12 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Where is Lake n People & Places
Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Where is Lake?
As COVID-19 restrictions ease around the world, it is time to pack your bags for travel, and when you do, be sure to toss a couple of Lake magazines into your suitcase and send us a photo of you and your family and friends with Lake where ever you go, near or far. The tradition of featuring Where is Lake? photos began 15 years ago when members of a local church took Lake along on a mission trip. Send your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. JUNE 2021
LAKE 13
Now through July 31 Create a Chair for Charity
Raining Dogs Gallery and Zazu’s Verandah invite artists to create a chair that will be auctioned off to benefit the Dadeville Library this summer. Choose a sturdy chair and let the imagination run wild; anything goes – paint found objects, mosaic, wood. The original creation chairs will be displayed at Raining Dogs Gallery Aug. 5 through 7, and silent bids will be taken. A final silent auction event will be held in September. Proceeds of the sale will purchase new books and ebooks for children and young adult readers. Chairs can be supplied to artists who do not have access to one. Call Zazu’s at 256-3072188 for more information or email info@ ZazusVerandah.com.
dog parade, along with a demonstration by Bama Air Dogs. Get wet and wild at the Splashplex event and try your hand at glow-in-the-dark golf. Play bingo and check out the magic show. Enter the baking contest; search for the medallion and bring a lawn chair for the music events. Check out the schedule on the Sun Festival Alexander City Facebook page.
June 4 - July 30 Moonlight Fishing Tournament
This nighttime fishing tournament launches at 6:30 p.m. from the DARE Park boat ramp. Weigh-ins start at 12:30 a.m. Entry is $120, which includes the big fish pot. $10 from each entry is added to the pot for the tournament series champion at the end of the six-series tournament event. Register and find details at ogstournaments.org.
May 28-29 RXR Fest
Russell Lands kicks off the official start of summer with this free concert series on the Town Green stage at Russell Crossroads. Bring friends, family, Jazz Fest opens June 11 at Strand Park lawn chairs, blankets in Alexander City and moves and picnic supplies and to Lake Martin Amphitheater on June 12 enjoy an evening of good music with good friends, food and fun. CALENDAR OF EVENTS The music starts at 6:30 p.m. each night, and WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN featured bands include The Bank Walkers, The Big Stitch, Adam Hood and Carolina Story.
If the wind is up, there will be sailing at Dixie Sailing Club this weekend. The club’s annual regatta gets the summer started, and spectators are welcome to turn out and watch the race, which is named for a founding member. Come by boat or car. Dixie Sailing Club is located on Young’s Ferry Road off Wicker Point.
Alexander City celebrates summer with nine days of jampacked fun. From the opening Strand Session concert on the grass at Strand Park downtown to the closing Jazz Fest concert at Lake Martin Amphitheater, every day offers activities for children and adults. There’s a cornhole tournament, axe throwing competition, a motorcycle ride and Tykes in Trucks; pontoon boat cruises, movies at Playhouse Cinema and the 14 LAKE
Dixie Sailing Club hosts this annual free event to introduce adults and youth in the Lake Martin area to the great sport of sailing. The event offers classroom training on the basics of sailing, a hands-on review of a working sailboat and a tip drill; then, participants get to sail a Sunfish or Laser sailboat on Lake Martin. Lunch and big boat sailboat rides are provided. For information, visit dixiesailingclub. com.
June 5 through September Main Street Farmers Market
May 29 Dixie Sailing Club McFadden Cup Memorial Day Weekend Regatta
June 3-12 Sun Festival
June 5 Introduction to Sailing
Visit Broad Street Plaza in downtown Alexander City from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday for farm-fresh produce, delicious homemade baked goods and unique arts and crafts.
June 11 & 12 Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors Open House
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Russell Marine will welcome lake lovers, the community and guests as they celebrate their new facility on U.S. Highway 280. There will be bouncy houses for the kids, giveaways, $1 hot dogs from Ernie’s Hot Dogs and special pricing on merchandise.
June 11 & 12 Jazz Fest
Alexander City’s signature event – a two-night free concert series featuring six bands at two locations. The music starts
JUNE 2021
at 6 p.m. in Strand Park in downtown Alexander City, and it continues on Saturday night at the Lake Martin Amphitheater. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and beverages, but please leave the animals at home. See page 24 for the lineup and details.
ment with all proceeds benefiting the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch. To sponsor or for more information, contact an agent at the Dadeville office at 256-825-9092.
June 15 Summer Series: Carol Barksdale
Chef Joe Truex at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga will devote a class to dumplings, a small food that makes a big impression. His discussion will include types of dumplings, their history and the Silk Road, ingredients, gnocchi. He will demonstrate techniques for making his family’s favorite Asian style pot stickers and classic Italian potato gnocchi and offer instruction on hand-picking the best ingredients for each of these dishes. Tickets for this class, which begins at 10:30 a.m. and concludes at noon, are $40 and can be purchased through the events tab at pursellfarms.com.
Carol Barksdale will kick off this series of one-day painting workshops at Tallapoosa School of Art with an introduction to acrylics. This is a beginner level workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuition is $150 and includes tuition, supplies, lunch, coffee, tea, bottled water and snacks. For registration and information, email dorothylittleton@gamil.com.
June 17 Paint Your Pet
Spend a delightful evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Pursell Farms artists Vaughan Pursell Spanjer, Tim Spanjer and Abby Jessup Little at Hamilton Place as they guide you in painting a picture of your pet. Cameron Hayes will be on hand with a selection of wines, and Executive Chef Joe Truex will prepare dinner. No painting experience necessary. Hamilton Place is located at Pursell Farms, 386 Talladega Springs Rd., Sylacauga. Registration fee is $119 and includes all supplies, wine and dinner. Register at eventbrite.com or through the calendar of events page at pursellfarms.com.
June 19 Juneteenth in Camp Hill
The Camp Hill community will commemorate the 1865 emancipation of slaves in the U.S. with a block party, softball tournament, food vendors, music and fireworks. The celebration will show pride in Black heritage and culture, said Camp Hill Mayor Williams-Cole. For more information, visit the Town of Camp Hill, AL, Facebook page.
June 22 Summer Series: Pam Copeland
Learn oil painting basics with artist Pamela Copeland at this one-day workshop at Tallapoosa School of Art from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuition is $150 and includes supplies, lunch, coffee, tea, bottled water and snacks. Email dorothylittleton@gmail.com for registration or more information.
June 24 Summer BBQ Social
The Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber is hosting its first 2021 event for the summer featuring the local band Blackberry Breeze and good old fashioned BBQ at the beautiful Kylee Cooper Farms. Tickets are $20 and include two drink tokens for beer or wine. Call 256-825-4019 for tickets or stop by the chamber office at 345 E. LaFayette St., Ste. 102.
June 25 Lake Martin Realty Charity Invitational
In its second, the Lake Martin Realty Charity Invitational returns to Stillwaters Golf Course for a charity golf tourna-
June 26 The Best Things Come in Little Packages
June 27 Sunday Farmers Market
Pennington Park in Dadeville will host a farmers market from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stop by to pick up local produce and products for your home and table.
June 29 Summer Series: Pam Copeland
Artist Pamela Copeland will present this one-day workshop in painting backlit landscapes in oils from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tallapoosa School of Art for beginners to intermediate level artists. Tuition is $150 and includes supplies, lunch, coffee, tea, bottled water and snacks. Email dorothylittleton@gmail.com for registration and information.
July 2-3 10th Annual Arti Gras
This two-day juried event on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads features artisans from the Lake Martin area and throughout the Southeast, exhibiting original works in jewelry, reclaimed wood décor, paintings, pottery, metalwork, photography, candles, soaps, textile art and more. Vendors are invited to submit applications to Tyler Mitchell at tmitchell@russelllands.com.
July 3 Heart of Waverly BBQ
Come out to the yard at Standard Deluxe for big fun with the North Mississippi All Stars, B.B. Palmer, Michelle Malone, Royal Horses and Cary Hudson. For tickets and details, visit standarddeluxe.com.
July 3 Have Your Cake and Eat It Too!
Join Pursell Farms Pastry Chef John Scourlas from 10:30 a.m. to noon for a demonstration on different types of cakes and the tips and tricks that will make you the star of the bake sale. His discussion will include filling flavors and varieties, choosing icing, how to get the perfect moist cake every time and his preferred tools of the trade. Tickets for this class are $40 and can be purchased at pursellfarms.com.
JUNE 2021
LAKE 15
Music on the Square
July 4 Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade
Come out to Kowaliga for this much-anticipated annual event, Russell Marine’s patriotic boat parade from Kowaliga Marina to the Children’s Harbor lighthouse and back. Prizes are awarded for biggest flag, tallest flag, most patriotic crew, most patriotic theme and best overall boat and crew. Bring a lawn chair if you’re observing from the banks. Better yet, register to enter at russellmarine.net/events.
July 4 July 4th Concert and Fireworks
Russell Lands hosts this spectacular fireworks display at Lake Martin Amphitheater to celebrate the American flag and spirit. The show starts at 5:30 p.m. with the Flying Buffaloes, followed by The Bank Walkers. Sweet Tea Trio will play before and after the fireworks, so bring a lawn chair and get a seat inside the gates. Tickets are $10. Get yours at theamponlakemartine.com.
July 17 Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run
Yoga on the Green
Meet at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads Saturday mornings all summer long for a free yoga session in the beauty of nature. Class starts at 7 a.m., so bring your mat, a towel and water.
Third Thursdays Downtown
Every third Thursday through September, Alexander City downtown businesses will stay open later for shopping and specials. Main Street Alexander City will coordinate an art walk, live music and other events, like book signings. Purchase a glass of wine at a downtown bar or restaurant and stroll through art at this entertainment district event before dinner.
Bingo Wednesdays
Dress up your friends and your boat and turn out for a fun day on the water to raise money for local charities. Russell Marine hosts this annual poker run in which costumed players collect cards at designated marinas around the lake to put together a winning hand. Buy extra cards at the end to better your hand, win money and enjoy the post-event party at The Ridge Marina. Look for registration information and details at RussellMarine.net/events.
Come out to the alley next door to Castelluccio on Wednesday nights for bingo. Order dinner and wine from Castelluccio or your favorite downtown restaurant and have it delivered to your table. The event is limited to six people per table, and the number of tables is limited to 20, due to social distancing. Reservations for this weekly event go quickly, so email Main Street Executive Director Stacey Jeffcoat at sjeffcoatmainstreetac@gmail.com to reserve your table.
Wellborn Musclecar Museum
Season-long Events Alexander City Farmers Market
Opening for the season on June 5 and operating through Sept. 25, the Alexander City Farmers Market, hosted by Main Street Alexander City, is as much an experience as it is an opportunity to buy fresh produce for your table. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, jellies, jams, baked goods, bee products and goats’ milk products, you’ll find hand-crafted items from local artisans. Visit with the farmers, meet friends old and new at Broad Street Plaza in Alexander City from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday.
Friday on the Green
Come out to the beautiful Square in downtown Dadeville from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday from May 13 to July 1 to listen to the music, get a bite to eat and socialize with friends old and new. Bring a lawn chair. Visit the Zazu’s Verandah Facebook page for details weekly.
Get the weekend at the lake started early when you meet friends and family at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads on Friday nights all summer long, except on June 11 for Jazz Fest in Strand Park. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and the pup on a leash. Pick up snacks at Catherine’s Market, grab a meal fromt he food truck of the week or bring a picnic and your favorite beverages. Visit russelllands.com/blog/events for the lineup and detials.
Housed in a restored vintage auto dealership in downtown Alexander City, the Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open for public viewing Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This exemplary collection includes the famed K7K Dodge, 1970 Grand National Champion, as well as Aero cars designed for NASCAR, Ford Boss Mustangs and the uber-rare Last hemi Dodge Charger ever built. The inventory on display changes frequently, so every visit includes something new and exciting. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free. Email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail.com or call 256-329-8474 to arrange group or private tours.
Crank 4 Bank
Register for this unique Lake Martin fishing tournament now, and you could win up to $1,500, a 2021 Bass Cat Bass Boat or Skeeter Bass Boat, a new truck or even a million dollars when you catch a fish with the blue 2021 tag. Visit crank4bank.com for details and registration.
First Saturday Markets
Standard Deluxe in Waverly hosts the First Saturday Market on the first Saturday of each month from now through August. Pick up lunch, local artwork, T-shirts, posters and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit standarddeluxe.com for details.
16 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Soup to Go
Drive through the parking lot at St. James Episcopal Church at 347 S. Central Ave. in Alexander City between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. every Tuesday and pick up a free brown bag dinner with soup, sandwich and more. COVID-19 precautions are taken by volunteers who prepare, pack and distribute the meal, which is open to the whole community.
Music at Copper’s Grill
Copper’s Grill hosts music outdoors on the lawn at 7:30 p.m. every Friday. Bring your own lawn chairs and please keep a proper social distance.
Episcopal Church Services at the Lake
St. James Episcopal Church will hold Holy Eucharist services at noon at Church in the Pines on June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25 and Aug. 8 and 22. For more information, visit stjamesalexcity.com.
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 the Ourtown Volunteer Fire Dept. at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads in Alexander City. For more information, contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289. In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the first Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Dianna Porter at 256-750-0075.
Library Storytimes
Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children. In addition, the children’s library hosts board games and puzzles every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information, call Melissa Finley at 256-234-4644. Storytime for children aged 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.
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.
Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours
Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. Check the calendar at russelllands.com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.
Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake
Every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts trivia night at 7 p.m. Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards. First place gets $40; second place gets $25; and third place gets $15. Grab a group of friends and come out for a night of games. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays.
Coffee & Connections
Every third Tuesday of the month, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking event at 8 a.m. open to any chamber member. Participants should meet at the TPI bullpen at the Lake Martin Innovation Center for coffee, a light breakfast and a chance to network with community members.
Charity Bingo at Niffer’s Place Lake Martin
Niffer’s, 7500 state Route 49 in Dadeville, hosts charity bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Cards are $1 each, and funds go to participating charities.
Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing Candi Tate, Clinical Liaison
2334 Washington Street, Alexander City | 256-329-9061 | www.crownehealthcare.com
JUNE 2021
LAKE 17
Lake Martin News CACC offers marine tech training
The first crop of marine service technicians certified in Alabama will come from Central Alabama Community College. CACC’s marine tech program is starting class June 1 and will have its first certified marine technicians in three semesters. The program will supply much needed individuals for local marinas and boat service centers in the area and beyond. “Each week interest has been growing,” CACC marine tech instructor Will Holt said. “There is not a marina or service center I spoke to that didn’t need technicians.” The idea of a marine tech program has been in the works for more than a year. Officials at CACC have visited other programs they would like to emulate in Florida. CACC has developed a multiyear program that will include classes on marine engines and drives; marine engines and outboard drives; marine engines and inboard drives; marine engines and stern drives; jet drives; marine rigging and trailers; fuel and lubrication systems and electrical systems and diagnostics. They are sending people to get certified. Holt said the first three semesters will cover a lot of the basics. “We will get them used to the functions of the boat,” Holt said. “We will cover DC fundamentals; it’s wiring. If you are going to work on a boat, it’s wiring. Everything is electronic nowadays.” Holt said many other things will be covered, from basic maintenance of a boat to working with diagnostics to being able to read data to help with repairs. At the end of a year, He said students will get a oneyear industry certification. Holt has been employed at the school’s maintenance department for eight years. Holt also has extensive experience with boats. “I started off in small engines when I was old enough to be able to,” Holt said. “I have always been working on motors. I have worked on boats most of my life during summers and on weekends. I’m used to engine repair and some fiberglass work.” Holt is readying a shop to teach from starting June 1, but potential students can’t just show up June 1. Potential students should fill out an application on CACC’s website but can be facilitated by calling Holt at 256-2154411 or calling Linda Williams at 256-215-4276. To start with, the program is not accredited, so the hours in class of the marine tech program cannot be applied to an associate’s degree, but the goal is to get accreditation in the future to allow that. Holt said he expects the classroom to be full come June 1 despite the short time frame. “There has also been a lot of interest in people wanting to do this on their own,” Holt said. “We have spoken to some of the area marine companies with marinas. They are planning on sending people to the program as well. I think we will have more demand for it.” ~ Cliff Williams 18 LAKE
A steady crowd turned out for Harbor Pointe Marina's spring boat show
Harobr Pointe boat show is a big win
Once the weather cleared and the serious boat buyers turned out, Harbor Pointe Marina docked an outstanding in-water boat show in late April, said sales and marketing pro Randall Dickey. “After the rain stopped, we had a steady crowd and moved quite a few boats,” Dickey said. “We’re getting low on inventory.” Pontoons were the hottest sellers, Dickey said, with the Crest Caribbean and the Premiere Intrigue and Sunsation models making up the most popular sales. The show featured boats on display at the marina parking lot and in the water on Saturday and Sunday with live music, food and fun in the sun. Boating-related vendors also took part, including representatives with the SavA-Doc boating bumper system, which was developed on Lake Martin. ~ Betsy Iler
Alabama Power wins EEI Excellence Award
Alabama Power’s strategic initiative to help expand broadband access in Alabama was named by the Edison Electric Institute as the nation’s best advocacy campaign by a large utility. The Advocacy Excellence Award annually recognizes an EEI member company’s engagement and activism in public policy advocacy at federal, state and local levels. Alabama Power won the 2020 award for its coordinated efforts across the company to develop public-private partnerships and to educate customers and public officials on the need for more resources and entities to invest in and build broadband infrastructure. “We are honored EEI has recognized our collaborative effort to help bridge the digital divide in Alabama,” said Alabama Power CEO Mark Crosswhite. “Our customers are at the center of all we do, and we are constantly looking for innovative ways to enhance their experience while elevating our state.” The submission detailed the company’s use of available fiber capacity, an electric grid infrastructure solution
JUNE 2021
that can serve as the backbone for telecommunications companies and other broadband providers in delivering high-speed internet. Alabama Power’s strategic fiber deployment – a preplanned project to create a smarter, more reliable and resilient grid – can help broadband providers reach and connect to more customers. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was joined by legislators and members of the Alabama Rural Broadband Coalition for the signing of two bills that will expand broadband in the state. To help support this work, the company partnered with business and community organizations to create the Alabama Rural Broadband Coalition in 2018 with a common goal: to connect Alabamians to each other and the world. The ARBC is a member-led organization representing more than 50 entities, including health care, education, agriculture and economic development groups. ARBC was instrumental in the passage of transformational laws during the Alabama legislative session in 2019. Broadband Using Electric Easement Accessibility Act paved the way to allow electric providers the ability to use their existing infrastructure and easements to support high-speed internet, while updates to the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund expanded access to funding for those seeking to offer broadband solutions to unserved and underserved rural areas. Since Gov. Kay Ivey signed these acts into law in May 2019, Alabama Power has continued forging
partnerships with C Spire and, in recent months, Point Broadband, to support broadband offerings throughout the state. Electric cooperatives also have used the legislation to provide broadband in 26 Alabama counties. EEI applauded Alabama Power’s successful campaign to expand broadband in Alabama, saying it was a huge win for Alabamians and the electric-utility industry. “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the digital divide that still exists in many communities across the country,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “EEI commends Alabama Power for working successfully with policymakers and other key stakeholders to identify new ways to fund and build the broadband infrastructure needed to reach underserved and unserved communities within its service territory. Allowing electric companies to provide middle-mile broadband infrastructure in partnership with telecommunications companies and last-mile internet providers is a win for customers and communities. We applaud Alabama Power for its leadership.” ~ Staff report
lakemartindock.com
334.857.2443
JUNE 2021
LAKE 19
20 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Art Colony Registration
A
STORY BY BETSY ILER
Alabama Art Colony will take on a retreat format this fall when its signature painting event returns to Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin after COVID19 restrictions canceled last year’s main event, said board member Barbara Grimes. “The artists’ retreat offers a time to retreat into creativity in art and to get away from everyday stress,” Grimes said. Now in its 29th year, Alabama Art Colony last month opened registration for the five-day painting retreat and workshop that began in 1992 when Sarah Carlisle Towery’s children hosted a birthday party painting event for their mother. Since then, artists have gathered annually at the lake for studio classes, one-on-one instruction and camaraderie with other artists. The event has grown to include as many as 50 artists, as well as an art walk, a trading card event, an awards ceremony and opening and closing receptions. Room, board and instruction are included in the registration fee, which varies according to accommodation preferences. Registration details are available at alabamaartcolony.org. Registered artists will choose an instructor from this year’s instruction team and will study with that instructor for the entire event. This year’s instruction team includes artists Trish McKinney, Jean Pederson and Aline Ordman. McKinney will guide artists to connect with the creator within them through negative painting, lost and found edges and color theory. Artists will learn to create colorful and patterned gel printed papers that will become the surface of their paintings. The fast-paced workshop will explore how to connect colors, patterns and textures to create wonderful paintings. Pederson will encourage artists to use all forms of acrylic products and collage in painting referential subjects and shifting to stylizing and transitioning to non-referential imagery. The emphasis on Pederson’s workshop will be on mixed media, largely focused on water-soluble medium. Ordman will focus on dynamic painting and using abstract thinking to create illustrative paintings. “Painting is learning to see,” Ordman said. “Often, we paint what we think we see because we all have preconceived notions of what something looks like.”
Along with daily painting demonstrations, Ordman will emphasize the understanding of color in terms of temperature, intensity and value in both oils and pastels. Artists in her workshop will experiment with exciting color while maintaining value and intensity. “Let’s say goodbye to overworked tight paintings and learn to create loose, bold but still illustrative work,” she said. The event will begin on Friday, Oct. 1, with a meet-and-greet session and dinner. Studio time with optional lecture instruction will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday through Tuesday and conclude at 5 p.m. each day, with dinner and evening activities to follow. Evening activities include an art walk in which registered artists and instructors will display completed works that they have brought with them to the colony event. Hors d’oeurves will be served, and artists will be allowed to sell their displayed works if they choose to do so. A favorite activity among returning artists, the trading card exchange event is another evening activity. Artists will create 12 business-card sized paintings to exchange for those of other artists. “Everyone goes home with 12 small, quick samples,” Grimes said. At the awards ceremony, the instructors will judge works by registered artists and present two merit awards. A peer award also is presented. Stonehenge Art Gallery in Montgomery donates a meal for artists at each year’s event, and Red Hill Kitchen will donate a meal this year as well. Nutritionist and chef Betty White in Alexander City prepares meals for the event at Children’s Harbor. Those artists who are unable to attend the October retreat could sign up for one or more quarterly uno events – one day with one artist – one-day workshops with a well-known professional artist. These events most recently have been held at Opelika Art Haus and at Emporium Wine in Alexander City from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost for uno events is $95, which includes lunch and some materials or paints. CDC guidelines are followed at Alabama Art Colony events. For details, visit the colony’s website at alabamaartcolony.org or call Grimes at 334-546-2233.
JUNE 2021
LAKE 21
WINDOW CLEANING PRESSURE WASHING GUTTER CLEANING SOFT WASHING
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Serving Auburn, Opelika & Lake Martin Areas! (334) 759-7080 • sparklealabama.com
22 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Preserving Alabama’s natural resources starts in our backyard. Did you know longleaf pines are home to roughly 120 endangered or threatened plant and animal species? That’s why Alabama Power is working hard to help them grow. We’ve teamed up with partners across our state to preserve the natural resources that make Alabama a great place to put down roots – especially if you’re a longleaf pine.
AlabamaPower.com/Environment
© 2021 Alabama Power Company
JUNE 2021
LAKE 23
The Jazz Fest concert series is Alexander City's signature music event of the summer
Bring on the Jazz 24 LAKE
JUNE 2021
FRIDAY, JUNE 11 AT STRAND PARK IN ALEXANDER CITY
SATURDAY, JUNE 12 AT THE AMP ON LAKE MARTIN
BRHS Jazz Band, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. AJ Ghent, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Larkin Poe, 9 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
The Selfless Lovers, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. North 41, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Funk You, 9 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
For more information, visit alexcityjazzfest.com or like the Alex City Jazz Fest Facebook page. Contact the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce with questions at 256-234-3461. JUNE 2021
LAKE 25
BRHS Jazz Band AJ Ghent
Larkin Poe
T
The lineup is set for the 31st annual Alexander City Jazz Fest, which is scheduled for Friday, June 11, in downtown Alexander City’s Strand Park and Saturday, June 12, at The Amp on Lake Martin. Kicking off Jazz Fest on Friday night at Strand Park is the Benjamin Russell High School Jazz Band. They will be followed by AJ Ghent, and headlining Friday night’s festivities is Grammy Award nominated Larkin Poe. Saturday night at The Amp on Lake Martin will open with The Selfless Lovers, followed by The North 41. Headlining Saturday night and closing out the 31st installment of Jazz Fest is Funk You. This two-day music festival is free to attend and presented by Russell Lands. “We are thrilled with the diversity and talent we’ve recruited to perform at this year’s Jazz Fest,” said Ed Collari, President and CEO of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. “This is the signature event for Alex City and the Lake Martin community, and
26 LAKE
it’s exciting to have this caliber of musicians performing to the attendees Jazz Fest attracts over the two days. I would like to thank Russell Lands for serving as the presenting sponsor, as well as all of our sponsors, and the City of Alexander City for allowing us to host this event each year.” Kicking off the 31st year of one of Alabama’s longest-standing free music festivals is the Benjamin Russell High School Jazz Band, led by Dale Bloodworth, BRHS Director of Bands. The Jazz Band meets during the spring semester and performs a spring concert, representing the school and Pride band program at numerous events each year. The ensemble is open to all students who are interested and dedicated to the challenge of performing a great and vast selection of material in a short amount of preparation time. Friday night’s second act is AJ Ghent, who along with his Singing Guitar, construct a musical sound
JUNE 2021
The Selfless Lovers
North 41
Funk You
that can be heard howling from the church to the streets to the clubs. Ghent was the front man in Colonel Bruce Hampton’s Band. His style can be defined as fresh, nostalgic, electrifying and roots rock, fusing blues, funk, rock and pop and mashing it all into a genre he likes to call, Neo Blues. Wrapping up the festival’s opening night is Larkin Poe. Rebecca and Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe are singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist sisters creating their own brand of Roots Rock ‘n’ Roll, which is gritty, soulful and flavored by their Southern heritage. In late 2018, Larkin Poe released their third studio album, Venom & Faith, which was nominated for the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Originally from Atlanta and currently living in Nashville, they are descendants of tortured artist and creative genius Edgar Allan Poe. Opening Saturday night’s show at The Amp on Lake Martin is The Selfless Lovers, a piano-driven rock ‘n’ roll band from Austin, Texas. The group’s
original music draws on classic rock, soul, blues and Southern rock influences. The Selfless Lovers are a must-see live act, showcasing an energized retro sound, fantastic musicianship and danceable original songs. The band’s singer even plays saxophone and piano at the same time during the set. The North 41 will occupy the middle act of the second night of Jazz Fest. They are a dynamic blend of rock, funk, and jazz with the danceability of pop music and sophisticated musicianship that keeps audiences hanging on every guitar solo, every drum solo and every whaling keyboard lick. Rounding out the 30th edition of the Alex City Jazz Fest is Funk You. Friends, fun and love comprise the ethos of Funk You, a nine-piece musical juggernaut from Augusta, Gerogia. Motivated by a love of live performance, and armed with a captivating sonic presence, the band places a healthy helping of soul atop a funky backbeat that continues to evolve after a decade on the road.
JUNE 2021
LAKE 27
28 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Custom Home Builder | Interior & Exterior Remodels Additions | Outdoor Living Spaces | Seawalls
David Robinette | Steve Fuller Andrew McGreer 205-383-9222
JUNE 2021 lakemar tinsignatureconstruc tion.com
LAKE 29
Where to Take a Selfie
F
Post a selfie from the checklist for a chance to win
From the Smith Mountain fire tower to the Children’s Harbor lighthouse and Martin Dam, Lake Martin offers a plethora of beautiful backgrounds where you can capture the moods and the moments of your Lake Martin experiences. One of the most popular selfie stations at the lake isn’t even on the water; the Lake Martin mural at Patriot Fueling Station at the intersection of state routes 63 and 128 provides a number of options. Using a variety of tools, local artist Charles Forbus painted a 220foot retaining wall with iconic Lake Martin symbols on a deep blue background. Patrons can tailor their selfies at the station to their favorite landmarks and things to do at the lake, as Forbus’ mural features a large-mouth bass, Chimney Rock, an eagle, a wake surfer, a portrait of Hank Williams, the Kowaliga Indian and more. Another great place for a selfie is the cab in the fire tower at Smith Mountain. Restored and rebuilt by Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association volunteers some 10 years ago, the fire tower proffers the lake’s most spectacular view from the highest level of
30 LAKE
a 91-foot tower atop of one of the lake area’s tallest elevations. Getting the shot is solid proof you braved the heights to get to the tower’s cab, something worthy of documentation. In the southlake area, The Lake Martin Social in Anchor Bay recently launched another great selfie station – a big Adirondack chair reminiscent of selfies at the beach. Grab a few friends to climb into the chair with you and snap a picture; then, post it on Facebook to let everyone know what you think about Lake Martin’s newest dining option. You could even make it a mission to get selfies at all of the great stations on Lake magazine’s list. Send your favorites to editor@lakemartinmagazine.life, and you could win a gift certificate from a lake area busienss. Clockwise from above lower left: Audra Spears at mrtin Dam; Kenneth Boone at Children's Harbor; Brittany Smith at Kowaliga; Brandy Hastings at Goat Island; Channing Moeller and Bria St. Germain at Smith Fire Tower; Betsy Iler at the Wind Creek State Park silo; Johnny Spears at home on the lake.
JUNE 2021
✁ ¨ Chimney Rock ¨ From a boat at the train trussle (it is illegal to climb on to the trussle, stay on the boat) ¨ Patriot gas station ¨ Big Beach ¨ Peanut Point chair ¨ Children’s Harbor Lighthouse ¨ Kowaliga Indian ¨ Hank Williams cabin ¨ Wind Creek State Park silo ¨ Sunset at Cocktail Slough ¨ Overlook Trail ¨ Goat Island ¨ Pirate Island ¨ Chuck’s ¨ The Landing at Parker Creek ¨ The Lake Martin Social ¨ Sand Island ¨ Shipwreck Sam’s at Smith Marina ¨ Fireworks at the Amp ¨ DARE Park ¨ Church in the Pines ¨ Church of the Living Waters ¨ New Water Farm ¨ Niffer’s at the Lake ¨ Oskar’s with cheese balls ¨ Nibblers Float-thru Grill ¨ Yellow Top Ice Cream Shop ¨ Sunsets everywhere on the lake ¨ Bay Pines Marina tiki bar ¨ Cahaba lilies at the shoals of the lake ¨ Martin Dam ¨ Behind the boat (put your phone in a waterproof case first!) ¨ On the dock ¨ Smith Mountain Fire Tower ¨ Friday on the Green at Russell Crossroads ¨ Arti Gras ¨ While leaping from the dock (again – waterproof case!) ¨ Harbor Pointe lighthouse ¨ The Deadening Trail ¨ Saddle Rock ¨ Catching the 'big one' or 'small one' ¨ New Hope Baptist Church
✁
JUNE 2021
✁
✁
Selfie Checklist
LAKE 31
Take the Plunge!
Lake Martin’s deBeer Representative
• QUARTZ • QUARTZITE • GRANITE • SOAPSTONE
Subscribe Today! 1 Year for $50
Denise Booth 256-749-6177
debooth.al@gmail.com homeologylakemartin.com Located at The Wellborn Industries Showroom 59 Wellborn Way, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861
32 LAKE
JUNE 2021
256.234.4281 • lakemagazine.life
Your perfect spot awaits. Come walk the final
waterfront homesites soon to be released in The Willows and find your piece of the Lake Martin lifestyle. Enjoy a grand gatehouse entry, gentle topography, ample shoreline, impressive views, and proximity to the crown jewel of Lake Martin—Willow Point Golf & Country Club.
25 6 . 2 15 . 7 0 11
RussellLands.com
| JUNE L a k2021 e Martin, Alabama
LAKE 33
A landmark gets a facelift STORY BY ERIN CHESNUTT & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
Repairs to the lighthouse at Children's Harbor were at the top of a list of maintenance and restoration projects at the camp for seriously ill children and their families
34 LAKE
JUNE 2021
JUNE 2021
LAKE 35
A
A beloved Lake Martin landmark recently got a facelift. Nestled along the shoreline at the Kowaliga Bridge, the lighthouse at Children’s Harbor was in dire need of repair even before COVID-19 swept across the country, but the nonprofit camp facility for seriously ill children couldn’t afford to do the maintenance at the time. “We had this project on our ‘to do’ list, but when COVID-19 happened, we knew we had to cut back on expenses,” explained Children’s Harbor Executive Director Cat Outzen. “This restoration project required a lot more than just a paint job, so we decided it needed to wait.” Thankfully, three generous Lake Martin families stepped up to provide the funds needed. Don and Fran Birdwell, Joseph Smith and Steve and Joice Watts came to the rescue and made the restoration possible. The Birdwells actually noticed the deterioration while driving over the bridge one day. “We have been involved with Children’s Harbor since 2009,” Don Birdwell said. “The meaning of the lighthouse is to encourage people to weather a personal storm. We knew we had to help save it, so we decid-
ed to make a donation to get the renovation started.” “My family has been coming to Lake Martin since the 1960s. We have countless family photos in front of the lighthouse,” added Steve Watts. “We are blessed with six healthy grandchildren; I see the important work Children’s Harbor does for families that aren’t as lucky as we are, so we wanted to help.” “The lighthouse is the symbol of Children’s Harbor, when I found out it was in need of repair, I was happy to help with a donation,” explained Joseph Smith, who has served on the Children’s Harbor Board of Directors for 15 years. The lighthouse has served as a symbol of hope for families faced with the challenge of coping with serious illness or disability. The structure has been at the site since the foundation of Children’s Harbor more than 25 years ago. The six-week, $50,000 renovation included new cement siding to replace rotten wood and a fresh coat of paint. The iconic landmark can now continue to serve as a ray of light during dark times for many families attending camps at Children’s Harbor. Children’s Harbor provides cabins and the use of
Rotting wood was removed and replaced, and the lighthouse, a symbol of hope, was freshly painted
36 LAKE
JUNE 2021
all facilities on the property free of charge to families attending camps. The camps allow those facing serious illness or disabilities an opportunity to connect with other people who are managing the same circumstances. Attending a camp provides children the chance to have fun and meet others their age that are battling the same health challenges. The camps provide happy memories and a break from hospitals and treatment stress. Children’s Harbor now has camps booked through November after canceling the season last year due to COVID-19. Although Outzen’s first year as CEO was anything but normal (she moved into the position at the outset of the pandemic), she has put in place some new initiatives. “Our goal is to take all of the burden and stress off the families when they are attending a camp,” she said. To facilitate the goal, the staff position of director of camp partnerships was created. The position, held by Chrissie Brantley, will keep her on site and ready to assist when necessary, day and night. This new position allows Children’s Harbor to anticipate needs to better serve the families. Fundraising activities are resuming and will raise money for more renovations to the camp property. New path lighting, repainting the cabins and new decking are all planned to keep the property fresh and clean. Outzen hopes a renovation of the maintenance
barn will provide a larger craft space for campers. The 15th Annual Friends of Children’s Harbor Auction will be held June 12 at Willow Point Golf and Country Club. This year there will be limited guests allowed. An alternative to attending the live event is a virtual silent auction that will begin Monday, June 7. Anyone can register to participate by visiting childrensharbor.com and following the link for the auction registration. In addition to the annual auction, the Bruce Pearl Golf Tournament was held on May 17 at Willow Point. Art on the Lake will be back this year but has been moved from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Sponsorships, ticket information and details of all fundraising and volunteer opportunities can be found on the Children’s Harbor website. Volunteer opportunities are available for all ages. Pinecone pick-up is an easy way for scouting troops or youth organizations to get involved. The pinecones are particularly worrisome for campers in wheelchairs, so there is an ongoing need to keep the paths clear. Next time you’re on the lake, be sure to stop by the lighthouse at Children’s Harbor to see the renovation. It’s easy to appreciate the beauty created by the generosity of others who were willing to make sure this beloved Lake Martin landmark will be a shining symbol of hope for years to come.
ProCare, LLC C O N T R A C T I N G
JUNE 2021
LAKE 37
Water Wars update U.S. Supreme Court decides in Georgia's favor in dispute with Florida STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO BY AUDRA SPEARS
W
While many eyes were turned on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Florida vs. Georgia Water Wars case, it appears the April 1 decision will have little to no bearing on Alabama’s water woes with neighboring Georgia. Florida had taken its dispute over water use and the heavily impacted oyster industry in Apalachicola Bay directly to the highest court in the land, as is the prerogative in state-to-state matters, explained Russell Lands Vice President General Counsel and legal officer for Lake Martin Resource Association Steve Forehand. In this case, the role of the Court was that of tryor of fact, Forehand explained. “They heard witnesses, and it was a very factual situation. It came down to a decision based on very specific facts,” he said. The Court concluded that Florida did not meet the burden of proof in showing that Georgia had over consumed water resources and did not prove that Georgia’s actions were responsible for the decimation of the oyster industry in Appalachicola. “The precise causes of the Bay’s oyster collapse remain a subject of scientific debate, but the record evidence establishes at most that increased salinity and predation contributed to the collapse of
38 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Florida’s fisheries, not that Georgia’s overconsumption caused the increased salinity and predation,” the Court opinion reads. “None of this really relates to the case that is pending in Washington, D.C.,” Forehand said. “The Florida vs. Georgia case doesn’t have any precedential value. The only fallout that could possibly come is that Georgia would claim these water issues have been litigated for years and years. It’s clear they have the right to use the water. “Perhaps there could be some impetus for states to reach a water compact. The fly in the ointment there is that in the past 25 years or so that Alabama and Georgia have been litigating, every time one or the other would get a favorable ruling, they didn’t want to settle. If some courageous and enlightened leadership in the state would consider it, maybe we could get a multi-state compact,” he added. The pending case in Washington disputes the authority of the Corps of Engineers Water Control Manual, which could have an adverse effect on Lake Martin water levels if Georgia diverts water for navigable purposes. There has been no movement on this case for more than a year, Forehand said.
Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417
Allison Ladson 256.750.0711
Damon Story 205.789.9526
Mike Davis 256.226.1238
Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792
Amy Duncan 256.212.2222
Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071
India Davis 256.749.7592
Judy Voss 256.794.0779
Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681
John McInnish 334.415.2149
Michelle Brooks-Slayman 256.749.1031
Jan Hall 256.329.6313
Sawyer Davis 205.965.7940
Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220
Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017
Becky Haynie 334.312.0928
Adam Yager 205.914.0830
Mimi Rush 334.399.7874
Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099
Judith Jager 205.789.0698
Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372
David Mitchell 256.212.3511
Howard Haynie 334.312.0693
Haley Fuller 256.750.2411
Randall Rogers 334.707.5804
Denise Cochran 256.786.2484
John Shelton 404.858.9198
WE’RE THE MARKET LEADER Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share
DADEVILLE
256.825.9092
OURTOWN
256.212.1498
WILLOW POINT
256.212.1498
OTHER COMPETITORS
48.6%
OUR CLOSEST COMPETITOR
LAKE MARTIN REALTY/ RUSSELL LANDS ON LAKE MARTIN
*LMAAR/MLS Member Firms Sales Volume Data May 2020 – April 2021
JUNE 2021
L a k e M a r t i n R e a l t y. c o m
LAKE 39
Russell Lands Summer Events STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
40 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Decorated boats wind through the spectators at the annual Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade
JUNE 2021
LAKE 41
Lake Martin Luau won last year's charity poker run costume contest
Arti Gras draws artists and visitors from far and wide
Jazz Fest brings six bands and a crowd of thousands to concerts in downtown Alexander City and at the Amp
S
Some of the biggest and most fun summer events at Lake Martin are hosted by Russell Lands, from Yoga on the Green at 7 a.m. every Saturday to the annual Labor Day concert that closes out the season in September. And many of the events are free, so mark your calendar for these not-to-be-missed great times at the lake. n Friday on the Green: Russell Crossroads is the place to meet your family and friends as they arrive at the lake. There’s a band on the stage every Friday night (except during Jazz Fest), as well as lawn games for the kids. Bring chairs, a blanket for the grass and the family dog on a leash. Pick up a picnic and a bottle of wine at Catherine’s Market or pack your own. This free event is a great way to jumpstart your weekend at the lake. n Yoga on the Green: Start your day with this free yoga session at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Bring a mat, towel and water at 7 a.m. for some gentle stretching that will both calm and energize you for a day of fun with family and friends. Everyone is welcome. n RXR Fest: Memorial Day weekend, Russell Crossroads will host music on the Town Green to kick off the summer season at the lake. Friday’s lineup includes local favorites The Bank Walkers, followed by The Big Stitch, featuring Jonathan Bloom. Carolina Story will headline Saturday night’s event, and Adam Hood will start the evening on stage. The music plays
42 LAKE
from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and friends to this free event that officially kicks off the summer season at Lake Martin. Visit russelllands.com/blog/events for all the details on RXR Fest bands. n Jazz Fest: Now in its 30th year, Jazz Fest comes to Lake Martin Amphitheater on Saturday, June 12, after a Friday night concert at Strand Park in Alexander City. Both concerts are free and feature three great bands in family-friendly settings. See page 24 for details. n Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors Open House: Russell Marine will roll out the welcome mat as residents and visitors return to the lake this summer. There will be bouncy houses for the kids, games, giveaways and special pricing on lake merchandise from T-shirts to tubes, sunglasses and boats. Visit the store Jazz Fest weekend – June 11 and 12. Tour the boats and recreational vehicles outside, browse the used boats and shop the 70,000-square-foot showroom floor inside. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors is a lake area destination. n 10th Annual Arti Gras: Be sure to visit the Town Green at Russell Crossroads July 2 and 3 as artisans from throughout the Southeast display their works and wares. This two-day juried art show includes original paintings, pottery, metalwork, photography, jewelry, reclaimed wood décor, candles, soaps, textile art and more. Make a day of it and stop in at Catherine’s Market for lunch, visit the Naturalist’s cabin and the
JUNE 2021
The Amp hosts a summer season of concerts, from Jazz Fest in June to September's Labor Day event
Clock Tower, where the children can apply their hands to the history of timekeeping. The art show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. each day. For vendor applications, email tmitchell@russelllands.com. n Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade: July 4 is a full day of celebration at Lake Martin, starting at 10 a.m. with the annual Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade at Kowaliga. Cash and other prizes are awarded for the tallest flag, largest flag, most patriotic crew, most patriotic theme and best overall boat and crew. Spectators gather on the banks, and boats line the parade route, which starts from Kowaliga Marina, travels under the bridge to Children’s Harbor and returns. Register to enter at russellmarine.net/events. n July 4th Concert and Fireworks: Close your Independence Day celebration with one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the Southeast. Russell Lands hosts this annual event at The Amp on Lake Martin, and this year’s concert features Sweet Tea Trio. The music starts at 5:30 p.m. with The Flying Buffaloes before The Bank Walkers take the stage; Sweet Tea Trio will play before and after the fireworks that start at 9 p.m. Entry is $10 per person. Bring a blanket for the grassy hillside, lawn chairs and libations, but please leave the pup safely at home for this explosive event. Visit theamponlakemartin.com for tickets. n Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run: Take fun at the lake to a whole new level when you join the annual costumed poker run to raise money for local charities. Russell Marine coordinates this event, which starts at The fireworks show on July 4th is one of the best in the Southeast U.S.
8 a.m. at The Ridge Marina. Players visit five marinas around the lake to collect the best poker hand before returning to The Ridge Marina to purchase extra cards, try their keys in the treasure chest and cash in at the prize party. It’s a great way to spend the day at the lake and do something beneficial for the community. Visit russelllands.com/blog/events for details. n Naturalist events all summer long: Russell Lands Naturalist Marianne Hudson introduces children and adults to the wonder of nature around them through wildlife presentations and guided trail tours all summer long. In addition to visiting displays at the cabin next to Catherine’s Market, curious lake lovers are invited to attend focused sessions to learn about the various flora and fauna that populate Russell Forest. Hudson also offers scheduled tours that reveal the forest’s secrets. Presentation events are free; there is a nominal fee for guided trail hikes. Visit russelllands.com/blog/events for dates, times, hike registration and subject matter or call the naturalist at 256-496-2710. n Labor Day Concert: The summer concert series at Lake Martin Amphitheater wraps up on Sept. 5 with the annual Russell Lands Labor Day Concert on the grassy hillside. Bring the family, a picnic basket and your favorite beverages or grab some food and drink from the Potz and Panz food truck for this blowout event that celebrates the last few days of summer at the lake. No glass and no dogs, please. For concert details, visit theamponlakemartin.com.
The Green at Russell Crossroads is a great place to meet for a weekend at the lake
JUNE 2021
LAKE 43
44 LAKE
JUNE 2021
JUNE 2021
LAKE 45
A Fuller
House
A
STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
Alexander City natives Steve and Sharon Fuller bought their Lake Martin cabin on a breezy point in Jackson’s Gap before they were married in 1980. With just four rooms and a small screened porch, the cabin had to grow as the family grew. Only a few years in Atlanta took them away from their cabin, but they returned to the place where they started and began filling the home with a lifetime of memories. “Our first renovation idea began when we came home from our honeymoon and found that the roof was leaking just a few inches from our brand new couch. We both went up on the roof to look at the problem and said, ‘Wow! Look at this view. One day let’s build up.’ And that’s what we did,” Sharon Fuller said. Steve, now a partner in Lake Martin Signature Construction, handled all the renovations and additions to the home over the past 41 years. Their return from Atlanta with two small children precipitated the upstairs addition of four bedrooms, two baths and a laundry room. The two bedrooms downstairs became guest rooms. A few years later, a new two-story three-car garage added 1,500 square feet for a game room, two bedrooms, another bathroom and a full kitchen, as well as the ground level garage space. Every window throughout the home has a lake view. “With the most recent changes, in the last five years, I decided to just go lake-casual, and we love it. My friend, Jamie Dark, helped me pick out the colors for the remodel. I have mixed in new furniture with antique furniture from our families – some original and some I had painted. My grandmother’s bed from the late 1800s and her chandelier are still in two of the bedrooms,” she said. The cabin’s coffered wooden ceiling and shiplap walls remain in the living room, all painted a creamy white. The room centers on a large stone fireplace while windows provide a view of the lawn and the lake in two directions. Steve built the coffee table from an old door from the original cabin. Cozy sofas and an antique buffet, painted by Robin Holcombe at Half Moon Interiors and Market, blend with the soft palette selected for the island and the cabinets. A round game table in the corner gives everyone a lake view. Steve Fuller’s ideas for the kitchen included a square island
46 LAKE
JUNE 2021
The covered deck offers 1,800 square feet of outdoor living space
Fuller's office next to the master was a pleasant work setting during the pandemic
A coffered ceiling and lake views lend a relaxed atmosphere to the living room
JUNE 2021
LAKE 47
48 LAKE
JUNE 2021
The deck and shaded lakefront seating in the yard take full advantage of breezes across the point
JUNE 2021
LAKE 49
Steve made the coffee table from a door in the original cabin; its rich coloring anchors the cream, blues and greens in the living room
with stainless steel, providing plenty of workspace and a sleek design. He also built a box light fixture with stained glass that mirrors the size of the island. The addition of a dining room created space for a farmhouse-style table, custom-built by Steve. He repurposed columns from their old kitchen island bar for the legs on the table, which seats 12. A traditional china cabinet, transformed when Robin Holcombe removed the old glass doors and painted the piece, became a beautiful location for silver trays and bowls passed down through generations. Fuller displays local artwork throughout the home, including Alabama artist Camilla Armstrong, Nan Cunningham, Barbara Gallagher, 50 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Tommy Morehead and Clark Walker. She is proud to hang works painted by her brother, Fred Williams, her aunt, Kitty Gilchrist, and even her daughter, Haley. Bonnie Graves and Lila Graves are other favorite artists, as well as Angel, a refugee from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, who created a detailed pencil drawing of the Fullers’ children. Bonnie Rae, Missy Bia, Susie Robinson and Elena Kohn paintings are hung throughout the home as well. In addition, the Fullers have several works by Dadeville brothers Jim Denney and John Denney. “Every lake home needs an original from each of them,” she said. “We have John’s blue canoe and Jim’s Lake Martin map and one of his fishes,
Steve built the farmhouse table in the dining room overlooking the lake
plus several of their award-winning ducks.” The Fullers own a home in Canada, and their love of Canadian artists can be seen on the walls in the stairwell. With both their children (Steve Jr. and Haley) grown, the couple decided to leave their upstairs master suite and move downstairs, so the cabin’s original downstairs bedrooms were combined to become one large room five years ago. The space allowed for a bedroom and office. The couple added two extra-large his-and-her closets, another full bath and a laundry room. The desk sits under a crystal chandelier, and Fuller added an armoire for storage and glass shelving for family photos in the office space.
“I took a picture of what I wanted for my headboard at a store in Birmingham, and my brother found one exactly like it in Fairhope. During the COVID-19 quarantine, I spent a lot of time in this room, and I loved sitting at my desk and seeing the lake all day,” she said. Upstairs in the vaulted playroom, a bunkroom and two queen-size beds brought the sleeping accommodations of the home to 21 people. Toys from two generations find their home on shelving along one wall – a treasure trove of fun for the grandchildren. Fuller has added a child-sized tent and a ball pit for their two grandsons, Merritt and Burke. She also added folk art furniture, sculpture and JUNE 2021
LAKE 51
52 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Steve Fuller designed the stained glass fixture over the stainless steel island top
JUNE 2021
LAKE 53
Steve Fuller killed the cougar in Van Couver
Fresh flowers spring from a glass vase poised on driftwood
The grandchildren now play on the swingset that originally belonged to the Fuller children
Fuller's father found the Lederhosen when he was stationed in Germany
Steve Jr.'s action figures are ready for the grandchildren
The diving board on the dock is a popular hangout
54 LAKE
JUNE 2021
The master bedroom combines original details of the cabin with new doors and flooring
paintings in the playroom. Whimsical fish and angels grace green accent walls. A Lila Graves portrait of Fuller’s children hangs in a bedroom area. Charlie Simpson, a folk artist from Rockford, is included in her collection, as well. Rockford artist Artis Wright’s totem pole was repurposed as a floor lamp. Joe Law, Sharon Yarvis and even local Virginia Bradshaw paintings and pottery are displayed throughout the room. Artist Mose T and his daughter, Annie T, add life to the room with their artwork, and Fuller adds her own flair with a yearround grapevine Christmas tree that is decorated for each season. Her love for art came from her brother, Fred, who helped her find it and place it throughout the home. “The playroom has served so many purposes. We lived upstairs when the downstairs renovations were done; we slept college kids for weekends at the lake; now, when Steve Jr., Katie and our two grandchildren come, we have a place for them to retreat, too. I have all of my kids’ toys, and a few of mine, for the grandkids to play with on the shelves or in the closet. It’s been a wonderful addition,” Fuller said. The Fullers have created an enviable outdoor living space with 1,800 square feet under cover. The tiled, covered walkway to the front door is
adorned with six columns, Boston ferns hanging between each pair. Since the lot is on a point, and the deck is open on three sides, the lake breezes keep the space cool through the summer. Sitting areas with tables, chairs and sofas are available for dining and relaxing. A bar with stools and a big screen television add a sports bar atmosphere to the mix. And one of Steve’s favorite is the hot tub. “We got hit in Hurricane Opal in 1995; then, a tornado in 1996, and between the two storms we lost 30 trees. Sitting on the back deck was way too hot, even with umbrellas, so Steve just extended the roofline to cover the deck. We live out here year-round,” Fuller said. In April 2021, after COVID-19 halted their original plans, the Fullers’ daughter Haley was married to Wesley Lamborne at the lake home. She and her dad drove one of Fred Dobbs’ old cars down the driveway. The deck area, lawn and a tent were utilized for the reception while fireworks, lanterns and the music embellished the night. Their small cabin turned forever home was the perfect backdrop for family and friends to celebrate another couple beginning a lifetime of memories on Lake Martin.
JUNE 2021
LAKE 55
56 LAKE
JUNE 2021
JUNE 2021
LAKE 57
A canoeist enjoys an outing on a sunny summer day at Wind Creek State Park
58 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Summer fun at Wind Creek State Park STORY & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER
The director of Alabama’s state park system, Greg Lein last month met with engineers and architects at the third most profitable state park to discuss options for improvements and campsite renovations. Lein said the meeting at Wind Creek State Park was advance planning for funding that may be available if a bond issue for system-wide improvements is approved by voters next year. Improvements at Lake Martin’s state park are a priority, Lein said, as cabin and campsite rentals, which more than doubled at the park last year during COVID-19 travel restrictions, continued to rise into summer 2021. “Wind Creek is a core park. Most of its revenues come from camping and day use. That’s different from the resort parks in the system, which are designed around other amenities,” Lein said. “I think we’ve turned the corner here to attract people in the shoulder seasons and in the
winter, as well. We’d like to see more of those winter customers, and I think we may find that many of the visitors to those resort parks may find this park, which is on a lake, attractive also.” Lein said last month’s conversation focused on upgrading at least one section of existing campsites to include 50-amp electrical service and adding more cabins. These accommodations at Wind Creek are filled to capacity almost year-round now, according to the park’s superintendent, Bruce Adams. While the park contributed some $377,304 in profit to the state system’s bottom line in pre-COVID fiscal year 2019, profits soared to $922,784 for the fiscal year ended September 2020. Adams said the park is busier this year than it was last year and is on track to top last year’s camper numbers. “We had a lot of new campers last year, and I think they figured out they’re liking it, and they’re coming back,” Adams said.
JUNE 2021
LAKE 59
Campers park their boats on the banks below their RV sites
That’s the story for Montgomery’s Randy Taunton. “We go to the beach, and it’s not like this. There’s nothing like being at Wind Creek,” Taunton said. “There’s no traffic. This is just relaxing. We love the campfires in the evening, the smell in the air of people cooking. Everybody here is neighborly.” Taunton had snagged a site midweek last month and was preparing for a visit from his grandchildren over the weekend. “I’ve taught them how to fish, and they love it. Taught them how to bait their hook, how to throw. Right now, I’m just looking for a good fishing spot to take them to here this weekend,” he said. Local guests like Taunton make up a high percentage of the park’s overnight guests, Adams said. The majority of the 183,482 nights rented in cabins and campsites last fiscal year were rented by Alabama residents, like Alexander City’s Robert Meniefield and his family. The Meniefields rented a cabin over Mother’s Day weekend, but they come as often as they can to cook out and enjoy the recreational activities the park offers, including a large, multi-feature playground in the campground. “I give this park a 10 out of 10,” said Meniefield’s son Zy, “because that’s as high as it can go. If it went higher, I would give it more.” But out-of-state visitors have discovered the park as well, Adams said. “We’re getting a lot more winter business from out of state than we used to,” he said. Six-year-old Abbie and her older brother, Braxton,
60 LAKE
who live in Georgia, spent three days at the park, riding their scooters, swimming at the beach, making s’mores, watching the fish in the lake and playing on the putt-putt course that park volunteers built in June of 2019. “We came last year for the first time. It was a good place to come during COVID-19,” said their mother, who watched her children play from the shade of a covered pavilion beside the playground. “They loved it, so we decided to come back again this year.” The putt-putt course is one of several value-added amenities offered by the park. Last fiscal year, more than 3,200 park patrons played a round of mini-golf on the course. More than 9,500 patrons used the boat launch at the park marina, and more than 25,500 customers visited the on-site country store. Fishing tournaments launch from the marina yearround, several of which have been televised on national networks, including professional Bassmaster Elite Series events. “The marina did $411,000 in sales in 2020 and $151,000 in boat rentals,” Adams said. Boat and RV storage revenues last year were nearly $150,000. “Our storage is not covered, so we can’t charge what these new places going up around the lake can charge, but we stay full,” Adams said. The park also partners with concessionaires, private business owners that operate within Wind Creek State Park and pay a percentage of their revenues for the privilege. Creem at the Creek, a seasonal snack bar in the
JUNE 2021
Clockwise from top left: Campers pitch tents on the waterfront; ice cream is a popular treat at the day-use snack stand; the editor's husband casts a line after work; birthday partygoers play cornhole at their rented pavilion; the Meniefield children love the big slide; Alice sits atop a playground platform at the pavilion
JUNE 2021
LAKE 61
day-use area of the park, grossed more than $13,000 within the first few weeks of operation this year. The Screaming Eagle Zipline canopy tours also contribute to the park's bottom line. The canopy tour offers 11 ziplines and six skywalks in the trees above the day-use areas of the park – some 20 to 70 feet in the air and up to 650 feet in length. Visit alapark.com/parks/wind-creek-state-park/zipline-canopytours for costs, age and weight limits and to make reservations. The park offers a variety of additional recreational opportunities as well. Waterfront campers can launch kayaks or tie up boats below their campsites, taking advantage of sunny afternoons to paddle, explore, bird watch or admire the beauty of the lake. Others float mats, inflatable chairs or tubes in the water to soak up the rays and cool off or spend warm early evenings catching fish. Riding bicycles is another popular past time and great exercise, as Wind Creek has more than enough miles of roads inside the campground gate alone. It’s easy for campers to make their own fun at Wind Creek State Park. David and Kim Patrick of Prattville spend two weeks at the park three times a year. Alabama State Parks Director When the weather is Greg Lein discussed promising, they bring possible improvements their turquoise 1958 at WCSP last month custom built teardrop camper, which they pull with a restored 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in the same color (see the photo of page 7). They have owned the car for 25 years and go all out with the 50s-era color with their tent, chairs, rugs and other comfort items. Devon Ragsdale of Sylacauga and his family come to the park once a month to spend time with his children’s grandparents. Ragsdale cooks a big breakfast on the grill when they visit, and the delectable aroma of bacon fills the morning air. With more than 560 campsites, Wind Creek’s campground is one of the largest state-operated campgrounds 62 LAKE
in the U.S. All campsites include water and electrical hook-ups; 268 sites also include sewer, and 157 are right on the water. There are 39 premium campsites – known locally as the Hollywood section – that have been renovated with 16-foot wide and 60-foot long concrete pads with 50-amp electrical service, waterfront access, cable and Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome, but check at the park office for rules regarding pets. Rates vary according to season and accommodations. Make campsite reservations online at reservealapark. com. While premium section sites must be reserved online for seven days in season, other sites in the park can be reserved for shorter periods of time, and the park staff is happy to upgrade a camper to a premium site for fewer than seven days if a premium site is available upon check-in. This policy has helped to keep premium sites occupied on weekdays. “We try to be as accommodating as possible,” Adams explained. Taunton said he watches the online reservations for the campground’s premier sites daily and pounces upon cancellations whenever he can make the trip. “We’re always ready to come up here at any time,” he said with a smile. Outside the campground, Wind Creek hums with family reunions and birthday parties in the picnic areas, and the swimming beach rings with laughter and cheers from sun up to sun down. Pick-up volley ball games are popular at the beach as well, and the park offers more than 30 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horse riders. Vulcan Orienteering Club hosts two events at the park each year, and a number of riding clubs organize horse rides and competitions. A military vehicle display also visits the park each year. Managing the park is the responsibility of Adams,
JUNE 2021
Day-use visitors play a rousing game of volleyball at the park's beach
who is assisted by Larrmy Warren and a full time staff of 17. Seasonal employees swell the ranks to 26, along with a group of dedicated volunteers that, among other tasks, plan and host some of the park’s most popular seasonal events. These include the annual spring Easter egg hunt and the October Fall Festival, which is attended by thousands of visitors in costume every year. Throughout the summer, a schedule of activities unfolds for campers, visitors and guests. Nature hikes, movies, games, watermelon carving and rock painting are among the activities offered. In addition, park personnel are heavily involved in the lake community. The park is the busiest of fourto-six locations where dumpsters are available during the annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup each year. An Alabama Power program that is coordinated locally by Lake Martin Resource Association, ROR has removed more than 122 tons of trash from Lake Martin. In addition to hosting volunteers during the event, park personnel retrieve volunteers’ bags of trash on area roadsides. They participate in local tourism efforts, and last year, the park contributed $198,311 to the local communities through lodging taxes. The community supports the campground with resources as well. During organized cleanups, the community turns out to help keep the park clean, especially groups of school children and Scouts, Adams said.
“The street department in Alexander City occasionally helps us fill pot holes, repair guard rails and deal with major water or sewer issues. Russell Lands has helped us and Russell Do it Center. Alabama Power is great to us, especially with upgrading. They don’t just repair what’s broken when something needs attention: They upgrade it. “And when tornadoes came through the area a few years back, people just showed up to help us clean it up. The Home Depot brought a pallet of water and rakes.” Local businesses advertise annually on the map brochure that is distributed to campers at the registration office, which keeps costs down for the park and encourages campers to visit stores and contribute to the local economy. The local Walmart also stocks an aisle with RV supplies. The upgrades that Lein would like to see at Wind Creek State Park could be available to park patrons as early as 2023. “Wind Creek is very important to the state park system. It is a great example of where we come from. It is not a resort park but a core park. It’s main attractions are camping and day use, and so many people enjoy coming out to this park,” he said. “We just want to support that.”
JUNE 2021
LAKE 63
LAKE MARTIN'S PROFESSIONAL TOWING AND SALVAGE COMPANY We refloat sunken boats. Call today for a free quote!
•On water towing •Battery jumps •Fuel delivery •Soft ungrounding
256-307-1313
www.towboatuslakemartin.net
64 LAKE
JUNE 2021
HELP BEAUTIFY the area through volunteer commitment and community involvement.
ASK A BUDDY to join you! Volunteer to adopt a mile of Hwy 63 and commit to keeping it litter free. If you are interested, just go to 63PrideDrive.com and sign-up. VOLUNTEERS will receive a Pride Drive t-shirt,
safety vest, trash picker and bags. Help your friends and neighbors bring Pride back to the community.
TO VOLUNTEER
or learn more,visit 63PrideDrive.com
JUNE 2021
LAKE 65
NATURE OF THE LAKE BY KENNETH BOONE
About 1,700 species of Water Striders are known to science
66 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Water Striders JUNE 2021
LAKE 67
Surface tension and hydrophobic legs are the keys to this insect's ability to walk on water
I
If you’re on Lake Martin, there are almost certainly tiny insects nearby with an amazing, Biblical talent. In fact, there are probably a whole lot of them, but because they are so small and so inconspicuous, most people don’t pay them much attention. Water Striders are tiny bugs that walk on water. Really. Anyone who has ever done a cannonball off a pier knows that there is no way water will hold up a person. We just crash right through the water’s surface and go under. But because Water Striders are so light and have specially adapted hydrophobic legs, they are able to float above the water’s surface with just their legs making contact. If you look very closely, you may be able to see dimples in the water, called a meniscus, where their legs push against the surface. Water molecules are attracted to each other. When water molecules are at the surface, that attraction creates a tension that makes a thin, flexible membrane. It’s kind of like how pudding forms a skin on the top that is more solid than the pudding below the surface. That slight extra tension allows a Water Strider’s
68 LAKE
weight to be distributed by its legs across the skin of the water. Water Strider legs have a huge number of microscopic hairs – several thousand per square millimeter – that are grooved to hold air and repel water. Water Strider legs are so buoyant that they can hold up about 15 times the insect’s weight. In fact, if a wave submerges a Water Strider, the air trapped in its leg hairs is buoyant enough to float this insect back to the surface. A Water Strider has four long, thin legs attached to the middle of its body, and two shorter appendages that are near its head. Its hind legs are used for steering while its middle legs are used for rowing, pushing backward against the water, which moves the strider forward. Its front legs have claws that are used to grab prey. The powerful paddling legs allow a Water Strider to move extremely quickly, up to a hundred body lengths per second. A 6-foot-tall person would have to swim at over 400 miles an hour to match that relative speed. These bugs go by a number of common names, you can probably guess one of them: Jesus bugs. They are also called Pond Skaters and Water Skippers. There are many species of Water Striders – about
JUNE 2021
1,700 are known to science now – but they are all members of the same family, Gerridae, and they are collectively known as gerrids. Most gerrids live in fresh water, but about 10 percent of the species live in marine environments of saltwater and brackish water. They are found in almost any body of water you’re likely to come across, but they are much more likely to be found in still or slowly moving water. These small insects look sort of like spiders. The word “strider” also sounds a lot like “spider.” And to make it even more confusing, there are “water spiders.” But spiders and striders are two very different creatures. If you ever have any doubt about what critter you’re looking at, count its legs. All spiders have four pairs of legs that they use for walking and another pair they use as arms to grab prey. Water Striders have two pairs of legs used primarily for walking on water and two more that are used primarily as arms. So spiders get around on eight legs while striders only need four. Water Striders eat small insects – anything from dragonflies to aquatic bugs – that they snatch off the water’s surface. Their front legs are hinged and have claws like a preying mantis, which allows them to quickly grab their dinner. Their legs are very sensitive to ripples on the water, and when they feel an insect struggling on the surface, they race to grab it. Then the Water Strider will pierce its prey with its proboscis and inject it with enzymes that liquify the prey’s internal organs. It then sucks out the fluid and calls it a meal. Here’s a fact that should make most Lake Martin residents appreciate these tiny predators – they are especially skilled at capturing mosquito larvae. When a Water Strider is preyed upon, it is most often by birds. Fish and frogs will also eat striders, but researchers have found that birds are its primary predators. Water Striders are territorial, and they communicate with each other by vibrating their legs at certain frequencies. Making fast ripples is a warning signal. When males send out a warning signal and another strider doesn’t move away, it assumes the intruder is a female, and it will make slower ripples to court her. If she is in the mood, she will lower her guard and allow the male to climb onto her back. If she does not want to mate, she returns the warning signal. Some Water Striders deposit eggs on the water’s surface. Other strider females submerge and lay their eggs on underwater vegetation. Most clutches are two to 20 eggs that are initially white or translucent but then turn bright orange. When the eggs hatch, the nymphs molt five times over 60-70 days before they reach maturity. Some Water Striders have wings, while others do not. Striders in very calm water typically have larger wings than those in rougher water, where large wings can be easily damaged. Some species have wings or not depending on conditions in their environment. A parent Water Strider could have one brood in a stable pond without wings, but if that pond begins to dry up, its next brood could have
The back legs are used to propel the insect across the water
Hinged front legs allow the insect to quickly grab food from the water's surface
Water Striders may or may not have wings, depending on water conditions and species
wings, so the offspring would have the ability to fly away and search for another water source to colonize. Two good ways to observe Water Striders are to either lay down on a pier and watch them from above, or get into the water right up to your nose and be very still and take a look at them from a strider’s viewpoint. Some information for this article came from Dr. Michael J. Rapp on bugoftheweek.com, the National Wildlife Federation, Cool Green Since and Wikipedia.
JUNE 2021
LAKE 69
Ben Spraggins STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE
A Lake Martin chef returns to his roots to put a little K.I.S.S. on the plate for guests 70 LAKE
A
Adversity was the ticket that opened the world of good food to Copper’s Grill Chef Ben Spraggins, who recently returned home to the very restaurant where he washed dishes as his first paying job in high school. Born in 1985 with a congenital eye disease, Spraggins was blind from birth and did not gain his true eyesight until he was 13 years old. His childhood was riddled with surgeries, limited activity, few friends and low self-esteem, Spraggins said. He also developed a keen sense of taste and the resilience of spirit that eventually took him to Atlanta to study at Le Cordon Bleu. His drive to overcome obstacles helped
JUNE 2021
him to earn a reputation as an executive chef who could revitalize struggling restaurants, a valuable skill in the emerging post-pandemic hospitality industry. “I’m a fixer,” Spraggins said. “A perfectionist and a fixer.” As a child faced with tremendous challenges, he learned hard work and perseverance, and Spraggins applied those skills when he was offered his first restaurant job as a dishwasher at the Stillwater’s Clubhouse 20 years ago. He quickly worked his way up from dishwasher to salad cook, sauté chef and banquet sous chef before he turned 19 years old. “About then, I realized that this was what I wanted to do in my life. I loved the atmosphere, the people and the food. I knew I could be happy doing this for the rest of my life,” Spraggins said. The food, of course, was key, as Spraggins possessed an uncanny gift of discernment, a side effect from the cataracts that blocked his Blind from birth until he was vision early in life. 13 years old, Ben Spraggins “The fact that I developed a keen couldn’t see enhanced sense of taste that enhances my flavor profile,” he his clients' dining experience explained. “You’ve at the Stillwaters restaurant heard that taking away one sense enhances the others? That’s absolutely true. It certainly was in my case, and I really picked up on little things, especially taste. “It’s kind of a game, I guess, but in college, my friends would make something, and I would taste it and list all of its ingredients, even the secret ingredient they had added. It blew them away that I could do that.” Spraggins joined Wynn Lakes Country Club in Montgomery after college; and then, moved to the Wind Creek casino chain; then, he taught at Culinard, was executive chef at Tacky Jacks and returned to Wind Creek to run Fire Steakhouse in Wetumpka, bringing its
rating back to a four-star standing. Along the way, he has worked with Sam Talbot, Carla Hall, Richard Blais and Fabio Viviani at Top Chef. He worked with Chef Tom Wolfe in New Orleans at Emeril’s, where he learned to make food look good as well as taste good. “From Carla Hall, I learned patience. She is incredible,” he said. Spraggins was Executive Chef for the Wind Creek Casino in Montgomery from the ground up, choosing appliances and fixtures and outfitting the restaurant with everything from napkins to menus, cooking utensils, pots and pans, dining chairs and dishes. He came home to Dadeville to be close to his family, rejoining the Stillwaters restaurant shortly after his arrival. With the entire hospitality industry in the throes of a major meltdown stemming from COVID-19 restrictions, Spraggins’ goal is to build community at Copper’s Grill. “I want to be the best chef I can be, to make people’s lives better. I love going out and talking to people in the dining room. It’s not something you see a lot of chefs do, but I do it every day. I want to see that smile and hear that I made you happy for the day. I want you to have a good experience here, and I want to make it an even better experience the next time you come in,” he said. In revitalizing the restaurant scene at Copper’s Grill in the wake of COVID-19, Spraggins is overhauling the menus, starting with the sweet things in life – dessert. “We have really improved the desserts. They look better and have more flavor,” he said. “We’ve started working on our appetizers, trying different garnishes. Fried green tomatoes, for example, we’re using a variety of fresh herbs that taste good but also look really good. “It’s kind of a corny style, I guess, but I like to K.I.S.S. my dishes – Keep It Simple and Sexy. I don’t like to use a lot of ingredients, but I want ingredients that complement the main ingredient. For example, we season our steaks with only olive oil, salt and pepper. Then we serve them with a great Florentine or demiglaze sauce.” Revamping the entrées is next, Spraggins said. Beginning this fall, he will offer seasonal menus that use local ingredients as they are available. The menu uses Halsey meats out of Alabama. “We try to use local or at least regional ingredients,” he said. “Our goal is to improve the community, to develop relationships in the area, so people can have fun and eat good food in a good environment,” Spraggins said. He’s using his passion for good food, his heightened flavor profile and the drive he gained through childhood struggles to make life better at Lake Martin. Visit stillwatersgolf.com/cg.home or the restaurant’s Facebook page for the latest developments at Copper’s Grill.
JUNE 2021
LAKE 71
Lots in demand W
ho knew the future would be here so fast? oping and selling in Trillium and River Oaks. Active The recent rediscovery of Lake Martin by development in those areas neared completion by people from all over the South has exhaust2005. Those successful neighborhoods, once completed available real estate inventory and accelerated ed, allowed Russell Lands to expand into the Willow property releases. In the case of Realtors, Point area, first with Glynmere and then developers and builders, this accelerated into the Pitchford Hollow area with Willow pace has created some new challenges for Glynn and The Willows. bringing needed inventory to the market. The development of those two neighborRecent sales activity for Lake Martin hoods in the Pitchford Hollow area began has been brisk to say the least. Unit sales in late 2008. of residential properties increased 37.6 We released the last collection of tradipercent to 505 sales for the year ending tional waterfront lots in The Willows just April 30, 2021, compared to the same a few weeks ago. After a brisk sales run period last year. The average sales price over the last two years, Russell Lands has has also increased 20.4 percent over the completed the development of traditional LAKE PROPERTY same period. This unprecedented sales homesites in this area, and we are able to BY STEVE ARNBERG pace has dried up inventory to just a 1.71shift focus to a new area. month supply of available residential property. As Trillium and River Oaks were winding down, As you might expect, with the rapid sales pace and and before additions were made to the Willow Point low supply for residential property, interested purchas- area, Russell Lands began the development of The ers have shifted their attention to developed waterfront Ridge in 2002. This has been in many ways Russell lots. The unit count for sales of waterfront home sites Lands’ most ambitious development. Located at the has increased 292 percent to 171 properties sold over center of Lake Martin, The Ridge was an ideal locathe same period last year. Average price for home sites tion for a lakefront development. has increased 30.7 percent year-over-year. Although it was located in the central part of the I cannot speak knowledgeably about every develop- lake by water, The Ridge would actually be remote by er’s plans on the lake; however, I can give a little bit way of existing infrastructure. The waterfront property of a guide to Russell Lands’ planning for the foreseewas located miles away from any developed roads, able future. A good way to look forward would be to and even further by land or by water from a marina. give a quick look backward at Russell Lands’ activity One significant land mass, The Ridge Island, was only in the 21st century. accessible by boat. At the turn of the century, Russell Lands was develConcern for the lake and home placement required 72 LAKE
JUNE 2021
a sewer system as opposed to individual septic systems. The size of the parcel, roughly 900 acres, required a diverse development plan of multiple housing types, as well as protective covenants and guidelines providing a design concept that would last through the 15 to 20 years of development. The Ridge ultimately has developed impressive amenities and infrastructure; notably, there is The Ridge Marina¸ The Ridge Club, numerous parks and trails, a sewer system, multiple home types with trendsetting home styles and the Bridge to Somewhere. With the release in early July of the last mainland collection of traditional waterfront lots, The Ridge will have developed and released nearly 550 waterfront properties. Due to the recent high absorption rate for Lake Martin, The Ridge has nearly exhausted its supply of waterfront property. What comes next? The Ridge Island is potentially primed for development in the near future since the market has taken off, reducing available homesites in The Ridge. While there are no definitive plans or timeline for the island, the additions of the recently announced and very special amenities at The Heritage will make development of the island more likely. In last month’s Lake magazine, an announcement was made about The Heritage, a new Russell Lands development in the Wicker Point area of Lake Martin. I would direct you to that article on page 18 of the May 2021 issue of Lake for more information regarding key amenities and location. Russell Lands is still many months from making any definitive statements regarding property prices, land plans and property release dates for The Heritage. One need only look at the land and recent developments to gain a sense of the tremendous addition The Heritage will be to Lake Martin. If you are like me, you just can’t wait to see what comes next. Steve Arnberg is Vice President Real Estate Sales for Russell Lands.
IT’S TIME FOR OUTDOOR FUN, IS YOUR HEART HEALTHY? It’s time for outdoor fun, and you don’t want to miss a single moment in the sun. 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
HEART & VASCULAR CLINIC AT RUSSELL MEDICAL Make an appointment today by calling (256) 234-2644. 3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 • Alexander City, AL 35010 uabmedicine.org/HeartRussell
JUNE 2021
LAKE 73
Left to our own devices With the failure of HB238, our safety demands respect and courtesy on the water
T
he Home Owners and Boat Owners of Lake Martin annual business meeting is a great opportunity to see familiar faces and make new friends, to get updated on matters of importance to Lake Martin and to enjoy a great breakfast that is free to members. Our last meeting was Feb. 29, 2020, just before the world was turned upside down due to COVID-19. Since then, the board has accomplished several goals including a new website, a new brochure and development of a membership subcommittee. The HOBOs annual meeting this year will be at Red Ridge United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 12. Reservations for breakfast are required and can be made HOBO on our website at lakemartinBY STEVE SMITH hobos.com, by email to info@ lakemartinhobos.com or by calling Jimmy Bagley at 678-644-0473. Breakfast will be at 9 a.m., followed by the business meeting at 10 a.m. We will discuss issues that affect us all and address any concerns you may have. There are both new and ongoing concerns for all Lake Martin homeowners and boat owners. We should all be concerned about the lack of environmental policies to protect our resources, as well as issues associated with the increased development and boat traffic on Lake Martin. I particularly cannot understand how Alabama House Bill 238 did not pass during the recent legislative session. By establishing a rule to stay 100 feet from structures, vessels, shoreline and swimmers, and by making BUI offenses count against an offender’s driver’s license, HB 238 would have made all Alabama lakes safer. Every driver in this country is expected to get a driver’s permit, then a driver’s license and insurance. In Alabama, a learner’s permit is available at age 15 with a licensed adult present when operating the car. At age 16, a driver’s license can be earned by passing a driving test, demonstrating knowledge of the rules and safe operation of the vehicle. Our roads and highways have speed limits, traffic signs and signals, and passing and non-passing lanes are marked. These are necessary for safety, and license holders agree to obey these rules. Ironically, in Alabama a 12-year-old is allowed to operate a water vessel that can travel at excessive speeds. Anyone 18 or older is allowed to rent a boat without taking a test, without a boater’s license and without knowledge of the rules or how to safely operate a vessel. There are no speed limits on the water, no caution signs or traffic signals, no marked lanes for passing, and there are no 74 LAKE
brakes on a boat or a personal watercraft. I understand that needless laws can be overbearing, and I am not suggesting that we overhaul our boating laws, but House Bill 238 was simply a way to increase safety and protect us. HB238 was intended to make our lake safer for everyone, not to take all the fun out of boating, as one representative put it in objecting to the bill. We have more boats on the lake now than ever before. They are bigger and louder, and they create huge wakes, eroding the shoreline. There are more inexperienced drivers on the water than ever before as well. But the shoreline, docks, structures and swimmers would have been more protected by the passage of HB 238. I have a friend who was seriously injured when his boat was hit broadside by a drunk driver who was driving at night with no lights on. Although I have observed increased awareness about the dangers of boating while drinking, it still doesn’t count as a DUI, so it does not fully deter boaters from abusing alcohol and other substances in the same manner as our DUI laws. My first article in Lake magazine as the president of Lake Martin HOBOs was about change (Lake magazine June 2020, p. 73), and working together for the good of Lake Martin. The use of Lake Martin by both full-time and weekend residents, as well as visitors, has increased dramatically. Last year was a banner year for real estate at the lake, and it seems like rental properties are popping up all over the lake. This year has broken records for the sale of boats, and boat rentals are booming, too. The more vacation rental properties we have, the more boat renters we have, and the more we need regulations to protect everyone from inexperienced vessel operators. I realize that HB 238 would not have changed the regulations regarding licensure or who could rent a boat, but it would have established the rule to stay 100 feet from structures, vessels and swimmers. At HOBOs, we welcome visitors to the lake but encourage everyone to show courtesy and respect for others, both in the neighborhood and on the water. I love this lake, and I am blessed to call it home. I know I speak for many who are concerned about what they see happening. So this summer, when you are on the lake, remember you are at the mercy of an increasing number of boat operators who are inexperienced, unlicensed and even reckless. They are good people just out to enjoy a day at the lake, and they often are unaware of the risk they present to others. Be safe, and have a great summer. Steve Smith is President of the Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners Association. Learn more at lakemartinhobos.com.
JUNE 2021
BEST BOATS | BEST SERVICE | BEST DEALS We are excited to announce our new Singleton Jackson’s Gap location on the North end of Lake Martin. Providing new and used boat sales and a full service center. With the largest selection of the industry’s top-selling brands and award winning customer service, no other dealer can upgrade your lifestyle like Singleton Marine. Singleton Marine Blue Creek Marina 7280 Highway 49 South Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-8888
Singleton Marine Jackson’s Gap 124 Edgewater Drive Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 256-269-0088
Singleton Marine Parker Creek Marina 8300 Parker Creek Marina Dr. Equality, AL 36026 256-329-8550
SingletonMarine.com JUNE 2021
LAKE 75
76 LAKE
JUNE 2021
FABULOUS FINDS
FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS
Under Construction
South Ridge Harbor, Breakwater • $2,095,000 Builder: Legacy New Homes Beds: 5 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 3,825 Russell Lands Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com
Russell Cabins at The Willows, Portico • $920,000 Builder: Classic Homes Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,396 Water-Access w/ dedicated boat slip Anna Speaks, Rhonda Watson 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com
Ridge Run, Crestview • $1,450,000 Builder: Lake Martin Signature Construction Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 3,027 Russell Lands Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com
Russell Cabins at The Ridge, 2 Plus 2 • $1,410,000 Builder: Classic Homes Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,590 Russell Lands Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com
61 Jacks Hollow, Alexander City • $2,900,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jan Hall 256.329.6313 LakeMartinRealty.com
160 Ridge Crest, Alexander City • $2,750,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty David Mitchell 256.212.3511 LakeMartinRealty.com
1147 Willow Way North, Alexander City • $8,995,000 Beds: 11 • Baths: 9 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com
175 Tanglewood Lane, Dadeville • $1,175,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jeff & Denise Cochran 256.786.0099 LakeMartinRealty.com
240 & 260 Whispering Ridge, Alexander City • $8,250,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 6 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com
208 Wind Crest, Alexander City • $2,990,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 7.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com
1125 North Ridge, Alexander City • $1,495,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty John Shelton 404.858.9198 LakeMartinRealty.com
48 Outboard Circle, Jackson’s Gap • $800,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 LakeMartinRealty.com
33 Pointwood Place, Dadeville • $950,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681 LakeMartinRealty.com
605 Beach Island Trace, Dadeville • $699,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 2 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681 LakeMartinRealty.com
JUNE 2021
DID YOU KNOW? When Realtors advertise in Lake magazine they recieve FREE fab finds. Call 256-234-4281 to find out how. LAKEMAGAZINE.LIFE
LAKE 77
Grilled Goodness
78 LAKE
JUNE 2021
A
lthough summer begins the tradimushrooms, summer and winter squash, asparational grilling season, nearly half of all gus, radish, eggplant, sweet bell peppers, onions Americans use their grills all year long. and starchy varieties like corn and potatoes; toss Whether grilling only on weekends or every day, in olive oil or vinaigrette and season with herbs. it is important to be informed of healthy grilling Place vegetables on the grate or in a grill basket. strategies. Another idea, if you like steamed vegetables, is Grilled foods are generally healthier than fried, to cook them in foil with a small amount of water as they contain no batter or dripping grease. and a few favorite herbs. Place the foil package on Grilled foods are more appealing because of the the grill grate on indirect heat. smoky smell and flavor. Great tasting marinades Grilled fruit makes a wonderful accompaniment can add flavor and tenderness to protein choices. to a meal or serves as a dessert. Fruit kabobs, pineWhile this golden rule of sticking to grilled food is apple slices, peach or pear halves can be grilled on HEALTHY LIVING a lower heat until soft and slightly golden. Serve true, there are two considerations to keep in mind BY JULIE HUDSON to adhere to healthy grilling strategies. with chicken, fish or pork; place on top of flat Many Americans choose high fat meats and bread or pair the fruit with low-fat frozen yogurt sausages, which contribute a lot of calories, saturated fat and or ice cream for dessert. cholesterol to the diet. The second consideration is the potentially harmful compounds called polycyclic hydrocarbons Julie Hudson is a registered dietician at Lake Martin (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs). PAHs form when fat Wellness Center. and juices drip into the grill, causing flames and smoke. HCAs form when animal proteins (beef, chicken, fish and pork) are grilled at very high temperatures. While these reactions do not necessarily make grilling unhealthy, it is important to be aware of the possible harmful effects of grilling, so techniques can be adjusted to reduce Grilled Chicken with Brie and Pineapple exposure to PAHs and HCAs. Boneless chicken breasts (marinate chicken for at Most important is the selection of protein sources that are least 30 minutes) lower in saturated fat and trimming the excess fat to reduce the Brie Cheese, sliced formation of carcinogens. Fresh pineapple, sliced into rounds There are several ways to reduce the risk of PAHs and HCAs. First, stay away from or limit processed meats, such as Grill fresh pineapple slices until tender and golden. hot dogs, sausages, ham and bacon. No matter how these proSet aside on a plate. Marinate or season chicken with favorite seasoning, salt and pepper. Grill chicken cessed meats are cooked, they are not healthy. until thermometer reads 160 degrees. Flip chicken The healthiest animal protein options are chicken, turkey, one more time. Top with pineapple and cheese. fish or pork. Lean beef, lamb and other red meat also could be Once cheese is melted and thermometer reads 165 enjoyed on occasion. Grilling leaner meats and trimming excess degrees, remove from the grill. Serve as a sandwich, fat will help to avoid flare-ups with the fire. if desired. Second, marinating is a great method to add flavor to a meal. Research has shown that soaking meat in a marinade that conTomato and Mozzarella Smothered tains an acid, such as vinegar, lime juice, lemon juice or low Grilled Chicken sodium soy sauce, for at least 30 minutes, reduces the forma2 tablespoons olive oil tion of HCAs by 92 percent. 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, divided Third, always start with a clean grill grate. This will help 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped prevent flare-ups. And skip the lighter fluid. Sticking to the old 2 cloves garlic, minced fashion way of using coal and newspaper is much better than 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper starting a grill fire with chemicals. Purchasing a charcoal chim1/4 teaspoon salt ney makes this a very easy and economical process. Watch the 1 pound chicken cutlets smoke and flames. Let initial flames settle down prior to plac1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ing the meat on the grill. 1 small tomato, thinly sliced Cutting off the excess visible fat helps prevent charring the meat. Charred areas can be scrapped or cut off prior to eating. Combine oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, basil, Also, flipping food more often without piercing the meat garlic, pepper and salt in a small bowl. Brush mixwill help prevent the formation of HCAs. ture on both sides of chicken. Grill the chicken until Putting the meat on a skewer will cut down on grilling time. thermometer almost reads 165 degrees. Flip the Meat can be skewered alone or alternated with vegetables. chicken one more time, top with mozzarella cheese Consider using rosemary as a skewer. This method infuses flaand tomato. Grill until cheese melts and thermomvor into the meat and makes a beautiful presentation. eter reads 165 degrees. Remove from grill. Drizzle Pile on the color, flavor and nutrients by grilling vegetables with remaining 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze and and fruit. Grilled vegetables and fruit do not produce HCAs or sprinkle with more basil to taste. This can be served PAHs. The natural sugar caramelizes during the grilling proas a sandwich, if desired. cess, which increases the sweetness and flavor of vegetables and fruit. Slice or chop your favorite vegetables, including
Grilled Chicken Recipes
JUNE 2021
LAKE 79
Farro Verde with Spring Vegetables Ingredients
4 cups cooked farro verde (cooked to package instructions) 3 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup chopped ramp leaves (spinach or turnip tops are an acceptable substitute) 1 cup mixed medium diced spring vegetables of your choice (baby onions, ramps, leeks and turnips) 1 tablespoon chopped mint 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon Warm vegetable stock Olive oil Salt to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss diced spring vegetables with olive oil and salt. Bake until slightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
To Assemble
In a large pot, warm cooked farro with butter and a splash of vegetable stock. Add chopped greens and stir until cooked. Adjust seasoning with salt. Remove from heat and add lemon and chopped herbs, stirring vigorously for a few seconds to help build starch. To serve, portion farro into four bowls and top with roasted vegetables. Garnish with olive oil. This dish would work well as a base for a meaty fish like swordfish.
CHEF’S TABLE BY CHRIS MORINA
80 LAKE
Chris Morina, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and worked with Southern food icon Linton Hopkins at Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta before moving to Mourad and other Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco.
JUNE 2021
JUNE 2021
LAKE 81
The Landing Bushwhacker When The Landing at Parker Creek opened in 2016, we loved the idea of offering frozen drinks to Lake Martin. What better than a Bushwhacker? It turned into quite the phenomenon very quickly and became a crowd favorite. After years of spinning up these frozen delights to perfection, we proudly serve 800 to 1,000 every summer weekend.
Ingredients
2 ounces white rum 1.5 ounces coffee liqueur 1.5 ounces Irish cream 3 ounces Island Oasis ice cream mix or a scoop of your favorite ice cream Splash of 151 Rum Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup whipped cream
Directions
Combine white rum, coffee liqueur and Irish cream in a blender with crushed ice. Spin ingredients together until desired thickness is achieved. Line a tall cup with chocolate syrup and pour away. Finish with whipped cream and a 151 Rum topper for an extra kick.
CHEERS! THE LANDING AT PARKER CREEK
82 LAKE
JUNE 2021
JUNE 2021
LAKE 83
L
et’s be honest: Fishing Lake Martin in the summer can be a challenge. This is the peak of the recreational season on the lake, and there are factors at play that have to be considered. First of all is safety. There are more boats and watercraft on the lake now than ever. It’s a great thing when you think about it. We have a truly public waterbody that all people can enjoy, whatever their water sport of preference. First, we have to be aware that although a boating license is required to get behind the wheel of a powerboat, the qualifications are not as strict as those for operating cars. In recent years, more people have gotten into boating and water sports, and accidents have become more frequent. We’ve seen the growth in the fishing industry, as well, and boat sales in general have exploded across the board. Bass boats, pontoon boats, wake boats, center consoles … the list goes on. Kayaks and paddle boards are getting more popular as well, adding another dynamic. The best advice for this time of year would be for anyone that’s out on the water to be aware of what’s going on around them at all times. I get excited every time I drop my boat in the water. It’s been like that since the first time I was able to push my Jon boat off the bank and paddle out into our slough as a kid. There is something exhilarating about being out in open water supported by a small hull of fiberglass, aluminum, plastic or wood. The lake is a place to enjoy time with friends and family. There is so much to do and talk about that it’s easy to forget there are many others out there. Just recently, I had a close call with someone staring at a cell phone with a boat load of people on board. Had I not been watching, it could have been bad. “No Wake” zones, in my opinion, are in the right places. Common sense is the best virtue when boating, and watching out for others can make all the difference. By making the effort to be considerate of others on the water, accidents could be kept to a minimum, so everyone can enjoy the lake experience. Here are a few things we can do as anglers (and all boaters in general) to help: Don’t get in a hurry I can’t believe I put this at BIG CATCHES the top of my list, but there it is. BY GREG VINSON I like to run hard, cover water, jump down and hit the next spot as much as anyone, but this time of year there are more folks out there, and it pays to be aware at all times. One mistake in a high-speed bass boat could damage equipment and potentially throw an angler in the water. Slow down; let the boat ride out the waves from the boat traffic to make it to the next stop in one piece. It may take a few minutes longer, but that’s just the nature of the game at this time of year. 84 LAKE
Dealing with Be aware of your wake I’m glad “No Wake” buoys aren’t littered all over the lake. The best advice is to know the potential of the boat wake. Relatively speaking, bass boats don’t create near the wake as that of other larger, deep hulled boats. Keep in mind that a bass boat creates the most wake at about one quarter to one half throttle. Take a look around in the vicinity of the boat and its path out to see if the wake could cause any damage. Look around for a boat that’s loosely tied off, a kayak or paddle board or someone swimming. Once again, common sense will go a long way and help avoid the designation of more “No Wake” zones, and yes, speed limits like I’ve seen in other states. Running boat wakes Anybody that’s tried to fish Lake Martin in the summer knows it can be like running in a giant washing machine. Most bass boats these days are built to take some pounding, especially if driving skills can soften the blows. No. 1 again: Take your time. Boat hulls are designed to cut the wave as it hits the front of the boat; and then, shed the water to the side. Running too fast takes the keel of the boat out of the water and doesn’t allow it to cut the wave and soften the blow. The back pad of the boat is flatter, and when the back pad is the first thing to hit, it can shock the spine and destroy equipment; not to mention sending the bow directly into the next wave, making the boat a giant shallow-diving crankbait. Let the bow of the boat run as low as possible, and trim just enough to keep it from spearing a wave. Run waves at a 20- to 30-degree angle when possible, and the boat will run between them while crossing.
JUNE 2021
crowds, wakes and visibility For really big wakes, set the boat down nearly off plane and let the back of the boat plow while keeping the bow high in the water. This will keep huge waves from breaking over the bow and spearing a wave. For reference, in my boat, I only run about 14 miles per hour when I have to resort to this move. These generally come from cabin cruisers that think they are still running the Gulf of Mexico. Usually, looking ahead at boats that have passed near the path will help to judge the potential wake that may have to be negotiated. Wakeboard boats, as the name implies, can make some bone-jarring wakes. Cabin cruisers are the others to be aware of since their hulls sit deep in the water and displace large amounts of water as they cruise. If you see these ahead or in the area, slow down to prepare. Hopefully, they will see other watercraft around them and give those boaters a break on the wake, but there are always some that don’t know or don’t care. Wakes can start small and hitting the first ripples can be deceiving. They will generally get larger as you get close to the boat’s center travel line. Light it up Night fishing is very good on Lake Martin in the summer. It’s not too hot, and there’s less boat traffic. There are more people out cruising at night than there used to be. Unfortunately, this is when the worst accidents happen. Alcohol is a major factor with boating accidents. Don’t be fooled into thinking people aren’t out there enjoying a few drinks. There aren’t enough State Troopers/Marine Police to cover every inch of the lake every hour. First and foremost, don’t drink and drive – not in a car and not in a boat. It’s not worth it.
There are more houses on the lake now, and more areas of the lake are lit at night with landscape lighting, etc. These can be a distraction, and boat lights blend with the background lighting on the bank. Make sure that the boat is lit properly with red and green bow colors in the proper locations with the anchor light at the stern set at a proper height. Additional lighting along the rubrail of the boat also could be a plus. Once again, I’ve found that I have to really slow down at night to give my eyes time to adjust to the surroundings and changing light scattered around the lake. Running too fast can make another boat’s lights blend even more with background lights on the bank and lead to catastrophic collisions. Once again, it’s not worth it. Call me old fashioned, but when fishing busy lakes in daytime or at night, it’s best to take my time and keep my head on a swivel. All this being considered, I still really enjoy fishing Lake Martin in the summer. Some people choose not to fish this time of year because of the traffic, but it’s important to keep fishing. The lake is a multi-use lake, and anglers need to continue to have a presence. The fish have adapted to the boat traffic and actually use the disturbance as an opportunity to feed on baitfish that have been disoriented. The fishing is actually really good offshore. As with any time on the water, watch out for others, and hopefully, others will watch out as well. Then we can all enjoy this incredible body of water we call Lake Martin year round. Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.
JUNE 2021
LAKE 85
We invite you to live a luxurious golf lifestyle at The Yards, our newest community at National Village The Yards, a must-see collection of 21 cottages, is now open at National Village along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Auburn-Opelika, Alabama. You will fall in love with these new construction homes within a controlled access neighborhood with sidewalks and community gardens designed by WAS. The home plans for the cottages are designed by national award winner Larry Garnett and feature inviting porches. Best of all, The Yards is adjacent to the Marriott at Grand National and all of the resort amenities including spa, pickle ball, tennis, and pool. Schedule a tour by calling 334.749.8165 or visit NationalVillage.com.
TO LEARN MORE VISIT NATIONALVILLAGE.COM OR CALL 334.749.8165
Golf Pro's Dad helps him in game and life
I
hope everyone is enjoying the entry of my level and looked me in the eyes. spring and the wonderful weather condi“I don’t know much about this game, but tions delivered to us daily. It is also my I do know it is a gentleman’s game,” he said. hope that each of you took the time to share “If I ever see you act this way again I will take an expression of love on Mother’s Day. Being your clubs, and you can find something else to a good parent is one of the most important do with your time.” Thanks, Dad. jobs in the world. I have always wanted to be Now, my passion for the game began to rub remembered not for my personal and profesoff on my Dad. He started by hitting a few sional contributions but more for the living balls with me at the range, but his love for the legacy embodied in the two beautiful children game began to blossom quickly. He bought a I helped raise. As we prepare to honor another set of clubs and made golfing buddies at the parent on Father’s Day, I remember a few lesmunicipal course. It became a beautiful part of sons my father passed along to me as I grew his life until the end. up in golf. I was with him the one and only day that he THE SCRAMBLE As I turned my focus away from baseball managed to shoot under par. Everything went BY ROB WITHERINGTON his way that day. He chipped in twice from to a focus on golf, my father continued to support me in every way. He didn’t play the game off the green. He made several long 40- and initially, but he watched the other teenaged 60-foot putts. He struck the ball well from tee players and listened to all the advice the golf coaches had to to green all day. It was such a joy to witness this miracle impart. He came to watch me tee off in my first match and round of golf by his side. had some feedback for me the next day. I swing and play as When I returned home, he was asleep on the couch with fast as I talk, which he noticed. the Braves game playing on the television. I stepped quietly “If you could hit the ball with your backswing, you past him and entered the kitchen where Mom was preparwould be as good a golfer as the other kids,” he told me. ing dinner. I asked her if she could believe what happened, In every golf swing, the club should accelerate into and and she had no idea what I was talking about. Dad hadn’t through the hitting area. My father’s single comment made bragged at all to her about his wonderful day. I would have me realize that I needed to adjust the tempo of my swing. been running off at the mouth to anyone who would have Today, I think slow ‘molasses’ on my take-away and accellistened. His lesson to be humble really rang true to me that erate ‘meteor’ through impact and follow through. These day. Thanks, Dad. are simple swing keys that continue to make a difference Right before he passed away, his last piece of advice to for me even today. Thanks, Dad. me was simple. He continued to support me and watched all that I was “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Just have fun doing during my matches. He saw that I was teeing off with because it is just a game,” he said. Thanks, Dad. a 3-wood and questioned why I wasn’t hitting my 1-wood My father was my personal hero, and I miss him so like the other kids. I told him I had trouble hitting my driver much. He was a simple man with simple advice, and I and felt better hitting my 3-wood. He told me that being so loved him for it. Maybe his advice will help you, too, but small I was already at a disadvantage to the others. remember that your local PGA professional, “Gabby,” is “You need to learn how to hit the 1-wood,” he told me. here if you need me. I took his advice, and my scores improved. In another Happy Father’s Day and good golfing. match, he saw me hit a bad tee shot on the first hole into the woods. My reaction was to yell and scream as I continuRob “Gabby” Witherington is the PGA professional at ously slammed my driver into the ground. His reaction was Stillwaters Golf Club in Dadeville. Contact him by email at immediate on this one. He approached me, knelt down to robwitherington@gmail.com. JUNE 2021
LAKE 87
Legend
63
22
280
To Sylacauga
24
Alexander City
Public Boat Ramps 20
9
Churches
4
Camp ASCCA
11 Flint Hill Church
Camps & Parks 280
Power lines U.S. Highways
3
22
County Roads Piney Woods Landing
Wind Creek State Park
Pleasant Grove Church
11
COOSA COUNTY
Alex City Boat Ramp
Mt. Zion Church
259 9
10
128
Russell Farms Baptist Church 63
D.A.R.E. Park Landing
Friendship Church
18 20
New Hope Church
Liberty Church
16 Willow Point
24
7
12
Equality
Paces Point Boat Ramp
63
Camp Alamisco
13
Kowaliga Boat Landing
23 The Ridge
55
5
Seman
Camp Kiwanis
1 14
Church in The Pines
25
2
The Amp Ko w
ali
19 80
9
Central
ga
Ba
y
28 90
Union
ELMORE COUNTY Union Church
Red Hill 63
229
Eclectic
Tallassee
21 Kent
88 LAKE
Union Landing
Children’s Harbor
Trillium
34
JUNE 2021
Timbergut Landing
Horseshoe Bend National Park
Jaybird Landing
Lake Martin Alabama Marinas
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
49
Jacksons Gap 280
Bethel Church
22
Dadeville
57
280
26 Camp Hill
Smith Landing
Lake Martin Baptist Church 49
6
33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 20 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010
42. Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors 256-397-1700 19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 21 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
52. Real Island Marina 256-397-1200 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026
4. Russell Building Supply 22 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853
63. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
234. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010
2. Parker Creek Marina 7 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026
244. Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com
83. Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600 397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853 www.harborpointe.net
Restaurants & Venues
9
6. SpringHouse 12 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
17 Walnut Hill
50
19 Lake Martin Mini Mall 334.857.3900 7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024
2. Alex City Marine 11 256-215-FISH(3474) 2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Stillwaters
8
22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
10 2. Lakeside Marina at Bay Pines 256-825-0999 3455 Bay Pine Rd., Jackson's Gap, AL 36861
15
Church of the Living Waters
18 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010
2. Lakeside Marina 9 256-825-9286 7361 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
Pleasant Ridge Church
27
50
6. Catherine’s Market 13 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 14 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 15 Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337 5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853
49
Business & Shopping
11. Kowaliga Marina 256-397-1210 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 25 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 . Off the Beaton Path 26 205-994-0847 21322 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853
Churches 27 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853
Dock Builders 28 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25. Contact our Marketing Department at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.
16 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com 17 The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887 8605 AL HWY 50, Dadeville, AL 36853
Reeltown
JUNE 2021
LAKE 89
Lake Magazine Distribution ATTENTION READERS: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic some of our distribution locations have changed. This month, you may pick up the most recent issue of Lake magazine at the following locations.
ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Piggly Wiggly Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine 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 Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance Vision Landscapes North Lake Condo
River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Jim Bob's Chicken Fingers Russell Building Supply Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall Regions Bank Marathon - 280 BB&T Bank Russell Medical Center 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. Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina on Lake Martin Kowaliga Marina Sunsrise Docks Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office Russell Lands Real Estate Sales
Center Springhouse Restaurant Ridge Club Ridge Marina NEW SITE Piggly Wiggly DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Alabama Power Siggers Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library Pearson's Place Flower's & Gifts Dadevile Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Home Plate Cafe Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's Sweet Pickins Century 21, Rhonda Gaskins Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters County Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Shell - 280 Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery
Lakeside Merchantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks CAMP HILL Link Gas Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Mitchell's Upholstery Lake Martin Mini Mall Cozumel Mexican Grill Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Cartering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Hometown Lenders, Inc. Anchor Bay Marina WETUMPKA Wetumpka Herlad Office TALLASSEE Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber OPELIKA Collaboration Station Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $25 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.
lamberthandlamberth.com
256-234-6401 6 Franklin Street • Alexander City
Mon - Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
90 LAKE
JUNE 2021
Lake Martin Business and Service Directory
COACH KRAFT
KOWALIGA WHOLE HEALTH PET CARE
Mary S. Battistella, DVM
e June Special e Rabies Vaccinations
UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery! Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers ■
■
(334) 857-1816
8610 KOWALIGA ROAD ECLECTIC, ALABAMA
Patrick Mason 334-283-6759 676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com
IN-HOME CARE SERVICES
Our goal is to keep our clients as active as possible in their own homes to promote overall health and well being. With our personally tailored care plans, you will receive the individual care you need with the dignity and respect you deserve.
Homemaking... Personal Care... Companionship
Lake Martin innovation Center 175 aLiant Parkway • aLexander City, aL
LAKE
(256) 414-6090
Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin. Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281
MAGAZINE
JUNE 2021
LAKE 91
Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing............................................................. 32
Insight Securities......................................................... 83
Rhonda Jaye, Lake Martin Realty............................. 92
Alabama Power............................................................ 23
Insurance Solutions Group....................................... 22
Russell Lands On Lake Martin..............33, 45, 57, 65
Alex City Guide Service............................................. 8
Kowaliga Whole Health............................................. 91
Russell Marine.............................................................. 96
Alex City Marine......................................................... 64
Lake Martin Dock....................................................... 19
Russell Medical.............................................................. 2
Beyond Home Care................................................... 91
Lake Martin Mortgage................................................ 77
Satterfield........................................................................ 5
Blue Creek Iron Works............................................. 91
Lake Martin Realty................................................39, 44
Security Pest Control.............................................. 6, 8
Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation..........................................8
Lake Martin Signature Construction...................... 29
Singleton Marine......................................................... 75
Coach Kraft Upholstery............................................ 91
Lake Martin TV............................................................ 22
Sparkle........................................................................... 22
Comfort Home Services........................................... 32
Lamberth & Lamberth............................................... 90
St. James Episcopal Church......................................... 6
Custom Docks............................................................. 28
Mark King's Furniture................................................ 20
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church....................... 12
Davco............................................................................. 91
Moore Wealth Management..................................... 95
Sunrise Dock................................................................ 12
Docks Unlimited........................................................... 5
National Village............................................................ 86
Tallapoosa Board of Education................................ 76
Electronic Technology Group................................... 91
Odd Jobs....................................................................... 12
Temple Medical Center............................................... 8
First Methodist Dadeville/New Water Farms........ 8
Oskars............................................................................. 8
TowBoat US................................................................. 64
George Hardy D.M.D................................................... 8
Precise Pressure Washing......................................... 91
UAB Heart & Vascular............................................... 73
Gilbert Welding & Design......................................... 64
Prime Management....................................................... 6
Walmart........................................................................ 91
Harbor Pointe Marina................................................ 28
ProCare, LLC............................................................... 37
Wedowee Marine....................................................... 93
Heritage South Credit Union.................................. 56
Renaissance Electronics............................................... 5
Homeology................................................................... 32
Rhonda Gaskins, Century 21 Lake Area Realty....... 3
92 LAKE
JUNE 2021
JUNE 2021
LAKE 93
Parting Shot
Jack (age 4) and Sydney (age 7) McKinney of Tuscaloosa create a splash as they run through the lake at Wind Creek State Park.
Photo by Kenneth Boone
"The problem with being an adult most of your life is not having been a child long enough." ~ Wyatt Pringle 94 LAKE
JUNE 2021
FRIDAY, JUNE 11TH AND SATURDAY, JUNE 12TH JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING OF RUSSELL MARINE BOATING & OUTDOORS. Tour our all new state-of-the-art 150,000 sq. ft. building featuring the largest selection of new and pre-owned boats, side-by-sides and personal watercraft in the Southeast.
Register to win great prizes including 50” Smart TVs,
Tickets to Eric Church, Hyperlite Surfboard and more! Enjoy Ernie’s famous Hot Dogs for only a dollar! Kids will enjoy the 40 ft. long
inflatable obstacle course and rock climb slide. Take a test ride on
an all-new Can-Am or drive a Can-Am remote control vehicle through the obstacle course. Register to win a chance to unlock the treasure
chest and win prizes. Live music Friday and Saturday from 11AM – 2PM.
25% OFF ALL MERCHANDISE
96 LAKE
RUSSELL MARINE.NET
JUNE 2021
