From the Editor’s Desk Lake Martin Living

You’ll find a healthy dose of passion in this month’s issue of Lake Martin Living magazine, and rightly so, as we have a lot to be passionate about here, from our children to food, freedom, fun and fellowship.

We kick off the summer with a cover story featuring Alexander City’s Glynn Price and the memorabilia collection he has nurtured since he was a teenager. Glynn gave Breanna Manley and Audra Spears a guided tour, and the result on page 32 resembles an Antiques Roadshow excursion as Glynn tells us what he looks for and where he finds it.

And since we’re talking summer, let’s talk food. Summer picnics are under way with all of their scrumptious traditional dishes, including barbecued baked beans. My mama used to make the most delicious baked beans, loaded with brown sugar and molasses. My mouth waters just thinking about that bubbling skillet. But I think Gina Abernathy could give her a run for the prize. Gina is nothing if not passionate about good food. Check out the recipe on page 26 and visit the Lake Martin Living Facebook page to let us know your favorite picnic side dish.

Summer shifts into high gear this month and next with all manner of celebrations. The Black Business Council of Alexander City will take the Juneteenth holiday up a notch from last year with a libation ceremony, praise dancing, spoken word and all-day activities at Cooper Rec Center. Get details on page 16; and then, get in the spirit of the event with Afrocentric attire for a lively cultural celebration.

For the 19th year, Marshall Street Church will host the annual concert and fireworks display on the band practice field July 3rd at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City. They’ll bring in some of the top names in Christian music for this show that reminds us of what freedom really means, but that’s just the start. There are lots more Independence Day events throughout the area, from the Blue Creek golf cart parade to Russell Marine’s annual boat parade, Arti Gras and a spectacular show at Lake Martin Amphitheater. Turn to page 28 for dates and times and make your plans now.

Then, read Breanna Manley’s story about Alexander City’s Woman of the Year, Mary Perry, whose passion is bringing the arts to the community. I’ve known Mary for more than a few years now, and it’s truly been an honor to work with her in furthering the arts. Get to know Mary and her mission on page 14.

Perhaps saving the best for last in this issue, we feature plans for the new Imagination Station playground at Charles E. Baily Sportplex. A fundraising campaign is under way to build back the heavenly playground we recently lost to age, so our children will have a safe, clean play place that will help spark their imaginations and develop lifelong habits for physical activity and seeking adventure. Turn to page 18 to learn how you can help.

Share your passion with us, too, on the Lake Martin Living Facebook page. Maybe we’ll write a story about it!

Chairman

Kenneth Boone

General Manager

Tippy Hunter

Editor-in-Chief

Betsy Iler

Creative Services

Audra Spears

Business & Digital Development Director

Angela Mullins

Contributors

Kenneth Boone

Breanna Manley

Lacey Howell

Chip East

Lee Williams

Gina Abernathy

Audra Spears

Cliff Williams

Abigail Murphy

Henry Zimmer

William Marlow

Lizi Arbogast Gwin

George Miranda

Audience Development Director

Erin Burton

Marketing/Advertising Sales

Renee Trice

Craig Howard

Emily Gregg

Sheryl Jennings

Hidey Arrington

Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

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

Betsy Iler, Editor-in-Chief

Alexander City native Glynn Price started collecting old signs and other historic memorabilia early in life and remains passionate about great finds and the friends he’s made in the world of collecting. In this issue, he shares some of his favorite pieces and collecting stories.

by Audra Spears

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Features

14. MARY PERRY

A dedicated advocate for the arts receives the community's highest honor.

16. JUNETEENTH PREVIEW

This year's celebration of freedom includes all-day activities, cultural events and more.

18. A BRAND NEW IMAGINATION STATION

Alexander City Parks & Rec hopes to raise $400,000 for a playground beyond the imagination.

28. CELEBRATE FREEDOM

Make plans now to include some of these annual events in your Independence Day celebrations.

32. COLLECTOR GLYNN PRICE

An Alexander City native spends a lifetime collecting historic memorabilia.

Short Term Rehab

Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

Long Term Skilled Nursing Care