Lake Magazine July 2021

Flying High with Kane Ward Backyard waterpark

FUN ON THE FOURTH

New Chef at Springhouse

JULY 2021

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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!

JULY 2021

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Letter from the Editor

Staff

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he Lake Scenes are among Lake magazine’s most popular pages every month, no matter the season. Readers send more than 200 photos to editor@lakemagazine.life every year. You love sharing snapshots of your lake life almost as much as your fellow readers love seeing them. It’s what the community of Lake Martin is all about.

Leslie Mills shared At Lake magazine, this photo of the we are delighted with water park our role as the chronicler of the Lake Martin community. We love your spectacular sunsets, your fishing trophies; wake tricks and moments in the hammock after a day on the water. We love the flags blowing in the breeze of a pontoon underway, watching the kids leap from the dock and the romantic photos of your wine glasses on the deck rails. We love being included in these documentaries of your lake memories every time we find a photo in our mailbox.

But once in a while, when we download a photo someone has sent, we just have to know more – and so do you.

That absolutely was the case last October when I opened an email from Leslie Mills of Parker Creek. She sent a picture of a beautiful sunset showing that last golden light of a fall day at Lake Martin as it danced across the water. And in that magnificent glow, I saw the unmistakable silhouettes of a giant pink flamingo, a wild sea serpent and the whimsical crest of an oversized peacock floating on the glassy lake.

“It’s always a sad day when we have to put away the inflatable water park at the lake,” Leslie wrote.

There was simply no way I could pass that up.

Leslie and I made a plan, and last month, after the Mills family and their friends spent countless hours blowing up their daughters’ water park playground on the lake, we made a visit.

Check out this unique approach to lake fun on page 68.

The Mills’ water park is just one of the many ways to live life fun at Lake Martin. Another is getting behind the boat. That’s something 10-year-old professional wakeboarder Kane Ward does almost every day near his home in Cullman, Alabama, but last month, Kane spent a week at Lake Martin. We got to sit in the boat while this World champion took a warm-up spin.

Kane has been wakeboarding since the age of 2, so his muscle memory is finely tuned to “flips and turns and poking things out,” as he calls it in the article on page 34. Hanging in the air with 8 feet or more between his board and the water, Kane packs multiple moves into each jump between the wakes. He’s fast and fluid, and you’ve never seen anything like him.

So, of course, we had to tell you that story, too.

July is the middle of summer at Lake Martin. It’s fireworks and picnics on the islands, landing new tricks behind the boat, celebrating sunsets, making your own fun and sharing it with the Lake community, where the fun goes viral.

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 ERIC REUTEBUCH CLIFF WILLIAMS SIRI HEDREEN JACOB HOLMES DARIUS GOODMAN

JAKE ARTHUR AUDRA SPEARS PETE MCKENNY HENRY FOY JEFF SHEARER JOHN COLEY JERRY KING JAMIE MARTIN

ROB WITHERINGTON LONNA UPTON

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Betsy Iler, Editor 4 LAKE

JULY 2021

P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281

On the Cover

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Lake Martin glows with the vibrant light of the Russell Lands fireworks finale at Lake Martin Amphitheatre. This year's event on July 4 includes a concert featuring The Bank Walkers and Sweet Tea Trio. Celebrate July 4 with a host of activities at the lake, including the Russell Marine Boat Parade and the Blue Creek golf cart parade. See page 14 for more July 4 fun.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

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Serving Lake Martin Since 1997 docksunlimitedllc.com | 256-203-8400

Stationary and Floating Docks | Pile Driving Seawalls | Boat Lifts | Boat Houses

JULY 2021

LAKE 5

(256) 234-6366

V (256) 487-0308

(256) 825-9244

We Touch the Lives of the People You Love

Assisted Living & SCALF Short Term Rehab

(256) 839-6711

(334) 864-8854 6 LAKE

Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Long Term Skilled Nursing Care JULY 2021

Contents 24. CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE This year's celebration at the lake includes an art show, concerts, parades and fireworks all weekend long 28. WIPEOUT CONTEST Send us your most spectacular fail behind the boat, and you could hold the title for this year

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34. FLIPS AND TURNS Meet Kane Ward, the 10-year-old wakeboarder who will blow your mind with his moves behind the boat 30. COOKING IT UP A new executive chef at SpringHouse, a promotion for Chris Doggett and an apprenticeship program 42. BUILDING BEAUTY Some of the lake area's most breathtaking homes are the work of this husband-and-wife building team 46. ARTISTIC ABODE Ralph and Allyn Frohsin built a home that reflects their love of art, Lake Martin and roses 62. JAZZ FEST REVIEW This year's Jazz Fest concerts brought six great bands to downtown Alexander and Lake Martin Amphitheater 64. CHEER REUNION After 50 years, the JDHS cheerleaders gather at the lake to honor their friend and coach 68. WET, WILD WATER PARK The Mills family creates their own lakefront fun each year with an inflatable water park

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

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9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 14. CALENDAR OF EVENTS 20. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 58. NATURE OF THE LAKE 72. LAKE PROPERTY 75. LAKE WATCH

77. FAB FINDS 78. HEALTHY LIVING 80. CHEF'S TABLE 82. FROM THE CELLAR 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.

JULY 2021

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Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry

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

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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

JULY 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

44 32 34

$714,902 $653,337 $508,294

$657,025 $515,000 $384,950

86 114 196

64 305 382

May 2021 May 2018 May 2015

Inventory/ sales ratio 1.50 11.12 15.03

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).

Prepare to get lost if you want to be found quickly Newcomers to Lake Martin learn quickly that it's easy to get lost among the lake's many sloughs and islands. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers these tips that can potentially speed a rescuer’s response to a boater in need of emergency help. n File a float plan: Telling a responsible family member or friend, leaving a note on your vehicle’s dashboard at the launch ramp or using a smart phone float plan app, are great ways to allow someone else to trigger the alarm if you fail to return by an appointed time. n Have a VHF radio aboard – but not just any old VHF radio: All VHF radios are not alike. One of the best ways to speed an on-water rescue is to have a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radio aboard. A DSC-VHF radio does all of the things a regular VHF does, but it also has a unique pressone-button mayday feature that gives rescuers your vessel’s location – taking the “search” out of search and rescue. The

newest waterproof handheld DSC-VHF radios are great for small boats. n Label your SUP, canoe or kayak: Adding contact information on the inside of your paddlecraft with a waterproof marker could mean less time first responders need to spend chasing down false alarms. This frees up valuable resources when time really counts. And let’s face it, another benefit is that you may get your paddlecraft back after it blows down the lake. It’s also a good idea to let authorities know if your paddlecraft has gone missing. n Do not leave shore without a fully charged phone. Many boaters put all their safety eggs in one basket and rely solely on a cellphone to call for help. Cellphone batteries generally don’t do well after a long day of running apps, listening to music, texting and taking photos. And for many phones, water is the enemy. Consider keeping your phone in a waterproof pouch or case.

Weather Outlook for July July 2021 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the low 90s with average lows in the upper 60s and more than 5 inches of precipitation in the month of July.The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be in the normal range, and rainfall averages will be above the normal range this month.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 18.59 inches Avg. high temp.: 67.9 Avg. low temp.: 43.6 Avg. temp.: 55.8

Our Normal July Precipitation: 5.21 inches Avg. high temp.: 91.2 Avg. low temp.: 69.7 Avg. temp.: 80.5

Information from the National Weather Service.

JULY 2021

Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.56 Lowest: 490.12 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.

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Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Liz Middlebrooks sports her out-of-school purple hair at the lake. (2) Kyle Thornton's photo of the lighthouse looks like a painting. (3) Willa Grace smiles for the camera while Margaret is intent on catching a big one. (4) Lauren Wellington's Zoe is all set for a day at the lake. (5) Lilly James Martin catches a few rays on a Sunday afternoon near Anchor Bay. (6) Ann Margaret and Ella Kate Griffin test their 'goat skills' on the ramp at Goat Island.

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JULY 2021

Lake Scene n People & Places 1

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Amanda Sims shared this beaufiul sunrise taken at 5:40 a.m. over the lake. (2) Reggie McClendon enjoys pedaling the kayak around the Little Kowaliga Creek area of Lake Martin. (3) A Sunday afternoon Lake Martin traffic jam. (4) Sweet cousins, Evie Kate Platt and Emma Nolen, love boating on Lake Martin. (5) John Neighbors caught this 11-pound carp off the pier on June 1. (6) Ella Kate Griffin practices her mermaid float at Lake Martin.(7) Steve Norris drove through a tunnel under the rainbow at Wind Creek State Park's north picnic area.

JULY 2021

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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

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JULY 2021

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

JULY 2021

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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. Email info@ZazusVerandah or call 256-307-2188 for more information.

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 each and can be purchased through the website. For more information, visit pursellfarms.com.

July 3 Fireworks in Gold Star Park

Now through July 30 Moonlight Fishing Tournament

This nighttime fishing tournament launches at 6:30 p.m. from the DARE Park boat ramp. 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.

Weigh-ins start at 12:30 a.m.

Register and find details at ogstournaments.org.

Costumes create an atmosphere of fun at the annual Lions Club Charity Poker Run

July 1 Music on the Square

Wind Creek Casino in Wetumpka will sponsor the annual 4th of July fireworks at Gold Star Park at 8:30 p.m. Live entertainment will be provided by Slim and the Soulful Saints. There will be kids’ toys by Irma, face painting and Glow Cotton Candy

by Sweet Cheeks and Treats.

Food by Drive-by Tacos and Smokeshack BBQ will be available, and Snobiz treats will be for sale at the event.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and picnics. Dogs must be on a leash.

July 4 Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade

Come out to the beautiful Come out to Kowaliga CALENDAR OF EVENTS Square in downtown Dadeville for this much-anticipated from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. to lisannual event, Russell Marine’s WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN ten to the music, get a bite to patriotic boat parade from eat and socialize with friends Kowaliga Marina to the old and new. Bring a lawn Children’s Harbor lighthouse. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. chair. Visit the Zazu’s Verandah Facebook page for details.

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 July 2-3 yet, register to enter at russellmarine.net/events.

10th Annual Arti Gras This two-day juried event on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads features local artisans from the Lake Martin area July 4 and beyond exhibiting original works in jewelry, reclaimed July 4th Concert wood décor, paintings, pottery, metalwork, photography, & Fireworks candles, soaps, textile art and more.

Russell Lands hosts this spectacular fireworks display at

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.

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Lake Martin Amphitheater in celebration of America's independence. The Bank Walkers from Lake Martin will kick off the night at 6:30 p.m., followed by Sweet Tea Trio, who will play before and after the fireworks, so bring a lawn chair and get a seat inside the gates. Tickets are $10. Get yours now at theamponlakemartine.com.

JULY 2021

July 6 & 8 Plaza Suite Auditions

Alexander City Theatre II will hold open auditions for the classic comedy, Plaza Suite by Neil Simon, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the ACT II workspace at 216 Tallapoosa St., Alexander City. This hilarious three-act play features three couples that occupy Suite 719 at New York’s Plaza Hotel on three separate occasions. Parts are available for five women and seven men. Visit actheatre2.com for more information or email actheatreii@gmail.com to arrange an audition at another time.

July 11 Pennington Park Farmer’s Marketplace

Pick up fresh local produce at Dadeville’s Pennington Park from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be live music, food trucks, baked goods and more.

July 17 Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run

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.

July 19 Driving and Docking Clinic

Boost your boating confidence and learn to safely and properly operate and dock your boat at Blue Creek Marina.

Staff will offer instruction, demonstration and coaching at Singleton Marine’s free clinics for sterndrives at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Call Liz Nowling at 256-825-8888 to reserve your spot.

July 19-20 Throw-Away Days

Dumpsters will be available at the Stillwaters entrance and at Double Bridges on state Route 63 at no charge to residents for the disposal of household items. No paint, paint thinner, pesticides or other hazardous liquids, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or other hazardous or medical waste. This cleanup program is sponsored by the Tallapoosa County Commission.

July 21-22 Throw-Away Days

Dumpsters will be available at the intersection of Young’s Ferry and Mullican and at the intersection of Piedmont Loop and U.S. Route 280 at no charge to residents for the disposal of household items. No paint, paint thinner, pesticides or other hazardous liquids, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or other hazardous or medical waste. This cleanup program is sponsored by the Tallapoosa County Commission.

July 23-25 Throw-Away Days

Dumpsters will be available at the Alexander City Courthouse Annex at 395 Lee St. at no charge to residents for the disposal of household items. No paint, paint thinner, pesticides or other hazardous liquids, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or other hazardous or medical waste. This cleanup program is sponsored by the Tallapoosa County Commission.

July 25 Pennington Park Farmer’s Marketplace

Pick up fresh local produce at Dadeville’s Pennington Park from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be live music, food trucks, baked goods and more.

July 26 Driving and Docking Clinic

Singleton Marine will host free clinics for towboats at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Call Liz Nowling at 256-825-8888 to reserve your spot.

Aug. 3 Summer Series: Allie Gilmore

Artist Allie Gilmore will offer this one-day beginner level workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tallapoosa School of Art to introduce abstract painting in oils. Tuition is $150 and includes supplies, lunch, coffee, tea, bottled water and snacks.

Email dorothylittleton@gmail.com for registration and information.

Aug. 7 How to Eat Without Meat

Wrap up your summer at Lake Martin with a class that explores different plant-based cooking recipes from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with Chef Joe at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga.

Discussion topics will include building a flavorful pantry of condiments, stocks and sauces to expand your repertoire and using spices, ingredients that add bold yet lean flavors to your cooking, healthy fats and the Mediterranean diet and even options to please picky eaters. The cost of this class is $40.

Tickets are available through pursellfarms.com.

Aug. 9 Driving and Docking Clinic

Singleton Marine will host free clinics for sterndrives at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Call Liz Nowling at 256-825-8888 to reserve your spot.

Aug. 13 Inaugural Chamber Golf Tournament

Visit the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce website for coming details about the chamber’s inaugural golf tournament at Lakewinds Golf Course, sponsored by Engineered Cooling Services and Valley Bank.

JULY 2021

LAKE 15

Season-long Events

discounted group tour or private tours, call 256-329-8474 or email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail.com.

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 handcrafted 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

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. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and the pup on a leash. Pick up dinner at Catherine’s Market or bring a picnic and adult beverages. For the weekly lineup and details, visit russelllands.com/blog/events.

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

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

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 K&K Dodge, the 1970 Grand National Champion, as well as Aero cars designed for NASCAR. You will see an example of each manufacturer’s highest horsepower cars of 1970, from Dodge, Plymouth, Chevrolet, Buick, Porsche and Oldsmobile. 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. To arrange 16 LAKE

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. For details and more information, visit crank4bank.com.

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.

Charity Bingo

Every Tuesday in September, stop in at Niffer’s at the Lake at 6 p.m. for eight rounds of Bingo to benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way. Cards are $1 each. The first seven rounds pay Niffer’s dollars, but the last round pays a cash jackpot.

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 July 11 and 25 and Aug. 8 and 22. Visit stjamesalexcity.com for more information.

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 Ourtown Volunteer Fire Department at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289.

In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the 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.

JULY 2021

Lake Martin Creativity

Anyone interested in art, crafts and hobbies is encouraged to come to and participate in the weekly activities from May 12 to Sept. 27 to learn from each other and make new friends with others who share the same interests. Bring your own water and share what you are currently working on. For more information, contact Suzie Ham at 334-464-2882 or Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

Library Storytimes

Storytime for children aged 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children. Call Melissa Finley at 256-234-4644 for more information.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

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

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus.

Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by show-and-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

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.

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on state Route 9 in Equality. Visit the Equality Performing Arts Center Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming artists.

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.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

Amateur Radio Club

The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City, with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Contact Michael Courtney at 256-825-7766 or Mike Smith at 256-750-5710 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 JULY 2021

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94 Driftwood Rd $399,000

This adorable 3BR 2.5BA cabin sits on a 3+/- acre lot in the tree tops overlooking Lake Martin, taking in gorgeous scenery and views while enjoying the feel of being in the mountains! Hardwood floors throughout, loft above the main living area, kitchen and living room with fireplace on the main and additional living room on the bottom level. Step outside onto your huge private back deck and enjoy the breathtaking views. All of this with access to Lake Martin! Call today for your private showing!

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Lake Martin News Learn to fish with Go Fish, Alabama!

enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com. ~ Staff report

Alexander City expansions enhance lake life

The Go Fish, Alabama! program is open to those new to the sport

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division has developed a beginner fishing course for those new to the sport.

WFF’s Go Fish, Alabama! program provides adults and families with little-to-no fishing experience an opportunity to fish under the guidance of a skilled fishing mentor. The program is for anyone interested in learning how to fish, socializing outdoors, putting fish on the dinner table or simply enjoying the thrill of the catch. Each event is conducted in a safe, welcoming and constructive environment.

“The goal of the program is to highlight the benefits of spending time outdoors while learning about conservation, including the importance of purchasing a fishing license,” said Justin Grider, WFF’s R3 Coordinator (Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation). “When you purchase a hunting, fishing or Wildlife Heritage license, all of those funds are reinvested in conservation efforts throughout the state.

Fisheries and wildlife management, habitat restoration, land conservation, public access to outdoor recreation and state conservation enforcement officers are just some of the ways your license dollars make Alabama one of the best places in the country to fish or hunt.”

During the events, all the necessary bait, equipment and tackle are provided; however, participants should bring a cooler in which to take home their catches. The events take place at state public fishing lakes, state parks lakes, city lakes and other fishing destinations throughout the state.

For select events, a $10 registration fee may apply. Online registration is required to attend.

In addition to learning the basics of fishing, including how to clean and prepare a catch for the dinner table, the program helps participants deepen their connections with Southern traditions.

To view the current Go Fish, Alabama! schedule or to register for an event, visit www.outdooralabama.com/ GoFishAlabama.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and 20 LAKE

Russell Lands on Lake Martin is accessed via state Route 63 from the north and the south. This state highway intersects with U.S. Route 280 in Alexander City. Anyone coming to Russell Lands from Birmingham or Georgia will come through Alexander City.

Important additions to the services, shopping, medical facilities, schools and houses of worship recently have been made or are planned in Alexander City. It is the main community where Russell Lands lakegoers live, shop, worship and visit the doctor.

For decades, Alexander City has been a wonderful small Southern city with a relaxed way of life. People who live here know each other and have a strong sense of community. Having Lake Martin and the growing lake community has provided economic stimulus to the city, and new lake residents, in turn, require additional services. The result is an economic revival that benefits the city and the lake while maintaining a sense of community we love. n New Municipal Complex When a Fortune 500 textile business relocated their corporate headquarters out of state, a beautiful office building and acreage became available. With careful planning, the City of Alexander City acquired the property and engaged in a renovation project that resulted in a municipal complex that is the envy of every city in the state, if not the South. n Expansion of Russell Medical The community already was proud of Alexander City’s five-star-rated hospital and cancer center. The recent announcement of the addition of the Benjamin Russell Center for Advanced Care will be a huge benefit to the community. With the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, the timing is ideal. This facility will provide medical care for those of advanced age. On the same campus as the Advanced Care Center, there will be cottages for residents seeking proximity to geriatric care, as well as an assisted living facility. n Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors Russell Marine is a leader in the marine business in Alabama. With four state-of-the-art marinas on Lake Martin, the marine company got better with the recent opening of the new Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors facility on U.S. Route 280 in Alexander City. This facility is a 150,000-square-foot showroom for both new and used boats, pro shop for wake boarders, service center and sales location for Can-Am off-road vehicles. n Shopping and Dining Not quite as essential as medical services, but important to the quality of life, are dining and shopping opportunities. Restaurant and retail developers have taken note of

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the lake traffic that comes through the town on the way to state Route 63 and Russell Lands on Lake Martin.

Announcements for restaurants already in the pipeline include Wharf Casual Seafood and Chick-fil-A, among others.

A new shopping center, anchored by Publix, received a key approval by the Alexander City City Council last month. This new shopping center will be located at the key intersection of U.S. Route 280 and state Route 63. In addition to Publix, the developer will have space for a national retail store, space for other shops and out parcels for restaurants and free-standing businesses. n Lakefront Annexation Russell Lands’ next large community, The Heritage, will be accessed by state Route 63, and the corporation sought to have the property annexed by the City of Alexander City.

This is an unusual request, as Russell Lands’ property that comprises The Heritage (1,510 acres) is not contiguous to the city. This request required the approval of the city and an act of the Alabama State Legislature. Both the city and the State gave overwhelming approval. ~ excerpt from Russell Lands newsletter June 3, 2021

Coach Pearl hosts 8th Annual Fore the Children Golf Event

Addressing the 124 golfers at his eighth annual Fore the Children Golf Classic, Bruce Pearl asked for a show of hands from previous participants.

Nearly everyone raised a hand.

Sold out each year since its beginning in 2014, the event benefits Children’s Harbor, which provides no-cost services to children and families.

“Families and kids affected by all kinds of different health issues, they get to come to beautiful Lake Martin and go to camp, and they don’t have to pay anything,” Pearl told the golfers assembled last month at Willow Point Golf and Country Club. “It’s our way of encouraging them.”

With sponsor support from Russell Lands, Alabama Power, Alfa Insurance, BBVA Compass, Triad Rx, Chickfil-A, Coca Cola Bottling and Premium Beverage, Fore the Children has raised approximately $1.5 million in eight years.

“We couldn’t do it without a sold-out event,” Pearl said. “I’ve got a great staff: Chad Prewett, Johnny Kincey, Tammy Jackson and my wife, Brandy. That’s our foundation team. There’s no expense so every dime that goes in, it

Fore the Children has raised $1.5 million for Children's Harbor in eight years

goes back out.”

Fore the Children’s success, Pearl said, is an example of the teamwork culture he’s instilled in seven seasons leading Auburn’s men’s basketball program.

“From the bottom of my heart, I am extremely grateful for the support, and I go to work every single day to try to reward the people of Auburn for bringing me here.” ~ Jeff Shearer

Dadeville resident drowns

The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department last month investigated an apparent drowning at DARE Park.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said deputies responded to DARE Park in reference to a possible drowning at approximately 3:23 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15.

“Upon arriving, the victim was located and pulled from the water where first responders administered CPR,” Abbett said. “The victim was transported to Lake Martin Community Hospital where he later died.”

Abbett identified the victim as Kentravious Moon, 22, of Dadeville.

Moon was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science to determine the cause of death. Abbett said the incident is still under investigation. ~ Cliff Williams

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

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CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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Last year, COVID-19 curtailed many Lake Martin holiday celebrations, from Easter to Christmas and everything in between, including a number of the signature July 4 events that, for many, define a summer at the lake. Fortunately, most of those events are back on the calendar this year, and the weekend of the 4th is gearing up to be one of the most memorable yet.

Start the holiday weekend on Thursday, July 1, with Russell Craig on the Strand Sessions stage at Strand Park in Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring a cooler or stop in at one of the downtown restaurants for dinner and a cold beverage to enjoy under the shade in the park. Bring lawn chairs, blankets for the grass and the pup on a leash. The kids love to roll down the hill in the park while their parents visit and listen to the music.

At the lake, the Smoke and Mirrors Duo with

Todd Gantt will play at Chuck’s Marina on Thursday, so arrive early to get a table.

And on the courthouse square in Dadeville, Tina Marie and Friends will play at Zazu’s Verandah from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy a glass of wine; visit with friends; and stroll around the square.

Rise early on Friday, July 2, and visit the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads at 8 a.m. to meet Russell Lands Naturalist Marianne Hudson, who will discuss a variety of animals that can be seen in Russell Forest, as well as the roles they play in the balance of nature. Learn what they eat, how they live and some of the myths that surround them. Hudson will be in her cabin from 8 a.m. until noon on Friday and Saturday.

After getting a dose of Lake Martin nature, browse the Arti Gras tents to see how the beauty of Lake Martin inspires local artists at one of the area’s most popular juried art shows. The 10th

Sweet Tea Trio will headline the July 4 concert at the AMP on July 4

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annual Arti Gras event will feature more than 60 artisans from around the Southeast. All of the display items are handmade, from jewelry to paintings, pottery, woodwork, textile art, furniture, soaps and lotions and more. The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday and Saturday of the holiday weekend.

Then, gather with friends and family for good food and great music all around the lake all weekend long.

John Bull and Ed Picket will play at Friday on the Green at Russell Crossroads from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring a cooler and a picnic or pick up a bottle of wine and dinner at Catherine’s Market across the street.

Set out your lawn chairs and spread a blanket on the plush grass. Bug spray is complimentary, and your pup is a welcome guest on a leash.

Smoke and Mirrors will play at The Social at Lake Martin on Friday night. On Saturday, The Social will host Smith and Buck.

Start your Saturday with a cool vibe and meet for yoga at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads with

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your mat and a bottle of water at 7 a.m. before taking another day to peruse the art under the big tents at Arti Gras. Maybe you could talk yourself into buying that piece you admired yesterday – if it’s still there.

At Chuck’s Marina, Shades of Gray will be the featured entertainment Saturday night. A Southern rock band with a diverse style, these guys are a local favorite.

Sunday, July 4, of course, is the big celebration. The day starts with the Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade at 10:30 a.m. If you want to enter your decorated boat, you can register for free up until 10 a.m. at Kowaliga Marina. There will be gift certificate prizes for best overall boat and crew and other categories, which include tallest flag, largest flag, most patriotic crew and most creative theme. Spectator boats line the parade route to Children’s Harbor or bring lawn chairs and line the banks to cheer on their favorite entries.

Slip over to The Social after the boat parade for the mullet contest and a day of lakeside music. Bama

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Breeze will play the morning set, and Ben Sutton will be on stage in the afternoon.

Or meet up on Ponder Road for the annual Blue Creek Parade of decorated golf carts, trailers and open vehicles. Participants throw candy and other goodies to spectators along the route as they make their way to Niffer’s. This annual parade starts at 11 a.m.

There is much to celebrate as we are all allowed to gather again, and this year’s annual concert and fireworks at The AMP could be one of the best ever.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m., so come early to claim your spot on the grass. Tickets for this concert and the incredible fireworks display are $10. Starting the show will be Alexander City’s own The Bank Walkers. Alabama’s Sweet Tea Trio will play before and after the fireworks, which start at 9 p.m.

It’s a full slate of fun at the lake this holiday weekend, so celebrate safely and have fun.

Arti Gras will feature the works of 60 artists from across the Southeast

Hundreds of boats turn out to watch the Russell Marine Boat Parade every July 4th

The show at the AMP is reputed to be one of the most spectacular in the Southeast

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A wipeout behind the boat is best when it’s shared, and Lake magazine wants to share your best Lake Martin fails with our second annual summer Wipeout Contest. Visit lakemagazine.life to view the photos.

We’ll feature some more of our favorites in the August issue of Lake. Deadline for photos is Aug. 16. Send your entries to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. View and vote for your favorites on the Lake magazine Facebook page Aug. 17-23. Winners will be published in our September issue.

Clockwise from top: George Ehrhardt sent his 22-yearold nephew, Keith Clayton, airborn behind the boat; James Rice creates a ploom of water after falling from his wakeboard; Jaxon and Jarrett Jones from League City, Texas, got into the action at Lake Martin.

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Lake Martin diners will see a familiar face in the SpringHouse kitchen this summer, as former Willow Point Chef de Cuisine Pete McKenny was named executive chef at the premier hilltop restaurant Memorial Day weekend.

As chef de cuisine in charge of Willow Point’s Camellia Room 12 years ago, McKenny honed the classical training of his career-start in Ohio. He ventured to Washington state after that, and opened a food truck there, as well as holding the position of chef de cuisine at a mountaintop resort. From Washington, he moved to Winslow, Arizona, joining a Ford resort there as well. He was chef de cuisine at a Vermont resort when Chris Doggett, the new corporate director of food and beverage for Russell Lands, invited him to take the position at SpringHouse.

McKenny’s early training at a Mobil (nor Forbes) four-star restaurant in Ohio focused on French cuisine. When the restaurant owner sent him to Portugal for an internship, McKenny caught the industry travel bug.

“The more you see, the more you know,” he said.

He moved to Willow Point and worked under thenExecutive Chef Doggett there because he had never been to the South and wanted to see the country and find out what Southern hospitality was all about.

“In Arizona, I adapted French sides and sauces with Southwestern cuisine and the native influence. There were spicy peppers and chiles, and having access to them was very interesting. In Vermont, it was the maple,” he said. “There were different techniques of cooking, developing a flavor profile and manipulating the food with the ingredients

that were available. In Washington, we foraged for morales mushrooms; here, it’s chanterelles.”

While his mission will be to build on what former Executive Chef and General Manager Rob McDaniel built at SpringHouse, McKenny said he looks forward to sharing the influences of his experience.

“We’ll keep the vegetable plate. Those ingredients are just coming into full season, and I am excited about going to the market to see what’s available.

These vegetables are nothing like what you find in the grocery store. They are all certified organic, cultivated by hand,” he said. “But we’ll also do some things in a different style, like a machaca – a breakfast dish with Southwest flavors.

“Take the fried quail recipe in this month’s Lake magazine (see page 80). It can be made with a spiced maple glaze and served with fried Brussels sprouts, but we’ll also do it sometimes with a bourbon glaze.

The vegetable plate is among the most popular dishes at SpringHouse

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Cooking it up

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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The fried quail could be an appetizer or on a salad or used as the start of another dish.”

McKenny said he chose cooking as his future because it didn’t feel like work and he loved the mindset of experimenting.

When he’s not in the kitchen, McKenny loves dogs and being outdoors – hiking, bike riding, gardening and kayaking.

Doggett, now in the recently created position as corporate director of food and beverage for Russell Lands, will oversee operations at all Russell Lands restaurant locations, including an upcoming casual dinner at Russell Crossroads and two new ventures that will be par to The Heritage development. After 14 years as executive chef at Willow Point, Doggett said he looks forward to building on Russell Lands’ tradition of excellence and helping to take the company’s dining experiences to the next level, where the Lake Martin area will compete with other top resorts.

“Resort properties are what we’re chasing right now,” Doggett said.

His initial efforts will be aimed at restaurant staffing, which is a nationwide issue in the wake of COVID-19. To develop qualified chefs, Russell Lands will launch an American Culinary Federation apprenticeship program.

“People will be able to come here, learn from our chefs and get paid while they are learning,” he explained. “The program offers different levels of education – a six-month, two-year or three-year certification. There will be online classes, but most of it is hands-on work.”

The two-year program will train to the level of certified culinarian; the three-year program certifies apprentices as sous chefs. Similar apprenticeship programs are available at Jefferson State Community College and in Mobile.

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“We want a pipeline of young skilled cooks coming through our restaurants,” Doggett said.

“Apprenticeship has always been an active part of the culinary world, and with a resurgence in vocational training, this is one of the ways of dealing with staff shortages.”

Any high school graduate or anyone seeking a second career is eligible. Anyone interested in the apprenticeship program is encouraged to contact Doggett at cdoggett@ russelllands.com or Director of Food fill out an application and Beverage at ACFchefs.org to for Russell Lands, register.

Chris Doggett “We will interview will launch an them, and if they are apprenticeship accepted in the proprogram gram, they will rotate for anyone through all of our who is interested restaurants. Russell in learning Lands is growing to be a chef so quickly now, and through this program we are preparing for our future needs. We can offer a free education for people who are getting paid while they are learning.”

While staffing will be his primary concern in the new position, Doggett said he also would work on streamlining inventory and increasing purchasing power between the corporation’s restaurants.

“Each entity has it’s own unique identity, and we’re not going to dictate to each identity; that needs to be tailored to each location, but we can improve communications between department heads and facilities and create efficiencies to inventory and purchasing,” he said.

Doggett gained his initial culinary education at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina, and worked in Texas prior to joining Russell Lands at Willow Point in 2007.

“We were able to build a good, long-lasting team at Willow Point, and I miss being around them as much as I used to be. But they are in the very capable hands of my former sous chef now,” he said.

Michael Celmar has taken the lead as executive chef at Willow Point. Celmar joined the staff there in 2009.

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“Find Your Own Slice of Paradise on Lake Martin at Chuck’s Marina” Stay updated by visiting our Facebook Page.

Family Owned & Operated.

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Chuckwalla’s Pizza 256-825-7733 Chuck’s Marina 256-825-6871

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Wakeboarding phenom Kane Ward hit Lake Martin in mid-June to warm up for a commercial photo and video shoot with his Hyperlite sponsor. A two-time national wakeboarding champion and a WWA World champ, Ward became the world’s youngest wakeboard pro two years ago at the age of 8, but he’s been riding behind the boat since he was 2 years old.

He gained YouTube fame when his father, Justin Ward, posted a composite video of his then-6-year-old son shredding to school, which opened the door to industry sponsorships that include Russell Marine, Grom and Flipside Cable Park, as well as Hyperlite.

“It started out as just having fun. Me riding with him; watching wakeboarding videos,” Justin explained. “He is on the trampoline at home almost non-stop, and we tied up a rope and handle on the trampoline.

He tries tricks there first. Once he’s got it on the trampoline, he can usually dial it in pretty quick on the water.”

Ward is coached by Tony Iacconi, who

has helped the young wakeboarder to expand his trick repertoire.

“His coach has set up a system where Kane wears a helmet with speakers and a mic, and his coach can be in the boat talking to him. They just gel. Kane learned 11 new tricks in one weekend with his coach and got five more later. This early in the season, he’s already learned three new mobes,” Justin said. “Whatever Tony tells him to do, he’ll do it. He trusts him.”

Ward is a rising fifth grader at Cullman Elementary School and plays basketball during the short season when he is not on the water. He wakeboards from late March or early April to November or later, donning a wetsuit when cold temperatures blow in.

For his son’s practice round on a warm, sunny June morning at Lake Martin, Justin borrowed a wake boat from Flipside Watersports’ Baker Bru. “I’ll just do some flips and turns – poke a few things out,” Ward said as he waggled his elbows at his sides and tied up his boots

The youngest wakeboard pro in the world, Kane Ward, age 10, edges out to warm up for a practice session on Lake Martin last month

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Kane Ward The world's youngest wakeboard pro flies high at Lake Martin

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Ward looks to land a heelside backroll during a morning practice session

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Ward edged out through the wake and let his hips and legs float back into a Superman position to nail the Raley

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“I do the Raley a lot. You can edge out real far and lay out.

It feels like Superman.” ~ Kane Ward

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The World champion wakeboarder flips through a toeside backroll

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Ward began wakeboarding at the age of 2

before the boat turned in to Willow Slough.

Once he warmed up by edging out and hopping a few wakes, Ward turned on the energy, flipping, twisting, turning, grabbing the board, passing the handle behind his back and incorporating a number of moves into each jump. Weighing in at 72 pounds, the 10-year-old has developed tremendous spring in his legs and can gain behind-the-boataltitude that gives him more airtime for complicated tricks.

He likes tricks that have a fun feel to them.

“I do the Raley a lot. You can edge out real far and lay out. It feels like Superman,” Ward said with a wide smile, his chin-length blonde hair falling in waves around his tanned face.

Wakeboarding has been the family go-to recreation since Ward’s earliest memories.

“My dad wakeboarded in college, and my mom did it, too,” Ward said. “We would go to Flipside Cable Park, and my dad would pull me up from the shoreline.”

Following the Lake Martin commercial shoot, Ward was headed to North Alabama for a grassroots tournament; and then, on to the WWA tourneys.

“Except for rodeo riding, this has the most pressure of any sport,” Justin said. “The time and the effort that goes into it is tremendous, and all you get in the tournament is one pass – down and back. You get two falls in a tournament, but the boat will only pick you up after the first. On the second fall, you’re done. You’ve got to be crazy consistent. You can do a harder trick for more points. You know, they say with higher risk comes higher reward, but if you don’t make the trick, you’re done.”

The family, including Ward’s mom, Cassie, and younger brother, Kruce, summers at lakes and cable parks, following the tournaments across the Southeast and into Florida.

To see the video that launched Ward’s young career, search for Kane Shred to School Original on YouTube. Follow him on Instagram @_kaneward_ and like him on Facebook.

The young pro filmed video for his Hyperlite sponsor at Lake Martin last month

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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.

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Outdoor lighting adds elegance to a TCC lake home

Building Beauty A standout home builder puts a distinctive stamp on Lake Martin

Window placements flood this Jeffrey Dungan design with natural light

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Stonework and timbers add an outdoor emphasis to this TCC home

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TCC general contractors has built more than 45 new homes on Lake Martin. It all started in 2007 when Derryl Thomas of Thomas Construction Company called Marbury McCullough, who was fresh out of Auburn University with his civil engineering diploma, and asked if McCullough was interested in buying out his Lake Martin home building company. Thomas said he was ready to retire and go fishing.

“I will never forget having my first job and dream job with Brasfield and Gorrie; and then, getting a phone call from Derryl,” McCullough recalled. “It was such an honor that he would think of me and yet a huge leap of faith to leave a steady job in 2007.”

Since McCullough made the decision to move to Alexander City, he has built homes all over the state, including Birmingham, Lake Tuscaloosa and Smith Lake. Today, he and his wife, Kathleen, run TCC, working together to manage the never-ending to-do lists.

“Our team, beyond a shadow of a doubt is the reason for our success,” the couple agreed. “ We would not be here if it were not for our amazing employees who dedicate countless hours of blood, sweat, tears and emails – thousands of emails – to make sure we deliver on our promise to provide high-quality, handcrafted homes that are finished within budget and on schedule.”

They also credit Alexander City.

“Of our 12 employees, seven are from the Alexander City/Eclectic area. Alexander City has given us the greatest gift in cultivating a community that honors kindness, helpfulness and fierce loyalty. There is nothing better than small-town America. You will not find finer or more talented humans,” Kathleen added.

One such example is TCC Project Manager Steve Bridgman, who has been with the company from its inception and has traveled all over the state building homes. Bridgman started as a framer, but from his early days managing jobs on Lake Martin, he was seen as a shining star. When the couple expanded their home-building business to Birmingham, Bridgman made the move to help start the Birmingham office.

A few years later, TCC contracted to build on Smith Lake, and again, Bridgman was up for the challenge.

Today, he is back home on Lake Martin. His first job back was Kristi and Gus Malzahn’s Lake Martin retreat (see the May 2021 issue of Lake magazine).

Now, Bridgman’s son, Scott, works with TCC as a project manager.

“We call him ‘Steady Steve,’” McCullough said. “I have rarely seen him frazzled, and I have certainly put him in some tough predicaments. He can read a situation, work out a solution and line up subcontractors quicker than anyone I know.”

TCC builds a substantial number of homes designed by nationally renowned architects, as Lake Martin is quickly becoming an architectural haven for some of the most beautiful homes in the Southeast, if not the United States, Kathleen said. Last month, a Jeffrey Dungan design built by TCC was listed for sale at $8.25 million.

“We enjoy working with a variety of architects and a range of budgets, with projects spanning from redecking a dock to building a new home,” Kathleen explained. “Ultimately, we find our purpose in cultivating meaningful relationships within the project team and bringing creative visions to life.”

Bill Ingram was the architect on this New England-styled lake home

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ProCare, LLC C O N T R A C T I N G

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Artistic Abode Ralph and Allyn Froshin cultivate happiness at their Lake Martin home

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STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Alexander City native Ralph Frohsin and his wife, Allyn, are known by locals as enthusiastic supporters of their city, the arts and Lake Martin. In their years together, they have enjoyed their lives on the lake and created a home that is exquisitely happy.

“When we built the house in 1978 we were in kind of a brown mode, but through the years that has changed. Now people come in, love the colors and say this is a happy house,” Allyn Frohsin said.

Birmingham contemporary architect Fritz Woehle designed the home for the couple. Woehle’s original design had the house on stilts over the lake. Next, the design had four pods, distinctly separate parts of the house, sitting on a deck but not connected at all. The final design connected the four pods with an open-air atrium in the center, which Woehle wanted to be completely natural, as if the home were set down into the woods.

Avid art lovers, the Frohsins have taken advantage of travelling and paid close attention to articles they read in American Crafts magazine to find the perfect accessories for their home. They commissioned Sarah De Barry, Renaissance Glass Company in Austin,

A fading armchair complements the artwork

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Texas, to design stained glass for the front doors. After sending DeBarry a photo of their foyer rug, the stained glass was beautifully created to complement the rug and set the stage for the entire home.

At Woehle’s insistence, the walls and ceilings in the entire home are painted white, and the large foyer extending into the main living area is white marble from Sylacauga. Around the foyer and main living area, abstract art, paintings and sculptures, mixed media, stone and glass, most in primary colors, paint a breathtaking glimpse into the Frohsins’ love of creative arts.

“The architect said we would never need to change the paint color on the walls and ceilings, that we would just need to change what’s around it, so that’s what we have done. Everywhere we traveled we were always looking for art – paintings, glass, birds or sculpture. We just bought what we liked,” Frohsin said.

The foyer features artwork by Myra Burg that the Frohsins saw in a magazine – PVC pipes of different lengths are wrapped in silk threads and stand as towers. The couple contacted the artist who sent

Roses and the lake are part of every view from the home

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Artist Sarah De Barry designed the stained glass in the front doors to complement the foyer rug

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The home was designed by architect Fritz Woehle to appear as if it had been set down in the woods

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several from which to choose. They kept the group, as they liked the way they looked together. A vertical work of art, bright strips of silk sewn together, created by Toby Klein, was purchased at the Children’s Harbor Art on the Lake event.

Around the atrium, the Frohsins have pedestals displaying a bowl of industrial steel found in Carmel and a bowl made from Tallapoosa County soapstone crafted by an Alabama artist. A full-sized papiermache statue of Venus, found in New Orleans, is a favorite purchase and is often dressed for Mardi Gras or with other seasonal pizzazz. A three-panel painting of brightly colored fish by local artist Lila Graves hangs across from the atrium. Frohsin displays exquisite needlepoint, executed by her mother and herself, including intricate, colorful geometric designs by Victor Vasarely down one hallway.

The Frohsins designed their home with a guest room and bathroom, an office, a master bedroom and two master bathrooms, one for him and one for her. The two bedrooms and the main living room have lake views and open through sliding doors to the deck. The office contains a large desk and shelving built by Gregory Griffith in Kellyton.

The shelves allow space for Ralph’s favorite history books plus arrowheads and old shards of pottery he has found around the lake. The guest room has a handcrafted bed with lips on the headboard and end tables to match with shoes for feet, designed and built by Dale Lewis from Calera, Alabama. Carolyn Heller, Ralph’s sister, painted the

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Clockwise from facting page top left: Local artist Lila Graves painted the brightly colored fish panels; The center atrium offers a different view from each of the four pods that surround it; Bar stools by Bill Palmer offer seating at the bar, a reclaimed countertop; Roses are a passion Ralph inherited from his father, Ralph Frohsin, Sr.

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LAKE 51

Moonstone

Cherry Parfait

We Salute You

St. Patrick

Garden Party

Veterans' Honor

Olympiad

Elizabeth Taylor

Rio Samba

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Dale Lewis built the whimsical headboard with lips and side tables standing on high-heeled shoes

guest bathroom. After asking the couple to hang white linen wallpaper, she spent a weekend there, creating a patchwork design of hearts, florals, geometric designs and fish on the walls and shower curtain.

While designing their home, their architect suggested the Frohsins visit George Nakashima of Nakashima Woodworkers in New Hope, Pennsylvania, to pick out special pieces of furniture for their new home.

Nakashima personally took them around to pick out specific pieces of wood for a headboard, night tables, a card table and chairs. These pieces still remain some of their favorite purchases.

“Although we like contemporary style and abstract art, we also have antiques mixed in. We bought a glass-topped multi-color dining room table in New York, but I had my grandmother’s antique chairs, so we mixed those with the table. My mother and I did the contemporary needlepoint on the seats,” she said.

The glass-walled atrium, the centerpiece of the home and a work of art in itself, began by enclosing just the woods. A mix of lush groundcover, potted flowers and a Japanese maple tree merge with a colorful sculpture from a Minnesotan folk artist named Russ Vogt along with a blue heron fountain from Robinson Iron.

A modern low sectional sofa and a glass-topped coffee table anchor the living room in front of a large fireplace where painted panels from an artist in LaGrange, Georgia, are the focal point. The Nakashima game table with unique Conoid two-legged chairs finish the corner of the room near the glass doors onto the deck. A large glass bowl by Cal Breed of Orbix Hot Glass in Ft. Payne, Alabama, adorns the table. Along one wall, a shelf unit with cabinetry and shelves holds a collection of glass – birds, glasses and other pieces of art glass that the Frohsins have collected from around the world in New Zealand, Finland, Sweden, Nova Scotia, Copenhagen, Russia and Venice.

The bar was original to a general store in Tennessee. The top was stained and varnished and the base painted white to blend with the room. Mirrored shelves behind the bar offer an expansive view of the room. Barstools with driftwood accents were created

by Alabama artist Bill Palmer.

“I love driftwood, picking it up when I see it, and have it here and there in the house. I think it really is God’s sculpture,” Ralph said.

Having served for many years on the Alabama State Council on the Arts, he developed a great interest

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The living area features a comfortable, low sectional surrounded by contemporary art and furniture

in Alabama art and artists. In 1991, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Frohsin’s, he thanked the community by holding the first Jazz Fest in Alexander City, which was free to the community.

It was such a popular event that it grew into a twoday festival and has continued for 30 years. Ralph proudly displays posters from every year of the festival.

Ralph’s interests expanded to the outdoors in 1982 when his father sent his gardener to plant four rose bushes. A hobby his father may have begun for the Frohsins has now grown to 138 bushes in 72 varieties. The roses are in view on the shores of Lake Martin for everyone to enjoy.

“I can’t choose a favorite. That’s like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. I will say they are not hard to grow. They need a lot to drink and a lot to eat. In the spring, I remove all the old pine straw and dead leaves, break the soil up around

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each bush with a garden fork and add fertilizer to condition the soil. Then I put out new pine straw,” he said.

In 2015, the Frohsins came home from a vacation to discover that beavers had taken out all or part of 80 bushes. Frohsin prunes his roses to chest high, but the beavers had pruned to ankle high. After traps failed to work, Ralph contacted a game warden that suggested a low-voltage double wire around the edge of the lakeside. The wire, which only comes on at night, solved the problem.

Within a few weeks, the roses were sprouting new growth, bringing much joy to the gardener – Ralph.

Tucked into this bit of paradise on Lake Martin are rare jewels – the rose garden paths, an amazing tribute to art and the couple themselves. Happiness abounds.

JULY 2021

The property displays the rose garden for lakegoers to enjoy

Frohsin's needlepoint makes a beautiful statement in the bedroom

Mercury Rising

JULY 2021

LAKE 55

Many a

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JULY 2021

L a k e M a r t i n R e a l t y. c o m

LAKE 57

Eastern Screech-Owl

T

There’s a tiny predator in the woods around Lake Martin that is a common, year-round resident but – because it is nocturnal, secretive and superwell camouflaged - you’ve probably never seen it.

Even if you looked right toward it.

While the Eastern Screech-Owl is not the most obvious bird that comes to mind when you think of a raptor, it is a small, opportunistic and efficient hunter that uses its beak and needle-sharp talons to capture a very wide range of prey, including insects, fish, lizards, snakes, frogs, earth worms, soft shell turtles, crawfish, salamanders, moths, cicadas, chipmunks, squirrels and other birds, including quail, woodcock, pigeons and even sparrow hawks. The Screech-Owl’s favorite prey seems to be small rodents, like mice.

This bird is very small for an owl, roughly the size of a robin. It’s about 6-1/2 to 9-1/2 inches tall and weighs about a third of a pound, with the male weighing about an ounce less than the female. The bird is short and stocky with rounded wings and no visible neck. Its beak is gray fading to pale yellow, and the eyes are bright yellow. An obvious identifying feature is the tall, pointed feathers on top of its head called “ear tufts.” The Eastern Screech-Owl is the smallest owl in the eastern U.S. with ear tufts, and this owl often keeps his “horns” raised.

Eastern Screech-Owls have two color phases, red and gray. Both can show up in the same brood, like a family with one blond child and one brunette, but the red phase is more common in the Southern U.S. Red phase coloring ranges from bright red to rusty brown. Both phases have streaks and complex patterns of dark and light feathers, which help these owls seem to disappear against tree bark.

Although these owls are very much creatures of the night, at times you may see them sitting motionlessly during daylight hours in the nook of a tree, depending on their camouflage to protect them. Eastern Screech-Owls tend to stay in dark areas during the day unless sunning, when they face the sun and squint or close their sensitive eyes.

These owls hunt from dusk to dawn, with the most activity in the first four hours of the night.

They hunt mostly from a perch, diving to capture

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their prey, but occasionally will hover as they search for dinner. Eastern Screech-Owls have been seen catching insects on the wing. Bite-size prey is swallowed whole while larger animals are taken to a perching spot where the owl uses its beak to tear the prey into smaller pieces.

They are found around water, especially along lake shores with hardwood forests, in open woodlands, near old barns and even in suburban areas from the Gulf Coast to Canada east of the Rocky Mountains.

Nicknames can often be misleading; the biggest guy in Sherwood Forest was called “Little John.” In the same vein, Screech-Owls don’t usually screech; instead, they make some of those low, soft, comforting, familiar evening forest sounds that you’ve probably heard over and over. Their calls sound more like those of the laid-back mourning doves’ coo than a scary bobcat scream. The only time you would hear one of these owls actually screech is when they are defending their nests or fledglings.

Other names for this little owl are a little more accurate: whinnying owl, shivering owl, whickering owl, red owl, gray owl, little cat owl, little dukelet, scritch owl, squinch owl, mottled owl and little horned owl. Its scientific name is Megascops asio, which means “horned owl” in Latin.

The Screech-Owls’ two main calls are a whinny, which sounds sort of like a quiet horse whinny that lasts half a second to two seconds, and a longer trill that lasts three to six seconds. The whinny is used to keep families of owls in contact, and the trill is used to defend territories. It’s voice is variously described as a tremulous, descending wail with soft purrs; a bounce song and a mellow, muted trill. That probably doesn’t help much – it’s difficult to describe animal sounds with words – but there are plenty of recordings online that will make it clear that Little John doesn’t usually screech. If you’d like to hear this bird’s calming call, search for Eastern Screech-Owl Sounds on allaboutbirds. com.

Interestingly, even though a male Screech-Owl is physically smaller than a female, his voice is the deeper of the two. You are most likely to hear

JULY 2021

The Screech-Owl is a small raptor that doesn't really screech

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

JULY 2021

LAKE 59

Eastern Screech-Owl calls on spring and fall evenings.

If you’d like to see them, here’s a trick: Listen for a commotion of other birds.

When songbirds spot a Screech-Owl, they will sound off enmass and “mug” the owl to encourage it to relocate. In fact, most of the time when you hear a bunch of birds calling excitedly and loudly, they are trying to chase off a raptor or some other predator threatening their nests.

Another way to get a peek at a Screech-Owl is to install a nesting box on your property. Screech-Owls readily choose to nest in man-made boxes that are the right size and offer protection from predators. You can find plans to build a Screech-Owl nesting box at Cornell University’s nestwatch.com. Screech-Owls will also visit bird baths to bathe and drink, so it’s not a bad idea to install one of those, too.

During the spring breeding season, males approach females while calling to them from different perches. When they get close, the guy will go into a mating dance that involves bobbing and swiveling his head and then his entire body, increasing the intensity of his dance until he catches her attention. He will then wink one eye slowly at his future partner. If the gal approves, the two will move close together and touch beaks and groom one another before mating. These owls mate for life, but if one partner disappears, the other will find a new mate.

Eastern Screech-Owls nest in hollows in trees or boxes or even stumps with no nest lining. They often reuse old nests chiseled into dead trees by Pileated Woodpeckers and Northern Flickers. Most

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nesting sites are 6 feet to 20 feet above the forest floor, and the cavities are often used year after year.

Most broods begin in the spring with three to four small, round or oval eggs.

After a 26-day incubation period when the female sits on her eggs and the male brings her food, the chicks hatch out. It will be another month before the young owlets can fly, and during that time the male continues to hunt and provide food for his family. The young owls are dependent on both parents Owlets for at least another month from the same after that. brood could When there are eggs or be gray or red hatchlings involved, screech owls aggressively defend their nests and may attack anything, including people that come too close.

The trauma of being dive-bombed at night by a screeching owl is probably where this bird’s name came from, though it is not a common occurrence.

The red phase Eastern Screech-Owl pictured here is named Trayne. It suffered head trauma after striking a train and is now being cared for by the Teton Raptor Center in Wilson, Wyoming, where it participates in raptor education programs.

In captivity, Eastern Screech-Owls have lived for 20 years. The oldest owl found in the wild was tagged more than 14 years earlier. Most wild owls live much shorter lives with juvenile mortality rates approaching 70 percent and adults 30 percent.

Eastern Screech-Owl predators include raccoons, skunks, snakes, crows, Blue Jays and larger owls.

Some information for this article came from outdooralabama.com, ebird.org, Cornell University’s allaboutbirds.org and owlpages.com.

JULY 2021

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LAKE 61

Jazz Fest PHOTOS BY JAKE ARUTHUR & ATD, JAMIE MARTIN

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Clockwise from facing page top left: North 41 lit up the AMP stage with color and sound; Rain cleared out just before the concert began in Strand Park Friday night; Funk You headlined the Saturday night concert; North 41 rocked out this year's concert series; the AMP offers a beautiful backdrop for Jazz Fest musicians; the Larkin Poe sisterhood closed the Strand Park event; A.J. Ghent is a local favorite; the BRHS Jazz Band opened the festivities this year; Funk You brought out the brass at the AMP.

JULY 2021

LAKE 63

Cheer Reunion

This page: The cheerleaders from Livings' first year as coach were disciplined and looked like a team; Facing page: Dianne James Davis, Becky Butler Frank, Sadler Beale McLemore, Marie Rosie Ligings, Jenny Posey Baars, Ree Monroe Yeargen, Susan Avery Nolen, Jeanine Hinds Holloway, Kay Coker Bolton, Martha McCorkel, Luanne Nix Hamilton, Jan Keebler Ingram, Debbie Peeks, Hackett, Zan Simon Pappas, Cindy Champion Snider, Lisa Dowdy Barber, Glenda Borders McCall and Melanie Fomby Barry

The Jefferson Davis High School cheerleaders reunited with their coach at Lake Martin this summer STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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S

Sitting on the fireplace was a sign that read: We interrupt this marriage to bring you the football season. Visitors saw the sign and laughed about it. Those same people never understood the truth in that sign. Despite the giggles that it induced, the meaning was as honest as the day is long.

Marie Rosie Livings was a football wife.

She went to every game and watched every episode of her husband Billy’s show, Volunteer Review, which aired on WSFA-TV, channel 12 in Montgomery on Sunday evenings after The Bear Bryant Show and Shug Jordan’s Auburn Review.

The television show came on the cusp of multiple winning seasons and a state championship for the relatively new Jefferson Davis High School football team. And Livings never faltered, her support for Billy and the boys was unwavering. But that wasn’t all she did.

In 1968, when Jefferson Davis first opened its doors and Billy was hired as the head football coach, Livings also needed a job.

She was a business and typing teacher.

Jefferson Davis agreed to hire her, but under one stipulation – she would be the cheer coach.

“I was not a cheerleader,” Livings said. “I was the support system – the wife, but I wanted to be at the same school as Billy, so I took the job and I did it for free for five years.”

During that time, she had as much of an impact on the field as off of the field.

“Rosie had extremely high moral values and expectations,” said Becky Frank, who cheered for Livings for four years at Jefferson Davis.

“The girls cut their hair, and they weren’t allowed to wear jewelry while in uniform,” Livings said. “I wanted them to look and be disciplined.”

“She wanted us to look neat and put together, like a team and everyone having the same or similar haircut was part of the package,” Frank said.

“Any girl who wanted to be on the squad knew that they had to do what she said. She played an instrumental part in our lives.”

Frank attributes Livings with influencing her

character tremendously.

“She believed in us. She knew we could do anything. She was always supportive. We were fortunate to have that kind of influence, support in our lives at such a young age. It really helped us all to see life in a more positive light,” Frank said.

Just recently, Livings was able to reunite with most of her girls. She held a cookout at her home on Lake Martin and invited all who were still living. Most were able to attend.

“Can you believe it? It has been 50 years, and we were finally all together again,” Livings said of the party. “What a wonderful day we had.”

“It has been Rosie’s dream for years to have this reunion, and we all promised we would help her plan it. It took some time because we are all at stages in our lives where we are taking care of elderly parents and spending time with our own kids and grandkids. But finally, we planned it. We originally scheduled the party for August of last year. But because of COVID-19 we cancelled it and rescheduled with everyone immediately for April,” said Frank.

So on April 20, 2021, Livings was reunited with all of her girls. They each brought food and desserts and spent the day on the lake reminiscing about the good old days. They went through old photos and pulled out athletic shirts that they wore on game days. They talked about how they cut their hair to be part of the squad and how that was such a big deal because all of their friends had hair to their waists. But most importantly, they shared with her how grateful they all are that she cared about them and helped to shape their lives.

It really was the day Livings had dreamed of, to be reunited after all these years with these girls, now all women with families and titles of their own, who also played an instrumental role in her family’s life.

“I couldn’t have asked for more,” Livings said.

“I have had the most fun life you can imagine.”

JULY 2021

LAKE 65

HOLY WATER Worship with neighbors, friends and family again.

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JULY 2021

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LAKE 67

Wet, Wild Waterpark

The Mills' water park includes a dozen or more inflatable lake toys

68 LAKE

JULY 2021

W

When Leslie and John Mills moved to Lake Martin five years ago, they pulled their daughter, Grace, and her friends around Parker Creek on a tube behind the boat, but the girls longed for more adventure. They asked Grace’s father to tie the tube to the dock, so they could jump off of it into the lake. That was such a hit that Mills anchored a few inflatables off the waterfront, so the girls would have a variety of lake toys always at the ready.

“It just grew from there,” Mills said. “It got bigger and bigger every year.”

More than a dozen inflatables accommodating from one to eight persons each are anchored between the Mills’ seawall and two-story boathouse, creating a

water park along part of their 300 feet of waterfront.

It’s a playground that draws boaters to slow down, wave and watch the fun as they pass. A few have even pulled up and asked if the children aboard their own boats might play on the floating amusements.

“The price for admission is a ‘please’ and a ‘thank you’ and a smiling child,” said Mills, who along with his wife, Leslie, spends about a month installing the water park features every spring.

The couple shops Walmart and Amazon to find cheap, tacky inflatables and floating water toys each year to replace any that were lost the previous year or did not survive the winter in storage.

“The tackier the better,” Mills explained. “This effort costs 10s of dollars.”

“The kids’ favorite float always seems to be the cheapest. This year, that’s the Cube,” said Leslie. “The girls like to crawl through it. They use the water park as an obstacle course, going form one float to another.”

JULY 2021

LAKE 69

Mills' tips and tricks for making your own water park nC hoose a location where the water is deep enough for people to fall or dive into the lake safely. n Anchor floats with 60-pound buckets of concrete. Do not use cinderblocks, which will travel away with the current. Insert an eyebolt in the top center of each bucket as it is poured. n Inflate floats prior to attaching to anchor ropes. Electric pumps make the volume of work go faster. As the summer progresses, use a hand pump or a small battery-powered pump to add air to sagging floats. n Avoid bird floats with outstretched wings.

“They will take off and fly away,” said Leslie. n Use locking carabineer clips to attach anchor ropes to floats. They cost more – about $2 – but the less expensive clips rust and break, setting the floats free to roam the lake. n Start with a much longer length of rope than you think you will need, as the lake bottom is inconsistent and the anchor could end up in a deeper-than-averagedepth hole, leaving you with not enough rope. n When placing floats, leave about 20 feet between each one, as they tend to move around within their positions. n Drop the anchors from the deck of a siton-top kayak, with rope and float attached.

Drop as close as possible to where you think you want the floats to stay and tie off with plenty of slack in the rope. Adjust placement by dragging the float with a personal watercraft, and take the slack out of the rope length as needed once you have the float properly positioned. n Create a float area for parents or grandparents to go with very small children, so the little ones can feel a part of the fun, though they might not be able to play on the bigger inflatables. n Never let children play in the water park unattended. nA t the end of the season, wash floats while still inflated and dry well before letting the air out of them. Collapse them and store in plastic buckets in a cool, dry location over the winter. The Mills family usually starts installing their Parker Creek water park in early May, and they dismantle it in October.

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This year’s course includes taming the Inflata-Bull, wiggling through the checkerboard, lounging at the Parthenon and taking a ride on the back of a giant flamingo named Flo, Leslie explained.

“Flo is 3 years old. That’s about the longest we’ve had any of them,” she said.

“And we don’t get attached to them. They’re cheap, and they don’t last,” Mills added.

The water park also sports a tiki float, a gift from The Landing at Parker Creek owner, Herb Winches. And there’s always a trampoline of some kind, said Leslie, who grew up visiting Lake Martin with her childhood friend, Jennifer Wyatt. Today, Wyatt’s two daughters often play on the course with Grace.

Leslie introduced Mills to the lake in 2004 when they visited Wind Creek State Park on their second date.

“I fell in love at the lake and with the lake at the same time,” said Mills, who grew up in Georgia.

Since moving to the lake full time in 2016, the Mills family lives as much or more on the lake as beside it. While a renovated 1,300-square-foot cabin bears their address, they spend most of their time on the open-air upper level of their 1,400-square-foot boathouse, which offers plenty of living space, a consistent breeze and a clear view of the water park.

JULY 2021

Clockwise from facing page top left: Susanna and Josephine Wyatt spin the Stadium Island; Grace Mills and Cassidy Heineman hang out in the Cube; the water park always incudes a trampoline; Diantha Ray does a flip under the watchful eye of Flo the Flamingo; the Parthenon is a great place to chill in the afternoon sun; Josephine, Cassidy and Susanna play Queen of the Mat; Josephne struggles to stay on the Inflata-Bull.

JULY 2021

LAKE 71

Cherish the Cabin My advice to would-be sellers or buyers is to not make decisions based solely on the market because your odds of perfectly timing a market, on the selling or buying side, are slim. The first question to ask is if it is a good time for your family. Then worry about the market.

Returning to the present, what about the family that is trying to cherish the cabin, but doesn’t know how?

I think this will become an increasingly important issue in the future of real estate for Lake Martin. Why? I see two possible effects from the rising prices for waterfront property here on Lake Martin.

First, we will see many more homes that are purchased with multiple owners.

That is, we will see a higher percentage of home transactions where two or three families will go in together to buy it.

Secondly, I think we will see more homes being passed down to family members instead of selling. That happens a lot at Lake Martin anyway, as this is a second-home market and, frankly, because it’s awesome here. But I do think we will see an increase in the future because rising prices and reduced inventory make it harder for family members to replace the family cabin with another lake home.

One solution to both problems might be for families to consider creating a limited liability company to own the lake house. People have been putting real estate in LLCs for years, but the perception has been that they are legal vehicles only for the uberLAKE PROPERTY rich or commercial properBY JOHN COLEY ties. It may seem silly to create an LLC for the family cabin until you consider the low cost and high benefits.

Setting up an LLC in Alabama is a pretty painless operation. The recording fees are less than $500. If you hire an attorney to help (which I would advise), you can expect to pay maybe another $500. That is not much of a hurdle for an asset that might be worth $600,000 and that you will keep in the family for decades. In other words, for the cost of two Yeti coolers, your home could be set up legally for life.

Once the LLC is set up, the co-owners could go

Take steps to answer potential joint-ownership questions before they become problems

I

don’t know about you, but Seinfeld is one of my favorite TV shows. It is chocked full of quotable moments and interesting characters that find funny ways to navigate life’s minutiae.

One of the minor characters in one episode, an aging father who loved his rustic mountain home, advised his family to, “Cherish the cabin.” In doing so, he unwittingly introduced a lot of potential issues to his heirs.

Did Dad mean that we could never sell the cabin, no matter what? What if my brother wants to sell, but I don’t? What if the one sibling that uses it the most can afford it the least? If we do decide to sell, how do we make decisions? Should we appoint one manager or all have a vote?

As a fulltime real estate agent here at Lake Martin, I have seen many different families that have had to handle decisions like this. Some families have handled it well, and some … well … not so well.

I have even heard a lot of stories from former owners or former relatives of owners that expressed regret after the fact on a sale. They usually went along the lines of, “I can’t believe we decided to sell our family cabin. We should have figured out a way to keep it. We really miss the place.” or, “We sold our lake home 15 years ago. I saw where it sold again the other day, and the sales price about gave me a heart attack.”

It’s easy to look back and second-guess decisions now that we know how the markets have gone. I can remember a lot of Sturm und Drang in the buyers’ markets of 2007 to 2009, but it was sellers complaining in the opposite direction, “Why didn’t we sell last year when the market was so great?”

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about the business of treating it like a business. This is one of those good-fences-make-goodneighbors kinds of situations.

The owners should address issues like how to split the time or whether to split it at all; how the bills are paid; when maintenance is done; and how any improvements are approved.

If everyone agrees to the rules up front, before problems happen, the potential for drama is greatly reduced.

One of the largest benefits revolves around the ownership itself. The legal structure makes it easier to figure out how to decide the answers for the questions brought up in the beginning of this article.

For example, what if one of the four LLC members wants to sell? The LLC documents could set up rules for how that member sells his or her share; how to value the share; and rights of first refusal. If a majority of members wants to, say, add a new boathouse and one doesn’t, it could be handled by the dissenting member selling equity to the majority. All of these actions, at least in my layman’s understanding, would not necessitate going through a real estate sale or closing. It is all handled within the LLC documents. That makes it a lot easier to manage and, hopefully, reduces the chances of family squabbles.

A couple of good books on the subject are Cottage Rules, by Nikki Koski, and also Saving the Family Cottage, by Stuart Hollander.

Hopefully, these resources and the advice of a good attorney will allow you and your family to truly cherish the cabin. ~ John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin Voice Realty. Contact him at john@lakemartinvoice.com.

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

JULY 2021

LAKE 73

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www.towboatuslakemartin.net 74 LAKE

JULY 2021

Lake Watch goes hi-tech with AU microbiologist

I

n the past year, Lake Watch of Lake Martin reported high levels of E. coli (fecal contamination) flushing off the watershed in streams above the lake. This presents a bacterial contamination risk to our Treasured Lake, which is something nobody wants. Lake Watch uses the Coliscan Easygel bacterial plating method, supported by Alabama Water Watch, to test for E. coli, the bacteria that indicate fecal contamination from warm-blooded animals. The test is easy, reliable and affordable (about $3 per test); however, it does not give information on the source of fecal contamination.

Enter Auburn University professor Dr. Yucheng Feng and her enterprising graduate student Wenjing Ren. I had collaborated with Dr. Feng over the past few decades before I retired from AU. She is a topnotch microbiologist in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences at AU and an expert in microbial source tracking. MST refers to scientific analysis of genetic material of microbes (like E. coli) that originated in the gut of a warm-blooded animal and was passed via feces into LAKE WATCH the environment, in this case a

BY ERIC REUTEBUCH stream or our lake.

Lake Watch contacted Dr. Feng last year, inquiring about conducting MST analyses to assist in determining the source of fecal contamination originating above the lake. Dr. Feng’s energetic grad student, Wenjing, penned a proposal, in collaboration with Lake Watch and Lake Martin HOBO, for a United States Geological Society grant to analyze fecal contamination in the Lake Martin watershed using MST. She will work in conjunction with Lake Watch volunteer monitors to collect samples from key streams above the lake and then return to Dr. Feng’s AU lab.

Under Dr. Feng’s direction, Wenjing will conduct MST using polymerase chain reaction analyses.

“Eric, quit using those big words”, you’re probably saying. And, what the heck is PCR analysis? Sorry – I can’t tell you. You’ll have to attend our Lake Watch annual meeting this October and ask the professor (details to come, see lakewatch.org for more info).

What I can tell you is that PCR has revolutionized the diagnosis and monitoring of genetic disorders, the analysis of ancient DNA in archeological studies, the analysis of genetic fingerprinting in forensic science and parental testing and detection of pathogens (like, in our case, certain fecal bacteria) in nucleic acid tests for the presence of pathogens and/or diagnosis of infectious diseases. I can also tell you that these analyses of streams flowing into the Tallapoosa River above

Wenjing conducts microbial source tracking analysis at AU

the lake will go a long way in telling us the source of the fecal contamination. PCR can distinguish whether the fecal bacteria come from human, cattle, chicken or other animal sources. This information, once obtained for each stream, will enable us to work toward resolving the contamination by working with landowners, watershed managers, local and state government and other waste management entities.

The last thing you want to think about as you take a cool dip in our Treasured Lake is fecal contamination.

We think that, with the help of AU scientists, you won’t have to. Consider joining us in our ongoing efforts in watershed stewardship to keep our lake clean. Go to lakewatch.org and come aboard. ~ Eric Reutebuch is president of Lake Watch Lake Martin. Learn more at lakewatch.org.

JULY 2021

LAKE 75

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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

1470 Willows End, Alexander City • $7,900,000 Beds: 10 • Baths: 10 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com

90 Redwood Circle, Jackson’s Gap • $775,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372 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

100 Harbor Place Unit 302, Dadeville • $269,000 Beds: 1 • Baths: 1 • Waterfront Condo Lake Martin Realty Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792 LakeMartinRealty.com

120 Old Harmony Circle, Eclectic • $3,395,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 10 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 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

15 Laurel Ridge Circle, Dadeville • $409,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 2 • Water Access Lake Martin Realty Jeff & Denise Cochran 256.786.0099 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

New Construction • $1,499,000 Almost complete 6 BR, 5.5 BA and carport and dock. Boathouse allowed.

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JULY 2021

LAKE 77

It's simple: Drink water W

ater is one of the body’s most essential nutrients. It has been said that a person could survive without food for up to six weeks; however, no one could live without water for more than a few days.

Living in a developed country where water is abundant, essential liquid could easily be taken for granted. As summer temperatures rise and humidity increases, remember how important it is to stay hydrated.

The adult body is comprised of 60 percent water. The human brain is 95 percent water; its blood is 82 percent water, and its lungs are 90 percent water. This would explain why a 2-percent drop in the body’s water supply could bring on signs of dehydration.

Dehydration could be very detrimental, especially to the very young and the old. Water is vital to maintaining body temperature, regulated at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Regulating body temperature can be accomplished through perspiration from the sweat glands in the skin and evaporation, which causes a cooling effect. It helps transport nutrients and oxygen to all cells and carries waste products out of the body. Staying hydrated allows the kidneys and liver to function properly to rid the body of all waste products.

Water helps to maintain blood volume and helps lubricate joints and body tissues in the mouth, eyes and nose. Water serves as a lubricant in digestive processes by helping saliva facilitate chewing and swallowing. Water keeps the eyes moist and healthy and gives joints and cartilage the ability to move freely. Water serves an important function in reducing kidney stones, urinary tract infections and constipation.

Naturally, water is lost throughout the day with normal body processes of urinating, bowel movement and sweating. Very active individuals lose more water through sweat, as the body tries to cool itself down. The same will apply at higher altitudes and in extreme temperatures. The body also loses excess water during illnesses that are accompanied by fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Dehydration occurs when a person loses more water than is consumed.

Staying hydrated throughout the day is important to replenish normal body fluid losses, and it is extremely important if excess body fluids are lost due to illness, activity or sun and heat exposure.

Mild dehydration could impact mood, memory and the ability to process information. At the first sign of dehydration, stop all activity. Rest and get HEALTHY LIVING out of the direct sun and into a cool place. Begin

BY JULIE HUDSON drinking 64 ounces of cool liquids, including rehydration liquids, over the next two to four hours.

Seek medical attention if feeling faint, dizzy, weak or confused, have a fast beating heart or have not urinated in the last eight hours.

The best way to stay hydrated is to create habits that include eating foods with high water content and drinking water throughout the day. Set a routine of drinking water before feeling thirsty and have water available at all times.

Carry a refillable bottle or insulated cup and keep it full. This is especially true if you are exposed to heat, humidity and sun.

Many factors impact exactly how much water a person needs. These include age, gender, activity level and overall health. During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, women require more water. Individuals with kidney disease or congestive heart failure require different amounts of fluid. It is important to check with a physician to be an informed patient.

Adequate fluid needs have been determined for healthy men and women.

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JULY 2021

Women need a total Limit sweetened and amount of 11.5 cups of caffeinated beverages, water per day, and men such as soda, tea, energy need a total amount of drinks and coffee, as Early signs of dehydration could cause a multi15.5 cups of water per these provide no nutritude of problems within the body, such as thirst, day. This includes fluids tional value but contribute flushed skin, fatigue, increased body temperature, from food and beverages. calories. Sports drinks are increased breathing and pulse rate, increased Typically, water from food appropriate for athletes effort, decreased exercise capacity, headaches, dizmakes up 20 percent of a engaging in high intensity ziness, and digestion problems. person’s needs. Looking at exercise. Alcohol serves For an infant, a sign of dehydration is no wet this, women need to drink as a diuretic and may diapers in a three-hour period of time. about 9 cups of fluids dehydrate the body. When If left untreated, dehydration will cause muscle per day, and men need to drinking alcohol while in cramping, heat exhaustion, seizures, kidney failure, drink about 12.5 cups of the hot sun, alternate each heat stroke or coma. fluids per day to replendrink with one or two ish normal fluid losses. cups of water.

A quick and easy way to There are several foods monitor fluid intake is to that are high in water. check the color of urine. It Fruit and vegetables, such should always be pale yellow. A darker yellow indicates a as watermelon, strawberries and cantaloupe, lettuce, cabneed for more fluids. bage, celery, spinach and cooked squash are 90 percent to It is recommended to replace water losses by enjoying 100 percent water. Bananas, grapes, pears, pineapple, carnonalcoholic, unsweetened and decaffeinated beverages, as rots, avocado, cooked broccoli, yogurt, cottage and ricotta well as foods that have high water content. The beverage of cheese all have 70 percent to 80 percent water composition. choice is water. Don’t forget to add slices of lemon, lime, Maintaining adequate levels of this essential liquid could orange, strawberries or cucumber to make the water flavor make all the difference in enjoying summer at Lake Martin. a bit more exciting. Sparkling water or non-caloric flavor drops may be another alternative. Milk also is highly rec~ Julie Hudson is a registered dietician at Lake Martin ommended, as it contains almost 90 percent water, serves Wellness Center. as a great calcium source and is nutrient rich.

Did you know?

JULY 2021

LAKE 79

Fried Quail

with Bourbon Glaze

80 LAKE

JULY 2021

Fried Quail with Bourbon Glaze

CHEF'S TABLE

BY PETE MCKENNY

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

For quail 2 Semi-boneless quail, cut in half 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup all-purpose flour, seasoned 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 cup bourbon 1/2 cup yellow mustard 1 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 cup light brown sugar To make the glaze Add bourbon, mustard, Worchestershire sauce and brown sugar to a pot and bring to a boil, Reduce heat to a simmer and reduce the liquid by one quarter.

To make the seasoned flour Add 1 cup flour to a bowl and mix in the following: 2 tablespoons granulated garlic 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 tablespoon black pepper 2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon onion powder Place the beaten eggs in a bowl; put seasoned flour in another bowl; and the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Put the quail in the seasoned flour and toss to cover all in the flour.

Shake off any excess flour and place into the egg mixture. Toss to wet all of the flour.

Remove and place into the breadcrumbs.

Heat oil to 350 degrees. Gently place the quail in hot oil and fry until the internal temperature is 160 degrees (5-8 minutes).

Remove from oil and pat dry.

Drizzle glaze over quail.

JULY 2021

LAKE 81

New Legislation If the new direct wine shipping licensing sounds too good to be true ...

82 LAKE

JULY 2021

W

hat could possibly be better than Services or AL BOSS. Independence Day on the lake? It’s summer; The service launched in early March and is available the kids are home; and COVID-19 restricthrough Google Play and the App Store. It provides tions are being curtailed. This should be a weeklong product look-ups, inventory levels, stores near you and celebration or maybe a month. information on limited releases. Users could create pro What we’re celebrating this year, in addition to getfiles to rate products and create favorite stores, etc. So ting our social lives back on track, are several embelthis is cool: ABC has entered the 21st century. lishments in how we may purchase alcohol in Alabama.

The downside is that the allocated and limited release House Bill 437 has been signed by Gov. Ivy products will not be shown on AL BOSS, and will become effective Aug. 1. so the availability of Blanton’s and most of This legislation allows certain wine the Buffalo Trace products and others will manufacturers to obtain a direct wine shiplikely not improve in this market. per license … to ship limited quantities of There are a lot of good and better alterwine to Alabama residents for personal use natives. in limited circumstances …”

The question of availability and demand On the surface, this sounds like a good got me thinking about how our product mix thing, but it is actually more complicated has changed over the years. I looked back than the current procedure for having wine at invoices from 2005, our first full year in shipped to Alabama. We often see a label business, to see what we were buying in stating, “Can’t ship to Alabama,” when we the early days. A few things are no longer try to order directly from some wineries, available, like Graceland Cellars, which but anyone could send those packages to FROM THE CELLAR bottled the Elvis series of wines. We did the ABC store where the recipient simply well with that line, and as I recall they had

BY HENRY FOY pays the modest sales tax to get their wine. a good product, a little on the novelty side It is simple, and the forms are available on but good. Now they are gone. The Vampire the ABC website. wines, which also did well, are still available. There A winery that will not do that will certainly not want were a lot more animals on the labels back then, like to purchase the direct wine shipper license at $200 and Blue Tongue Chardonnay; I don’t remember the featured comply with the reporting requirements of that license. creature.

To ship without said license, the shipper is guilty of a We had one gentleman back then who bought nothing Class C misdemeanor with penalties starting at $500 for but Yellow Tail by the case until he moved away. On the the first violation, $3,000 for the second and $6,000 for shelf, we couldn’t give it away. the third. The common carriers that accept shipments Remember Goats Do Roam? That was a nice Rhone also will have reporting requirements and penalties blend from South Africa. It is still being produced but is that will likely kill direct wine shipments, rather than not available in Alabama. enhance them.

We do carry many of the old brands. Santa Senate Bill 126 has also been signed by the governor Margherita Pinot Grigio is a staple, as are La Crema, and will become effective Oct. 1. This bill is a little Duckhorn, Waterbrook, Kris and Ruffino. Some of the more attractive in that it provides for a delivery service current prices are about the same; some are considerlicense … to deliver beer, wine and spirits to individuably higher. Chimney Rock is now more than $100, up als in Alabama that are at least 21 years of age for their from $53. Don Melchor, the high-scoring Cabernet from personal use. There are, of course, details, procedures Concha Y Toro, is up $55-plus, and Dom Perignon is and such, including a filing fee and license fee totaling more than $200, up 50 bucks or more. The Don Melchor $350 with the requirement of liability insurance from $2 was probably the 1997 with a score of 91 points and a million to $3 million. This applies apply largely to the drink time to 2023. We should have stocked up when it increasingly popular delivery services like DoorDash was $45. As our market has grown, the demand for preand WAITR. Beverage retailers could also add delivery mium wines has put more of these on the shelves. to an existing license with similar costs and reporting Two great summer wines that dropped off our list requirements. were Fontana Candida Frascati and Hugues Beaulieu When I spoke with a representative from WAITR Picpoul de Pinet; we will have them back before you before this legislation passed, the service was not finish reading this article. That will be something to celaccepting alcohol for delivery. That may have changed, ebrate. as the bill allows restaurants to also send alcohol with Here’s to a safe and happy Fourth. a food order. Prices on delivered goods are typically higher than regular menu prices and would probably ~ Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine and apply to bar charges as well. The services are available Spirits at 128 Calhoun St. in downtown Alexander City. in this area.

Email emporiumwine128@gmail.com or call him at Check out this service: Alabama Beverage Control 256-212-9463. has a new phone app, Alabama Beverage Online JULY 2021

LAKE 83

D

Finesse

Because finicky fish still bite

eep clear reservoirs are tailor-made for angler to look at the rig with any seriousness. It’s finesse tactics. Bass can be weary when almost too simple, but perhaps that’s the beauty of this the water is clear. Line size becomes more technique. It reminds me of the Senko when it first important because they can see and, I think, at times appeared on the scene. No moving parts, just a straight even feel the water displacement of heavier line. worm. But when it hits the water, the subtle movements Fluorocarbon line like Seaguar Invis-X it makes drive bass insane. The Ned rig is and Tatsu have allowed us to up the size similar in that it incorporates a small straight of our line somewhat for finesse tactics piece of plastic like a Senko cut down to 2.5 because of their low visibility under inches. The Z-Man TRD is the most popular water, but it’s also important to note that choice for the rig these days because of its line with larger diameter can affect the buoyancy. action of a bait, especially a small profile For years, the shaky head has been the bait. go-to rig for finesse fishing in the South. It During the late ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, jig works because the jig head rests on the botfishing, spinnerbait and crankbait fishing tom while the worm stands up. The Ned rig were viewed as the techniques in the bass takes this phenomenon to another level with fishing world around here. “Power fishthe ultra-light 1/16-ounce to 1/8-ounce jig ing,” we called it, with large baitcaster head and small buoyant worm. A good Ned reels, heavy action rods and 20-pound jig head has a fairly small hook. I like a 1/0 BIG CATCHES test line. To wield what some still call a or 2/0, but many of the Ned purists argue

BY GREG VINSON sissy stick or fairy wand was a test of an that even that is way too big of a hook. For angler’s devotion to catching fish. reference, Ned Kehde prefers a No. 4 hook Those willing to laugh off the stigma of using spinin the jig head ... basically a crappie jig head. ning reels could potentially have a last laugh. Power The lighter the head and smaller the hook, the betfishing still has a place in bass fishing, depending on ter the bait action will be. Along with that would be time of year, conditions and fishery. In recent years, line size. I personally draw a limit at 6-pound test and many major tour level events, especially on those with more often will go with 8. The idea is to find a balance deep clear water, have been won with finesse tactics. between being able to get the bites and being able to Light line tactics work in clear water because the fish land the fish. are spookier than in stained to muddy water. They also Like with Senko fishing, many of the bites come work really well for pressured fish. For a variety of rea- when the bait falls. With the Senko, the bait shimmies sons, fishing – and bass fishing in particular – has had as it falls, but with the Ned, it glides and spirals unprea surge of popularity in the past 5 to 10 years. More dictably until it lands head down on the bottom. When people are fishing, and more often, than ever before, so it lands, the small piece of plastic sticks up, and this is the fish get to see more offerings more often. Time after the subtle difference that produces more bites than a time, it’s been proven that finicky fish still bite finesse traditionally rigged worm. The mushroom shaped jig offerings. head aids in the posture of the bait when at rest. Each One of those is the Ned rig. This jighead/worm rig time thereafter, when the rod tip is moved, the worm has been around for a while. Many in the industry refer always sticks up, triggering the instincts of a predator to it as Midwest finesse fishing. Some quick internet fish. research revealed a few names, and there is naturally After watching the rig at work in our pool at home, some debate over the evolution of what is now comI’m convinced that the rig most resembles a small crawmonly known as the Ned rig. Named after Ned Kehde, fish when worked along the bottom. Small crawfish are an outdoor writer who refined the technique, the Ned a staple in the diet of highland reservoir bass like we rig is a proven fish catcher of all species of bass, as have on Lake Martin. So it makes perfect sense that well as many other fish. they could be duped into thinking that the rig is a small Upon first appearance, it’s hard for a die-hard bass crawfish.

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It could be even more simple than that. I think a lot of fish bite based on instincts. Like the Senko, even though it doesn’t necessarily look like much of anything, it has an action that triggers the bass to eat it.

The action of the Ned rig gliding and spiraling must trigger the primitive instincts that all bass possess.

It’s enough to get the fish to eat it first and ask questions later, rather than the opposite. It’s so small that it poses no real threat either.

One down side to an effective Ned rig is that the hook is exposed. One of the reasons Ned Kehde prefers a tiny No. 4 hook and super-light 1/16 head is that it gets snagged less often. The light head and small hook, coupled with a fairly buoyant worm, allows the bait to glide across and through moderate cover better, even though the hook point isn’t protected like a Texas rigged worm. It’s best when fished around fairly clean bottom areas and large rocks. I don’t get hung up much in these situations, but the open hook becomes a problem around wood like laydowns, brush piles and docks. Either you have to be willing to go through a lot of jigheads and worms or you have to go to a jighead with a weed guard.

The down side to a weed guard on the head is that it can throw the action of the bait off. The up side is that the rig can come through cover better. As an angler, I find myself weighing the cost/benefit of whether sacrificing some action with a weed guard is worth it if I can cast it around thicker cover.

The best way is to compare. I’ve come to the conclusion that a rig that is able to bounce around, in and through the cover could trigger strikes that I might not have gotten had I not been able to put the bait there without getting snagged. If I’m fishing more open bottom and rock piles, I go with the original openhook versions.

The technique: Rig the jig head and 2.5-inch plastic worm with lighter line (6- to 8-pound test) on a medium to light spinning rod and reel. Cast it out and let it fall on slack line. Pulling the bait any during its

descent will hinder the glide and spiral that makes it so attractive on the fall. When the bait hits the bottom, feel for any fish that may have picked it up.

If there’s tension, chances are one has it. Reel steadily while leaning on the fish to get the hook set.

If a fish doesn’t grab the bait after the initial fall, use varying hops of the rod tip, letting the bait come to rest on the bottom after each move. Picture the bait coming to rest each time and standing up on the bottom, giving the fish a chance to strike. Before each hop, feel for tension, anticipating a fish picking it up.

Once again, if there’s tension from a strike, reel steady and lean into the fish, letting the small hook do its job. One advantage to small hooks in a Ned head is that it takes less pressure to set the hook.

If you haven’t tried a Ned rig already, I highly recommend it. It’s a great way to catch a lot of fish, and you might be surprised with the quality of fish that will be mixed in. ~ 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.

JULY 2021

LAKE 85

Share the game I

hope everyone enjoyed celebrating Father’s Day, and I wish each of you the safest celebration of the Fourth of July weekend. Summertime provides a wide range of activities for each family’s enjoyment. Beautiful Lake Martin delivers many water sports, but I want you to spend a moment thinking about other rewarding activities on shore.

As a PGA member professional, I am constantly promoting the game of golf. I honestly believe it is a game of a lifetime, and I want others to enjoy golf as I do. The rewards of golfing with others are many.

The game has strengthened married couples through this shared activity. The same bondTHE SCRAMBLE ing can occur when the rest of

BY ROB WITHERINGTON the family can join in the activity together. Friendships and business relationships can also be enhanced by playing a round of golf together. Golfing will expose how an individual handles success and failure, which provides great insight into a person’s character.

Feeling as I do, I want to bring new golfers to the sport I love. COVID-19 brought many golfers back to the game, and along with them came new golfers as well. But I have always known that young golfers are the key to the future of our game. By introducing young golfers to the game, we can help to offset those golfers that we lose through normal attrition over time.

So take a moment to think about your beautiful children or grandchildren. I am sure they are active in many sports year round. Why not consider golf as an option?

When I was young, I was the fifth child in a six-child family. Each of us was encouraged to pursue an activity or hobby that interested us. My siblings chose school band, shop, acting, but I was the athlete of the family: I chose baseball. I enjoyed it for years but truly got hooked the moment I tried golf for the first time. (Shot a 104 on a

regulation golf course, which at that time was the national average for amateur golf).

The modern family stays busier than ever, as they don’t seem to limit their children to just one sport or experience.

The seasonal sports like soccer, baseball, basketball and tennis keep parents on the run. Scheduled practices and game/tournament play keep everyone moving throughout the year. My appeal is to consider the benefits of golf and try to work it into your current group of activities.

I look forward to my annual Junior Golf Clinic each summer. I enjoy introducing young golfers to the sport that I am so passionate about. Not only do these young people learn the sport, but also they are provided a mentor to act as an influential, positive role model. They not only learn the skills of the game but also are introduced to the more important core principles that enhance their lives, which include: n Living with integrity n Playing with perseverance n Using good judgment n Modeling sportsmanship n Developing confidence n Being honest n Showing courtesy with respect toward others Developing these traits in young golfers is a great value to them as they grow into adulthood. The game of golf provides great life lessons to those who participate. Take the time to consider golf for yourself and any of your little ones who might benefit.

Check with your local PGA professional to find out what junior golf programs they provide. Look into the First Tee Program if there is one located in your area.

Individual lessons can be a great way to learn the game as well. Introduce golf to your family and reap all the rewards. You won’t regret your decision.

Give your local pro, “Gabby,” a call when you are ready to begin. ~ Rob “Gabby” Witherington is the PGA professional at Stillwaters Golf Club in Dadeville. Contact him by email at robwitherington@gmail.com.

JULY 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

12 Willow Point

24

7

13

Equality

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

Camp Alamisco

14

Kowaliga Boat Landing

23 The Ridge

55

5

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

1 15

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

JULY 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 & 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

12 Smith Marina 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

9

Restaurants & Venues

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

16

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. SpringHouse 13 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 146. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 15 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

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 Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337

5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853 17 The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887 8605 AL HWY 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Reeltown

JULY 2021

LAKE 89

Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine Downtown Girl Shay Aesthetics JR'S Hillabee Towers Senior Nutrition Center Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Dark Insurance Warren Appliance MainStreet Family Care Grace's Flowers Koon's Korner Larry's General Merchandise Daylight Donuts Alfa Valley Bank - 280 Pricare Temple Medical AllState BB&T Bank Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance North Lake Condo River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro

90 LAKE

Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall A&E Metal Regions Bank Marathon - 280 Renfroe's Market Russell Medical Center Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors Koon's II Tallapoosa Ford Dylan Johnson - Country Financial Holley's Home Furniture Jackson's Drugs Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark The Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que Russell Do It Center Russell Home Decor Holman Floor Satterfield Inc. Grain & Leaf, Bottles & Cigars Tippy Canoe Love Lake Martin Real Estate Office Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina on Lake Martin Nails Kowaliga Marina Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office

Russell Lands Real Estate Sales Center Springhouse Restaurant Ridge Club Ridge Marina HACKNEYVILLE Hackneyville Water Authority NEW SITE Piggly Wiggly - New Site Foodland DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Ellaby Boutique, LLC Alabama Power Siggers Siggers Barbershop Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library At the Beauty Shop Dadeville Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's Tallapoosa Nutrition Sweet Pickins Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters Country Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Aronov Realty Lake Martin

JULY 2021

Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks Lake Martin Pizza CAMP HILL Link Gas Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina Charles Borden ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Offshore Marina Lake Martin Mini Mall Corner Stone Coffee Co. Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Catering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Anchor Bay Marina Wetumpka Wetumpka Herald Office Tallassee Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber Parris Mullins Jr. O.D. Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $50 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory 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

(256) 414-6090

KOWALIGA WHOLE HEALTH PET CARE

Mary S. Battistella, DVM

e July Special e 20%f Spa Of Baths

Includes Shampoo, Creme Rinse, Blueberry Facial, Ears & Nails

(334) 857-1816

8610 KOWALIGA ROAD ECLECTIC, ALABAMA

COACH KRAFT

We’re Live! www.lakemagazine.life

UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery!

Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers ■

Some of us have to paddle before we can swim.

Small budget advertising can have you swimming laps around your competitors.

LAKE

256-234-4281

■

Patrick Mason 334-283-6759 676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin.

Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

JULY 2021

LAKE 91

Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing............................................................. 44

Homeology................................................................... 56

Renaissance Electronics............................................... 5

Alex City Guide Service............................................. 8

Insight Securities......................................................... 19

Rhonda Gaskins, Century 21 Lake Area Realty....... 3

Alex City Marine......................................................... 60

Kowaliga Whole Health............................................. 91

Rhonda Jaye, Lake Martin Realty............................. 18

Beyond Home Care................................................... 91

Lake Martin Dock....................................................... 18

Russell Lands On Lake Martin..............12, 29, 41, 96

Blue Creek Iron Works............................................. 91

Lake Martin Mortgage................................................ 77

Russell Medical.............................................................. 2

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation....................................... 21

Lake Martin Realty................................................23, 57

Satterfield........................................................................ 5

Childersburg Primary Care...................................... 44

Lake Martin Signature Construction...................... 61

Security Pest Control............................................8, 66

Chuck's Marina............................................................ 33

Lamberth & Lamberth............................................... 40

Singleton Marine......................................................... 33

Coach Kraft Upholstery............................................ 91

Larson & McGowin Properties, LLC...................... 74

Sparkle........................................................................... 92

Comfort Home Services........................................... 56

Mainstree Alex City...................................................... 6

St. James Episcopal Church....................................... 66

Custom Docks............................................................. 79

Mark King's Furniture................................................ 22

Sunrise Dock................................................................ 13

Davco............................................................................. 91

Miner's Cove................................................................ 66

Tallapoosa Board of Education................................ 93

Docks Unlimited........................................................... 5

Moore Wealth Management..................................... 95

Temple Medical Center............................................... 8

Electronic Technology Group................................... 91

National Village............................................................ 67

The Sanctuary.............................................................. 45

First Methodist Dadeville/New Water Farms........ 8

Odd Jobs......................................................................... 6

TowBoat US................................................................. 74

George Hardy D.M.D................................................... 8

Off the Beaton Path..................................................... 8

UAB Heart & Vascular............................................... 73

Gilbert Welding & Design......................................... 40

Oskars............................................................................. 8

Video Vision Media Marketing.................................. 90

G. W. Warren, Aronov................................................ 17

Phil Interior Design.................................................... 21

Walmart........................................................................ 91

Harbor Pointe Marina................................................ 13

Precise Pressure Washing......................................... 91

Wedowee Marine....................................................... 86

Heritage South Credit Union.................................. 76

Prime Management....................................................... 6

Hinson Galleries.......................................................... 40

ProCare, LLC............................................................... 44

WINDOW CLEANING PRESSURE WASHING GUTTER CLEANING SOFT WASHING

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Serving Auburn, Opelika & Lake Martin Areas!

(334) 759-7080 • sparklealabama.com

92 LAKE

JULY 2021

JULY 2021

LAKE 93

Parting Shot

Scott and James O'Brien sail among the diamonds of Lake Martin.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

"There's a big, wonderful world out there for you. It belongs to you.

It's exciting and stimulating and rewarding. Don't cheat yourselves out of this promise." ~ Nancy Reagan 94 LAKE

JULY 2021

THE

RIDGE

Whether you’re looking to build your own custom designs or would rather choose from our portfolio of popular house plans, The Ridge is the perfect place to start creating lake memories. With The Ridge Marina and The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex with swimming, fitness, and much more, The Ridge is where lake and life truly meet.

Final Waterfront Homesites Just Released

RussellLands.com

96 LAKE

JULY 2021