At Lake magazine, we strive to write stories that make you think, “I want to visit/ see/do that!” Stories connecting you to Lake Martin. I meet a lot of people who wonder how we come up with article ideas every month and often am embarrassed by how easy it is. Lake Martin is more than any of us could imagine.
That includes a lot of music. This month alone, the lake will welcome 23 songwriters in 17 venues as the Annual Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival takes to local stages for five days, starting July 24. Sandra Fuller at Lake Martin Tallapoosa County Tourism started putting together this incredible event four years ago, and every year, it’s bigger and better than the year before. Turn to page 64 to learn what is in store for this year’s festival.
Last year, Black Jacket Symphony Manager Jason Rogoff learned what a fabulous venue we have at Lake Martin Amphitheater when he coordinated the note-for-note performance of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album. This year, Black Jacket Symphony will play Journey’s Escape album at the Amp. Find out how to get your tickets and more on page 30.
And Ben Smith had a heartfelt conversation with Taylor Hicks, who made memories at Lake Martin long before he started making music around the world. Taylor will return to this idyllic place that holds his heart on July 4 for Russell Lands’ annual concert and fireworks display. Check out what he had to say and how you can be there on page 22.
Ben also spent an afternoon on the boat with members of the Auburn Ski Team. He learned about their passion, their determination and their genuine love of the sport. And Kenneth Boone took photos, so you know this is a spectacular feature. Climb aboard and join the fun on page 44.
Passion, determination and a genuine love for Lake Martin drove Dick Bronson, the man who led the charge to protect Lake Martin for future generations. Dick passed away last month at the age of 90, but he left us with the designation of Alabama’s only Treasured Lake and inspired many, many others to reach for what might seem impossible. We offer our respects to Dick and what he accomplished here on page 40.
It’s not easy to step out in front of an effort, even when you’re sure it will be worth it down the road, but Dadeville’s Eric McKinley took a big step in that direction when he purchased Stillwaters Golf Club in March. He’s already made some significant changes and will roll out more in the coming months. Read the story on page 68; and then, turn to “Gabby” Witherington’s golf column on page 91 to learn more. Yes, Eric brought Gabby home to Stillwaters. And much more.
Let that imagination run wild. It’s summer at Lake Martin.
Note: Russell Marine wake clinics are held at River North Marina, not The Ridge Marina as stated in the May issue of Lake magazine.
All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life
ROB "GABBY" WITHERINGTON
Auburn Ski Team VP and Alexander City native Robert Bice stretches out to round a buoy on Lake Martin's slalom course in Parker Creek, leaving a spectacular spray behind him. Ski team members visited Lake Martin last month to share their love of the sport and encourage others to join the fun behind the boat.
Photo by Kenneth Boone
22. TAYLOR HICKS
American Idol winner Taylor Hicks to headline this year's July 4th concert at The Amp.
26. THE BEST HOLIDAY ON THE LAKE
Check out the events and activities that make Lake Martin a premiere destination for July 4th celebrations.
30. E5C4P3
Note for note, Black Jacket Symphony brings an iconic Journey album to The Amp.
40. FAREWELL TO A FRIEND
A Lake Martin environmental champion leaves behind a Treasured legacy.
44. WAR EAGLE & WATER SKI
A club sport team at Auburn University heads to Lake Martin to hone their skills.
52. UPON THIS FOUNDATION ...
A Lake Martin couple builds their forever home with scenic views available from nearly every angle.
64. SONGWRITER'S FESTIVAL
Get ready for a week of music spanning the lake at the Lake Martin Songwriter's Festival.
68. SOMETHING GOOD
New owners start a makeover and more at Dadeville's Legend course.
74. WHERE'S ELLA?
Lake's intern highlights some new and old favorites around the lake.
LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:
9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE
LAKE SCENES
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NATURE OF THE LAKE
LAKE PROPERTY
LAKE WATCH
FAB FINDS
CHEF'S TABLE
CATCHES
FROM THE CELLAR
THE SCRAMBLE
PARTING SHOT
Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake
Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators
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).
Simple Facts about Lake Martin
Once the largest man-made lake in the U.S., Lake Martin is named after Thomas Martin, president of Alabama Power Company from 1920 to 1949 and chief executive officer from 1949 to 1963.
The dam is 2,000 feet long and, at its highest point, measures 168 feet tall.
The classic Art Deco powerhouse at the dam is outfitted with four generators with a total rating of 182 megawatts per second.
The dam was put into service on Dec. 31, 1926, and backfills 41,150 acres.
During the summer months, the water level on Lake Martin is 491 mean sea level feet.
The lake drains a watershed of 3,000 square miles and is 31 miles long.
Lake Martin is contained by 880 miles of shoreline, most of which is natural and undeveloped. Alabama Power is licensed to operate the dam and manage the Lake Martin reservoir by the authority of the Federal Energy Regulation Commission.
In 2010, Lake Martin became the only lake in the state to meet the stringent requirements of the Alabama Treasured Lake designation.
Volunteers at the nonprofit Lake Watch of Lake Martin test the water throughout the lake monthly to monitor water quality.
Another nonprofit organization, Lake Martin Resource Association hosts spring and fall cleanups across the lake,
drawing as many as 400 volunteers, who collect trash from islands, sloughs, shorelines and roadways to keep the lake clean.
The Lake Martin Homeowners and Boat Owners Association, another nonprofit, offers boating safety classes
and penalty-free inspections and monitors legislation that could affect residents and visitors alike. Thank you for doing your part to help keep our lake clean and beautiful for all to enjoy for generations to come.
Weather Outlook for July
July 2024 Forecast
Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the low 90s with average lows in the upper 60s and close to 5.25 inches of precipitation in the month of July. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures and rainfall will be slightly higher than normal this month.
Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.31 Lowest: 490.14
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.
READER SUBMISSIONS
(1) Katherine Fay Dearing sent this photo, taken by the late Beverly Harris at Lake Martin. "Beverly always took the best photographs," Dearing said. (2) Kylee Waldrop and Shelton Wright took photos at Russell Crossroads for their prom at BRHS. (3) Amelia Wilhelm feeds Wyatt on the porch at the lake. (4) Kyle Thornton surprised this doe and her young at The Stables at Russell Crossroads. (5) Angie Scott sent this photo of Allie, a stunning beauty ready for prom. (6) Jennifer Casey and Jason Sawyer sported Derby Day finery at The Stables' race party. (7) A setting sun adds color to the silvery water at Lake Martin.
READER SUBMISSIONS
(1) Lynda Weir took this photo of a firey sunset at Crowne Point on Lake Martin. (2) Chantz Clark, USMC recruit, spent his last civilian day at Lake Martin before shipping out at the end of May. (3) Stephanie Burton's Great Dane, Luca, peered at the Northern Lights with discernment and maybe even a little trepidation last month. (4) Teddy Ryan and Parker Griffin jump into the lake while 4-year-old Hazel Griffin watches from a floating mat while visiting Tom and Georgia Weathers at Windover. (5) Olivia Stevens is this year's Miss Lake Martin Print Model. (6) Bright, colorful azaleas greeted Tony Johnson Good Friday morning.
June 29
Guided Nature Hike on Adamson Road Trailhead
Plan on spending about two hours in the woods with Russell Lands Naturalist Marianne identifying a variety of plant and animal life along the way. Meet at 3 p.m. at the Adamson Road Trailhead. This energetic hike will offer both learning and exercise. Insect repellent and sunscreen will be provided, but please bring your own drinking water and wear comfortable shoes. Registration costs $10. Call 256-496-2710 or email naturalist@russelllands.com to register.
July 3
Celebrate Freedom
The 20th anniversary of this family-friendly, patriotic celebration will feature Belle Isle Worship, Jordan Cyr and Austin French on the practice field at Benjamin Russell High School, following by a professional fireworks display. This free event starts at 6 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. No alcohol, coolers, smoking or personal fireworks allowed. Food vendors will be onsite.
July 4
Russell Marine
4th of July Boat Parade
Fourth of July celebrations take place all around Lake Martin, such as the Stillwaters golf cart parade
white and blue parade through the StillWaters residential area, ending at Copper’s Grill. The procession will be complete with candy, beads and music. Meet at the StillWaters Residential Association Building at 9:30 a.m. for the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. Parade begins at 10 a.m. Parade participants are limited to StillWaters residents, but all spectators are welcome.
July 5 & 6
Arti Gras
You’ll find the 13th Annual Arti Gras art show at Russell Crossroads from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. There’s so much to choose from – jewelry, pottery, furniture, artwork, lake décor and more. For more information, email Sydnee Riley at sriley@russelllands.com.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN
Gather your tribe and dress up your boat for this annual boat parade on Lake Martin from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Prizes are given for the biggest flag, most patriotic boat and crew and more. Registration is free, but all boats must be registered at Kowaliga Marina prior to the start of the parade. For more information, call 256-397-1210.
July 4
Russell Lands July 4th Concert & Fireworks
The Bank Walkers open this annual extravaganza at 6:30 p.m., followed by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Then, the Southeast’s largest fireworks display astounds an audience on the grassy lawn at Lake Martin Amphitheater and boaters gathered in offshore. At the conclusion of the fireworks show, Hicks’ band will take the stage for another hour. Tickets are $10 at theamponlakemartin.com.
July 4
Golf Cart Parade
All are invited to attend the Third Annual StillWaters Golf Cart Parade. Watch golf carts decorated in all forms of red,
July 7 and 21
Pennington Park Farmers Marketplace
The Farmers Marketplace is a producers-only market at Pennington Park in Dadeville. The markets provide home-grown produce and homemade goods from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Food trucks will be on site, and live music will be provided in the afternoon when available. Interested vendors should email klpfitzner@gmail.com or call 334-233-9851 to request an application.
July 8 & 9
Barry Stewart Mann Storyteller
Seize the adventure of storytelling with professional tale spinner Barry Stewart, who will entertain and inspire children at 1 p.m. Dadeville Public Library on July 8 and at 10 a.m. at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City on July 9. These are free programs offered in conjunction with the summer reading challenge, and everyone is invited to attend.
July 10
Animal Tales
Children will learn about wild animals of the world at this summer reading challenge program at 1 p.m. on the lower level at Dadeville Public Library. This one-hour program never fails to educate, entertain and inspire children.
July 11
Wake Clinic
Get some experienced, professional help developing that new wake trick you want to learn this summer by signing up for this Russell Marine clinic at River North Marina. Bring your board and life jacket. Group 1 starts at 3:30 p.m. and finishes at 5 p.m. Group 2 starts at 5:30 p.m. and finishes at 7 p.m. Cost is $35 per person, which includes use of the boat and any additional equipment or accessories needed. Email tdonahoo@russelllands.com or call 256-786-2034 reservations and information.
July 13
East Alabama Horseman’s Association Show
The Alex City Horse Riding Club will host this show at Walkabout Ranch in New Site. Events begin at 11 a.m. Timed events will start after 3 p.m. For more information, contact Jimmy Avery at 256-794-6566.
July 13
Introduction to Sailing
Lake Martin’s Dixie Sailing Club will repeat this free sailing class from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch is provided. Bring a life jacket if you have one, swimsuit, change of dry clothes, towel and sunscreen. For more information, call Keith Bennett at 334-324-9383.
July 13
Learn to Fly with Lift E-Foils
Your skills improve as you learn to control the board off the water and start to learn carving techniques from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at River North Marina. First timers and seasoned veterans are welcomed and encouraged to attend at their own pace. Cost is $125. Contact Tori Donahoo at 256-786-2034 or email tdonahoo@russelllands.com.
July 15-18, July 22-25 & July 29-Aug. 1
Summer Arts Camp
Children will explore and develop skills in music, drama, dance and visual arts from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at this four-day arts camp at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. The camp is free for Tallapoosa County residents. Limited registrations are available for $80 to nonresidents. Register at dadevilleperformingsarstcenter.com/tickets-reservations.
July 16
Animalogy with Bob Tarter
Bob offers a fun, fresh approach to learning at this summer reading program at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City. The program begins at 10 a.m. This is a free presentation, and all children are invited to attend.
July 16
Author Negrita Smart
Children’s author Negrita Smart will visit the Dadeville Public Library at 10 a.m. for a special story time. An award winning author and Dadeville native, she has written a book series centered around a fictional 5-year-old girl named Grace, whose experiences share life lessons with children.
July 18
Wake Clinic
Get experienced, professional help developing that new wake trick you want to learn this summer by signing up for this Russell Marine clinic at River North Marina. Bring your board and life jacket. Group 1 starts at 3:30 p.m. and finishes at 5 p.m. Group 2 starts at 5:30 p.m. and finishes at 7 p.m. Cost is $35 per person, which includes use of the boat and any additional equipment or accessories needed. For more information, call 256-786-2034 or email tdonahoo@russelllands.com.
July 18
Tommy Johns Magic Show
The magic adventure begins at 10 a.m. at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City. This is a free summer reading program event.
July 19
Day of Action
Sign up now and roll up your sleeves to help Lake Martin Area United Way volunteers take on cleanup projects at Central High School in Coosa County. From landscaping to painting hallways and cleaning lockers, there’s plenty of work for everyone. Day of Action shows kids we care! Register online at unitedwaylakemartin.org/dayofaction.
July 19 & 20
Surf Rise to Surf Set
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, sign up for an exhilarating day of water sports at Singleton’s Blue Creek Marina to master surfing, wakeboarding and foiling from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch from Lake Martin Pizza Company will be provided at 11:30 a.m. Call 256-330-2188 to reserve your spot.
July 20
Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run
Dress up your boat and crew for the 21st Annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run, touring the marinas around the lake to build your best poker hand and raise money for local charities. Pick up freebies at every stop and end the day with an awards party and memories to last a lifetime. For more information, visit russelllands.com/blog/events.
July 20
Black Jacket Symphony
Black Jacket Symphony will return to Lake Martin Amphitheater at 7:30 p.m. to recreate Journey’s Escape Album, featuring Don’t Stop Believin’, Who’s Crying Now, Open Arms and more. General admission tickets are $39.50, and reserved seating tickts are $49.50 at ticketmaster.com.
July 20
East Alabama Horseman’s Association Show
Tri County Riding Club will coordinate this show at Cedar Creek Cowboy Church 4C Arena in Childersburg. Entrants must have valid Coggins through Sept. 2, 2024. Events begin at 11 a.m. with timed events starting after 3 p.m. For information, call Jeff Williams at 334-444-7490.
July 20
Last Day to Log Summer Reading Books
Be sure to log books on the Beanstalk app or turn in log sheets at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library to be eligible for prizes as this year’s Adventure Begins at Your Library summer reading challenge.
July 24-28
Lake Martin Songwriters Festival
Rock the lake all week long as Tallapoosa County Lake Martin Tourism presents the 4th Annual Lake Martin Songwriters Festival, featuring 30 award-winning artists at 17 venues around the lake. Hear the stories behind radio hits, and experience the lake as you never have before. The music is free, and the fun is unforgettable. For more details, visit lakemartinsongwritersfestival.com.
July 25
Oxbow Meadow Reptiles
Join the summer reading challenge finale at 10 a.m. at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library as Oxbow Meadow Reptiles shares fun facts with reptiles. Ernie’s Hotdogs will be on site with Frost Bite Ice Cream, and reading prizes will be awarded.
July 25
Wake Clinic
Get some experienced, professional help developing that new wake trick you want to learn this summer in this longer this Russell Marine clinic from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River North Marina. Bring your board and life jacket. Cost is $50 per person. For more information, call 256-786-2034 or email tdonahoo@russelllands.com.
July 27
East Alabama Horseman’s Association Show
The End of Season Show will be held at the Chambers County Ag Arena in Lafayette. The show will start at 11 a.m. with timed events starting after 3 p.m. Robert Reams will coordinate and can be contacted at 334-502-2402.
July 27
Around the World – Opa!
Grove Station’s Around the World Dining Experiences visits Greek cuisine 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the loft at 19 Sistrunk Street, Tallassee. Enjoy some of the most iconic dishes from the birthplace of culture, philosophy and art. Tickets are $100, available at tickets.atgrovestation.com. Park in the rear of the building and enter through the back door on the right.
Aug. 1
Wake Clinic
Get some experienced, professional help developing that new wake trick you want to learn this summer by signing up for this Russell Marine clinic at River North Marina. Bring your board and life jacket. Group 1 starts at 3:30 p.m. and finishes at 5 p.m. Group 2 starts at 5:30 p.m. and finishes at 7 p.m. Cost is $35 per person, which includes use of the
boat and any additional equipment or accessories needed. For reservations, email tdonahoo@russelllands.com or call Tori Donahoo at 256-786-2034.
Aug. 3
Fly Further with Lift E-Foils
Learn to get the most out of battery life and gain comfort for longer distance rides from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at River North Marina. No prior experience required, but returning riders will stretch their range on the lake. Cost is $125. For information, call 256-786-2034 or email tdonahoo@russelllands.com.
Season Long Events
Farmers Market
The Alexander City Farmers Market has moved to Calhoun Street downtown this summer. The market is open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday through September. For more information, contact Main Street Alexander City at 256-307-3949.
LMYP Game Night
Every third Thursday of the month, meet at The Local at 41 Main in downtown Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for games, laughs and exclusive LMYP drink specials. It’s free to play, and the grand prize is always $50. Visit the Lake Martin Young Professionals Facebook page for more information.
Music in the Air
Come out to Zazu’s Verandah on the beautiful courthouse square in Dadeville from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday for an evening of music. Beverages will be for sale at Zazu’s, but the music is free. Please tip the musicians.
Yoga on the Green
Bring your mat, water and a towel to the Town Green at Russell Crossroads at 7 a.m. every Saturday through Sept. 28 to start your day at the lake well. Certified instructors are provided by Russell Lands for this free event.
Friday On The Green
Every Friday night all summer long, Russell Lands hosts free music and lawn games on the Town Green from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, coolers, kids and the pup on a leash to start your weekend at the lake with family and friends.
Dadeville Outdoor Flea Market
Find a diverse range of goods to include food, antiques, furniture, clothes, live animals, produce and more at 850 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Dadeville, on the first Saturday of each month through October. Vendor spaces are available for $10. Contact Andrew at 256-675-6499.
Stillwaters Dog Fight Golf
Join golfers of all ages and abilities at Stillwaters Golf Club
at 10 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for an open golf event. In addition to regular golf fees, players pay a small entry fee of $7 or $15, depending on the day. For details, call the golf shop at 256-825-1353.
Lake Martin Civitan Club
The Lake Martin Civitan Club meets at noon in the private room at JR’s Grill, 145 Alabama St., Alexander City, on the second Thursday of each month. For more information, call Audrey Moore at 256-786-0465.
Everything’s Art Classes
From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on alternate Tuesdays, children in grades three through five will learn the elements of art as they complete projects in class with Everything’s Art teachers. No fees for Tallapoosa County children. Email Delaine Hanson at delaine.hanson@gmail.com for more details. Complete permission forms at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/Classes.
Dulcimer Club
All levels of mountain dulcimer and blending traditional instruments are invited to gather at Dadeville Performing Arts Center from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday to rehearse for performances at a variety of community events. Club fee is $25 annually. Performer memberships, patron memberships or quarterly memberships are $30. Email kim.walls@dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for details.
Lake Martin Creativity
This group meets every Monday at 1 p.m. in the community room at the StillWaters Residential Building. Anyone interested in arts and crafts is encouraged to join. Bring something to work on or come see what others are doing. A monthly fee of $5 is charged to help pay for the use of the space. For more information, contact Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.
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.
Memory Makers Quilt Guild
This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. and sew until 2 p.m. Bring your lunch or a snack, sewing projects, machines and questions.
Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours
Come see naturalist Marianne and her lively nature presentations at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature. Check the calendar at Russelllands.com/blog/events for specifics.
Worship on the Water
Church of the Living Waters
July 7 – Hoffman Rhyne, Auburn
July 14 – Rev. KG Jones, Tuskegee
July 21 – Rev. Mark Smith, Valley
July 28 – Rev. James Cullins, Alexander City
Aug. 4 - Kevin Flannagan, Auburn
Aug. 11 – Rev. Skip Long, Opelika
Aug. 18 – Rev. Marcus Poppenfoose, Auburn
Aug. 25 – Mark Jackson, Auburn
Sept. 1 – Dr. Tim Thompson, Jackson Gap –Communion
Dress is casual. Join by car, bike, golf cart or boat.
Services are held at 9 a.m. at 782 Lakeview Ridge Circle, Dadeville, AL 36853, across from the Golf Colony Villas
Church of the Living Waters in Stillwaters
Hicks' introduction to music was a $2 flea market harmonica
Taylor Hicks
A musician, actor and American Idol winner comes back to the place he grew up for a July 4th performance
STORY BY BEN SMITH & PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAYLOR HICKS
Before Taylor Hicks won American Idol – before he played Teen Angel in a Broadway showing of Grease – before he hosted his own television show, and before he performed with the likes of James Brown, Tom Petty, Snoop Dogg and Jackson Browne; before all of that, he played a harmonica he bought at a flea market for $2.
“I don’t necessarily recommend buying harmonicas from flea markets,” he joked.
From that harmonica, Hicks discovered he had a skill highly coveted by musicians. He could listen to the sound of ordinary noises – say, the sound of a microwave beeping or a clock ticking – and recreate the same notes on his harmonica. He found he had perfect pitch.
“I always say that Alabamians will let you know if you can do three things: throw a football, cook and sing,” said Hicks.
That harmonica led to learning the guitar, which led to playing in bands around the Auburn area. He wrote music and played with local musicians such as Spoonful James, Wynn Christian and Tony Brook. Living in Alabama, Hicks felt he was surrounded by nearly every flavor of Southern music.
“We’re in the Heart of Dixie,” said Hicks.” “So, you can pull from a lot of different places. You’ve got bluegrass up in Tennessee. You’ve got the Cajun music down in Louisiana. You can get to all of these places and hear that music. Growing up in Alabama, you’re kind of in the center of everything. So, you are able to pick up a lot of influences from a lot of different parts of the South.”
concert.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a performance from The Bank Walkers. Then, following the hula hoop contest, Hicks will take the stage at 8 p.m. He plans to perform his original music – a bluesy mix of soul, rock and country – along with some Bob Seger classics. At 9 p.m., one of the Southeast’s largest fireworks displays will light up the sky. After the fireworks show, Hicks’ band will take the stage for another hour.
“I feel like my show kind of ties in with the classic American theme,” said Hicks. “And with the fireworks, it should be a blast. No pun intended.”
A Birmingham native, Hicks grew up visiting Lake Martin
Some of Hicks’ earliest gigs were at the nowclosed Colonel Tom’s Tavern, on county Road 34 in Dadeville, and in Auburn, at the War Eagle Supper Club.
“That area is traditionally a kind of live music hotbed,” said Hicks. “I think it really helped me grow as a musician.”
Now, Hicks is returning to Lake Martin, performing at the Lake Martin Amphitheater for the July 4th
Hicks grew up jumping off the jagged bluffs of Chimney Rock. He has friends and family living in the area, and in true longstanding lake-resident fashion, he marvels at the ways the area has changed over the years.
“But it’s still got that smalltown feel to it,” he said.
That smalltown feel is what makes returning to the area special for Hicks. After traveling the country, performing for millions, there’s something personal about going back to the place where it all began. The people, places and things in the area all spark memories, many of which may have otherwise been long forgotten.
“Especially when I can go back to places in the state where I grew up playing and performing,” said Hicks. “Those are just very nostalgic shows for me, and this one is going to be really special.”
But apart from the area being personal to him, Hicks also enjoys it for what it has to offer.
“I feel like that’s the best lake in the country. And it’s obviously the best lake for boating, swimming and fishing. I’m a big fan of that area, and I think the amphitheater is a beautiful spot to perform. And with the fireworks, it’s going to be a special night.”
To purchase tickets to Hicks’ July 4th performance, visit theamponlakemartin.com.
The Best Holiday on the Lake
STORY BY BETSY ILER
PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & TPI STAFF
The stage at The Amp rolls away as the fireworks show begins
DDon’t miss the opportunity to create lasting memories at these traditional July 4 events at Lake Martin this summer:
n The festivities begin in Alexander City on July 3 when Connect Church in Alexander City sponsors a patriotic celebration on the band practice field at Benjamin Russell High School. Now in its 20th year, Celebrate Freedom features performances by three Christian music artists, along with food vendors and a professional fireworks display at the end of the evening. The music starts at 6 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to spread on the grassy field. Dress up in red, white and blue and bring the pup on a leash.
This year’s Celebrate Freedom event will open with Belle Isle Worship, a new group that has toured with Mack Brock, Jason Crabb, Austin French, Colton Dixon and others. Jordan Cyr will take the mid-stage slot with his chart-climbing hits, Fires and Weary Traveler , and Austin French will headline the event with high energy music inspired by Scripture.
The music is free, but the event is driven by donations and the sale of T-shirts, so your gifts are greatly appreciated. No coolers, no alcohol, no smoking and no personal fireworks are allowed at this event.
n July 4 dawns early at Kowaliga Marina, as entrants prepare for the annual Russell Marine July 4 Boat Parade, which seems to grow every year. Entering is free, so give your boat a patriotic makeover and join the fun. Additional prizes are awarded for the tallest flag, largest flag, most creative theme and most patriotic crew. First prize is a $150 Russell Marine gift certificate, and second prize is a $75 gift certificate.
Watch from boats lined up along the route or from the shoreline. The parade begins at 10 a.m. To register or for more information, call the marina at 256-397-1210.
n Also at 10 a.m. on the opposite side of the lake, patriots at StillWaters will join the Annual 4th of July Golf Cart Parade, winding through the neighborhood on a meandering route from the Residential Building on Stillwaters Drive to Copper’s Grill on Moonbrook Drive. Residents may enter the parade, and all non-residents are invited to line the route to watch. The parade will take place rain or shine. Visit the Friends of Stillwaters at Lake Martin Facebook page for the route.
n From StillWaters, slip over to Olana Drive for the Blue Creek Golf Parade at 11 a.m. Park along Ponder Camp Road to collect candy and trinkets thrown by parade entries on their way to Niffer’s.
To join the fun, meet at 10 a.m. at the end of Olana Drive. For more information, contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.
n After spending the day cooling off in the lake, head the boat toward Lake Martin Amphitheater, where local favorite The Bank Walkers will open at 6:30 p.m. for headliner Taylor Hicks. A Birmingham native and American Idol winner, Hicks grew up visiting Lake Martin and always looks forward to playing local stages (see the article on page 22). Since claiming the American Idol title, Hicks has headlined Las Vegas shows and performed with Widespread Panic, James Brown, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Drive-By Truckers, Robert Randolph and many others. He’ll play an hourlong set at 8 p.m. before the stage rolls to the sideline for one of the Southeast’s most spectacular fireworks displays. Hicks’ band will return for another hour following the fireworks show.
Watch the concert and fireworks from The Amp’s grassy hillside to get the best view of both events. Enter Russell Lands’ traditional hula hoop contest between the bands. Bring coolers, lawn chairs and blankets, but please leave the pup at home. Tickets for hillside seating are $10 and worth every cent. Scott Blake will sing the national anthem to start the fireworks show, creating a night you won't soon forget. Purchase tickets at theamponlakemartin.com.
n But if you aren’t done yet, raft up in Blue Creek for the Wilmarth Fireworks Show, hosted by Jonathan Wilmarth on the lake’s only inhabited island. Wilmarth and Aaron Kovak started this show 16 years ago with a couple hundred dollars’ worth of fireworks. The show has grown from Wilmarth’s dock to a barge, and over the years hundreds of boats gather in anticipation of a show funded by donations to the effort. What started as a few minutes of lights is now a 30 to 40-minute production. On land, watch the show from a table at Niffer’s.
n Even then, the festivities are far from over. Arti Gras, one of the area’s signature juried arts shows, celebrates the holiday at Russell Crossroads from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 5 and 6, featuring artisans from around the Southeast. Choose from jewelry to pottery, textile art, photography, paintings and much more to find a unique piece of local art as a token of remembrance for a great time at Lake Martin over the July 4 holiday.
Wilmarth Fireworks Show
StillWaters Golf Cart Parade
Taylor Hicks at The Amp
Arti Gras
BBlack Jacket Symphony returns to Lake Martin Amphitheater July 20 to play Journey’s iconic “Escape” album featuring Billboard’s Hot 100 hits Don’t Stop Believin’, Who’s Crying Now, Still They Ride and Open Arms. BJS manager Jason Rogoff said last summer’s Fleetwood Mac “Rumours” concert was such a success, he has put the lake on his permanent concert venue list.
“We loved the people, loved the crowd, the laid-back atmosphere,” Rogoff said. “People were up and having fun. Dancing. Everyone enjoying the music. We definitely plan to make it an annual trek.”
Founded by J. Willoughby and Damon Johnson in 2009, Black Jacket Symphony has performed more than 40 classic rock albums – note for note and sound for sound – over the past 13 years. Hand-picked musicians reproduce the authentic quality of the original album. Jimmy Buffett, Pink Floyd, Whitney Houston and Elton John albums are among this year’s concerts, as well as the Journey album.
“E5C4P3,” released in 1981, was the group’s seventh studio album and met with such accolades as “timeless” and “heartfelt.” Open Arms debuted in the No. 2 Billboard spot while Don’t Stop Believin’ was No. 9 and Who’s Cryin’ Now came in at No. 4.
“One of the most popular songs, Don’t Stop Believin’, is one of the first songs on the album, so don’t be late to this concert, or you’ll miss it,” Rogoff noted. “There is nothing in this album that is not great.”
The lead singer for this concert is Ryan Christopher, who discovered his love of Journey by singing Don’t Stop Believin’ in a karaoke competition.
“He sounds identical to Steve Perry in his heyday,” Rogoff said.
He’s been resurrecting Perry’s golden voice for a decade.
In the BJS band’s second set, the audience will hear a collection of Journey’s greatest hits, including Separate Ways
“The second set has so many highlights. Journey, over the course of the band’s career, has so many hit songs. It is music everyone knows and will get up and dance to,” Rogoff said.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on The Amp’s grassy hillside, but arrive early to avoid lines at the food trucks and the bar, Rogoff said.
“Last year, we had barbecue, beer, wine, cocktails, the full gamut, and we’ll be doing the same thing this year,” Rogoff said.
No outside coolers will be allowed at this event.
“We will have multiple bars set up. There will be food there. We aim to create a great experience at the lake for everyone,” Rogoff said.
Dogs are not allowed at The Amp.
Tickets for reserved seating in front of the stage are $49.50. General admission tickets are $39.50. General admission ticketholders should bring lawn chairs. Visit blackjacketsymphony.com/tour-dates to purchase tickets.
Ryan Christopher will sing the role of Steve Perry
Black Jacket Symphony will play Journey's iconic album note for note July 20
E5C4P3
Black Jacket Symphony brings Journey album to The AMP
STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS COURTESY OF BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY
The "Escape" album features four hit singles
Journey originally formed as a backup band of studio musicians
Renewing more than rivers for 25 years.
The Renew Our Rivers program, originated by Alabama Power, has grown into one of the largest river cleanups in the nation. Over 117,000 volunteers have come together to remove 16 million pounds of trash from our Southeastern waterways. We have shown up again and again to preserve the beauty and to create a community that is powering a better Alabama. For 25 years, we’ve been renewing more than rivers.
Scan to view volunteer opportunities.
BY KENNETH BOONE
NATURE OF THE LAKE
Strong wing muscles enable the Slaty Skimmer to hover and fly up to 34 miles per hour in every direction
Here be dragons, indeed Slaty Skimmer
IIn the days before the world was fully mapped, ancient cartographers sometimes drew images of dragons or inked “hic sunt dracones” – Latin for “Here Be Dragons” – in the uncharted areas of the world.
They could have used that term across most of the globe.
Dragonflies are indeed well named – because pound-forpound, there’s not a more fearsome, efficient predator alive today. And there are at least 3,012 species of dragons found across the world; every continent except Antarctica has native dragonflies.
Today, we’ll focus on one species, which is very common in the Lake Martin area. The Slaty Skimmer, common name Libellula incesta , is a medium to large perching dragonfly. It can be found on sunny, still water shorelines and also in the fields and forest edges here in Alabama and across the eastern portions of the United States and Canada.
These insects get their name because of the slate blue color of males and older females and their tendency to fly close, or skim, over the water’s surface.
Slaty Skimmers are about 2 inches long with four transparent wings that each have a dark spot on the leading edge near the wing’s end. Males are dark, slate blue with black faces and no other markings. Juveniles and females have cream and brown markings on face and body with wide stripes running down their abdomens; however, as females grow older they become all dark, looking more like adult males.
Like all insects, dragonflies have three primary body parts: the head, the thorax and the abdomen. Each part of a dragonfly is armored with a hard chitin exoskeleton that is hinged together with flexible tissue.
Dragonflies have large heads with huge compound eyes that contain 22,650 light-gathering organs called ommatidia, giving them excellent 360-degree vision. They can see – or, more specifically, process visual movement – at about 200 visual frames per second while humans are only able to see between 30 and60 frames per second. Dragonflies dedicate about 80 percent of their brain capacity to sight.
The thorax of a dragonfly has four wings and six legs.
Strong wing muscles allow these insects to hover and fly fast – 22 to 34 miles per hour – in every direction, though they are much slower going backward than forward.
Dragonfly abdomens are long and needle-like, made up of 10 segments.
Male Slaty Skimmers spend lots of time perching on one of several favorite spots guarding a short distance of shoreline. They leave their perches repeatedly, usually to fend off other dragonflies that stray into their turf, or to zip out to catch a meal – coming back to a perch to devour whatever insect they catch. Female Slatys are rarely seen on a shoreline unless they are there to find a mate.
Dragonfly sex is a full contact sport.
When a male is ready to mate, he must grab a sperm packet produced near the end of his abdomen and move it to his secondary genitalia, which is located on the far other end of the abdomen, near his legs.
A male that spots a potential mate initiates sex by chasing the apple of his eye and grabbing her in mid-air, sometimes using his legs and sometimes even biting her with his strong mandibles to get a grip. Once he has her in his clutches, he pulls his abdomen forward and uses the two claw-like claspers on the tip of his abdomen to hold onto her neck. The male then drags his mate behind him
until she’s ready to copulate in an act called “tandem linkage.” She’s usually ready pretty quickly because mid-air hookups can cause deep cuts if she struggles.
When the female is ready to mate, she grips the end of his abdomen with her legs and swings her abdomen up under the male, with the two dragons forming a circle or heart shape while sex takes place. When two dragonflies are coupled they are said to be “in-wheel.”
This pair of Slaty Skimmers found romance on a twig, but some dragonflies have sex entirely in the air. Once these Slatys finish mating, the male sticks close by his mate while she hovers above the water and flies down repeatedly, tapping the water’s surface with her abdomen to drop fertilized eggs. In the photo (page 37) of the female hovering, it looks like an egg or water droplet is still attached to the end of her abdomen.
If you observe a dragonfly repeatedly flying a small loop right above the water’s surface, you are seeing a female dropping her eggs … and she may deposit a few thousand.
Male dragonflies stay close to chase off any other guys who might be around since dragonfly eggs are only fertilized by the last mating before they are deposited in the water. In fact, female dragonflies routinely take multiple partners and
This Slaty Skimmer made a meal of a flying ant
male dragonflies are known to clean house by scooping out sperm from a previous encounter before they mate.
Once eggs hatch, the larvae – called naiads –spend most of their lives underwater, where they feed on aquatic insects before climbing out to molt into a dragonfly.
Dragonflies use their exceptional eyesight and flight skills to capture insects in mid-air. They are the most formidable predator on the planet, with an average success rate above 95 percent and some individuals capturing close to 100 percent of the insects they target. For comparison, wolves are successful about 20 percent of the time; Great White Sharks come in at 48 percent; and African Wild Dogs vary between 60-90 percent. Human hunters using a bow and arrow average close to 5 percent.
One reason the dragonfly is such a successful predator is that, on the fly, it is able to predict a prey’s flight path and adjust its own so that as it is closing in, the background behind the dragon remains fixed and the dragonfly does not appear to be moving side to side, which would trigger evasive action. To the prey, it appears that the dragonfly is hovering in place, even though it is getting larger as it gets closer. This strategy is called motion camouflage, and it requires very high visual and flying skills and split-second coordination between the two.
Dragonflies will eat mosquitoes, flying ants, moths, butterflies, midges, other dragonflies and other insects. During a single day, a dragonfly can consume insects weighing 20 percent of its own weight.
Dragonfly predators include birds like flycatchers, swifts, swallows and smaller hawks that catch them in the air, and ducks and herons that eat them in their nymph form. Besides birds, dragonflies are sometimes meals for frogs, fish, salamanders and even other dragonflies.
Here in the southern U.S., dragonflies (not just Slaty Skimmers) are sometimes known as “snake feeders” or “snake doctors” because of folktales saying dragonflies would catch bugs and feed them to snakes or even stitch up an injured snake. Other common names – likely related to the dragonfly’s long abdomen –include “horse-stinger,” “ear cutter” and “devil’s darning needle.”
Ancient dragonflies were much larger, with some fossils showing wingspans of 3 feet, which must have been a fearsome sight, indeed.
It appears an egg or drop of water is still attached to the abdomen of this female Slaty Skimmer
After mating, a male Slaty Skimmer stays close to make sure the female's eggs are deposited in the water
Some information for this article came from The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Dragonflies of Northern Virginia, Insect Identification, Birdwatching HQ and Wikipedia. The Slaty Skimmer leaves its perch to catch dinner, mate or chase other dragonflies from its territory
spearheaded the effort to designate
Dick Bronson
Lake Martin as a Treasured Alabama Lake
Farewell to a Friend of Lake Martin
Col. (Ret.) Richard Marshall "Dick" Bronson (1933-2024)
Alabama’s only Treasured Lake was designated as such because of the efforts of one man, Col. (Ret.) Richard Marshall Bronson (Dick), who passed away in Montgomery June 10 at 90 years of age. Born in Gaines, Michigan, in 1933, Bronson retired to Lake Martin in 1984 after a 28-year career in the U.S. Army. As soon as he’d settled in, Bronson and his wife, Mary Ann, became known for their advocacy of the environment and especially for Lake Martin.
He founded Lake Watch of Lake Martin in 1989 with the goal of protecting the lake’s water quality for future generations. When he learned that Lake Martin, as a man-made reservoir, was not eligible for Alabama Department of Environmental Management protection under existing statutes that applied only to natural bodies of water in the state, Bronson suggested parameters be defined for such reservoirs. Then, he worked with ADEM officials to write them.
“He was a good friend and as fine a person as I’ve dealt with,” said ADEM Director Lance LeFleur. “Early on in my capacity with ADEM, about 14 years ago, we invited all interested environmental groups to come and sit down with the department to discuss issues that were of interest to them. That’s when I met him, and he was always a voice of reason.”
Bronson’s efforts affected local industry, as he monitored wastewater discharges into the lake.
“When he got there, the lake was in pretty bad shape,” said Bronson’s sonin-law, Ron Richard. “He caused some of that good trouble that resulted in turning it around.”
But Bronson’s environmental efforts were not limited to Lake Martin. John Thompson, past president of Lake Martin Resource Association, said he met Bronson several years before coming to the lake.
“I was president of the Sierra Club in Montgomery, and Dick came down, along with Bill Deutsch, and spoke
to the Sierra Club. That led to my getting involved with cleaning up a local creek there,” Thompson said. “When I moved to the lake, LMRA hadn’t even started, really, and Dick was involved in the cleanup effort with Renew Our Rivers. He put together a couple boats, and I went along. We went over to DARE Park and loaded up Dick’s boat with trash.
“He was the pioneer in the whole effort to protect the waters in Alabama. When he set his hat, he didn’t change it. He wasn’t one to negotiate. He forged ahead on whatever he was doing. He certainly motivated me to get involved.”
His efforts also resulted in a number of awards. He received the W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Award from Auburn University in 2012. Alabama Water Watch presented Bronson and Mary Ann with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
It was through his work with Alabama Water Watch that Bronson met Eric Reutebuch, a past president of Lake Watch who nominated Bronson for a Conservationist of the Year Award.
“I was part of a wastewater diversion research project for a private company at Auburn University. We had to do a lot of pre- and post-measurements for a diffuser across the bottom of the lake. He started hounding us for that data. I thought, ‘Who does this guy think he is?’ But I was impressed with his tenac-
ity. That was more than 20 years ago. Later, we started collaborating. He came up with innovative ideas, ways to tackle problems. He was a very, very special individual. He’s been my mentor ever since I got over him bullying me for that data.”
In addition to advocacy, Bronson worked extensively with local youth. For 10 years, he partnered with Radney Elementary School gifted program teacher Laurie Barrett to convey the importance of caring for the environment.
“It started with me asking him for a little help in teaching students to do water testing,” Barrett said. “One class turned into 10 years. I had these visions of what I wanted to teach my students, and he made it happen.”
When Barrett told Bronson she loved taking her students outside, Bronson created a trail system in the woods behind the school.
Bronson organized the first Lake Watch water monitors
“That led to Eagle Scout projects, land bridges, benches and all sorts of things. He and Mary Ann came once a month, and they brought people from Auburn University. One time, he brought a Madagascar hissing cockroach. The kids loved that.
“He would build up their confidence, and when they came out of the woods, they were different people because of that. A little bit bigger, prouder. At that age – 5th and 6th grades – they wanted to do something to make a difference. He helped empower them.”
But above all, Bronson was a family man, Richard said.
“Everything was always about family. He made popcorn in a large skillet – with real butter – every Sunday night for us all to munch on while watching Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color,” Richard said. “The family car, a red VW Bus, fit all 10 of us perfectly. When going uphill, he would always shout, ‘Everyone lean forward!’ We always did, except the time we were on our icy driveway trying to get to church. Unbeknownst to him, we all whispered to each other, ‘Lean back!’ We did not make it to church that Sunday.”
The family’s favorite tales include the time he got a speeding ticket on the base at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the day after he complained to military police about speeders. There is a small collection of hiking videos he made with flowing waterfalls, forests and beautiful vistas and him saying, ‘This is my church.’ And the satisfaction Bronson felt when when he could knock the grandchildren and great grandchildren off the innertube behind the boat.
“Two days before he died, he was lying in bed and said, ‘That is perfection.’ We asked him what he meant, and he pointed to our mom,” Richard said.
The family held a private service. Donations may be made in his memory to Lake Watch of Lake Martin at lakewatchoflakemartin.wildapricot.org or P.O. Box 425, Dadeville AL 36853; or to Alabama State Parks Foundation at asparksfoundation.org.
Ashton Aldridge shoots a smile as he runs the slalom course at Parker Creek on Lake Martin
War Eagle & Water Ski
STORY BY BEN SMITH & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
SSkis glide over the water, smooth and gracefully, as if they were moving across ice or some frictionless surface. Robert Bice pulls hard on the rope – his biceps and forearms tense, his whole being focused as he is propelled toward a red buoy. He leans back as he approaches, positioning his body nearly parallel with the water. His momentum swings in the other direction, and a wave of water shoots out from under his skis. For a moment, a rainbow appears in the mist.
Bice is the vice president of the Auburn Water Ski club, an organization that has been active at Auburn University for over 50 years. It is comprised of 49 Auburn University students, who cover nearly the entire spectrum of skill and experience.
There are members who have dedicated thousands of hours to waterskiing. They likely grew up skiing and are no strangers to waking up to bodies sore from the shoulders down, the callouses stripped from their palms and replaced by blisters.
“You’re always chasing the best, but you can never get it,” said Bice. “Because, at the end of the day, you’re competing with yourself, and you can always do better than you did before.”
Bice grew up waterskiing. During the summer, he practices every chance he can get, squeezing in time before or after work. He’s serious about the sport, and he plans to waterski for the rest of his life. Last May, he placed third in a Regional NCWSA slalom
tournament. He says he is aiming for first place in the upcoming national tournament next October.
But Bice also takes time to have fun. After competing with the Auburn Ski Team for a tournament in Tennessee, Bice heard about a wooden ski tournament at the location and decided to try it out. He finished third in a field of 36.
There’s Virginia Dozier, whose parents met at a waterskiing competition. She’s skied since she was old enough to hold a rope, and in the most recent competition, she took third place in the NCWSA tournament. She, too, has spent countless hours behind a boat, has wiped out in every way imaginable and has spent many days nursing sore muscles and sunburns. In her final year with the club, Virginia won the Female Outstanding Leader of the Year Award from the NCWSA.
But a large portion of the club is not comprised of waterskiing vets. Many are beginners, such as Kaylee Clement. She says she had never waterskied before joining the team and was initially drawn to the club simply as a means of making friends.
“It’s great because everyone is so welcoming. Even on the other teams,” said Clement. “I remember my first tournament. I did very bad, obviously, but I remember everyone on that dock was cheering me on.”
The more skilled skiers, such as Bice and Dozier, have patience for newcomers. Despite being focused
Virginia Dozier recently graduated from Auburn University, but hopes to continue skiing
Dozier won a national award for her leadership as president of the Auburn Water Ski Team
Bice specializes in skiing the slalom event
Aldridge sports one of the Auburn Ski Team's newest merchandise offerings, a lightweight War Eagle life vest
Though focused on his own success, Bice makes sure to focus on growing team membership and capabilities
on their own successes and their own skills, they take the time and to coach newcomers.
An abundance of patience is necessary for developing a fledgling skier. The sport requires ski equipment, which can be expensive, and which comes in thousands of different styles and modifications that would be difficult for the uninitiated to navigate. It requires access to a boat – not just any boat, but one that is large enough and fast enough to pull a skier. It also requires a boat driver, who has a boating license and is competent driving for competitive waterskiing (during the slalom ski, for example, the boat cannot veer more than 20 centimeters outside the center line).
The sport also requires access to a lake, and if you want to ski competitively, the lake should be within routine travel distance and should have the proper buoys and equipment set up for practicing slalom and ramp ski events. But even with access to a boat, a lake and all the equipment needed to water ski, there may be too much boat traffic for anyone to ski effectively. Meaning that, on some lakes, skiers have to plan their schedules around the more popular times to ski on weekdays or in the early hours of the day. Times when they probably have class or work or some other daily commitment.
With so many barriers, the Auburn Water Ski Club makes sure to provide each member with all the equipment they need to begin skiing – life jackets, ropes, skis – as well as the use of a boat, which the club leases from a former member.
For people who love waterskiing as much as Dozier and Bice, it is important to help newcomers transition into the sport. It is difficult without a guiding hand. The more experienced skiers in the club – hope to share the knowledge, skills and expertise they’ve learned over the years to promote the sport they love. By doing so, they are keeping a niche, hard-to-get-into sport alive for future generations.
“That’s kind of our biggest thing; just spreading the sport around and getting it seen by people,” said Bice.
“We want to grow the sport,” said Dozier. “So, if there’s anyone who wants to be introduced to the sport, we try to help them out.”
As they increase in skill, skiers typically begin using shorter ropes and riding at faster speeds
Dozier's parents were both waterskiers
Bice smiles at himself as he fails to land a difficult trick
$1,275,000
Upon this foundation...
STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
The décor complements lake views through the dining room
IIn March of 2021, Ken and Donna Blankenship chose a beautiful point lot in The Ridge on which to build their forever home. They picked up a rock that day and wrote, “Upon this foundation a Godly house will be built.” Then in August of 2022, they began the 19-month building process. The rock now sits at the center of a 200-year-old, rough-hewn beam mantel to remind them of their blessings.
The couple’s exceptional home was designed by Chuck Frusterio, lead designer at Frusterio Design in Birmingham, and built by Chad Sterns Builder in Eclectic. At just under 6,000 square feet, the house includes five bedrooms with full baths, as well as a bunkroom with a full bath, an additional half-bath on each level, an elevator, a craft room and a fish room. The spacious living area, kitchen and separate dining room are matched only by the outdoor living space on 1,700 square feet of incredible porches and patios.
The outdoor fireplace provides a warm area to enjoy during cooler days. Next to the fireplace is a large copper rendering of Lake Martin, which Donna Blankenship had local artist, Whitney Clanton, create as a gift to Ken.
“I have always named our houses. We bought our first lake house in 2005 in Dadeville while we were living in Atlanta, and I called it ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’” Blankenship said. “Our house for retire-
ment was refurbished, and we moved in 2013 to The Ridge, and I called it ‘Top of the Ridge.’ This one, our dream come true, is called ‘Our Point of View,’ and anyone who visits can see why. The view from anywhere in the house is just amazing.”
Our Point of View is expertly placed on the point to provide lake views from every room in the house and to create a breezeway effect on the porches. The landscape plan was designed by Larry Bates of Russell Lands and installed by Tim Price of Price Landscaping. The Blankenships also placed large copper planters, fish and turtle garden sculptures at the driveway entrance and on the retaining wall, as well as adding a copper frong next to a bird bath.
The Blankenships hired Delicia Fuller of Delicia’s Interiors, an interior designer in Montgomery, to help the couple with decorating decisions from the ground up and to present a big reveal after installation. Fuller suggested a livable and comfortable style for the house, especially since it is not just the Blankenship’s lake house but their full-time home. She likes to bring in antiques and modern pieces to mix with traditional pieces to make the home unique and more interesting, but she focuses on flow and cohesion among all the selections.
Double-arched, wooden front doors with sidelights open into a large foyer that Fuller anchored A
Remote control screens make entertaining easy on this large porch
A two-tier chandelier with gilded iron pieces lends an elegant feel to the master suite
with a 9-foot by 14-foot rug to define the space, as there were no walls to separate the areas. The wide-planked floors, installed by Mark Sharpe at Hardwood Solutions, extend from the front door into the main rooms and all the bedrooms. The ceilings are whitewashed. A staircase with a custom railing by Yancey Edwards and iron balusters leads to the second floor. Ken’s office, open on the other side of the foyer, may not have a full lake view, but he does have a view of what his wife calls the Hall of Fame. Stained walls, shelving and cabinetry provide the perfect backdrop for Auburn memorabilia and framed photos of special moments in his life.
Above the living and dining areas, 200-year-old Amish beams are attached to the walls with custom-made iron brackets, adding architectural detail. Two leather
recliners, two sofas and two swivel chairs upholstered in hide are anchored in front of the stone fireplace by a coffee table built from a large piece of petrified wood, finished to appear a little more modern, and topped with stone. Yancey’s cabinetry with glass doors hugs both sides of the fireplace to display old and new vases, urns and containers. Russell Scruggs was commissioned to paint the Children’s Harbor Chapel for the room, and Susan Scott was commissioned to paint the soft hydrangeas in a vase. Outside the main living area, Fuller added an antique boat and lake scene from England to mix with the new.
“When Donna and I found the glass tile for the kitchen, we knew it was the palette for everything else we would choose,” Fuller said. “I could see water movement in the greens, olives and blues, a sweeping move-
A petrified wood coffee table anchors the living room furniture
ment, like the lake. It was perfect.”
An earthy, gray paint with brown undertones was selected for the cabinets. Quartzite, cut 2 inches thick, covers the countertops and the island while a custom zinc hood by Gray Leaf Studio in Arizona hangs above the stove. A large pantry is built into the cabinetry. Even the Blankenship’s Yorkshire terrier has a special place for her food and water bowl. Leaving out one bottom drawer created space to slide the bowls underneath and out-of-sight when not in use.
“Everywhere I went, I looked for things that would work in the house. I would take a picture and text Delicia to see what she thought. Tippy Canoe was a great shopping place for me, and I always find art at Russell Crossroads at the art shows,” Blankenship said. “Paintings and drawings by local artists Jim and John Denney are all over the house, and I am so proud of the beautiful renderings John did of all three lake houses.”
The separate dining room features a vaulted ceiling and a twotiered iron chandelier. A painting of a heron, commissioned to Jim Denney, hangs over a tall buffet found at Scott’s antiques.
Photographs line the walls of the upstairs game room
One guest room features a rugged, animal décor
A spectacular putting green provides for practice and competition with a view
The home is positioned to take advantage of a 270-degree view
Natural light and lake views keep creative juices flowing in the craft room
Windows on one end offer a lake view while double sliding doors on one side offer access to one of the porches.
The whitewashed porcelain brick paver style floor that leads out of the kitchen to a scullery were laid in a herringbone pattern that blends perfectly. The scullery has soapstone countertops, a sink, refrigerator and wine refrigerator.
“The wallpaper in the scullery hall leading to the fish room is actual wood veneer made into wallpaper – very natural – and it works perfectly to connect the hallway to the fish room,” Fuller said.
The fish room at the end of the hall has an outdoorsy look with textured grasscloth on the walls. The couple enjoy fishing and wanted a defined space to clean and store the fish they catch. Lots of counterspace, a Silgranit sink, a refrigerator, dishwasher and ice maker, plus lake views and porch access make the room a special place for the couple. The Blankenships moved an antique piece from the Dadeville house to use in the fish room – a rustic green piece with a hutch, called a possum belly cupboard, that she found at an old antique store on U.S. Highway 280 years ago.
Just off that hallway, they situated a large laundry room with a built-in ironing board and drying rack. A nearby craft room with two walls of windows allows natural light throughout the day. Built-in cabinets along one wall, and the countertop space
they provide, offer storage, so Blankenship has the perfect place to paint – a hobby since retiring – as well as a place to embroider and spend time creating. Her own paintings hang alongside other bright pieces of art.
Entertaining family and friends is easy on the tiled, covered porch. Intimately arranged conversation areas, a bed swing and dining tables, as well as a bar with large wicker stools allow plenty of seating for guests to enjoy the view, the breeze and Auburn football. The patio around the pool is just beyond with additional seating. Remote-controlled Phantom Screens can be lowered to create a screened porch if desired. Heaters were built in for cooler months. A custom cabinet surrounds the television, which is mounted above the kitchen area, and the countertops are honed, black pearl granite. Easy access to the indoor kitchen makes for easy solutions when serving guests. A separate porch, also with Phantom Screens, contains a large sofa and four chairs in front of a wood-burning fireplace.
Nearby, guests can enjoy the pool, where loungers are ready and waiting on the pool shelf. The color of the pool and the color of the lake appear to blend perfectly in the water flowing over the infinity edge. Tall planters are filled with flowers and stand at the columns. Just around the corner, a putting green was installed for practice and fun.
The master bedroom overlooks the lake and the
pool. Beautifully appointed, the bedroom is classic and calm, with two chairs in a sitting area near the window. Both the door into the room and the door into the bath are black walnut, hand-carved and built by Yancey. The bathroom includes a large soaker tub, a steam room and Blankenship’s grandmother’s dresser as an accent piece.
One guest suite with faux board-andbatten walls is downstairs. Upstairs, the Blankenships selected a different theme and color for each of the three bedrooms – one mint green, one blue and one darker with antlers and an animal theme. The bunkroom is over the garage with plenty of room for grandchildren. This room has built-in Murphy beds and two child-sized playhouses with Dutch doors built into angles of the ceiling. An old family sewing machine is the base for the bathroom vanity, and the bathroom window is an amazing stained glass canoe. The Blankenships also installed a stained glass window of a grazing deer at the end of the downstairs hallway.
The upstairs hall holds the first gift Ken gave to his wife, a bamboo side table, and the first antique she ever bought with her father, a child’s chair. The artwork in the hallway features 20 framed botanicals by Lauren Foshee.
A large room at the opposite end of the hall has become a favorite, due to one of
Fuller’s signature additions in the homes she designs. A large sectional sofa can seat the whole family, and a bar overlooks the lake, but she wanted to create a space filled with memories for the Blankenships. By printing photos in black and white; then matting and framing them the same size, she created a gallery of photos, stacked three high and eight across on all the walls. Old times and new times, lake fun and laughter, babies and birthdays are all represented.
For almost two weeks after the house was completed, Fuller and her team placed every rug, piece of furniture, painting, mirror, plant and décor, incorporating the Blankenships’ antiques and sentimental pieces.
“Ken, Delicia and I stood at the front door of the house and prayed before we went in for the first time, thanking God for His blessings. Having a decorator and a reveal made me nervous that the house wouldn’t feel like mine, but Delicia so thoughtfully fit our pieces into the design. I am very sentimental, and every room made me cry. Every special placement Delicia made throughout our new home brought tears to our eyes. We could not be happier with the result,” Blankenship said.
Murphy beds in the bunkroom can be lowered for sleeping and raised for playing
Countertops and accent pieces in the master bath are marble
A downstairs guest room features a board-and batten look on the walls
A lakeside infinity pool completes the perfect setting for this Lake Martin home
Dedicated
is the
The Trails
newest waterfront enclave in The Village at Lake Martin.
Songwriter's Festival Returns to Lake Martin
STORY BY BEN SMITH & PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE MARTIN TALLAPOOSA COUNTY TOURISM
IIn late July, the sounds of acoustic instruments and heartfelt lyrics will ring out from favorite venues across Lake Martin. The Fourth Annual Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival kicks off Wednesday, July 24, at Niffer’s Place and runs through Sunday, July 28.
The Songwriter’s Festival spans Lake Martin, taking place at large, familiar venues like the Town Green at Russell Crossroads, as well as smaller, more intimate places like Zazu’s Verandah in Dadeville. The festival offers attendees a chance to hear the lyrics of popular songs sung by the people who wrote them. Hear She’s Country, popularized by Jason Aldean, sung by Bridgette Tatum; the 2006 Rascal Flatts hit My Wish sung by Jeffrey Steele; and so much more.
In the four years of the festival’s existence, it has changed quite a bit. The Songwriter’s Festival began as an idea, conceived by Lake Martin Tallapoosa County Tourism Director Sandra Fuller and owner of OGS Fishing Tournaments Vivian Autrey. Fuller, Autrey and the Songwriter’s Festival Board secured acts and spread the word of the festival. It wasn’t easy convincing artists to sign up for nearly a week of performances at a new music festival.
But four years later, the event receives more performer applications than the board can bring to the area. The festival books the songwriters behind multiple No. 1 hits, and it is now known as a sort of retreat within the songwriting community.
Autrey recounted the differences she’s seen among the biggest nights at Russell Crossroads. Four years ago, there were maybe 100 people, she said.
“Last year, it was so crowded I didn’t think we’d have enough room for everybody,” she said. “Robert Gunn said it was the biggest event we’ve ever had with at least 750 to 800 people there at once.”
There are many reasons for the festival’s quick growth in popularity. One of the primary ones is the board’s willingness to grow and change with the needs of its performers. They have reached out to larger, more established festivals, such as the Montana and Key West Songwriter’s Festivals. The board makes a point of listening to songwriters’ likes, dislikes and criticisms, and they make a point to suit those desires. It creates a festival that artists want to attend, not just
Jenna LaMaster
Charlie Argo
Liam St. John
Lake Martin Songwriter's Festival Schedule
Wednesday
n Mark Addison Chandler, Liam St. James and Brock Phillips: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. @ Niffer’s Place
n Regan Stewart, Scout Speer and Marty Brown: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. @ Lake Martin Pizza Company (state Route 49)
Thursday
n Andy Austin and Scout Speer: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. @ Fermenter’s Market
n Silence X Noise: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. @ The Square Downtown (Alexander City)
n Regan Stewart and Tim Baker: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. @ Lake Martin Brewing Co.
n CJ Field and Terri Jo Box: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. @
The Local at 41 Main (Alexander City)
n (3) Grindhouse Artists: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. @ Zazu’s Verandah
n Marty Brown, Charlie Argo and Dan Alley: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. @ Martin’s at Lake Martin
Friday
n Regan Stewart: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. @ Bluff’s Daquiri Bar
n (3) Grindhouse Artists: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. @
The Funky Goat
n Jenna LaMaster, Marty Brown, Trick Savage, Sam Banks, Charlie Argo, Bridgette Tatum and Old Hickory: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. @ Russell Crossroads
Saturday
n Marla Cannon-Goodman, Charlie Argo, Scout Speer, Andy Austin and a Gindhouse Artist: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. @ Boondocks at Bay Pine
n Bridgette Tatum, Dan Alley, Silence X Noise and (3) Grindhouse Artists: 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. @ Chuck’s Marina
n Tim Baker and (2) Grindhouse Artists: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. @ Alexander City Elks Lodge
n Pam Tillis, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Terri Jo Box, Buddy Cannon, Ronnie Bowman, Brice Long and Jeffrey Steele: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. @ Copper’s Grill
n Andy Austin and Grindhouse Artist: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. @ Lake Martin Pizza Co. (state Route 63)
Sunday
n Terri Jo Box, CJ Field and Trick Savage: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. @ Boondocks at Bay Pine
n Local artists: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. @ Chuck’s Marina
to promote themselves and their music, but because they enjoy the area, the venues and the hospitality.
“They love our hospitality, and they think Lake Martin is absolutely gorgeous, of course,” said Autrey.
In previous years, members of the festival’s board have hosted artists at their own homes. This year, artists will stay all together at the Creekside Lodge, a change being made as a direct response to artists’ wishes to create a singular space where songwriters can socialize with one another, share songwriting tips and collaborate on potential songs.
In addition, the board has spread out the dates and times of performances, mitigating the number of concurrent performances and allowing audiences to attend more shows and miss fewer. There also will be a VIP reception at the Mitchell House in Dadeville for the festival’s sponsors to meet and chat with artists.
“We’ve worked really hard,” said Autrey. “Our team has put in lots and lots of hours, and it really is humbling to see how we take a little idea like this and have it achieve the success it has. People just love it, so it’s very rewarding to me.”
In coming years, the festival is certain to evolve further to suit the desires of those it serves.
Visit the Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival webpage at lakemartinsongwritersfestival.com for more information.
Brice Long
Something Good
STORY & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER
"I think Stillwaters Golf Club has tremendous potential."
~ Eric McKinley
Eric and Stacey McKinley purchased Stillwaters Golf Club in March
WWhen a golfer buys a golf course, the purchase sometimes is attributed to passion: When a non-golfer buys a golf course, people might say he’s crazy. But he might be just plain smart. Odds are, Eric McKinley is the latter. This spring, nongolfer McKinley and his wife, Stacey, purchased Dadeville’s Stillwaters Golf Club, and they’ve already started working on a long list of renovations, including rebuilding the first nine holes of the The Legend, commonly referred to as the Old Course.
“I feel like the Dadeville area is about to explode,” McKinley said. “I want to do what’s going to make Dadeville better.”
It’s a purchase that brings McKinley’s career full circle; at 12 years old, he worked a variety of jobs at the course when his mother worked for Cecil Duffee, the original residential developer. Now, McKinley owns the golf club.
After graduating from Dadeville High School and marrying his high school sweetheart, McKinley began a career in the mortgage business. Eight years later, he opened his own mortgage company, Home Place Mortgage. Stacey, a Dadeville native, is the broker at Big Fish Real Estate Group. Together, the McKinleys have invested in their hometown and recently built a strip shopping center just outside of the StillWaters residential neighborhood.
Though the purchase closed fewer than 10 days after McKinley approached former owner Keith Hiett with an offer, the nongolfer had mused about buying the course for many years.
“He would come home and say, ‘I wonder if Keith would sell me Stillwaters,’” Stacey said. “I told him he was crazy.”
The purchase requires a serious commitment and significant investment beyond finances. For starters, McKinley brought beloved PGA golf pro Rob “Gabby” Witherington back to the course in May. When he met with the club’s membership shortly after the deal was finalized, he repeatedly heard one request.
“Everyone told me they wanted Gabby back. They said he was the best,” McKinley said. “And he was excited to come back. He told me he left his heart at Stillwaters.”
Witherington began his PGA career at Stillwaters, where the Tradition opened at the No. 8 spot on the Golf Digest list of best new public courses in the country and The Legend was designed by George Cobb, who also designed the par-3 course at Augusta National.
“I came back because of Eric and what he’s doing here,” Witherington said. “He and Stacey are the reason I’m here. He’s big on customer service. We’re on track for greatness. He’s all about making sure people have a great experience.”
Witherington’s first day back was May 17. He has finalized this summer’s tournament schedule and said he’s looking forward to fitting charitable events around
other activities on the course.
“The people here are unlike anywhere else,” he said. “They have open doors and open hearts. Coming back was not a difficult decision.”
Since taking ownership, McKinley already has built outdoor restrooms to accommodate golfers, customers at Copper’s Grill and the outdoor music venue. He also is moving the golf pro shop to the front of the clubhouse and will install golf simulator bays inside and outside. He’s purchased 60 new golf carts. He plans to renovate every green on the course and is renovating some bunkers while removing others altogether. He also plans to add lights to the driving range. Later this month, he’ll hold a grand opening for Prime Steakhouse at Stillwaters. And he’ll add a cart path from Stillwaters to the shopping center on state route 49, where a grocery store opened last month.
“The path to the shopping center was another thing the membership wanted,” Stacey said.
Perhaps the piéce de resistance is the work he began almost immediately on the Old Course. Stillwaters once was home to two 18-hole golf courses – The Tradition and The Legend. When former operators ran into financial trouble, the club changed hands several times, and The Legend was permanently closed.
Though subsequent owners no longer maintained The Legend, residents along the former fairways took
Bunkers are in the process of being rebuilt or removed
Work has already begun on the Legends course
it upon themselves to keep most of the course clear.
“Residents who lived on the Old Course have maintained the fairways for many years, mowing and keeping trees from encroaching the play areas,” Stacey said. “When someone new moved into the area, the neighbors would go to them and say, ‘This is what we do. What section do you want to take care of?’ It’s like a family here.”
“The only two holes that were really bad were 1 and 9,” McKinley said. “I think Stillwaters Golf Club has tremendous potential. The members are very excited. They have been very supportive.”
Still, building a golf course – or even just nine holes of one – is an expensive, time consuming endeavor. The irrigation system on the Old Course will need to be completely replaced and the greens rebuilt, as well as bunkers assessed. The Legend’s nine holes are expected to take a couple of years’ work before the rebuilt course can be opened; and then, it will be a members-only course.
“I want to take care of the members,” McKinley said.
Though he doesn’t play golf, McKinley was smart enough to listen to those who did.
“I took a crash course on golf maintenance from the members. Keith Hiett has been a phenomenal help. He will stay on for the regular maintenance,” McKinley said.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback he has received reinforces McKinley’s business acumen. Although he may well be crazy for buying a golf course, purchasing Stillwaters Golf Club might be his smartest investment yet.
Visit stillwatersgolf.com for membership information, details about the opening of Prime Steakhouse and more on the McKinleys’ plans.
See Gabby Witherington’s column on page 91 for more on this story.
Where's Ella?
Lake magazine's intern is out and about on the lake
Showing off the cover of Lake magazine's June issue
MMemorial Day marked the official start of a busy summer at Lake Martin, full of live music, delicious food and weekends spent in the sun. Local businesses have converted to their summer hours and vacationers have found their way to the water.
Monday through Wednesday, you can find me in the Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. office, scheduling social media content or editing reels. However, I have spent the latter half of my week exploring the lake and enjoying the sounds of summer. While I have enjoyed visiting summer staples and my longtime favorite places on the water, I have made new discoveries over the past month.
On my drive to work each morning, I pass a new business in downtown Dadeville called The Grand Bakery. I have heard wonderful things about their offerings, so I finally decided to give it a try, and I am so glad I did. I treated myself to a red velvet cupcake and brought a Bushwhacker Bar home for my mom. The cupcake had a moist and fluffy cake base with a rich and creamy buttercream frosting. It was fantastic! While I am not a huge fan of coconut myself, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the Bushwhacker Bar, and I am hoping this item earns a permanent spot on the menu. If you have yet to stop by The Grand Bakery, you are missing out.
I also discovered BRU 63 at Russell Crossroads, which has become one of my new favorite spots at the lake. This quaint coffee shop inside Catherine’s Market is the perfect place to catch up with a friend or get a quick caffeine fix. BRU 63 offers specialty coffees, Reviver energy drinks and homemade pastries. I have found myself visiting BRU 63 several times over the past month and the pecan pie latte has become my go-to order.
Children’s Harbor is known by many at Lake Martin for their picturesque campus, which is marked by a beautiful lighthouse. This nonprofit works to support families of children with severe illnesses, and I was excited by the opportunity to support their mission by shopping at the Treasures and Thrift Store. The profits earned at the store are used to fund activities for the children and families served by Children’s Harbor. I enjoy the hunt of a good thrift, and I was stunned by what I found at Treasures and Thrift. There is a surplus of gently used crystal and china, lake memorabilia, kitchenware and more, all at reasonable prices. I walked away with a crystal bowl and two engraved glasses. Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift is open Thursday through Saturday afternoons, so make sure to stop by and support this organization while you visit Lake Martin this
Hunting great finds at Children's Harbor Treasures & Thrift
summer.
In my time interning with Lake magazine, I have also been introduced to the artisan community at Lake Martin. Alabama artists gather at the lake throughout the summer for art shows and exhibits. It is beautiful to see how differently people interpret their experiences at Lake Martin, and I have enjoyed keeping up with the work of artists I have discovered this summer. One particular artist whose work I admire is Nell Koopman. Based out of Birmingham, Koopman visits the lake periodically for art shows. She has mixed media pieces of bass, lures and wildlife that look beautiful on display. One of my favorite pieces by Koopman is an abstract interpretation of Chimney Rock. If you are looking for art that captures the essence of the lake, I encourage you to attend a local artisan show this summer. I might just see you there!
Even though I have grown up on Lake Martin, I have learned a lot about the lake this past month. For example, did you know that Bushwhackers are the unofficial official drink of Lake Martin? If you are unfamiliar with this classic cocktail, it is a chocolatey take on a piña colada, and you can enjoy one in numerous eateries at the lake.
I have also come to realize how slow and relaxed life is at the lake. The waterways are bustling with boats and people on the weekends, but when out-of-town visitors head home on Sunday afternoon, time slows down. The water becomes glass like in the evening with the exception of a couple pontoons and fishing boats. You can also enjoy your favorite waterside restaurants without the crowds and wait.
I know there is still so much more for me to learn and try in my final month here at Lake magazine, and I want to hear your suggestions. Follow along with me
this summer on Instagram by following @lakemartinmag, and let me know what makes Lake Martin special to you. I would love to feature your photos on the water on our social media, so send your pictures to the Lake social media accounts or email ella.sawyer@ alexcityoutlook.com. I also have fun Lake promotional items to give away throughout my time here, so be on the lookout for where you might find me. I am excited to continue exploring Lake Martin as I complete my internship and am thankful for the fun I have experienced so far!
Giving away fun Lake magazine merch
Discovering the pecan pie latté
Relaxing with a cool drink at the end of a long day
It's all negotiable
LWe real estate agents love hyperbole. We can admit it. Everyone claims to be a top producer. Every home is perfect. Every view is the “best ever.” Every location is “the best on Lake Martin.”
I realize I risk sounding like the typical agent when I say this, but the real estate business just changed in a huge way. Forever. Nationwide. It will never be the same.
And here’s the important part: You will be affected. I’ll try to tell you what’s going to happen first; then, why it will happen; and then, I’ll end this article with a caveat.
Buyers will feel it first.
LAKE PROPERTY
BY JOHN COLEY
Nationwide, after about October of this year, anywhere you are looking at real estate, buyers will be required to sign a Buyer’s Agency Agreement in order to look at any piece of real estate.
Yes, you read that right. Anywhere, anytime, with any agent, that agent will be required to get your signature on a Buyer’s Agency Agreement to see even one house.
Mind you, you don’t have to pay the agent. The agreement won’t obligate you to pay them but be prepared to negotiate that with the agent. What you agree to pay the agent and the terms and conditions of that payment are totally negotiable and up to you and that agent.
Just because you aren’t required to pay the agent doesn’t mean you should be surprised when they propose that you do. After all, do you work for free? My advice to you is to do your research and decide what services you need as a buyer and what agent might be best suited to help you.
“Wait a minute,” you might be thinking. “Aren’t sellers supposed to pay the real estate agents? Has that changed?”
Buyers have always been able to pay their own agents. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is the requirement now that every agent must explain this Buyer’s Agency Agreement to you and help you figure out what type of service you need. If you and the agent are a good fit, and you decide to hire them (at some amount you negotiate from $0 to infinity), you’ll sign up and see the homes. There is no standard rate. It’s all
negotiable.
Please note: Maybe you won’t have to pay your buyer’s agent. That maybe comes into play because it is still legal (at this writing) for a seller to offer to pay compensation to an agent that brings the buyer; however, the amount a seller might offer to pay an agent that brings a buyer may vary radically, from $0 to infinity. There is no standard rate. This is all negotiable.
It’s conceivable that the “maybe” will be different on every home you see. Let’s say you and your agent are touring eight homes in one day. Your agent will be required to advise you on the amount, if any, that the seller is offering to pay to your agent and the amount, if any, of compensation you will pay according to the agreement you signed. There is no standard rate. It’s all negotiable.
There are lots of other changes, but I think this one will be the one that buyers feel the most – and feel it most immediately.
Sellers will feel the rule changes in many different ways that are too legion to cover here, though I’ll try to go over a couple. The first way sellers will notice the newness is when they’re sitting down with their listing agent to discuss the marketing of their home.
The potential listing agent will be required to clearly explain to you, the seller, your options on offering to pay a buyer’s agent. It’s always been optional, so that’s not a change. But hopefully, now, it will be more clearly explained so that you as a seller may select the services and rates that most closely fit your goals. There is no standard rate. It’s all negotiable.
Sellers also will notice that they will be prohibited from advertising in the Multiple Listing Service the compensation, if any, that they have agreed to offer to a buyer’s agent.
Their listing agent will not be allowed to communicate the buyer’s agent compensation within the multiple listing service (aka MLS). But on the positive side, they will be able to advertise it by other means such as company websites, telephone calls, texts, faxes, chalkboards, smoke signals and cave drawings.
“Hang on,” the seller might say. “Won’t this prohibi-
tion limit transparency to the consumer, complicate communications between the agents, and overall make an already difficult process more tenuous?”
My lowly opinion is: yes to all three. But then again, mine is not to reason why.
So why are all these changes happening?
The National Association of Realtors is a trade association of which a high percentage of real estate agents are members.
They, along with some national franchise companies, lost a huge class action lawsuit in Missouri. The original damages awarded were over a billion dollars, but the NAR, ever the savvy negotiators, whittled that down to just under a half billion in a settlement. Part of this settlement now being touted by NAR involves not only a cash payment to the lawyers (and the remainder to their clients), but also it called for some behavioral changes in how agents do business.
The above are some of those behavioral changes.
Are you confused? Does all of this sound vague? Consider yourselves in good company. We agents are confused as well. It’s a totally new way of doing business.
Just because the process is becoming more complicated, I don’t think it’s a reason to throw all agents out with the bathwater. I still believe in my heart that a good agent will save you more than they cost you and reduce your risk as well. Your goals for the transaction and the consumer’s wellbeing will still be the No. 1 priority. I still think that the majority of the people in this industry are helpful and well meaning.
I think wise buyers and sellers will still hire effective real estate agents to help them achieve their goals in a transaction. That won’t change either.
Oh yeah – I promised a caveat.
This all might become moot, or radically changed in a few months by another lawsuit that the Department of Justice has brought against the NAR.
Stay tuned.
John Coley grew up in the area, and has sold real estate at the lake since 2005.
SUMMERTIME IS A SPECIAL TIME, IS YOUR HEART HEALTHY?
Summertime means time on the water, time away from work, and more time with family and friends.
Make sure your heart is healthy and ready for the season with an appointment at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Russell Medical.
Kevin Sublett, MD, is board-certified in cardiovascular care and offers the latest in prevention, testing, and treatment for keeping your heart healthy.
Our clinic is backed by the knowledge and expertise of UAB Medicine, including:
• Advanced ultrasound testing
• Nuclear medicine imaging in fully accredited labs
• Management of cardiac rhythm disorders
• Interventional cardiology care
Our expanded clinical team is ready to serve you. Schedule a visit today by calling 256-234-2644.
LLake Watch is delighted that Alabama Department of Environmental Management will develop a total maximum daily loads document for the upper Tallapoosa River and for Emuckfaw Creek in Tallapoosa and Clay counties and for High Pine Creek in Chambers and Randolph counties. These tributaries of the Tallapoosa River are above Lake Martin and contribute directly to water quality in Lake Martin.
Good News!
ADEM adds local creek to water quality improvement program
The State of Alabama has identified the entire reach of the Emuckfaw Creek drainage (65.7 square miles) as impaired for pathogens. The sources of impairment are animal feeding operations (AFO/CAFOs) from an expanding poultry industry and pasture grazing.
The ADEM draft 2024 TMDL document explains that, “Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act and EPA’s water quality planning and management regulations require states to identify water bodies which are not meeting their designated uses and to determine the total maximum daily loads for pollutants causing the use impairment, based on the relationship between pollution sources and in stream water quality conditions.”
ADEM has responsibility for monitoring the water quality on all the waters of the state. There are far more impaired streams on the 303(d) list than can be selected by ADEM staff for the TMDL process in any given year. So, we see that having these streams above Lake Martin selected by ADEM in 2024 represents an important commitment by ADEM Director Lance LeFleur and staff to water quality improvement in the Tallapoosa watershed.
Lake Watch maintains 20 water quality monitoring stations in the public recreation area of Lake Martin and many more throughout the tributary streams. Testing
this 2024 swim season is expected to confirm excellent water quality throughout the area of Lake Martin as benefits our Treasured Alabama Lake status.
Lake Watch has monitored water quality in the Emuckfaw Creek for many years, generally testing twice a month. The pattern tends to show levels of E. coli well above ADEM limits, particularly after rain events, which cause muddy sediment erosion and waste runoff to flow into the stream and then into the Tallapoosa River. Lake Watch testing shows the same pattern prevails on other Lake Martin tributary streams in the near vicinity of the Emuckfaw, including Hillabee, Enitachopco and Timbergut creeks. Likewise, studies in the upper Tallapoosa are expected to show this same pattern and to have similar application to the middle river.
ADEM requests participation by the citizens and local entities. Now is the time to act!
This TMDL process presents an important opportunity for all clean water advocates to participate in improving water quality in the Tallapoosa watershed.
The TMDL document states, “Required load reductions for these TMDLs will be implemented through voluntary measures best management practices. Cooperation and active participation by the general public, and various other groups, is critical to successful implementation of the TMDLs. Local citizen led and implemented management measures offer the most efficient and comprehensive avenue for reducing the loading rates from nonpoint sources. Therefore, TMDL implementation activities for nonpoint sources will be coordinated through interaction with local entities and may be eligible for CWA §319 grants through the department’s nonpoint source unit.
LAKE WATCH BY MATT CAMPBELL
Emuckfaw Creek
Peters Island
Tallapoosa River
Horseshoe Bend Road
Peters Island Road
“The department recognizes that adaptive implementation of this TMDL will be needed to achieve applicable water quality criteria, and we are committed to targeting the load reductions to improve water quality in the Emuckfaw Creek watershed. As additional data and/or information become available, it may become necessary to revise and modify the TMDL accordingly.”
The document further states, “ADEM will consider all comments received ... prior to final completion of this TMDL, and subsequent submission to EPA Region 4 for final approval. ”
Get involved in the 2024 TMDL process. In the past, citizen ambivalence and industry profitability has allowed our water quality to degrade. These days, everyone should be a clean water advocate and a steward of the Tallapoosa. Individual citizens, property owners, industry, farmers, foresters, business owners, government entities, the universities, especially county commissioners, chambers of commerce and city council members in all our Tallapoosa communities are invited to send written comments to ADEM to stress their support for clean water work in the Tallapoosa River and its tributary streams, and to offer their suggestions on improving BMP in our local communities.
Protecting the excellent water quality of Lake Martin requires that we improve the conditions that are degrading our water throughout the entire Tallapoosa River basin. As goes the Tallapoosa River, so goes Lake Martin. We recognize that Lake Martin is the economic engine of our community. Clean water is essential. Fishing, kayaking and eco-tourism on the river contributes economic value to our rural economy. Moreover, the pure recreational value of our rivers and streams is fundamental to our Alabama heritage and lifestyle. We all need to be stewards of the Tallapoosa.
The ADEM 2024 draft TMDL
is available on the ADEM website: adem.alabama.gov (Try adem. alabama.gov/newsEvents/notices/ may24/5tmdl). The proposed TMDLs, including supporting documents, technical information data and analysis will be available at ADEM for review. Persons wishing to submit comments to the proposed TMDL’s or offer new data regarding the same are invited to do so in writing to Kimberly Minton, Water Division, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, at 334-271-7826 or kminton@adem.alabama.gov.
Lake Watch wants to receive input from clean water advocates. To get involved in the TMDL process or to join Lake Watch as a member, monitor or sponsor, visit lakewatch.org or contact us by email at info@lakewatch.org.
Matt Campbell is president of Lake Watch of Lake Martin, Inc., a 501(c)(3) environmental organization working to protect the clean water of Lake Martin and the Tallapoosa watershed through water quality testing, public advocacy and environmental education. Visit info@lakewatch.org.
Lake Watch mourns the recent death of its dear friend, Col. Richard “Dick” Bronson. Col. Bronson was Lake Watch’s founder 32 years ago and the very face and voice of Lake Watch over the years. Dick and his wife, Mary Ann, were mentors and friends to virtually all of the early Lake Watchers. Lovers of Lake Martin and the Tallapoosa River thank this remarkable man for his many years of service.
Matt Campbell Lake Watch President
Bacon & Swiss Hushpuppies
Dry Ingredients
3 cups cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-1/2 tablespoons salt (depending on bacon, you can cut back some)
1/2 cup diced bacon (dice small and render until crispy. Safe the fat for later use)
100 grams shredded Swiss cheese (cheddar or any other favorite cheese can be used)
2 cups sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons black pepper
Wet Ingredients
1-1/4 cup buttermilk, whole
1 medium onion, grated and squeezed to get as much liquid out
1/2 cup Dukes mayonnaise
2 whole eggs
Rendered bacon fat
Directions
Dice bacon into small pieces and cook at medium heat to render the fat out. Pour fat aside. Add all of the dry ingredients together and mix well. Pour first five wet ingredients into dry ingredients slowly until incorporated. Slowly add bacon fat to your liking. (We use everything from what we cooked.) Refrigerate for 1 hour. Scoop balls with a small ice cream scoop and carefully drop into hot oil. Fry at 350 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a towel and enjoy.
CHEF'S TABLE
BY PETE MCKENNY
Pete McKenny, General Manager and Executive Chef at SpringHouse Restaurant, trained at four-star restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio,Washington, Arizona and Vermont before returning to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golf & Country Club.
Summer Recipes
SSummer is in full swing, and July 4th celebrations are upon us. Millions of Americans will be grilling and enjoying family favorites. Planning ahead will make menu planning and grocery shopping so much easier.
HEALTHY LIVING
BY JULIE HUDSON
Here are some healthy summer recipe ideas: Start with a grilled vegetable plate: Grilled mushrooms; zucchini and yellow squash; red, yellow and orange peppers; corn; carrots; and cauliflower. Slice the vegetables for easy pick up. Squash can be cut into thick ribbons lengthwise; carrots sliced in half or quartered. Peppers can be cut in quarters and deseeded. Cut or pull apart cauliflower into smaller handheld bundles. Toss these vegetables with olive oil and your favorite seasonings and place them on the grill. If you prepare these first, everyone can munch on grilled vegetables while the other food is being prepared. As an option, serve the vegetables with Siracha or other dipping sauces.
Substitute traditional slaw made with heavy mayonnaise for slaw made with a lighter mayonnaise. Our family likes using a small amount of the heavy mayonnaise (Dukes) mixed with Wickles pickle juice and a small amount of Wickles relish. Another option is to make a freshly grated carrot salad mixed with Greek yogurt, raisins and chopped apples.
Combine whole wheat bow tie, penne pasta or orzo or a grain such as couscous, quinoa, millet or sorghum with broccoli, beans and colorful peppers to create a healthy pasta salad. Three dressing options include: 1) Make
a homemade balsamic dressing with equal amounts of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Use a fork to combine or shake the mixture in a jar. 2) Try a light lemony dressing using a small amount of olive oil, lemon juice, fresh garlic salt and pepper. 3) A slightly sweeter but light dressing can be made by using a small amount of olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or agave, sea salt and pepper.
Choose lean ground beef, turkey or chicken for your burgers. Make sliders instead of full-sized burgers. Use whole grain dinner rolls for buns. Serve with lettuce or arugula, fresh tomato and avocado.
Grill marinated shrimp or chicken skewers. Add sweet onion, colorful peppers and grape tomato.
Grill pineapple rings or peach halves until their natural sugars caramelize. Serve with low fat or nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt. Top with roasted pecans or almonds. Use the grilled fruit as toppers on chicken or fish or in a salad.
Julie Hudson is a certified dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.
Peach and Roasted Pepper
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Grilled or roasted peach halves
Grilled red, yellow or orange peppers
Fresh mozzarella
Fresh basil
Balsamic reduction (make or purchase balsamic glaze)*
Slice peaches in half and remove pits. Slice peppers into quarters, cleaning out insides and seeds. Grill or roast peaches and peppers until charred. Slice mozzarella cheese. Arrange on platter by alternating peaches, peppers, fresh basil, cheese and repeat. Drizzle balsamic reduction over the top. This salad will be a huge favorite.
*Homemade Balsamic reduction
Pour 1 cup of good quality balsamic vinegar into saucepan. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally so the liquid does not burn. The vinegar is reduced when it coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and store in the refrigerator. If it thickens while in the refrigerator, very gently reheat in a double boiler.
Strawberry Mango Avocado Salsa
2 cups diced strawberries
1 heaping cup diced mango
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 avocado diced
Combine first seven ingredients in a bowl. Fold in the avocado. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with chips, pita chips, in tacos, in burrito bowls or by the spoonful. Best when eaten fresh.
Hot Honey Pasta Salad
1/2 cup mezzi rigatoni (a small version of rigatoni) or small penne noodle
1 pint fresh cherry tomatoes
1 cup mozzarella balls
1 cup croutons (use store bought or homemade)
A large handful of arugula and fresh basil
A drizzle of olive oil
Dressing
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons hot honey (Mike’s hot honey)
4 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning red pepper flakes
Cook pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and toss pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and let cool. Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Add the cooled pasta and the rest of the pasta salad ingredients to the bowl. Toss until everything is coated in dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve.
Night Fishing Secrets
Rig up something dark and don't worry – the fish will find it
OOne of the most exhilarating fishing trips I can remember was the first time my Dad took me night fishing on Lake Martin. I imagine I was about 10 or 12 years old. I had been on several fishing trips out in the boat by then and had logged hundreds of hours chasing bream, bass and crappie from our dock. But I had never been fishing at night. For all I knew, the fish fed during the day and slept at night … hahaha. It was pretty cool because we didn’t even leave the house until it was after my regular bedtime. It was summer and school was out, so staying up late wasn’t a big deal. We left the house and launched at Kowaliga.
Normally, we would’ve just put in at Bay Pines close to the house, but there weren’t many pier lights around there back then, as I discovered later. It was a nice break from the sweltering summer heat and the hustle and bustle of daytime lake traffic.
In those days, there were only two baits needed, a shad colored (black back) No. 5 Shad Rap and a Manns Black Augertail worm. We caught fish on nearly every spot we hit that night until I finally tapped out around 1 or 2 a.m. I remember being woken up by the splashing of several bass as my Dad continued to catch fish until nearly dawn.
I remember being curious when I found out we were going to use black worms to fish at night. As a kid, I would’ve thought more along the lines of glow-in-thedark or something. I thought, “How in the world can a fish see a black worm at night better than any other color?” But the results spoke for themselves. Those bass seemed to have no trouble finding that black Texas rig worm in the dark of night.
At an older age, maybe around high school or college, my buddies and I really loved fishing at night. It was like we had the whole lake to ourselves, and the fish were easy to find. Back then, all pier lights hung over the water. When we found a light that was on, there were sure to be all kinds of fish hanging out. It was like the whole food chain was concentrated in a 20-foot circle around the light. We experimented with different baits, but it was clear that the darker baits like black, Junebug and black/blue colors were the most successful. This was especially true when we branched out the cast beyond the visible light and into the darker fringes.
A few years later, I moved to Wetumpka and was fishing Lake Jordan more often. Night tournaments were held every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Lake Jordan had a few pier lights, but I learned fairly quickly that they got fished really hard. The way to catch more and bigger fish, I figured out, was in the dark, away from the lights. The bait of choice was a black/blue spinnerbait with a single black blade. The blade makes sense because the heavy vibration is easier for the fish to track, but why black?
And then, there were tournaments on the Middle Pond (Yates Lake) below Lake Martin. It was tough to catch fish at night there, but when it happened, it was a black buzzbait or a Junebug colored worm … both dark. We finished somewhere in the money at most of those tournaments, and our key big fish almost always came after dark.
So, it’s become clear from many past experiences that there’s something to using the dark colors at night. The only theories that I could ever come up with were that the dark colors 1) absorbed what minimal light was available, and 2) created a better silhouette against a starlit skyline. I never confirmed this as a fact. Why bother when it was obvious that dark colors produced in the dark of night? Somehow, my Dad had learned of this even back in the ’80s.
As a general rule, dark colors work well anytime visibility is low, like early in the morning; during heavy clouds; or in heavily stained water.
July can be a tough month to fish for bass on Lake Martin. Water temperatures have soared to the upper 80s. Many of the fish get lethargic as they cling to the depths for slightly cooler water that still has enough oxygen to thrive. As it gets dark, oxygen levels begin to fall along with cooling surface water, and the fish have a window to move shallower to feed.
BY GREG VINSON
From many years of fishing at night, I learned the difference in what’s important to the fish at night. If there’s a light overhanging or an underwater light, the presence of cover, like a brush pile is secondary. The most important factor is the location of the light relative to the main lake or creek that it’s in. If the light matches up with a location the fish would likely use during the day, they will be more concentrated around a light in that area at night. In places where there is little to no light, cover becomes extremely important. In a dark location, the fish generally want to cling to something. Maybe it’s a safety instinct, but they will definitely hold tight to a brush pile, rock pile, stump or some other form of solid cover when visibility is nil.
If you’re eager to catch some bass, but the heat and boat traffic just seem to be too much, consider trying a nighttime fishing excursion. The later at night it gets, the cooler – and quieter – it is.
Just keep in mind that extra safety precautions are extremely important. Good navigation lights are a must, along with life preservers, and a good mapping unit will help you stay well away from shorelines and shallow spots while running. Finally, keep the speed to a minimum, so you are better able to react to any other boats or possible obstructions.
One last request that should go without saying: Please be respectful of homeowners’ property. If fishing near a dock or light, please be considerate. It goes a long way to take the time to do the right thing if an errant cast ends up on a dock or some other property. I hear of very few incidents around Lake Martin between homeowners and anglers, so that’s a huge hats-off to both.
Rig up something dark for fishing at night and rest assured: The fish can find it!
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.
BIG CATCHES
BBeing in the wine business, we get a lot of questions about our products. They can often be challenging, but it keeps us on our toes. When we don’t know the answer, we will gladly look it up; however, the one question that I am forever trying to resolve is, ‘What is a good wine?’
There are several guides that systematically evaluate and rate the quality of wines. The first was a 20-point ranking system intended for use by California winemakers. Developed at University of California Davis, America’s leading winemaking school, the system graded the quality of wines from a production standpoint. The “correctness” was measured according to industry standards. Call it a scientific point of view.
BY HENRY FOY
That system evolved to the 100-point ranking now used by many wine critics and experts. A wine’s clarity, flavor and stability are key indicators of quality, but many believe that the scores might be influenced by personal preferences and tastes. Deliciousness, an individual assessment, is not part of these ratings, which might go so far as to consider weather data and interviews with growers and winemakers. Obviously, the experts and wine writers (not this one), have access to a great deal more information and experience than we could imagine. The availability of a broader range of wines from average to superior is enormous. But even in this market, we have a great selection and variety of wines from which to choose. Finding a good wine is not difficult.
When we think about a good wine, we generally have in mind an idea of how the wine might taste. Yes, we do want a delicious wine, but we generally are not thinking about the specifics of clarity, aroma, balance or complexity, which contribute to the goodness we seek. Sometimes, a pretty label or name recognition is all the recommendation we need. To find better wines – some people do; some don’t – we have to get beyond that. Experience and knowing what to look for are valuable tools.
Wine tastings, wine classes or a glass with a meal add greatly to the experience. In the wine store, you might taste an average of 12 wines a week before making a purchase. A taste is a sip, which routinely is spit out.
At every opportunity, we depend on a set of standard quality indicators, often called the 3S method. That is, see the wine, smell and sip.
Look at the color of the wine. Is it correct for that variety of grape? Does it have clarity and depth, especially in red wine where a darker, more intense color typically indicates a higher-quality grape? Look for clarity without haziness or cloudiness.
Next, bring the glass to your nose and take a gentle
whiff. Swirling the wine will release the bouquet that reflects the flavors, quality and character of the wine. The best wines will be pleasantly aromatic with no off odors. Developing an “aroma memory” will help detect the more complex aromas and variety of smells from better wines.
Finally, taste the wine, starting with a sip. Coat the tongue and inside of the mouth before swallowing or spitting. Taste receptors are in the mouth, not the stomach, and a surprising amount of alcohol also is absorbed through the mouth. When tasting several wines, it is helpful to spit frequently, especially regarding those wines that are not appealing. Notice the lingering impression of flavor that remains after tasting the wine. A long finish is indicative of a quality wine. With a little familiarity, most of us have a pretty good
FROM THE CELLAR
Find a Good Wine
idea of what, to our individual tastes, is good. But what is bad? Full disclosure: For some people, the taste of wine is awful, and the thought of drinking wine is torture. For the rest of us, a bad wine would be one that is flawed in some way, substandard by clearly measurable means.
Our first impressions of a wine should be judged by color, aroma and taste. Is the color – red, white, pink or (now) orange – appropriate to the variety? A brown tint due to age and oxidation might suggest a wine that is past prime, possibly undrinkable. Does it smell like wet cardboard, a sign of cork taint? Does it taste vibrant and fruity, or is it sour and vinegary? A truly bad wine will have tell-tale signs of ruin that are difficult to ignore.
Finally, a word of caution: Don’t be too quick to judge a wine that has just been opened. Allowing most
wines opportunity to breathe can be both crucial and rewarding. A wine that has been couped up in the bottle for several years needs to aerate. And there has been no mention here of price. Good wines and really good wines can be found at any price point. It all depends on your tastes and budget. Price, like taste, is often a personal preference.
Share the good life!
Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine, Spirits and Cigars now celebrating 20 years of business in downtown Alexander City at 128 Calhoun Street. Contact him at 256-212-9463.
Welcome home
HHello, Lake Martin!
I am back and more excited than ever before! The new owner of Stillwaters Golf, Eric McKinley, has graciously invited me back to lead his new and developing golf operation. Stillwaters and the Lake Martin community have always held a special place in my heart. Career advancement opportunities were the only reason that I ever left my golf home in the past. But I am proud to be able to commit the next 10 years of my career to an excellent owner with an incredible plan for facility offerings.
THE SCRAMBLE
His decision-making, prior to my arrival, has been well researched and geared for immediate success. A recent rate reduction has allowed interested golfers to come enjoy the Tradition course and to see the vast improvements that Eric has put in motion. Sodding the weak areas on the green complexes, restoring and eliminating bunkering, tree removal, clearing hazard growth … the list goes on and on. His plan for relocating the golf shop and adding simulator bays inside will appeal to a younger golfing market and provide some fun during our cold/wet winter months. The plan includes enhancing the current practice facility to deliver modern, covered bays that will be entertaining, as well as improving your game with each swing. The exciting return of nine holes of the George Cobb Legend course has put a “wake on the lake” throughout the golfing community.
BY ROB WITHERINGTON
golfers to grab a quick meal, replenish their coolers and continue play without having to return to the golf shop. At the practice area, the same service will take place out of the newly renovated courtside building and hotel.
The restaurant will open just a few short days into this month and will be a wonderful option for residents and public alike. The Prime Steakhouse will be under the direction of our highly experienced new manager Amy Young. She and her team will be ready to serve and aim to please with every dining experience. Their support of our golfing events and catering options will round out the entire, vastly improved Stillwaters visit.
I can’t help being excited with so many improvements in the year ahead. It is our team’s daily focus to create great experiences for all who come to enjoy what our owner is offering. Please remember that we are open to the public. Stop briefly at our front gate, tell them where you are heading, and they will hand you a pass on your way to fun and enjoyment on site. Enjoy safely celebrating the Fourth of July on the lake and on the course. Always remember that Gabby, your local PGA Professional, is back and ready to serve you. Offering a positive golfing experience through operations, tournament outings or individual golf lessons, I will proudly play my part in delivering the vision of our new owner. Come and enjoy!
The focus on offering affordable annual membership plans is wonderful for those who decide to make Stillwaters their home course. Eric has been very clear that he always wants to make this facility available to the golfing public even if a membership plan doesn’t fit a player’s current lifestyle. All these golf amenities will be supported with great food and beverage service. The turn grill and new comfort stations allow
See the article on page 68 for more about Stillwaters Golf Club.
Rob “Gabby” Witherington is a PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Stillwaters Golf Club. Learn more at stillwatersgolf.com.
Explore
Lake Martin
Kowaliga Marina 334-397-1210
The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300
River North Marina 256-397-1500
Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700
Real Island Marina 256-397-1200
Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888
Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550
Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600
Alex City Marine 256-215-FISH
Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's 256-444-8793
SpringHouse 256-215-7080
Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070
Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035
Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337
The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887
Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075
Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567
Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132
Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256
The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333
Kowaliga Veterinary Care 334-857-1816
Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847
Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage 334-391-0717
Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293
Red Ridge UMC 256-825-9820
Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc 334-857-2443
First Baptist Church Dadeville 256-825-6232
Lakeshore Pharmacy 256-825-0063
Momentum Marine at Lake Martin 256-825-9286
Bolton Cove 256-392-7524
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
George Hardy
First Realty
Dark Insurance
Warren Appliance
MainStreet Family Care
Grace's Flowers
Koon's Korner
Larry's General Merchandise
Alfa
Valley Bank - 280
Pricare
Temple Medical
AllState
BB&T Bank
Hometown Pharmacy
Lake Martin Home Health
Allen's Food Mart (Exxon)
Karen Channell - State Farm
Insurance
North Lake Condo
River Bend Store
River North Marina
Lake Martin Building Supply
Petro
Sho'Nuff BBQ
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
Russell Medical Center
Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors
Koon's II
Tallapoosa Ford
Jackson's Drugs
Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark
The Sure Shot
Shell - 280
Big B Bar-B-Que
Russell Do It Center
Russell Home Decor
Holman Floor
Satterfield Inc.
Wind Creek Gate
Wind Creek Store
Willow Point Office
Willow Point Country Club
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
Queen's Attic
Alex City Courthouse
Alex City Marine
Super 8
Citgo
Bone & Joint Specialist
Hampton Inn
Days Inn
Timberline Glamping
Comfort Inn
Sunrise Docks
Dr. Sublett
Picket Fence
River Bank & Trust
Scent Wizard
DADEVILLE
Chamber of Commerce
Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery
Fusion Grill
Dadeville Library
At the Beauty Shop
Dadeville Courthouse
Payne's Furniture
Valley Bank
McKelvey Chevrolet
Renfroe's Market
Foshee's Boat Doc
Lakeshore Pharmacy
Russell Building Supply
Lakay's
Sweet Pickins
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
Creekside Lodge
Blue Creek Marina
Lakeside Marina
Niffers
Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery
Lakeside Mercantile
Walnut Hill Eagle
Chuck's Marina
Deep Water Docks
Lake Martin Pizza
Bay Pine Marina
City Hall
Dadeville Wellness Center
Lake Martin Realty
Shell
EQUALITY
Equality Food Mart
Southern Star
Parker Creek Marina
Charles Borden
ECLECTIC
Lake Breeze Realty
Offshore Marina
Lake Martin Mini Mall
Cotton's Alabama Barbecue
Russell Do It Center
Johnson Furniture
Eclectic Library
Real Island Marina
Anchor Bay Marina
First Community Bank
WETUMPKA
Wetumpka Herald Office
TALLASSEE
Marathon
Tallassee Eagle
Tallassee Chamber
Red Hill Gallery
Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $50 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.
Elaine Bodine Carroll hails om Montgomery Alabama. She has been drawing and painting for over 60 years. At a young age Elaine began creating unique pieces mostly focusing on animals with a concentration on horses. In the early 70’s she began painting almost exclusively on canvas with a broad array of wildlife subjects. rough the years her passion grew for recreating memories for her clients. Today, Elaine’s ability to capture the essence of their treasured pets both living and deceased thru her paintings is what motivates Elaine. Nothing pleases her more than the look on her clients faces when they see what she has created for them.
Elaine would be honored to recreate your memories on canvas.
At the end of the band's first set on July 4, the AMP stage rolls to the side, and the fireworks begin.
"Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak.
Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up." ~ Allen Klein
Photo by Kenneth Boone
Firepits and birthdays. Starry nights and laughter. There’s no life more wonderful than The Heritage on Lake Martin. Set among Lake Martin’s nearly 900 miles of shoreline surrounding over 40,000 acres of pristine water, The Heritage is a 1,500-acre waterfront development along 12 miles of sparkling shoreline—all from Russell Lands, one of the South’s most respected land companies. The stunning community features spectacular waterfront and luxury interior homesites, as well as a flagship resident-owned lake club and private Coore & Crenshaw golf course. Don’t miss your chance to start your own cherished traditions. Opportunities to rewrite your Heritage are now open. Contact us today.
