Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators In scorching temps, boaters must be prepared

As the country continues to bake under record high temperatures, boaters often head to the water for respite; however, some may be unprepared for what it takes to withstand a high-heat day. Here are a few tips from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water that could help ensure everyone’s safety as temperatures climb.

n Create shade. Direct sunlight can make the air feel 10 to 15 degrees warmer. Reduce the time you spend in it. If you don’t have a cabin or bimini top that offers sun protection, widebrimmed hats; loose fitting, moisturewicking clothing (try a UPF-rated long sleeve shirt); or fishing neck gaiters are next best.

n Keep extra water aboard. Yeah, that’s a no-brainer; however, you’d be surprised how many boaters bring just enough water for a short outing. Crew and guests may want to consume water like out of a firehose on super hot days!

(Good boating housekeeping tip: Keep a supply of bottled water in a locker or dry bilge area next to the hull, below the waterline. The water will stay cooler than the air temperature, and it makes it easy to share – or restock your cooler.) n Know how to safely stay cool. Of course, boaters can take advantage of the best way to stay cool: Jump in! Just don’t jump off a moving vessel. Find a safe, out-the-way anchorage, drop the hook and enjoy!

Weather Outlook for Month

August 2023 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the low 90s with average lows in the upper 60s and slightly under 5 inches of precipitation in the month of August.The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will lean above average and rainfall will sbe lightly below average this month.

Year-to-Date

Precipitation: 32.48

Avg. high temp.: 72.0

Avg. low temp.: 48.1

Avg. temp.: 60.0

Information from the National Weather Service.

Our Normal August

Precipitation: 4.70 inches

Avg. high temp.: 90.2

Avg. low temp.: 68.6

Avg. temp.: 79.4 n Know the signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to cool down. It can happen either gradually or suddenly. Telltale signs are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, skin hot to the touch, nausea or vomiting. Infants and children are especially susceptible. Immediately moving the victim to a cooler environment and providing lots of fluids can help buy time for a heat stroke victim until you reach first responders. n Have a way to communicate. If you have an unexpected breakdown or other issue, this is not the time of year to be stuck out on the water. Not only is the temperature a significant stressor, atmospheric conditions, especially in the afternoon hours, can bring sudden and powerful storms. Bring your cellphone, keeping it dry and charged.

With no sign of cooling over the next month, pay attention to avoid dangerous effects from the heat.

Last Month's Lake Levels

Summer: 491 MSL

Winter: 481 MSL

Highest: 490.24

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

Reader Submissions

(1) Mike Daniel sent this photo of Sky ending a beautiful day on the lake. (2) Wilks Turner is in his element with ample sun protection at Lake Martin. (3) Lauren Craddock started the summer with her dogs, Milo and Brewster, at the family cabin on Lake Martin. (4) A pair of hummingbirds flies away over Lake Martin after feeding at Lexy Oliver's station. (5) Not all of the Lake Martin azaleas on Powell Drive were lost to the frost. (6) Rebecca Harris' grandson, River, and his friend, Leighton, feel the wind in their hair on a Real Island boat

Aug. 3

Lake Martin Area United Way Campaign Kick Off

Lake Martin Area United Way invites you to join them at the Alexander City Municipal Complex for their 2024 Campaign Kick Off. The event begins at 6 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and include heavy appetizers with one drink ticket per adult. Enjoy live entertainment by the Blackberry Breeze duo and join LMAUW in celebrating their new campaign.

Aug. 3

Teal Town Fundraiser

EXIT Realty

Hometown is hosting this networking fundraising event in hopes to raise money for the Butterfly Bridge. The event will be held at the Eclectic Warehouse and will feature live and silent auctions, a wine pull and raffles.

Aug. 5

Duck Norris Race

This annual fundraiser for Tallapoosa County Sheriffs’ Girl Ranch and Tri-County

Aug. 7

Alexander City Schools

Classes for the fall semester start back for all schools in the Alexander City School System.

Aug. 7-Oct.16 GriefShare

Meet at Red Ridge United Methodist Church on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for GriefShare. This 11-week program is a community event open to all. Workbooks for this program cost $20. For more information, contact the Rev. Dorothy Scott at 205-907-5270 or email dorothy.scott@umcna. org.

Aug. 12

Local Author Reading

Dadeville Public Library will host a reading with local author Rachel Canady Edwards at 10 a.m. Come out to hear the presentation of her children’s book, The Adventures of Jack Jack and BoBo: Jack Jack Goes to the Doctor. This book is the first in the series.

Calendar Of Events

Children’s Advocacy Center has raised more than $23,000 since the duck race began in 2018. Purchase individual rubber ducks for $5 each or increase your chance to win by buying in bulk. Purchase five ducks for $20. Ducks are available for purchase at Chuck’s Marina. They will be released upstream, and the first one to reach the finish line wins. Funds raised through this event help to provide therapy services and transportation. Visit the Chuck’s Marina Facebook page for more information.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN

Aug. 12 Night Hike

Russell Lands Naturalist Marianne will guide you through Russell Forest from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. to listen to the evening sounds and watch night fall in the woods. Insect repellant will be provided. Bring a flashlight and drinking water and wear comfortable shoes. There is a $10 charge for this event, and reservations are required. To reserve your spot call 256-496-2710.

Aug. 15

Aug. 4

Tallapoosa County School District

Fall semester classes start back for the Tallapoosa County School district.

Aug. 4-5

Taking the Old Man HomeTour Auditions

Auditions for Taking the Old Man Home Tour by Patti Smith will take place at Dadeville Performing Arts Center on Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. Shows will be staged Sept. 14-17. For more information, call Patti Smith at 256-750-7153.

Tallapoosa County Cares Meeting

Head out to the East Alabama Mental Health Center from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. to join the discussion on ways to resolve the issue of underage drinking. The meeting will be held in the conference room. Contact Ashley Williams at 256-373-3538 or email ashley.williams@eamhc.org for more information.

Sept. 1-2

Labor Day at Crossroads

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

Sept. 8

Blackbird Pickers at Central Park

Head to Central Park located across from Blue Bell in Sylacauga for a performance by the Blackbird Pickers. The show starts at 5 p.m. and lasts til 8 p.m. and features a variety of cover songs and original music with a unique American/Rock ‘n’ Roll sound.

Sept. 14-17

Taking the Old Man HomeTour

Dadeville Performing Arts Center will host the readers theatre presentation of Taking the Old Man Home Tour by Patti Smith. Tickets are $10. Performances take place Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. The performance on Sunday begins at 3 p.m. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

Sept. 19-21

Creating Magical Bird Paintings in Oils

Award-winning painter Michelle Held will lead this three-day studio workshop at Tallapoosa School of Art. Class is limited to 10 students. For information or to book online, email dorothylittleton@gmail.com or visit the website at tallapoosaworkshops.com.

Sept. 28

Lake Martin Living magazine Art & Photography Contest Exhibit & Reception

Tallapoosa Publishers will host an exhibit and reception for the annual Lake Martin Living magazine Art & Photography Contest at Dadeville Performing Arts Center from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. See the article on page 33 for details.

Sept. 30 - Oct. 1

Lake Martin Multi-Hull Rendezvous

Dixie Sailing Club will host an open multi-hull regatta for catamarans and trimarans to invite multi-hull sailors to DSC for races and general hospitality. For information, email jsimons944@aol.com.

Season-long Events

Friday On The Green

There’s free music on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Friday night this summer. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, pups on the leash and coolers. There will be food trucks and lawn games. Friday On The Green is a great way to kickstart your weekend at the lake.

LMYP Game Night

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

Yoga on the Green

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

Driving & Docking Clinics

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

n First Wednesday of each month through AugustPontoons n Second Wednesday of each month through AugustSterndrives n Third Wednesday of each month through August - Tow Boats

Lake Martin Strand Sessions

Lake Martin Young Professionals invite you to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, coolers and family and friends to Strand Park in downtown Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month through August for free music in the park. Watch the kids play, meet friends old and new and enjoy a pleasant evening. Visit the Strand Sessions Facebook page for details.

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.

Wellborn Musclecar Museum

Housed in a restored vintage auto dealership in downtown Alexander City, the Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open for public viewing Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The inventory on display changes frequently, so every visit includes something new and exciting. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free. To arrange discounted group tours or private tours, email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail.com or call 256-329-8474.

Artists Association of Central Alabama

AACA artists meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex grounds with a general meeting followed by open studio. Club dues are $20 for the year.

Alexander City Lions Club

Serving 27 local charities in Tallapoosa County, the Alexander City Lions Club meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month at Lake Martin Area United Way office on Main Street. A meal is provided at the second meeting of the month, which features an engaging speaker. For more information, contact Mae Lynn O’Neil at 256-750-7404.

Dadeville Community Chorus

Dadeville Community Chorus will begin rehearsals at 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. No auditions are required to join the chorus, just faithful participation. All ages are welcome to join, and there’s a $30 quarterly or patreon/performer membership fee. Enroll at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com. For more information email office@dadevilleperformingartscenter.com. Concerts will be held on Nov. 26 and Dec. 5.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

Volunteers in Alexander City and Dadeville are encouraged to participate in community partnership cleanups every month. In Alexander City, the cleanups are held on the second Saturday of the month. Meet at Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289 or Michelle West at 256-786-0584. In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the second Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag dropoff on site. Contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.

Fiber Fridays

Bring your knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber art projects to The Yarn Shop Around the Corner in Dadeville from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays to meet fellow fiber artisans, share tips and techniques and talk with others who share your interests. For more information, call 334-444-1038.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

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

Children’s Library in Alexander City

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

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

Real Island Supper

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

Amateur Radio Club

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

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl. Check the calendar at RussellLands.com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

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

Tallassee Lions Club

The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant, across from the football stadium in Tallassee, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism. Call Marilyn Speake at 334-283-6864 or email her at marilyn.speake@tcschools.com.

Main Street Farmers Market

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

What’s Downtown Wednesday

Visit Alexander City’s downtown merchants, restaurants and lounges on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for extended hours with live music, special sales, drink specials and more. For more information, visit the Main Street Alexander City Facebook page.