Lake Magazine October 2020

LAKE MARTIN ALABAMA EDITION

LAKE Tiki to the Max Newsboys at The Amp

A View of Heaven

OCTOBER 2020

LAKEMAGAZINE.LIFE OCTOBER 2020

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OCTOBER 2020

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Staff

Letter from the Editor

W

hen I stepped out onto the screened porch at sunrise for a walk one day halfway through September, I was surprised by the coolness of the morning – and delightfully so: It meant the start of the best season to be at Lake Martin. And I am excited that, this year, more visitors and part-time residents at the lake will learn threefold how true that is.

On the one hand, this is a fall extension year. All of the charts and dials at Alabama Power aligned throughout the Tallapoosa/Coosa/Alabama river systems to meet the conditions necessary for the licensee of Martin Dam to maintain the lake’s summer pool level until the middle of this month. What that means to the average wake surfer/tube puller/sunset cruiser is simple: More fun!

The lake season has been extended until Oct. 15, and while the early morning or evening temperatures might call for long sleeves – or even sweatshirts – the days on the lake still are filled with sunshine and laughter. And the memories made lakeside, huddled close to the fire pit, are the ones to cherish forever.

And on the other hand, more people are already here than in any other autumn season before this one. When the coronavirus drove lake lovers to Lake Martin early this spring and school went virtual, folks settled in for the long term, fell in love with full-time lake life and stayed.

At the same time, postponed and rescheduled spring and summer activities moved to the fall and are happening right now. From Sun Festival (think axe throwing, music in the park and big trucks for little tykes) to art exhibits (think Lake Martin Living’s Art in the Alley, Fall Festival at Russell Crossroads and Will York’s Raining Dogs Gallery in Dadeville), fishing tournaments, island camping and hiking more than 125 miles of area trails, there’s so much to do at the lake this fall. Turn to the calendar of events on page 14 for the schedule and mark your calendars for your favorite Halloween activities this month, including the Monster Mash Street Bash on Main Street in Alexander City.

Take in one of Marianne Hudson’s Naturalist Presentations at Russell Crossroads and strike out on a hike through the cool, autumn woods. Sign up for one of the upcoming fishing tournaments and create a memory with a grandchild while helping a local charity. Pick up the perfect pumpkins for dockside décor at Strand Park.

And don’t forget to stock up on sweatshirts and firewood; there are early morning walks and evening fire circles in your future.

Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Managing Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Circulation ERIN BURTON

erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing RACHEL MCCOLLOUGH

rachel.mccollough@alexcityoutlook.com

MARILYN HAWKINS

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

JULIE HARBIN

julie.harbin@alexcityoutlook.com

LIZ HOLLAND

liz.holland@alexcityoutlook.com

ANDY CARR

andy.carr@thewetumpkaherald.com

Digital Success Manager ELLE FULLER

elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE JULIE HUDSON AMY PASSARETTI GREG VINSON CLIFF WILLIAMS LONNA UPTON JOHN COLEY MATT SHEPPARD ERIC REUTEBUCH HENRY FOY DAVID RAINER AUDRA SPEARS

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

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OCTOBER 2020

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

On the Cover A spectacular view spreads out from Tom and Amy Lewis' new lake home, the first glimpse of what Kennebec offers to homeowners at Lake Martin. A fresh perspective on airiness and letting the outside in, this unique home reflects Mother Nature's own intricate beauty in the artistic finishes of ceilings and lighting that mirror the canopy of trees in this new Lake Martin neighborhood.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

6400 Highway 63 South, Alexander City, AL 35010 docksunlimitedllc.com (256) 203-8400 Check out our Facebook Page: Docks Unlimited

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 5

(256) 234-6366

V (256) 487-0308

(256) 825-9244

We Touch the Lives of the People You Love

Assisted Living & SCALF Short Term Rehab

(256) 839-6711

(334) 864-8854 6 LAKE

Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Long Term Skilled Nursing Care OCTOBER 2020

Contents 22. TAKE TO THE TRAILS Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association's foot-path only trails get a lot of attention around the lake 26. A TRIBUTE TO CARLO RIVA The Lake Martin Riva Run video recorded last year has been released for viewing

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30. TIKI TO THE MAX A Blue Creek couple creates a novel sun-drop cruiser to celebrate retirement at Lake Martin 37. ANGLING AGAINST AUTISM Veteran angler directs the 7th annual tournament fundraiser for The Learning Tree 38. NEWSBOYS UNITED Lake Martin Amphitheater to host the Newsboys in concert on Oct. 9 42. A VIEW OF HEAVEN A Birmingham couple brings the outside in with a fresh perspective in their Lake Martin home 60. IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN Lake Martin Resource Association announces the plan for this year's Renew Our Rivers cleanup

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

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9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 14. LAKE MARTIN EVENTS 18. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 54. NATURE OF THE LAKE 63. LAKE PROPERTY

64. LAKE WATCH 66. FAB FINDS 68. HEALTHY LIVING 70. BIG CATCHES 72. FROM THE CELLAR 75. PAR FOR THE COURSE

Lake magazine also features an online, digital edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with friends and family and provides you complete access to stories, photos and advertisements from anywhere in the world with Internet access. View our digital edition today at www.lakemagazine.life.

OCTOBER 2020

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Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation

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Rehabilitation Services • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing Candi Tate, Clinical Liaison

2334 Washington Street, Alexander City | 256-329-9061 | www.crownehealthcare.com

A Place To Worship Lake Martin Area Churches

WATERFRONT Church of the Living Waters Inside StillWaters, Dadeville 256-825-2990 New Hope Baptist Church 529 Peppers Road, Alexander City 256-329-2510 Church in the Pines Kowaliga Road, Kowaliga 334-857-2133

OFF WATER Equality United Methodist Church 281 AL Hwy 259, Equality 334-541-4063

OFF WATER

OFF WATER

OFF WATER

First Baptist Church Court Square, Alexander City 256-234-6351

Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa Street, Alexander City 256-234-6494

Hillabee Baptist Church Hillabee Road, Alexander City 256-234-6798

Red Ridge United Methodist Church 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL 36078 334-252-8618 (12 Miles South of Lake Martin)

First Baptist Church 178 South Tallassee Street, Dadeville 256-825-6232

St. James Episcopal Church South Central Avenue, Alexander City 256-234-4752

First United Methodist Church 310 Green Street, Alexander City 256-234-6322 First United Methodist Church West Lafayette Street, Dadeville 256-825-4404 First Presbyterian Church 371 Jefferson Street, Alexander City 256-329-0524

Lake Martin Baptist Church 9823 County Road 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist Church La 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293 Faith Temple Church 425 Franklin Street, Alexander City 256-234-6421

St John The Apostle Catholic Church 454 North Central Avenue Alexander City, Al 35010 256-234-3631 Flint Hill United Methodist Church 2858 Flint Hill Road Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-5047 Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy 280 Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-2555

Small Space Advertising Works.

Call Jolie Waters 256-414-3174 & ask for Lake Church Page

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OCTOBER 2020

Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

56 40 37

$688,264 $581,956 $516,180

$600,000 $436,250 $420,000

136 164 195

91 280 350

August 2020 August 2017 August 2014

Inventory/ sales ratio 2.56 9.60 14.43

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).

Did You Know?

In 1964, the last of the Russell Farms cattle farms, locally known as “the Wedges Farms,” as it once was a farm where workers were hired for “wages,” was chosen as the location of the Willow Point Golf and Country Club.

This beautiful championship 18-hole golf course meanders about on a peninsula on the sunset side of Lake Martin. Designed by Thomas Nichol, the par-72 course was constructed as a private club to replace the original Alexander City course, which was given by the Russell family to the State of Alabama for the site of the Alexander City Junior College (now Central Alabama Community College).

In October 2003, Willow Point re-opened exactly one year after the course closed for renovation. Originally conceived to update the irrigation system, greens, bunkers and tees, the decision was made to totally renovate the entire course, including the practice facility, entry road and clubhouse. The world-renowned architectural firm of Hurdzan/Fry was selected for the renovation, based on its reputation for designing some of the most beautiful, challenging and environmentally sound golf courses in the world.Today, the course measures 7,465

Willow Point's fourth green

Ωyards from the championship tees and includes six sets of tees to accommodate all levels of play. Twelve holes are located along the shores of Lake Martin, and all 18 holes have lake views. The Bermuda fairways are accented by native grasses and tall fescue, as well as stone and rock work bordering the lake.

For more information about the Willow Point course and other club amenities, visit willowpoint.com. ~ Courtesy of Alabama Golf Association

Weather Outlook for October October 2020 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid-60s with average lows in the lower 50s and more than 4-1/2 inches of precipitation in the month of October. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be slightly above average, and rainfall averages will be in the normal range this month.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 59.36 inches Avg. high temp.: 76.6 Avg. low temp.: 54.1 Avg. temp.: 65.3

Our Normal October Precipitation: 4.79 inches Avg. high temp.: 66.8 Information from the Avg. low temp.: 51.1 National Weather Avg. temp.: 54.0 Service.

OCTOBER 2020

Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.50 Lowest: 490.08 Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit the website lakes.alabamapower.com.

Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and waterrelated equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

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Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Zach and Owen Thompson are anxious to get off the boat at Goat Island. (2) Ella loves her new Lake Martin shirt from Lakeside Mercantile. (3) Cecily Lee poses with her son, Haig, on the boat. (4) Ava Floyd is all smiles on a sunny day at the lake at Wind Creek State Park. (5) Mason Erwin captured the story of a splash in this sunset photo series. (6) Dixie Hall dressed up Yogi, Oakley, Clara Belle, Harley and Saban for the holiday.

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OCTOBER 2020

Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Angela Windsor's granddaughter Ralee, 8, loves to spend summer days on the lake. (2) John Ryan Herman leaps off the dock like a superhero. (3) Brilliant light silhouettes the New Water Chapel at sunset. (4) Popsicles loves boat rides with her momma, Weathers Veazey. (5) Jonathan Campbell, 10, caught a striped bass while fishing Parker Creek on an early March morning at the lake. (6) Cooper Moore rides steady behind the boat. (7) The mist rising from Lake Martin creates a steamy effect over a green fishing light in this photo sent by Charles Murrell. (8) Watercolor skylines off Powell Drive.

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OCTOBER 2020

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OCTOBER 2020

Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS 8

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OCTOBER 2020

(1) Emilee Ewing and Anna Kyle Murphy jump into a Lake Martin sunset. (2) Braxton nails his first kneeboard adventure at Lake Martin. (3) Cousins Davis Fuller, Heath Sullivan, Tyler Fuller and Lilly Sullivan stopped for ice cream at the lake. (4) Anslee Grace Joiner caught a ride on the cutest chicken at Lake Martin on July 4th at her aunt and uncle's house. (5) Chase and his dog, Jackson, kick back on the boat. (6) A fish jumped just as Kyle Thornton snapped this sunrise photo at Lake Martin. (7) Amanada Baker, Johnny Spears and Thor puppy enjoy an August sunset while swimming. (8) McCoy Hare proudly showed off his first catch of the season. (9) Sarah Grace and Lydia Montgomery cool off at the lake.

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Now-Oct. 3 Sun Festival

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Oct. 3 Dadeville Fall Fest

There is something fun hapLake Martin Dadeville Area WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN pening every Chamber will day as the host its 7th Alexander Annual Fall Oktoberfest in Alexaner City draws City Festival from thousands of visitors every year Chamber of 8 a.m. to 4 for family-friendly fun in the sportplex Commerce p.m. on the hosts this courthouse annual celsquare. ebration.

There will be From a live bands, a bonus Strand mechanical Session conbull, chilcert in the dren’s activipark to an ties, arts axe-throwing and crafts tournament, vendors and sundae food. For building, big trucks for little tykes and more, there is some- vendor applications, contact the chamber at 256-825-4016 thing for everyone. Visit the Sun Festival Alexander City or email chamber@dadeville.com.

Facebook page for the activity schedule.

Oct. 3 Mickey Gilley

Now-November Confronting Covid-19

The Kelly’s online Treasure Hunt Exhibit 2020 addresses the phases of coping with the coronavirus pandemic. Part I is entitled Isolation, to be followed by Activities, Healing and, finally, Reunion. Visit the exhibit at thekelly.org and on the museum’s Facebook page.

Oct. 4 Creepy Critters Presentation

Oct. 2 Art in the Alley

The Annual Lake Martin Living magazine art contest this year will be on exhibit in the Main Street alley from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with live music, food trucks, a cash bar and live art, with awards and door prizes presented at 8 p.m. The first place award in each category will be $200; second place awards will be $150; and third place awards will be $100. This event is sponsored by the Alabama Press Association, Main Street Alexander City, Gunn Homes and Land and Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors. River Bank and Trust sponsors the People’s Choice Award this year. Tickets to the exhibit are $5 and are available for purchase at TPI, 548 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City, or at the gate. Tickets also include eligibility for door prizes, as well as a vote for the People’s Choice winner. For more information, email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

Oct. 3 Fish for Ferst

Ferst Readers of Tallapoosa County will host its second annual Fish for Ferst fishing tournament at first light at Chuck’s Marina. Weigh-in and prizes will take place at 2 p.m. For details, visit ferstreaderstc.org.

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Mickey Gilley and Bobby Luster will perform in concert at 8 p.m. with special guest Tina Marie at the World Famous Rodeo Club in Dadeville. Tickets are $45 in advance; $55 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. Purchase tickets at outhousetickets.com/Event/13185-Mickey Gilley.

Join Russell Lands Naturalist Marianne Hudson at the Naturalist̓s Cabin at Russell Crossroads to see some critters that might give you the creeps or make excellent Halloween decorations. These critters will be on display from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Email naturalist@russelllands.com or call Hudson at 256-496-2710 for more information.

Oct. 4 Guided Nature Tour

Russell Lands Naturalist Marianne Hudson will guide a walk from the Willow Point Trailhead to view the changing seasons as animals and plants prepare for colder temperatures. Cameras and binoculars are welcome. Insect repellent will be provided. Wear comfortable, seasonally appropriate shoes and clothing. Bring bottled water if you wish but remember that there are no bathrooms on the trail. Fee is $10. Advance registration is required. Call 256-496-2710 or email naturalist@russelllands.com to register.

Oct. 9 Newsboy United Concert at The AMP

One of the biggest bands in Christian music history will perform at the Lake Martin Amphitheater from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Social distancing will be observed. Purchase tickets online at theamponlakemartin.com.

OCTOBER 2020

Oct. 19-31 Pumpkin Hollow Pumpkin Patch

Oct. 9-10 Old 280 Boogie

Waverly’s signature concert event has been rescheduled from April. Sweet Lizzy Project will take the outdoor stage for a pre-night celebration at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Tickets for the pre-night concert are $15. On Saturday, five bands will perform on the outdoor stage throughout the day. Gates open at 10:30 a.m., and the music starts at noon. Advance tickets are available at standarddeluxe.com for $35; gate tickets will be $40. Bring coolers and chairs, but dogs and glass bottles are not allowed. There will be food and craft vendors on site.

Visit the pumpkin patch at Strand Park from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to benefit Main Street Alexander City.

Oct. 10 Oktoberfest

Oct. 31 Fall Family Festival

Alexander City Parks & Rec will host the 40th annual Okoberfest at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. This daylong event will incude arts and crafts, food vendors, entertainment, kids’ activities, an antique car show and more.

Admission is free.

Oct. 10 Farm Day

Meadows Farm will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with bouncy houses, slides and pony rides for the kids, as well as crafts and games. Local artisans will display their unique products for sale, and food vendors will be on site, as well.

There is no cost to enter, but donations and proceeds will benefit the Meadows Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit meadowsfarmal.com.

Oct. 10 Angling for Autism Tournament

Wind Creek State Park will host this annual bass fishing tournament to benefit The Learning Tree in Tallassee.

Fishing begins at safe daylight, and the weigh-in starts at 2 p.m. The top 10 placements win money. Entry fee is $120 per boat with a $10 optional Big Fish pot on a 70/30 split.

Sponsorships are available as well. For registration form and details, visit learning-tree.org/event/anglingforautism/.

Oct. 13-15 Painting with Purpose

Tallapoosa School of Art will host a three-day oils studio workshop at The Blue Heron in Dadeville for all levels of artists. Loosen up with the intent of adding more life to painting. Through demonstrations and one-on-one instruction, artist instructor Amanda Lovett will explain techniques and provide exercises to help artists see more than just what is in front of them. Learn alternate methods of applying paint while maintaining visual structure. The goal is to develop the skill to reach more deeply into the sense of artistry. Email dorothylittleton@gmail.com for details and registration information.

Oct. 29 Tales of Dadeville

Hosted by Zazu’s Verandah in downtown Dadeville, Tales of Dadeville features community members sharing memories of events and historical knowledge that helped to shape Dadeville. A food truck will be on site at 5 p.m.

Storytelling will begin around 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Russell Crossroads will host this annual celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with working blacksmith and grist mill demonstrations, a pumpkin patch, wagon and pony rides, a scavenger hunt, a much larger petting zoo, festival food and the Blue Ribbon Pie and Cake Baking Contest with cash prizes. Alabama Department of Public Health guidelines concerning COVID-19 will be followed.

Oct. 31 Downtown Trick or Treat

Bring your ghosts and goblins downtown for trick-ortreating with Alexander City merchants from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Oct. 31 Halloween Night Hike

Get spooky deep in the woods as night falls upon Russell Forest. The trail walk begins at 5:45 p.m. from the Wilson Road Trailhead and will be laden with ghost stories and cryptozoology. Not a haunted trail experience: This hike is an immersive nature adventure that will include content relevant to Halloween. Flashlights and bug spray will be provided, and costumes are optional. The walking pace will be relaxed with frequent stops. Wear comfortable, seasonally appropriate shoes and clothing. There is a $10 fee, and advance registration is required. Call 256-496-2710 or email naturalist@russelllands.com.

Oct. 31 Monster Mash Street Bash

Main Street Alexander City will host this downtown costume contest with a mechanical bull and DJ entertainment

by Area 51 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the creepiest night of the year. Get your costume ready now!

Nov. 7 Jim Landers Memorial Bass Tournament

Wind Creek State Park will host and OGS Tournaments will facilitate this event to benefit Outdoor Friends Forever, which helps special needs children enjoy hunting and fishing. Entry fee is $110, and the Big Fish pot is another $10.

Boats will leave the dock at 4:15 a.m. and weigh-ins start at 3 p.m. Visit ogstournaments.org for details.

OCTOBER 2020

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Season-Long Events Soup to Go

Drive through the parking lot at St. James Episcopal Church at 347 S. Central Ave. between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. every Tuesday and pick up a brown bag dinner with soup, sandwich, fruit and dessert. COVID-19 precautions are taken by volunteers who prepare, pack and distribute the meal, which is open to the whole community.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

Volunteers in Alexander City and Dadeville are encouraged to participate in community partnership cleanups every month. In Alexander City, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of the month. Meet at 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 details, email jacob.meacham@alexandercitychamber.com.

In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the first Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Dianna Porter at 256-750-0075.

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. In addition, the children’s library hosts board games and puzzles every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call Melissa Finley at 256-234-4644 for informa-

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tion. In Dadeville, storytime for children aged 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

$20 on the 20th

The Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamberasks the community to spend $20 on the 20th of each month to help the local economy.

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.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

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

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

Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

OCTOBER 2020

Preserving Alabama’s natural resources starts in our backyard.

Did you know longleaf pines are home to roughly 120 endangered or threatened plant and animal species?

That’s why Alabama Power is working hard to help them grow. We’ve teamed up with partners across our state to preserve the natural resources that make Alabama a great place to put down roots – especially if you’re a longleaf pine.

AlabamaPower.com/Environment

© 2020 Alabama Power Company

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 17

Lake Martin News Integrated reservation system goes live at Wind Creek State Park

Ensuring you’ll have a site for your RV, travel trailer or tent when you visit Wind Creek State Park just became much easier. The new online campground reservation system for Alabama State Parks (reservealapark.com) went live in August.

When Alabama Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources booking,” Vanderford said. “There are Commissioner Chris Blankenship was some specific features that people have appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2017, one wanted, like saving their bookings into of his first initiatives was to connect all their account to know which sites they’ve Alabama State stayed on in the Parks to broadpast. Also, now band internet you can purchase service and to a gift card and use implement an a gift card in that online reservasame system.” tion system Prior to the new for Alabama system, nine parks State Parks. had campground Parks officials reservations on spent months an online system, integrating the but that system technology into linked to each park the 17 parks separately and did the system will not include many serve, includfeatures. ing Wind Creek With the new State Park, and campground reserThe new reservation system offers the new online vation tool, campmore options for campers tool will include ers can go online a variety of feaand find numerous tures that park visitors have requested. options to plan a trip to Alabama’s most “One of the things we were intenscenic destinations, from the Appalachian tional about providing to the customer Mountains to Mobile Bay. was to look at a site’s availability for the State Parks Assistant Director Rob whole year instead of one specific date Grant said the feedback he’s received has range,” said Emily Vanderford, natural been positive. resources planner with the State Parks “We have had some rave reviews Division. “This new system gives them a from guests who have accessed the longer date range. If they have a favorite new system,” Grant said. “They’ve had campsite, they can look at availability some great comments and some suggesand book it. That is something customers tions. We’re still tweaking it and making asked for.” adjustments. We’re adding in more and Another feature of the new reservamore functionality, but we’re pleased tions system is the ability to book at mul- with the system and the progress we’ve tiple parks during one online visit. made.”

“If someone is making a road trip and they want to book several parks along ~ David Rainer the journey, they can do that in one

2018 Top Ten Landau Dealer Manitou Dealer

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OCTOBER 2020

The Willows of Willow Point

The Willows

29 premier homesites just released

is nestled in a serene cove among Lake Martin’s more than 40,000 acres of pristine water, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. With large, wooded and secluded homesites, this new neighborhood is the perfect place to enjoy refined lake living with Willow Point Golf & Country Club, dining, shopping, and recreation just moments away.

RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

OCTOBER 2020 | 25 6 . 2 15 . 7 0 11

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OCTOBER 2020

OCTOBER 2020

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Two hikers traverse the Little Smith Mountain trail as it hugs the shoreline along a slough

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OCTOBER 2020

CRATA trails have busy summer STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

Hiking season started early this year when the lake area population grew as part-time lake homeowners, summer renters and other visitors sheltered from the coronavirus at Lake Martin.

“The biggest news for Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association has been the massive usage of the trails, starting in spring and continuing all through the summer,” said CRATA President Jerry Bynum.

“That’s unusual because people tend to avoid the heat and bugs in the summer and do most of their hiking in the cooler months, but people are doing a tremendous amount of hiking.”

To keep up with the trail use, board members and work crews were out en force this summer, keeping the trails clear and in good repair, Bynum said.

“Mike Wilson, Jimmy Lanier, Walt Hutchison, Matt Campbell and others have done a lot of maintenance at Smith Mountain all summer long. They’ve been busy with more people on the trails, and we’ve had some things happen, too,” he added. “There has been a lot of rain and storms this year. We had some flooding in the parking lot at Yates for the John B. Scott Trail. We’ve had some graffiti but have got rid of that, and we had someone bring some rocks up to the fire tower, presumably for a fire pit.”

CRATA’s 26 miles of footpath-only trails on the lake have earned excellent reviews on trails.com and other national trail websites, Bynum said. Comments on the new outdoor education center at the Smith Mountain fire tower have complimented the venue, especially in the last few months.

“It’s been more so since the spring when COVID19 hit. Hiking around here gives people a great option to do something as a family that’s not around other people,” Bynum said.

Learn more at crata.org.

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 23

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OCTOBER 2020

BEST BOATS | BEST SERVICE | BEST DEALS We are excited to announce our new Singleton Jackson’s Gap location on the North end of Lake Martin. Providing new and used boat sales and a full service center. With the largest selection of the industry’s top-selling brands and award winning customer service, no other dealer can upgrade your lifestyle like Singleton Marine.

Singleton Marine Blue Creek Marina 7280 Highway 49 South Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-8888

Singleton Marine Jackson’s Gap 124 Edgewater Drive Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 256-269-0088

SingletonMarine.com OCTOBER 2020

Singleton Marine Parker Creek Marina 8300 Parker Creek Marina Dr. Equality, AL 36026 256-329-8550

LAKE 25

A Tribute

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Narrative Films last month released a YouTube documentary video, A Tribute to Carlo Riva, which was recorded last fall on Lake Martin and featured several area residents. Posted Sept. 7, the video applauds the engineering genius of Carlo Riva, who built the world-renowned Riva series of mahogany boats for an exclusive audience.

Last fall, Lake Martin’s Mark Clark, a collector of the Riva line, hosted the Lake Martin Riva Run with Steve and Mary Windom, also Riva owners. They invited director Tyler Russell, a camera crew and a small group of Riva enthusiasts to visit Lake Martin landmarks during the making of the video. The event was featured as a photo essay in the October 2019 issue of Lake magazine, which is available online at lakemagazine.life.

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to Carlo Riva STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

Made to perform as beautifully as they look, Lake Martin's Riva boats skim the surface during the recording of a film to honor their maker

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 27

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OCTOBER 2020

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OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 29

Cathy and Mike Maxey are learning to relax at the lake in their retirement

Tiki to the Max STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS

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When Mike Maxey turned 70 well into the social distancing phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, his wife, Cathy, orchestrated a weeklong celebration of guests and festivities – all centered on the retirement project he built last year. After years of anticipation and planning, Maxey bought a dilapidated pontoon boat in 2019 and turned it into the ultimate tiki boat. Part cocktail boat; part grandchildren fun, Tiki to the Max is all about having a good time, but it required vision, hours of labor and a dance of trial and error.

At 26 feet long and 8 feet wide, weeds were growing up through her middle when Maxey found the boat in someone’s yard. She had no trailer, and the owner wasn’t even sure the engine would start.

The first thing Maxey did was strip her clean to the decking. He laid new plywood over the deck, extending the square footage by 1 foot on each side of the boat.

He braced the new decking with brackets spaced every 12 inches from underneath the floor. His grandson helped him lay the carpet, which sports

an inlaid silhouette of a palm tree in the stern.

Then, he collected bamboo for the railings he planned to build later. Cutting it to prescribed lengths, he laid it out on his driveway to dry and turned his attention to the elaborate hut construction.

The hut had to serve as the pilot’s cab, as well as a tiki bar with amenities, so it required a carefully engineered plan, which changed constantly.

“There was a lot of trial and error,” Cathy attested.

“There was a lot of doing and redoing and changing of plans.”

The bar counter needed to be tall enough to disguise the boat controls and large enough to accommodate the tiki boating essentials – blender, plastic margarita glasses, the various ingredients for the house beverage and a variety of accessories and novelties, such as koozies, plastic sunglasses, palm tree stir sticks and Mardi Gras beads. It also needed access to Party favors for Mike's 70th power to operate the birthday included koozies blender, as well as the and tiki-man cookies strings of LED lights

The tiki boat was renovated from the frame up and includes many custom features

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 31

The palm tree covers were designed and painted by one of their daughters

The boat was built for celebrations

that illuminate the boat’s name, the bartender’s workspace and the beach at night, so he added a small generator.

Maxey enlarged the cab by 2 feet for the captain’s chair and added a companion barstool.

On the bar countertop, he used hookand-loop tape to adhere bowls of novelties to the bar top, so they wouldn’t be lost in rough water. Coasters do double duty as caps for the built-in cup holders for the same purpose.

“So they don’t fill up with water if we

The Maxeys tried to include everything their guests might enjoy on a sun-drop cruise

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OCTOBER 2020

The tiki boat was Maxey's first retirement project

get some splash,” Maxey said.

The bar area also includes a wine rack, a number of tiki-man faces and a coconut head named, appropriately, Coco.

Built in three sections, the bar had to be installed before the railings went up because it was too large to fit through a gate. It went through a series of renovations even before it was finished and installed. As ideas for embellishment came to him, Maxey took apart earlier versions and rebuilt to make it better.

“We went through two roof designs. The first one was too heavy,” he explained.

The roof structure was built separately and bolted to

the base.

To cut down on the weight he added to the boat, Maxey cut landscape timbers and 2x4s in half for the bar frame. He also used half sections of the bamboo for trim.

The thatch roof is bamboo grasscloth, but Maxey said he might try a plastic covering next year, as the bamboo lasts only one year.

His son-in-law helped with the Tiki To the Max name board on the front of the bar. One of his daughters set Maxey up with a hashtag for the boat, and another daughter painted the palm trees on the covers.

Below the sign, Maxey designed a beach with 3 or

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 33

so inches of sand, along with pails and buckets for the tiki boat. His father had built a boat, and he rememgrandchildren to play with. bered it and looked forward to building one of his own.

The rails were built with the dried bamboo, which Five or six years before he retired, he started talking Maxey coated with a varnish to protect it from the about it and, later, began to collect accoutrements. weather. He strung 100 feet of grasscloth on the out“Slowly but surely, it came together. Last Memorial side of the rails and added the occasional tiki torch.

Day, she was completed and put in the water,” Cathy “Those are just decorative. They don’t have oil in said. them,” he explained.

Not only did the boat not sink, but also, the engine Unable to find just the right chairs for the deck, started right up. he painted navy “But we deck chairs with couldn’t get it to a tropical green cut off,” Maxey color and added said. “Turns out an umbrella to the kill switch was provide shade for broken under the guests. boat and needed “We learned to be replaced.” the hard way to The Maxeys put the umbrella don’t take the down when we’re boat out on sumunderway,” Maxey mer weekends said. when the water is He also added a rough, and they tall cocktail table don’t rent it out, to one side. though they’ve “We had two received inquiries. tables on it, but it Members of the was too crowded.

StillWaters Yacht We realized Club, they have people need space taken the boat around them, so on club excurwe took one of sions. Tiki To the the tables off the Max has been to boat,” he said.

Alabama Power’s Now in its Nature’s Way second season on recreation area Lake Martin, Tiki and has visited To the Max is an Chimney Rock eye catcher. and Goat Island “It seems to but usually stays bring out the close to home in friendly,” Cathy Blue Creek. said. “So many “We don’t people wave, give know what the a thumbs up, take water conditions pictures, or they will be like further slow down to look out and don’t want When she couldn't find chairs in the at it. It is so much to chance it,” said tropical green color she loved, Cathy fun to take a late Maxey. painted navy blue chairs for the tiki boat afternoon ride on They are conthe tiki boat.” tent to take her Both Maxey out for sun-drop and Cathy frequented Lake Martin when they were cruises with small groups of friends and family, like children. They purchased their lot on the south side of they did every night during the week of Maxey’s birthBlue Creek in 1989 and moved to the lake fulltime in day celebration.

2003. All five of their children enjoy spending time at “At first after I retired, I was still in a hurry. It took the lake, as do their 12 grandchildren. about a year to slow down, but I think we’re there Maxey said he always knew he would build a boat now,” he said with a smile. for the lake, but he didn’t always know it would be a 34 LAKE

OCTOBER 2020

Their son-in-law helped to create the "To the Max" sign

Tiki-man faces decorate the boat's gunnels

Lighted palm trees lend a festive flair to the boat

The Maxeys' grandchildren love to play on the boat's beach

Coco the coconut man offers novelties to tiki-boat guests

OCTOBER 2020

The vintage motor is barely big enough to create a wake, but the boat is meant to encourage a slower pace of life

LAKE 35

Fall is right around the corner

and now is the perfect time to purchase your next adventure. Fishing, hunting, or just enjoying the outdoors, Russell Marine is here for you.

Fishing boats from Bass Cat, SeaArk, Key West and Crevalle Boats. Off-road vehicles from BRP Can-Am. We also offer Nautique, Godfrey Pontoon Boats, Scarab, Supreme, Sea Ray, Bryant and personal watercraft from Sea-Doo.

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Angling against Autism

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STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO BY AUDRA SPEARS

This year’s Angling for Autism bass tournament is critical for The Learning Tree, a lake area nonprofit that has seen all but this one annual fundraiser canceled in the wake of protections against the coronavirus. The fishing tourney, which is set for Oct. 10, typically raises about 14 percent of some $70,000 needed to supplement educational and clinical services that are provided to children with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum conditions in four Alabama locations, including Tallassee.

The tournament will launch at safe daylight from the Wind Creek State Park Marina with Dallas Weldon directing for the seventh consecutive year.

An avid angler, Weldon began volunteering his equipment and tournament experience to help The Learning Tree after his wife took the position of resource development coordinator there. The event’s focus is on fishing and raising money for the nonprofit, so there’s little fanfare about it, Weldon said.

“We don’t have a big stage or a marque.

It’s very simple. When you’re raising money for a nonprofit, it needs to be simple, so more time and effort can be put in helping the organization,” he said.

Weldon prefers to be in the boat catching fish on Lake Martin or Lake Jordan or competing in fishing tournaments on most weekends, but he stepped up as tournament director several years ago when his employer, Neptune Technology Group, hosted an event as an American Cancer Society Relay for Life team. Since 2013, he’s helped The Learning Tree, a 501(c)3 organization, raise more than $60,000 through the Angling for Autism tournament.

“I’ve been fishing since I was about 5 years old,” Weldon said. “My dad traveled for work, and when

he came home, we would go. Our vacations always revolved around where we could go fishing.”

In high school, Weldon said, he joined the golf team so he could fish in the pond on the golf course when practice was over.

“We plan this event around his tournament schedule,” said Weldon’s wife, Stephanie.

“This is the one fundraiser we’ve been able to keep this year,” she said.

The Learning Tree’s statewide footprint Dallas Weldon has directed includes three residential the tourney schools with 30 homes for seven for children in Tallassee, years Mobile and Jacksonville; preschool services in Mobile, Anniston and Auburn and; non-residential, educational services at Woody’s Song School in Mobile. Canceled fundraising events this year included an annual Boots and Bowties dinner and silent auction that has been held at Auburn University’s ALFA Ag Pavilion and an Aces for Autism gala and auction that in the past has raised $37,000.

“The Angling for Autism tournament is very critical this year,” Stephanie said.

Entry fee is $120 per boat with an additional $10 for the Big Fish buyin. The weigh-in starts at 2 p.m., Weldon said, and it’s important to watch the clock and be on time for the weigh-in because weight will be deducted from the catch for every minute a competitor is late.

The top 10 bags will earn cash. The top male/female and the top parent/child teams will win $100. Visit learning-tree.org or call 334-415-9372 to register in advance, or register the morning of the tournament.

Visit the website for more information about support and services that are available through The Learning Tree.

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 37

Newsboys United will bring its United album tour to Lake Martin Amphitheater Oct. 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., said Russell Lands’ Robert Gunn.

The tour features former members of the band, Peter Furler and Phil Joel.

For more than three decades, Newsboys has been defying the odds. After initially forming in Australia, they landed on American soil with only pennies to their names and eventually became one of the biggest bands in Christian music history.

Today, Newsboys have sold more than 10 million units spanning 23 recordings. In addition, they’ve amassed eight Gold certifications, 33 No. 1 radio hits, four GRAMMY® nominations, two American Music Award nominations and multiple Dove Awards. Through the years, the faces of Newsboys have changed, but the mission has remained the same: One band. One heart. One brotherhood.

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Perhaps nothing embodies this mantra more than their current iteration as former members Furler and Joel join Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Jody Davis for a supersized season of touring and recording that’s ultimately resulted in a brand new studio project, aptly titled United (FairTrade Services).

The history-making reunion first began to take shape when the current lineup invited Furler to sing on the band’s worship single, The Cross Has The Final Word. Still, none of them knew the fire that collaboration would spark.

“When you’re working together, you start to have conversations, and we started chatting about what it would look like to have two eras of the band tour at the same time,” Furler explained.

“Before it started, we didn’t know if it was going to work or how it was going to work.”

OCTOBER 2020

One of the biggest rock bands in Christian music, Newsboys will be in concert at The Amp on Oct. 9

This initial uncertainty was due, in part, to the continued success the band has enjoyed since Tait took the helm in 2009. With signature songs like We Believe, Born Again and Platinum-certified mega hit God’s Not Dead, which birthed a film franchise of the same name, Newsboys has continued to collect careerdefining accolades at full speed ahead. Instead, the idea of the blockbuster lineup was birthed naturally through their longtime friendship.

After a nine-year absence, Furler, a driving force behind iconic Newsboys hits like He Reigns, Entertaining Angels and Shine, along with key former lyricist, vocalist and bassist Joel, returned to the stage for a strategic limited run of Newsboys United dates.

Heading into the first show, the six members were nervous, unsure of the outcome; however, its debut as a super-group delivered a clear verdict. The combination of Newsboys past and present together again on one stage was unstoppable, and fans clamored for more.

Known for its unparalleled live shows, where the energy is at a fever pitch, the drum kit rotates and the production is unmatched, Newsboys’ expanded lineup represents the same ideals on stage that the band members harnessed in the studio for United, where themes of friendship, unity and diversity organically emerged.

“Recording this Newsboys United album did so much more than just bring two eras of the band together,” Furler observed. “It has made us one in spirit, purpose and love.”

Social distancing will be observed at The Amp, located on state Route 63 below Children̓s Harbor.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers, but please leave pets at home, Gunn said.

Tickets are sold in pods of up to five and can be purchased at theamponlakemartin.com. A regular pod is $100; a Gold pod is $175; and a VIP pod is $225.

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 39

Heritage Granville & Company opened its doors 23 years ago to meet the need for quality furnishings. Realizing that much of the industry had moved from quality craftsmanship to discount pricing and import goods, Granville & Company was founded with a commitment to offer as many American-made goods as possible and only to allow imported items that meet the highest quality standards.

Renewed Focus

• What made you decide to open the storefront side of Granville & Company again?

I really miss traveling to find great, quality products for the local market.

Since we made the changes in 2015, no other store has filled the void we left.

140LAKE LAKE

Landi McAdams Team Member After 18 successful years, Granville & Company partnered with another area retailer. Although operating under a different name, the staff of Granville & Company continued to manage the facilities, including warehouse and delivery.

Earlier this year, Suzanne Vinson, owner of Granville & Company, made the decision to bring back the company and values they find so important in today’s market.

My husband Craig and I love the area and are very excited to open our doors again. Now that our three children are older, I have time to focus on the store. In fact, our children are thrilled about the direction we are taking and are working alongside me in many ways, which is such a fun experience!

OCTOBER 2016 2020 OCTOBER

• What type of goods does your store offer?

We offer a large selection of custom upholstery and leather, quality bedroom and dining room furniture, coffee tables, sideboards, lamps, rugs, mirrors, art and so much more. We are also really excited to offer clothing, gifts and accessories this time around. Granville & Company truly has something for everyone.

• How can people learn more about the store?

The best way is to visit us in person at 3490 Wetumpka Highway between Montgomery and Wetumpka. We are located only 30 minutes from Kowaliga Bridge and 45 minutes from the Blue Creek area. You can also follow us on Instagram and

Facebook and can check out our online store at www.granvilleandcompany.com.

We have a talented team that can do everything, from décor assistance for your entire house to helping pick out the perfect outfit to wear to a party and everything in between.

Suzanne Vinson Owner

Call us anytime at 334–279-3101.

We are glad to be back as Granville & Company, and we look forward to seeing you!

Suzanne Vinson is the owner of Granville and Company. She and her husband Craig grew up in the area, and currently live in Birmingham with their three children and three dogs.

Karen Lord Team Member 2016 OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 412 LAKE

A View of Heaven

The covered porch transforms into a screened porch with an automatic system

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OCTOBER 2020

Kennebec home brings the outside in with a fresh perspective of Lake Martin

STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 43

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Birmingham couple Amy and Tom Lewis have called Lake Martin their second home for 16 years. After previously owning three other homes on the lake, they dreamed of building a house they designed, so when they found a lot in Kennebec on the east central side of the lake, the couple couldn’t wait to begin construction on their fourth and final lake house.

“Over 16 years, we kept growing out of our houses.

We had three weddings in one year. Then we had three babies in one year. I used to dream about what it would be like to design my own home, and here we are. This is ours,” Amy Lewis said.

The Lewises hired Birmingham architect Gary Justiss to design their home from the ground up, literally. In fact, Justiss walked the lot with them, and Lewis told him what she envisioned.

“I could see the house spread out on the lot. We knew we wanted most of the house to be one level. I wanted white walls, beams and tall ceilings. And we wanted a boathouse, which is one reason we chose Kennebec. I looked constantly at Houzz online and had pictures of exactly the look I wanted,” she said.

The Lewises selected Henderson and Coker in Alexander City to build their 4,300-square-foot home, and Lewis credits both Justiss and Scott Henderson, as well as trim carpenter Barney Mims, with making their dream a reality. Four Seasons in Wetumpka designed and installed natural, low maintenance landscaping with

no grass to maintain. Hydrangea, lantana and native ferns, among other flora, along with flagstone pathways, fit the wooded lot perfectly.

The five-bedroom, five-and-one-half bath home includes shiplap siding with a stone apron and columns.

A glass entryway with floor-to-ceiling windows directly across from the front door invites guests to an amazing view of the lake and connects two wings of the home.

To the right, spacious kitchen, dining and living areas extend the length of the wing with the master suite at the end. To the left, a guest room and bath and the laundry and powder rooms are accessible. Three bedrooms A large chandelier of intertwined branches hangs from the vaulted ceiling in the living area

A glass foyer welcomes guests into the kitchen and dining areas

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OCTOBER 2020

Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the living space with natural light and open a spectacular lake view

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LAKE 45

and baths are upstairs.

The Lewises chose wide-plank, white oak floors.

With the exception of only a few feet of wall, the floorto-ceiling windows on the lakeside of the house offer spectacular sunrise views from the main level rooms and the porches. Reclaimed beams from an 1850s firehouse were purchased from Atlantic Reclaimed Lumber in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and used on the ceiling throughout the main level. Head jambs above every door are boards cut from the beams.

The cabinets in the kitchen, white oak in a sleek, modern style, were custom made by Curtis and Jared Wellborn at Wellborn Forest Products in Alexander City. Three large glass pendants, purchased from

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Houzz, hang above the 5-1/2-foot-by-10-foot island.

The countertops and backsplash are white Cambria quartz with gray veins. A navy blue Big Chill Classic range with brass hardware is definitely a focal point for the kitchen. Storage was key to the Lewises, and the Wellborns provided large cabinets under the island to maximize space.

The exquisite, custom dining table was made by Alabama Sawyer, a furniture manufacturing company in Birmingham. The Lewises selected a slab of mineralized poplar for the special piece. One of their sonsin-law had a hand in the design and building of the table, which makes it even more special. The base was poured at Birmingham’s Sloss Furnace.

OCTOBER 2020

A gallery wall includes family photos and stitched treasures

The stairway features oars as handrails

Three glass pendants light the kitchen island

The bunkhouse sleeps six in beds with extra space in trundles and a modular sofa

The walls flanking the dining table include a built-in buffet for storage and serving on one side. On the other side, a coffee bar is ready for hospitality with cabinets below and shelving above on an accent wall of dark, wood-look tile.

Decorative trusses built with the reclaimed beams add a dramatic effect to the living area. To maximize the view, the Lewises selected low profile furniture from Scandinavian Design and Leather Gallery in Birmingham. The long sofa features head rests that lift up at the touch of a button to provide maximum comfort

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LAKE 47

Blue floor and bedding accents are mirrored on the guestroom ceiling

The navy blue range makes a statement in the kitchen

while reclining; yet, the back remains low when not in use. The handcrafted cypress coffee table is a Buford West by L.A. Knight, purchased at Art on the Lake at Children’s Harbor. Chairs and accent tables complete the cozy setting in front of the stone fireplace and hearth, which is 12 feet in length and features a reclaimed beam mantle.

Through sliding doors in the living area, a large covered porch, furnished with Summer Classics teak cushioned sofas, offers a perfect outdoor entertaining space. Screening Solutions in Birmingham installed

Stone pavers lead the way to the boathouse

power screens that can be automatically lowered when needed to screen the porch. The bluestone flooring wraps around the lakeside of the house, a prime location for rocking chairs, and down to a fire pit near the water’s edge. On the side porch near the kitchen, cobalt blue tile accents the grilling area.

The master suite is located just off the living room and showcases the reclaimed beams arranged in a decorative pattern on the ceiling while calming, neutral colors adorn the room. Lewis selected black tile to use over the double vanity with brass sconces and brass-

framed mirrors, creating an elegant environment. A glass shower, approximately 6 feet by 6 feet with duel showerheads, is tiled in white and gray while the vanity top is white Cambria quartz.

Tile in the bathrooms was an area where Lewis expressed bold style. Besides the black in the master, she selected unique patterns and shapes in a blue palette for guest bathrooms. Tile was supplied by ProSource in Pelham and installed by Auburn Tile.

Countertops in the guest baths are white Cambria quartz.

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LAKE 49

A black tile wall and glass shower were selected for the master bath

A guest bath makes a bold statement by contrasting blue walls and floor with white subway tile

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Reclaimed beams create a canopy above the master

OCTOBER 2020

Lewis’ home reflects her love for small animals in her framed needlepoint, pillows and paintings of rabbits, fawns, birds and foxes. The whimsical wallpaper highlights little squirrels with acorns and falling leaves. The vanity was built from two tree slabs with the bark, found at their Tennessee source, for both the bowl sink on top and the shelf underneath. In the powder room, and in the other bathrooms, Lewis used subway tile on the walls from the floor-tochair rail height. Just outside the powder room, Henderson recessed an area in the wall to add oak beams for shelving.

The laundry room cabinets and doorframes are painted a cheerful green, and the tiled floor allows the room to serve as a mudroom for entrance from the boathouse and beach just outside the door. The two-story boathouse, built

by Sunrise Docks, has a shaded dock space, two slips and a floating dock, plus a large room upstairs for storage or camping out. A gate on the upstairs railing opens to provide a high perch for jumping into the water.

A guest room and bath are on the main level, along with two more suites upstairs – all with king-sized beds. Tom ordered paddles to serve as handrails. Again, Lewis added flair to rooms with an accent wall of blue in one room and a blue ceiling in another room. The fifth bedroom has a comfortable Lovesac modular sectional sofa and a 70-inch television for the six grandchildren. Built-in bunkbeds have queen-sized beds on bottom and twin-sized on top.

“We call this room the bunkhouse. I know how hard those bunkbeds are to make up, so they have fitted sheets only. I chose different flannel patterns for each of the kids to have a special blanket; then, got pillowcases with each child’s name. The bunkbeds have trundles for storage or bedding, and the sectional can be moved into different shapes for more sleeping space,” Lewis said.

Lewis has filled her home with the things she loves – her mother’s needlepoint that has been in every home they have had on the lake, a childsized chair that belonged to Tom’s mother, photos of family and décor that reminds her of good times on Lake Martin.

“Tom said when he goes through our house he sees me everywhere. That makes me happy. We plan to spend our weekdays at the lake and our weekends in Birmingham for activities with the grandchildren. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here,” she said.

The Lewises plan to spend carefree lake days for years to come, hosting family and friends, making memories in a new home where there is still room to grow.

OCTOBER 2020

Touches of green add pop to an upstairs bedroom

A covered porch wraps the lake side of the house

The entrance from the boat dock leads through a laundry room with painted cabinetry

A two-story boathouse provides slips, shade and an upstairs perch for high jumps into the lake

LAKE 51

South-Central Alabama’s Premier

Bridal Boutique 118 North Broadway, Sylacauga, al 256-369-1446 • mcclendonbridals.com

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OCTOBER 2020

prep roadsides



hydroseeding

litter cleanup

Join a new endeavor... and others who have already committed to help make Hwy 63 the example of how beautiful the Lake Martin area can be.



Help beautify the area through volunteer commitment and community involvement.



Ask a buddy to join you! Volunteer to adopt a mile of Hwy 63 and commit to

keeping it litter free. If you are interested, just go to 63PrideDrive.com and sign-up.



Volunteers will receive a Pride Drive t-shirt, safety vest, trash picker and bags.

Help your friends and neighbors bring Pride back to the community.

TO VOLUNTEER OR TO LEARN MORE, VISIT 63PrideDrive.com

Common Snapping Turtle If you bump into a mature Common Snapping Turtle, there’s little doubt that you’re looking at the top-of-the-food chain. Most wild animals flee or go into defensive behavior patterns when confronted by people. A big Common Snapping Turtle may well just hold its ground and glare at you. Or stomp heavily in whatever direction it was going anyway, living-bulldozer style.

If any turtle can be said to have a swagger, this is the one.

And if you happen to get close to it forward of its back legs, you’ll experience a lightning fast strike that will make this turtle’s nickname, Thunder Turtle, suddenly very important. These stubborn, powerful reptiles have a reputation of not releasing anything they bite until they hear thunder.

Of course, that’s an old wives’ tale, but like most, there is truth behind myth – don’t expect this turtle to let go until he’s good and ready. He’s boss, and he looks like he’s been boss for eons.

Here in the South, common snappers have lifespans very similar to ours: sexually mature at age 12, they can live up to 100 years old. They never stop growing over the course of their lives, so these turtles can get big, with their upper shell or carapace reaching 20 inches long and their weight topping out at 75 pounds.

Common snappers are stout, muscular, dark-colored, semiaquatic turtles. They have broad, smooth upper carapaces with deep saw-toothed indentions or scutes, on the rear edges, above the turtles’ hind legs and tails.

These turtles have large, rounded heads and long, fully retractable necks. Their nostrils are located on the tip ends of their noses, and their eyes are positioned close by, at the top of their heads, which allows these turtles to breathe and see while keeping almost all of their bodies submerged in water or buried in mud. Their mouths are sharp “beaks” – pointed on the

54 LAKE

OCTOBER 2020

A Common Snapping Turtle packs a powerful bite

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 55

front of their upper jaws – that are designed to grab and hold, as well as shear through, whatever they bite.

This turtle has a prehistoric-looking tail, topped with thick triangular ridges like on a dinosaur. Its neck is dotted with fleshy barbules, which are hard to see unless the neck is extended.

There are two snapping turtle species native to Alabama: the Common Snapping Turtle and the Alligator Snapping Turtle. One characteristic that both share is a relatively small, crossshaped lower carapace that provides much less protection than the upper shell.

The Common Snapping Turtle is native to North America east of the Rocky Mountains, from the Gulf of Mexico to southern Canada. It is most common in the southern U.S. states.

These turtles live in fresh, or sometimes brackish water – lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks, ditches, swamps and Snapping turtles can cover great distances on land in the search marshes – and for water or nesting sites prefer muddy or silty bottoms with lots of vegetation. That’s because these turtles are sometimes ambush hunters. They often hide in the mud with only their eyes and nostrils showing as they wait for prey to approach.

Common Snapping Turtles will eat almost anything, and they use sight, smell, vibrations and touch to sense prey. Here’s a short list of their menus: fish, birds, small mammals, reptiles, carrion, mollusks, insects, eggs, other turtles, leaves, algae and large amounts of other vegetation. That’s pretty much everything edible in the waters where these turtles live.

Another wives’ tale associated with these snapping 56 LAKE

turtles is that they do major harm to sport fish species in a lake. To the contrary, scientists have found that Common Snapping Turtles are not able to capture healthy fish; instead, they help improve the health of fish in a body of water by consuming sick, injured or dead fish. They forage, pursue or practice ambush hunting to get their dinners.

When prey is close by, these big, hulking turtles can shoot their heads out of their shells in a flash, extending their long necks and clamping their beaks onto their victims. It is shocking how fast they strike – comparable to a snake’s strike.

In fact, this turtle’s scientific name, Chelydra serpentina, can be translated to “snake-like turtle.”

The Common Snapping Turtle’s jaws can clamp down with a top force of 657 newtons, which sounds impressive until you learn that people can crunch down with the force of 1300 newtons; however, that turtle bite strength, combined with their hard top and bottom beaks, can create an impressive shearing force.

Common Snapping Turtles have longer necks and spikier tails than Alligator Snapping Turtles and, despite their names, Common Snapping Turtles have about four times the bite strength of the Alligator Snapper.

Regardless of their ability to cause injury, Common Snapping Turtles are shy and do their best to avoid people, who in turn, would be wise to follow their examples. In water, common snappers are known to be very calm and docile, but while on land, where most people would have the opportunity to get close to one, they can be aggressive and combative.

These turtles are known to travel great distances over

OCTOBER 2020

The turtle's tail looks like it belongs to a dinosaur

Young snappers have more shell ridges and longer tails

land, especially when at the top of the food they are looking for new chain. bodies of water or places If you remember that to lay eggs, which is ususnapping turtles require n Common Snapping Turtles have long necks and ally done in mid-summer. more than a decade to picking one up could result in a nasty bite. But It’s not uncommon to become sexually mature, picking up a turtle by its tail – to avoid its head – find a lone snapper walkthat they only mate once can permanently dislocate its vertebrae and prove ing on land, though most a year and that juvenile fatal to the turtle. The safest way for all concerned of their lives are spent in turtles are high on many is to slide both hands under the end of its shell, the water. predators’ menus, it’s so that its tail hangs down between your hands; Snappers mate once easy to see how huntthen, use your thumbs on the top of its shell get a a year in late winter ing these turtles could handle on it. When you pick up the turtle, its head and spring, and females quickly reduce their will be down and its body will be perpendicular to lay their eggs in holes population. One hunthe ground. Stay away from its head. dug in open areas near dred and fifty years

water during the summer ago, no big banquet in n Back when the U.S. was a young country, a months. Most clutches the eastern U.S. would political cartoon drawn by Alexander Anderson of eggs number 20 to be complete without a and published in the nation’s newspapers showed 40, but some nests have sherry-laced turtle soup.

President Thomas Jefferson – who had signed been found with more Now it’s almost imposthe unpopular Embargo Act – standing behind a than 100 eggs inside. sible to find turtle soup Common Snapping Turtle that was clamped onto Incubation can last on any menu. a merchant’s rear end. Jefferson says, “D__n it. between 55 days and Here in Alabama, How he nicks 'em.” The merchant says, “Oh! more than three months, Common Snapping this cursed Ograbme,” which is embargo spelled depending on climate.

Turtles with carapace backwards. Since then, in parts of the U.S., the Here in the South, inculengths between 4 inches Common Snapping Turtle has gone by the astutely bation times are on the and 12 inches are proappropriate nickname “O-grab-me.” short end of that range. tected as a nongame

Both nests and hatchspecies, and it is illegal n In 2006, elementary school students in New ling turtles are vulnerto harvest them. Today, York voted to make the Common Snapping Turtle able to predation by a they are more likely the official reptile of the State of New York. long list of animals, and to be killed by people many do not survive their in automobiles as they n Common Snapping Turtles have the ability to first years. Young comcross roads during their absorb oxygen through their skin, which allows mon snappers have more overland treks. them to remain active for months under ice-covridged shells and relaered ponds in their northern range. tively longer tails than Some information older turtles. for this article came Both the Common from OutdoorAlabama.

Snapping Turtle and its com, Mental Floss, the cousin, the Alligator Snapping Turtle, have been hunted Animal Diversity Website, Wikipedia and kidsanimalsfor centuries as the primary ingredient for turtle soup, facts.com. a delicacy contradicting the notion that these turtles are

Interesting Facts

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 57

Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry

Event Description Lake Martin Living magazine will host a juried art show from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 2 in the arts and entertainment alley of Alexander City, with an awards reception at 8 p.m. Event will include outdoor music, a cash bar, food trucks and eligibility for door prizes. Face masks and social distancing will be encouraged.

Handwashing stations and portapotties will be provided. An indoor location will be available in case of inclement weather. Tickets are $5 each and include one vote for People’s Choice Award.

sponsorships

Entry Details ➡ Entries must reflect local area or its lifestyle. ➡ Three divisions: hanging art, hanging photography and sculpture/3D art. ➡ $15 per entry fee submission (Each entry includes one admission ticket; one People’s Choice vote; and one entry for door prizes). ➡ Limit five entries per person; entries that were submitted to previous Lake Martin Living Art & Photography Contest will not be accepted. ➡ Entry deadline is Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. Artwork must delivered to the TPI office, 548 Cherokee Road. ➡ Each entry must be clearly labeled on the back with artist’s name and contact information. ➡ Submissions must be ready to hang or artist to provide an easel or a stand for sculpture. ➡ Pick up submissions on site following the awards presentation or artists must pick

58 LAKE

up works at TPI before 5 p.m. on Oct. 22. ➡ Three winners in each category: First Place - $200; Second Place - $150; Third Place - $100; People’s Choice Award - $100. ➡ Each submitting artist will be featured inside the October issue of Lake Martin Living magazine, and one of the first place award pieces will be featured on the cover. ➡ Winners will be recognized in The Alexander City Outlook and The Wetumpka Herald.

Award sponsorships available: Art - $500; Photography - $500; 3D/Sculpture - $500; People’s Choice - $125. If you would like to be an award sponsor please contact Amy Passaretti at amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com or Betsy Iler at betsy. iler@alexcityoutlook.com

Sponsored by:

OCTOBER 2020

Homes & Land

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 59

It's that time again LMRA announces plans for annual cleanup

Crews already are scouring the lake looking for floating docks that broke loose and other large debris

60 LAKE

OCTOBER 2020

M

Mark your calendar for one of Lake Martin’s most “Email us and let us know where it is, and we will come celebrated events of the year, as Lake Martin Resource get it,” he said.

Association coordinates an anticipated 450 volunteers A strong effort is being made to dispose of large items, for next month’s traditional Renew Our Rivers cleanup. such as abandoned boats or floating docks that have broThe lake was busier than it has ever been this summer, ken loose. Many of these items have been removed with and along with the extension of the summer pool level the help of Alabama Power and TowBoatUS Lake Martin, and recent heavy rains, that could mean volunteers will Thompson said. find more trash to be picked up in less time, said LMRA “We want to encourage neighborhoods to come together President John Thompson. and pick up supplies and organize to pick up trash in their “We’ve had a lot of messages this summer about people neighborhoods and on the roadways leading to their neighfinding trash on the sandy beaches of our beautiful lake,” borhoods,” he said.

Thompson said. “What’s encouraging is that a lot of those Not only would this be a quick means of cleaning large messages say, ‘We found a bunch of trash on this island, areas but also, it could help neighbors get to know each but we’re cleaning it up. We’re taking care of it.’ That tells other. After the cleanup, neighbors could meet up at one me that the Treasured Mile and Adopt an Island programs, resident’s lake home for a potluck meal, cocktails or gatheralong with the monthly cleanup of ing around a fire pit. our roadways to prevent trash from Youth groups – such as Scout being washed into the lake, are havtroops, church groups and classing a positive effect. We’re reaching mates in schools – are invited to people. They’re responding.” clean up designated areas at Wind Thompson said he would like to Creek State Park, where snacks and see an outpouring of that response cold drinks will be provided for on Nov. 6 and 7, the dates set for them. this year’s ROR event, a concerted In addition, Lake magazine will effort to clean up the shoreline and post honor roll photos of cleanup roadways leading to Lake Martin. volunteers in the December issue Sponsored by LMRA, Russell and will coordinate the Golden Lands On Lake Martin, Advanced Picker prize bag drawing again this Disposal, Wind Creek State Park, year.

Lake Martin Dock Company and Take a photo of yourself or your TowBoatUS Lake Martin, with group cleaning up trash and send it ardent support from Alabama to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com Power, this year’s cleanup will to be entered in the Golden Picker push for participation from lakeside drawing. Last year’s Golden Picker neighborhoods and a concentrated prize bag included more than $400 effort to collect trash from roadsides in gift cards and merchandise, as and from the backs of sloughs. a way to say ‘Thank you!’ to one Team Holland has been packing bags “The heavy rains that we had last lucky volunteer – or a whole group that will be collected on the big weekend month washed trash into the backs or neighborhood of volunteers. To of sloughs. As trash comes downrivdonate gift cards or merchandise to er, the prevailing winds tend to push the Golden Picker prize bag, email it back up in those areas,” Thompson said. “It will be easier editor@lakemartinmagazine.com or bring items to the to get that out of there when the water levels are lower; it TPI offices at, 548 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City, or 127 will be exposed more then. The fall extension does cut into Company St., Wetumpka. Please include a business card or a few weeks of the time we could be picking up trash – we contact information with your donation. do some preliminary cleanup before the big weekend – but Last November’s cleanup removed nearly 20 tons of we should still have enough time to get to it.” collected trash, Thompson said. More than 15 years of Bags, vests, pickers and event T-shirts, supplied by cleaning up trash on the first weekend of November has Alabama Power, will be available for cleanup volunteers removed more than 700 automotive tires and 120 tons of from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at each of the four dumpster locatrash around Lake Martin. tions around the lake. Trash can be deposited in the dump“This cleanup makes a tremendous difference in our sters during those hours, as well. Volunteers will be availability to enjoy the lake. Can you imagine what it would able to help with dumping trash at each of the dumpster look like if we didn’t do this?” Thompson asked. sites. The T-shirts once again will be designed by a local Dumpsters will be located at the Kowaliga public boat Stephens Elementary School student, as teacher Debra ramp, Wind Creek State Park Marina, the Union public Griffith hosts an art contest for her students every year. boat ramp and Real Island Marina. To arrange a pickThompson said it’s not too early to bag trash on beaches up for bagged trash on lake shoreline and islands, email or sections of shoreline and dispose of trash independently 1942jthompson420@gmail.com. For information about or leave the bagged trash on site to be picked up by cleanup the Treasured Mile and Adopt an Island programs or other crews.

LMRA programs and projects, visit lmra.info.

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 61

62 LAKE

OCTOBER 2020

Elementary

I

would like to be a good profiler.

It is also pretty easy to spot the house huntI know that these days profiling can have ers in local restaurants and stores. They are the a negative connotation, but that’s not the ones pouring over magazines (like Lake) and type of profiling I am talking about. I seek comparing them to the listings that they see on to be a good profiler in the style of Sherlock their phones.

Holmes. Not ‘judgey,’ just perceptive.

Interestingly, a few Lake Martin area resYou know how Holmes does it. A stranger taurants opted to close up for the season in enters his office. He zeroes in on a mud spatSeptember. I am sure they are more qualified ter on a person’s pants and recognizes the soil to know when to do that than I am. They know as being specific to a certain river in Scotland. their own customer flow better than anyone; LAKE PROPERTY During the handshake, he notices a callus on however, I think in some cases it might have

BY JOHN COLEY the stranger’s hand that only exists in Swedish been premature. This fall could have been a key watchmakers from a particular workshop. period to win the loyalty of locals and tourists After smelling the man’s pipe tobacco, Holmes deduces alike and perhaps help wean themselves off the boom-andwhy the man is visiting his office. bust cycle that the change of the seasons sometimes brings.

I expect to be honing my profiling skills well into the One lesson that we all have learned from the coronavirus fall this year. While I might not have a cool office on Baker is that people love to quarantine at Lake Martin. Starting in street, I do have a 40,000-plus acre lake on which to pracMarch, the stores and what few restaurants were open were tice. jam packed with patrons. Everyone, myself included, was I think there will be a fair number of house hunters on surprised at the influx of folks. It has not let up. Summer the water this fall. You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to was hot as ... well ... summer. pick out these folks in a boat.

My theory is that we will have an increased number of They are usually in tight to the shore, and most, if not all, people here in 2020 compared to a regular October and passengers are sitting up and alert. The boat driver is lookNovember. ing down at his or her phone, then looking back up at a parSure, the whole nation is not on a lockdown like it was in ticular house and repeating that motion over and over. You March, but schedules are still radically different than usual. can tell that a boat like this is not on an aimless pleasure College football stadia will not be at capacity, and schools cruise. Its occupants have seen a home for sale on the web, are not even allowing tailgating. Guess where it’s a lot of and they want to check it out by water. fun to watch a ball game? You guessed it: at the lake. I think And who would blame them? As fast as homes are sellwe will have a lot of people pulling long weekends at the ing this year, and the fact that many are receiving multiple lake by Zooming for school or work. offers, it pays to waste no time in your market research.

When you throw into the mix the possibility that the lake Since the lake has been blessed with enough rain to let will be full until the middle of the month, and pretty usable, Alabama Power keep it at full pool until Oct. 15, my guess I think it doesn’t take a Sherlock Holmes to deduce the is that we will see many such seekers, maybe even wrapped increased activity. Real estate, retail and the service indusup in warm clothes, well into the fall. Our market has seen tries will continue to boom. record lows in inventory this summer, which I think will mean that sellers will continue to put homes up for sale as ~John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin Voice the weather gets colder.

Realty. Contact him at john@lakemartinvoice.com.

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 63

What to Watch Lake Watch monitors a potential threat to the lake

A

s Lake magazine readers know, Lake Watch of Lake Martin has been shepherding over the waters of Lake Martin for many years – over the past three decades to be precise. Past threats to the lake have included a lakeside landfill and point sources of both industrial and municipal waste. These were met with strong advocacy for maintaining clean water in our lake by Lake Watch. Those efforts, along with the efforts of others, are the reason we still have the one-and-only Treasured Alabama Lake, the cleanest lake in the state.

Our longterm monitoring continues at sites throughout the lake, as well as monitoring at new high-priority sites. Volunteer monitors currently test each month at 28 sites and have taken 3,138 data records from the lake, the Tallapoosa River above the lake and streams that empty into the lake. Lake Watch volunteer monitors have monitored swim areas, including D.A.R.E. Park beach, Wind Creek State Park beach and Pace’s Trail terminus, and have recently added a new swim site, the beach at Kowaliga Restaurant. Thankfully, all have been either completely free of E. coli bacteria (meaning 64 LAKE

no presence of fecal contamination – that’s a good thing!) or very low in E. coli, well below the statemandated limit to protect human health. Kudos to our monitors for their commitment to preserving our Treasured Lake.

Ah, but just when you think you can rest on your laurels and go fishing, things change – new threats emerge.

The most significant, in my opinion, is the explosion of poultry production right above the lake.

I wrote about this in detail in the January 2020 edition of Lake magazine (Chickens in the Watershed).

Since that time, Lake Watch has witnessed the construction of even more poultry houses in our watershed and has monitored sites on streams that Lake Watch Lake Martin volunteer contain sigmonitors Dianna Porter and John Owen nificant poultry test the water at Timbergut Creek production that drain to the lake.

Test sites include one on Crooked Creek downstream from Lineville, one on Emuckfaw Creek at Highway 49 Bridge and one on Timbergut Creek. The Tallapoosa River at Horseshoe Bend is also monitored. At the time this article was written, we’d captured one good rain event that showed significant bacterial contamination in all three streams. Timely sampling directly following a significant rain event is critical because

OCTOBER 2020

that’s when pollutants, such as chicken litter, are flushed from the landscape into surface waters.

Small streams rise quickly and then fall quickly.

If they’re down by the time a monitor arrives (typically within hours of when the rain stops pouring down), the pollutants have already been flushed through – they’re downstream and on their way to the lake. The highest contamination was found in Emuckfaw Creek, 3,567 E. coli per 100 milliliters of water (about half a cup of water) – that’s not good.

That level of contamination is 12 times higher than the state’s standard for a Fish and Wildlife-classified stream, such as Emuckfaw Creek, and is definitely not safe to swim in.

LAKE WATCH If the water is high and

BY ERIC REUTEBUCH muddy, it would be better to wait a day or two for it to go down and clear up to avoid swallowing nasty bacteria.

As of now, we only have this one date of high values, plus one date in February 2020 when the Tallapoosa River at Horseshoe Bend tested high for E. coli, 1,133 per 100 milliliters. I must add a big caveat: We don’t yet know the source of the E. coli in the creeks or the river. It could be poultry, cattle or wildlife – more testing is required to identify the source.

And, to repeat myself from my last article, I love fried chicken. I grew up farming in northern Indiana – row crops, hogs and cattle, and I have a deep respect for farmers and the service they provide feeding the nation; nonetheless, Lake Watch remains greatly concerned with the proliferation of chicken houses above our one-and-only Treasured Lake. The questions that keep coming to my mind are: How many are too many? And can we determine this before our Treasured Lake is polluted and loses its luster?

Lake Watch will continue to test the waters above Lake Martin. We hope to partner with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, poultry producers and other state agencies, so we can work collaboratively to understand what impacts, if any, are originating upstream and determine how to mitigate them, if needed. Stay tuned.

Lastly, as usual, we’d love your support in our efforts to preserve and protect Lake Martin today and for generations to come. Monitors and members come and go, so we’re always looking for a few good women and men. Come aboard at lakewatch. org. ~ Eric Reutebuch is president of Lake Watch Lake Martin. Visit lakewatch.org for more information.

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 65

FABULOUS FINDS

FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS SOLD

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The Willows, Y Knot • $2,075,000 Builder: Classic Homes Beds: 5 • Baths: 7 • SQFT: 4,265 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

Russell Cabins at The Ridge, Tree Top • $1,325,000 Builder: Classic Homes Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,706 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RusellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

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66 LAKE

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OCTOBER 2020

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OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 67

Healthy Pasta?

A

ccording to the National Pasta Association, America falls in the top 10 of 47 countries analyzed for pasta consumption. Americans consume almost 20 pounds of pasta per person a year.

Traditional pastas, made from durum wheat flour, are a huge part of the American diet; however, an increasing number of vegetable- or bean-based pasta and pasta-like alternatives are offering more competition for a healthier alternative.

These newer varieties are eye-catching and intriguing, as their colors range from deep green and orange to dark red, depending on the vegetables added.

Only about 9 percent of American adults consume the recommended 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day; therefore, vegetable-based pasta becomes appealing as an avenue to incorporate vegetables into the diet. The vegetable-based pastas range all over the scale when comparing calories, sodium, fiber and the amount of vegetables they actually contain. Most are low in sodium until they are combined with a sauce.

Looking at the ingredient list will reveal the vegetable the pasta is made from; however, it does not always show how much of a particular vegetable is included.

Also, some vegetable pastas are made from traditional durum wheat, and some are not.

It is important to look at the serving sizes of alternative pastas. It can be confusing because some brands label in ounces and some label in cups. The standard serving size of traditional pasta is 2 ounces, dry. The serving size for alternative pastas that provide vegetable servings can be two or three times the standard serving.

Vegetables, such as spinach, tomato, kale, green peas, zucchini or beets, are added to vegetable-based pastas in the form of powders or purees, which makes the amount 68 LAKE

of fiber available far less than that of whole vegetables.

Most alternative pastas are not enriched in iron, riboflavin, thiamine and folic acid, like traditional pasta. Some vegetables, such as spinach, beets and carrots, may lose nutrients during the process of making them into purees or powders to add back to the vegetable pasta.

Beans, lentils, edamame and garbanzo beans can count for either a vegetable or a protein source. Beanbased pastas are the perfect pasta for those who are looking to increase their protein intake.

The nutrition label will show that some of the varieties offer up to 25 grams of protein, approximately 200 calories and 50 percent of the daily fiber recommendation (25 grams) in a 2-ounce serving. Bean pastas are not fortified with B vitamins and iron, like whole-wheat pasta and alternative pastas.

Take caution and do not assume that vegetable- and bean-based pastas are all gluten free. Most vegetablebased pasta contains wheat flour in combination with the vegetables. Bean-based pastas usually are gluten free; however, the rule of thumb is to always look for the gluten-free symbol to confirm.

Spiraled vegetables are another pasta alternative.

Spiralizers can be purchased for home use. This handy tool turns fresh vegetables – like carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, turnips, beets, sweet potatoes and butternut squash – into noodles that are 100-percent vegetables.

This type of noodle is perfect for the person looking to eat low calorie or gluten free or to cut down on carbohydrates.

Grocery stores offer the convenient option of purchasing spiraled vegetables from the fresh vegetable or freezer sections. Spiraled vegetable noodles must be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator or in the freezer.

OCTOBER 2020

Spiraled vegetables can be cooked for two or three minutes in boiling water or a microwave oven.

Spaghetti squash serves as a form of a fresh vegetable noodle. Prepare the spaghetti squash by cutting it in half lengthwise and scraping out the seeds. Place the squash flesh side down in a pan with a small amount of water. Bake in a microwave or conventional oven until the flesh shreds easily, like spaghetti.

Pasta also can be made from whole grains, such as quinoa, which is gluten free, cholesterol free, low in sodium and fat and high in protein and fiber.

Pasta made from quinoa has a nutty flavor and resembles the taste and texture of traditional HEALTHY LIVING whole-wheat pasta. Cooking

BY JULIE HUDSON this type of pasta is the same as traditional pasta. Drain the pasta in a colander, but do not rinse. This type of pasta absorbs more liquid and sauce, so factor that in with preparation. Gluten-free pasta should be eaten as soon as it is finished cooking.

Vegetable pastas do offer opportunities to incorporate additional vegetable servings to a diet; however, a serving of traditional 100-percent whole-grain pasta paired

with whole vegetables is the best option.

If you decide to add vegetable or alternative pasta to meal planning, remember that vegetable pastas are not all alike. Experiment with different brands, looking at portion size, calorie content and nutrition information, to make an informed decision. Nutrition, taste, smell and texture can differ greatly.

Keep in mind, too, that the color of vegetable-based pasta is not an indicator of how much vegetable or nutrition the pasta offers. Pastas from whole-grain quinoa are a very healthy alternative, as well as using spiraled fresh vegetables or spaghetti squash.

I wanted to highlight a pasta alternative that is new to me. As of today, I have not tried it; however, I am very excited about this product. It’s called Palmini. It resembles linguini noodles but is made from hearts of palm.

It can be purchased in a can or in a vacuum-packed bag.

Palmini is very low in calories and has no fat. It is a lot lower in carbohydrates and contains zero sugar. Where Palmini falls short is in the protein and fiber categories while containing a lot more sodium than most alternative pastas. Palmini is already cooked, so it can be eaten cold or heated up on the stove or in the microwave. Serve it with a favorite sauce. ~ Julie Hudson is a registered dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center.

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

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 69

Fishing Rocks

I

n fishing, details matter. One of the first things an experienced angler will do when seeing a reservoir, lake or river is notice the type of habitat that’s available to the fish being sought. Since I cut my teeth fishing on Lake Martin, it was eye opening the first time I saw Lake Mitchell on the Coosa River. It looked like there should be a fish on every stalk of bank grass.

Not so much the case, I found out, but I did learn more about how the fish related to that type of habitat throughout the year.

Later in life, I got my first experience near 70 LAKE

Montgomery on the Alabama River, a winding river with soapstone bluffs and sandbars. The flowing river methodically carves a new path, as rivers do. As the mud banks wash out, large trees fall into the edges of the water. These were obvious magnets for fish and anglers alike.

After having the opportunity to see many fisheries around the country and many types of habitat in those fisheries, it’s interesting to look back at what Lake Martin has to offer its fish for homes. The top five types of habitat I see in Lake Martin are trees (laydowns

OCTOBER 2020

or man-made brush piles), rocks, docks, that is solid rock turning into broken rock. stumps and, more recently, water willow Sand, as mentioned earlier, is just a (bank grass). At any given time, multiple bunch of tiny grains of rock washed togethtypes of habitat could be productive, and er. I lump sand and gravel into a category oftentimes, the fish will seek out spots that together for fishing Lake Martin. These are have mixtures of their favorites in one locavery good for spawning bass and bream. tion.

They also are very attractive to one of Lake I remember seeing geology as a career Martin’s favorite baitfish: the black tail choice in my early days of college and shiner (or spot tail minnow). They are a thinking, “Who in the world would want to favorite to the bass that cruise the banks. study dirt and rocks for a living?”

On the opposite end of the spectrum Now, I’ve come full circle and wonder from sand are the boulders. These are the BIG CATCHES why certain rocks look the way they do. gigantic rocks (granite, I presume) that And why are some in this area of the lake often seem out of place along the bank or

BY GREG VINSON and others are in another area of the lake? on the Garmin fish finder. They are the size When it comes to geology, I’ve got more of refrigerators or small storage buildings. questions than answers about the rocks I see, but when In deeper water, they are structure elements on their it comes to fishing, I’ve learned to look at different own because they often stick up off the bottom, casting rocks through another set of lenses. shade to one side or another. Largemouth and spotted To say the fish relate to rocks is a pretty broad pattern bass really like to cling to these giant rocks. Picture on Lake Martin. They could be on grains of sand that the fish sitting on one side of the rock, just waiting on are technically a bunch of tiny rocks together. Or they some unsuspecting prey to come around the corner. could be on huge granite boulders the size of a large Sometimes, big fish like big cover, and a giant boulder pickup truck. In reality, the fish can relate to any numcould be just the ticket. ber of types and sizes of rocks.

A good example of bluff rock could be Chimney One type of rock that’s common around Lake Martin Rock or a bank that is all just solid rock. Before Lake is quartz. I used to find arrowheads around the lake dur- Martin was built, the area was called Cherokee Bluffs ing winter drawdown. They were very hard, white or because of the abundance of bluff rock along the reddish and fairly rough looking. I later learned that in Tallapoosa River channel. Bluff rock typically appeared the greater scope, quartz arrowheads were less common in the bend of creeks or river channels and as natural statewide than I had realized. It was something more rock walls of sorts. unique to our area because quartz was so readily availFish often suspend in the channel adjacent to these able. walls. Predator fish, like bass, crappie and stripers, pin These quartz rocks often look like dirty white tenbaitfish against the walls to feed. Topwaters, swimbaits, nis balls or softballs scattered around on the bottom. jerkbaits and spinnerbaits are great choices for catching Oftentimes, they are mixed in with a clay bottom, and suspended fish off bluff walls. spotted bass especially like to relate to them in the As I examine the various types of rocks that are availspring, perhaps to spawn. able to the fish in Lake Martin, I still have more quesOne of my favorites I call ‘crawfish rocks,’ which tions than answers. Why are they that color? Why are actually are a type of shale or schist from what little some very hard? Why do some break easily? How did research I could do. They are dark colored, flat and lay those rocks get there? What are they really made of? in pieces that oftentimes are about the size of a hubcap.

There are more types of rocks than I thought.

As a kid, I walked the bank near our house and turned One thing that I and many other experienced anglers these rocks over to find small crawfish. These rocks are on Lake Martin have learned is that it helps to notice oftentimes mixed in along clay banks as well and seem what type of rock is producing fish at the time. Even if to do really well when the water is cooler.

I don’t know what it’s called, the important thing is to I assume the fish like these for a couple of reasons in know what it looks like to find more. It’s part of estabcooler weather: The crawfish hide underneath them, and lishing a pattern, which is key to duplicating success they’re dark colored, so they provide a little extra heat day in and day out. on a sunny day. Crawfish imitating baits like jigs and Finally, fish for various reasons prefer transitions. crankbaits work well around these.

Areas where rock transitions from one type to another Chunk rock is a term that bass anglers like to use or one size to another could be all I am looking for. when talking about rocks the size of shoeboxes or beach Keep an eye out for these rock transitions while casting, balls. Chunk rocks usually are bunched together, and and you’ll find yourself catching fish more often than I think the size of the rocks creates some decent-sized not. cracks and crevices for forage, like juvenile sunfish and crawfish. These can be good any time of year because ~ Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on so many types of forage can live in and around them. A the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in lot of times these will be at the transition of a bluff wall Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 71

A Reckoning E

verybody knows that I am a big fan of cellaring, that the floor, I would not have given it another thought. It is, the long-term storage of wine under conditions appeared that some wine had leaked out, albeit not very that allow some wines to mature to the point of their much, but the neck of the bottle was neither damp nor fullest potential. Not all wines improve with aging, but sticky. My greatest concern was that this somewhat old those that do become smoother and more complex as the wine was quite possibly past its prime. natural components and chemicals interact Get a corkscrew; we’re going in. over time.

Opening an older bottle of wine often presMost white wines, rosés and light reds will ents a difficult task. The proper device for this not benefit from cellaring. These wines are challenge would be one of those two prong bottled soon after fermentation and should deals that few know how to use effectively. be consumed while still young, generally The last one I had I gave to someone who within five years from the vintage date. Fine needed it more than I did at the time. My only red wines like French Bordeaux, Burgundy resort for the Terlato was the standard worm and Rhone wines, better Cabernet Sauvignon, type screw, and the result is also shown in the Italian Barolos and Brunellos, as well as some photo. The good news is that after three quarwhites (Burgundies and some California ters of the cork was shredded, what remained Chardonnays), will improve with additional was tight and not coming out. A cork this aging. I say additional aging because those tight should have kept the air out; the wine, wines that do benefit from aging often are FROM THE CELLAR except for its age, might be OK. held at the winery longer than others, some After pushing the remnants of the cork

BY HENRY FOY times after bottling or while still in the large into the bottle and decanting the wine through wooden barrels. a coffee filter, it was time for the reckoning.

Maintaining the proper conditions for a wine cellar is Now, a little transparency here: Had the wine been vinnot so difficult as it may seem. A wine cellar can be high egar, I doubt I would share my misfortune so publically. tech and elaborate, depending on the budget and fascinaBut let’s recap. I found a drop of wine on the cellar floor, tion with wine, but the most important condition is that but the ullege was acceptable. No sticky on the bottle but the bottles are lying on their sides to keep the corks moist it was 14 years old. For argument̓s sake, give a point to through contact with the wine. A constant cool temperaits Napa Valley heritage. ture and a dark space without any vibration also are imporWhat happened? Most likely the upper part of the cork tant. had simply dried out. Because the bottle had been lying While 55 degrees is ideal, a slightly higher temperature on its side, undisturbed for several years, the portion in of 15 degrees or more will do less harm than frequent and contact with the wine had swelled to create a good seal. abrupt temperature fluctuations. For the average consumer, More moisture in the cellar, higher humidity, might have an out-of-the-way closet or even under a bed is adequate. prevented the cork from crumbling.

Serious collectors obviously want to protect their investThe wine was smooth with mellowed tannins and slight ment with an eye toward a controlled environment. acidity. Devil’s Peak wines are big, bold and luscious with Look carefully at the photo for this article: What a full-bodied mouth feel. Unfortunately, the black fruit do you see? Three bottles of Terlato Devil’s Peak, flavors in the 2006 were slightly muted, though the a Bordeaux blend from California’s Napa Valley. hint of oak, vanilla and leather was an indication of A Bordeaux blend is made by combining two or more of what this wine might have been not too long ago. the grape varieties traditionally used in Bordeaux wines.

The 2008 Devil’s Peak was clearly a younger Devil’s Peak is heavy on Cabernet Franc with lesser version of the same wine with soft tannins, slight amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Cab acidity, vibrant black fruit flavors and aromas of Franc is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon in structure and leather and spice. It is at peak maturity but might go flavor, though more aromatic and herbaceous with less tan- a little longer, though not encouraged. We’ll try the 2012 nin and acidity. The vintages (the year the grapes were har- in a couple of years. I can wait; and in the meantime, find vested) on these bottles are 2006, 2008 and 2012. Here’s something else to lay down and forget for a while. the story:

While I haven’t paid a lot of attention lately to my wine Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine and cellar at home I went down recently and noticed a wet spot Spirits at 128 Calhoun St. in downtown Alexander City on the floor directly under the 2006 Terlato. The ullege, with the area’s only walk-in humidor and cigar lounge. He that empty space between the top of the wine and the botcan be reached at 256.212.WINE, on Instagram, Facebook tom of the cork, was down slightly but not alarmingly so and at emporiumwine128@gmail.com. Join the email list for a 14-year-old wine. Had it not been for the stain on to get regular notices of wine specials and other events.

72 LAKE

OCTOBER 2020

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 73

Hosting champions COURTESY OF ALABAMA GOLF ASSOCIATION

W

illow Point golf and Country Club The Alabama Golf Association is a 501(c) hosted the Second Southeast Mid(3) not-for-profit educational organization, Amateur Four-Ball Championship founded in 1915, whose mission is to serve with the final round playing on Sunday, and promote amateur golf in Alabama. AGA Aug. 30, with the mid-amateur division membership consists of more than 115 playing 7,199 yards and the senior division member clubs represented by nearly 20,000 at 6,697 yards and par at 36-36-72. individuals. The activities and services of the Jackson King of Vestavia, Alabama, and Alabama Golf Association are governed by Will Swift of Hoover, Alabama, birdied No. a board of directors consisting of Alabama 18 to be crowned the Mid-Amateur Division golfers who wish to serve the game and the Champions, posting a seven-under 65 for the association through service.

PAR for the COURSE final round and an overall 22-under 194.

AGA is the USGA’s liaison for golf in “Jackson played awesome these past Alabama, conducting national championMATT SHEPPARD few days,” Swift said. “We found ourselves ship qualifying, administering the USGA three-down against really great players, at Handicap system, including the GHIN one point. We knew we were battling, starting on No. 12, Handicap service, course and slope rating and education. and we kept it going. I’m so fortunate to have a partner The AGA annually conducts 23 championships and team like Jackson, we had a great time.” match competitions for men, women, juniors and seniors.

Charlie McDaniel II of Monroe, Georgia, and Jeremy The AGA also conducts Alabama high school golf chamBritt of Columbus, Georgia, tied for second with Hunter pionships and assists with many collegiate events, includHawkins of Leesburg, Alabama, and Will McCurdy of ing the SEC Men’s Golf Championship.

Auburn, Alabama. Each team posted a 21-under 195.

In addition to competitions, the AGA administers the Bob Royak of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Paul Royak of AGA Women’s Scholarship Fund that is dedicated to Tampa, Florida, fired a 25-under 191 to claim the Senior assisting young female golfers in higher education and Division title. To close, they posted a 10-under 62 and supports the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation. secured their win.

Since 1980, the AGA has managed the affairs of the Robert Nelson of Fairhope, Alabama, and Walker Southern Golf Association, which includes conductGrant of Montgomery, Alabama, carded a team score of ing the Southern Amateur Championship and Southern seven-under 65 for the day, with an 18-under 198 to finJunior Championship, in conjunction with the Board of ish in second place.

Directors of the Southern Golf Association.

Standing third, Doug Davis and Jonathan Watts of For more information about the Alabama Golf Birmingham, Alabama, shot three-under 69 in the final Association, visitalabamagolf.org. round and 15-under 201 altogether.

This championship is co-conducted by Willow ~ Matt Sheppard is Director of Golf at Willow Point Point Golf and Country Club and the Alabama Golf Golf and Country Club.

Association.

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 75

Legend

63

22

280

To Sylacauga

23

Alexander City

Public Boat Ramps 19

9

Churches

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

Camps & Parks

17

Power lines U.S. Highways

280

3

22

County Roads Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

Pleasant Grove Church

11

COOSA COUNTY

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

9

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

16 20

New Hope Church

Liberty Church

14 Willow Point

24

6

10

Equality

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

Camp Alamisco

11

Kowaliga Boat Landing

22 The Ridge

55

4

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

1 12

Church in The Pines

24

2

The Amp Ko w

ali

18 80

9

Central

ga

Ba

y

27 90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

20 Kent

76 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

34

OCTOBER 2020

Timbergut Landing

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Lake Martin Alabama Marinas

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

11. Kowaliga Marina 256-397-1210

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

Jacksons Gap

42. Real Island Marina 256-397-1200

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

280

53. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Bethel Church

21

62. Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Dadeville

25 57

280

Camp Hill

Smith Landing

Restaurants & Venues

13

6. SpringHouse 10 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49

6. Catherine’s Market 11 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Stillwaters

7 5

8

12 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

15 Walnut Hill

50

82. Lakeside Marina 256-825-9286

7361 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 2. Lakeside Marina at Bay Pines 9 256-825-0999

3455 Bay Pine Rd., Jackson's Gap, AL 36861

Pleasant Ridge Church

Church of the Living Waters

3. Harbor Pointe Marina 7 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853 www.harborpointe.net

26

50

13 Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337

5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853 14 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

17 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, AL 35010 5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 18 334.857.3900

7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 19 4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 20 4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 21 4. Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 22 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010 4. Dark Insurance 23 256-234-5026

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 24 . Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 . The Tiny Rabbit 25 256-307-1998 220 N. Broadnax, Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 26 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders 27 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25.

Contact our Marketing Department at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

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

Business & Shopping 16 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010

Reeltown

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 77

Lake Magazine Distribution ATTENTION READERS: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic some of our distribution locations have changed.

This month, you may pick up the most recent issue of Lake magazine at the following locations.

ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Piggly Wiggly Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine JR'S Hillabee Towers Senior Nutrition Center Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Dark Insurance Warren Appliance MainStreet Family Care Grace's Flowers Koon's Korner Larry's General Merchandise Daylight Donuts Alfa Valley Bank - 280 Pricare Temple Medical AllState Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance Vision Landscapes North Lake Condo

River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Jim Bob's Chicken Fingers Russell Building Supply Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall Regions Bank Marathon - 280 BB&T Bank Russell Medical Center Koon's II Tallapoosa Ford Dylan Johnson - Country Financial Holley's Home Furniture Jackson's Drugs Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark The Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que Russell Do It Center Russell Home Decor Holman Floor Satterfield Inc. Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina on Lake Martin Kowaliga Marina Sunsrise Docks Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office Russell Lands Real Estate Sales

Center Springhouse Restaurant Ridge Club Ridge Marina NEW SITE Piggly Wiggly DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Alabama Power Siggers Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library Pearson's Place Flower's & Gifts Dadevile Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Home Plate Cafe Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Tiny Rabbit Lakay's Sweet Pickins Amy Banks Realty Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters County Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Shell - 280 Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle

Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Lakeside Merchantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks CAMP HILL Link Gas Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Mitchell's Upholstery Lake Martin Mini Mall Cozumel Mexican Grill Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Cartering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Hometown Lenders, Inc. Anchor Bay Marina WETUMPKA Wetumpka Herlad Office TALLASSEE Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber OPELIKA Collaboration Station Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $25 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

lamberthandlamberth.com

256-234-6401 6 Franklin Street • Alexander City

Mon - Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

78 LAKE

OCTOBER 2020

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

COACH KRAFT

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery!

■

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

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

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

haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com IN-HOME CARE SERVICES

Our goal is to keep our clients as active as possible in their own homes to promote overall health and well being.

With our personally tailored care plans, you will receive the individual care you need with the dignity and respect you deserve.

Homemaking... Personal Care... Companionship

Lake Martin innovation Center 175 aLiant Parkway • aLexander City, aL

(256) 414-6090

Some of us have to paddle before we can swim.

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

LAKE

256-234-4281

HANDRAILS | GUARDRAILS POWDER COAT | SAND BLASTING WELDED FENCE | CUSTOM ART STAIRS GATES | I-BEAMS STEEL POSTS STAINLESS STEEL CABLE RAILING

334-332-3435 or 334-329-4635

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin.

Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2020

LAKE 79

Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing............................................................. 18

Holley’s Home Furnishings....................................... 84

Rhonda Jaye, Lake Martin Realty............................. 28

Alabama Power............................................................ 17

Kowaliga Whole Health............................................. 79

Romar Construction.................................................. 79

Alex City Guide Service........................................... 58

Lake Martin Dock....................................................... 16

Russell Lands on Lake Martin............................19, 53

Alex City Marine......................................................... 18

Lake Martin Realty................................................59, 81

Russell Marine.............................................................. 36

Beyond Home Care................................................... 79

Lake Martin Signature Construction...................... 52

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

Blue Creek Iron Works............................................. 79

Lamberth & Lamberth............................................... 78

Sandra Booker, Fuller Real Estate........................... 58

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation..........................................8

Mark King's Furniture................................................ 21

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

Carol King Interior Design......................................... 5

Mindy Windy Team...................................................... 12

Security Pest Control.............................................. 6, 8

Coach Kraft Upholstery............................................ 79

Moore Wealth Management..................................... 83

Singleton Marine......................................................... 25

Custom Docks............................................................. 12

Morris Haynes............................................................. 65

State Farm, Harold Cochran.................................... 79

Davco............................................................................. 79

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

State Farm, Karen Channell...................................... 79

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

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

Sunrise Dock................................................................ 69

First Community Mortgage...................................... 65

Oskar's............................................................................ 8

Tallapoosa Board of Education................................ 20

First Methodist Church, Dadeville............................ 8

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

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

George Hardy D.M.D................................................. 58

ProCare, LLC............................................................... 80

TowBoat US................................................................. 24

Granville & Company...........................................40-41

Renaissance Electronics............................................... 8

Walmart........................................................................ 79

Henderson & Coker, Inc........................................... 29

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

Wedowee Marine....................................................... 74

Heritage South Credit Union.................................. 62

Rhodes Construction................................................. 24

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

80 LAKE

OCTOBER 2020

Chad McKelvey 256.749.4018

Haley Fuller 256.750.2411

John Shelton 404.858.9198

Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417

Allison Ladson 256.750.0711

Haley McKelvey 256.749.8353

Damon Story 205.789.9526

Mike Davis 256.226.1238

Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792

Amy Duncan 256.212.2222

India Davis 256.749.7592

Judy Voss 256.794.0779

Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681

John McInnish 334.415.2149

Michelle Brooks 256.749.1031

Jan Hall 256.329.6313

Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071

Becky Haynie 334.312.0928

Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220

Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372

Adam Yager 205.914.0830

Mimi Rush 334.399.7874

Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099

Sawyer Davis 205.965.7940

Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017

David Mitchell 256.212.3511

Howard Haynie 334.312.0693

Leroy Sellers 256.496.2141

Randall Rogers 334.707.5804

Denise Cochran 256.786.2484

WE’RE THE Market Leader

Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share

47.5%

LAKE MARTIN REALTY/RUSSELL LANDS ON LAKE MARTIN

*LMAAR/MLS Member Firms Sales Volume Data September 2019–August 2020

Dadeville

256.825.9092

Willow Point 256.212.1498

L a k e M a r t i n R e a l t y. c o m OCTOBER 2020

Ourtown

256.212.1498 LAKE 81

82 LAKE

OCTOBER 2020

Parting Shot

~ Rumi

"This turning toward what you deeply love saves you."

Photo by Kenneth Boone

83 LAKE

OCTOBER 2020

84 LAKE

OCTOBER 2020