Lake Martin Living October 2021

Lake Martin Living People, events and culture in the Lake Region

Annual Art & Photography Contest Winners

Union VFR • Dadeville's Beautifcation Board October 2021

www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

L

ake Martin Living just ended another great art and photography contest. While this year looked a little different, the People’s Choice Award online voting platform was highly successful. With more votes for People’s Choice than ever before, I was stunned and delighted with the outcome.

We would like to extend a great big thank you to all of our followers and everyone who voted to make this year’s contest successful.

I also want to share about and brag on a few extraordinary businesses within the community. These businesses supported the contest through the cancellation of the main event downtown due to COVID-19, and for that, I am is grateful. In addition, their unwavering support allowed for Lake Martin Living to continue offering cash prizes to winners in each category.

So without further ado, I would like to thank Main Street Alexander City, who sponsored the People’s Choice Award. Main Street Alexander City prides itself on maintaining the small town spirit bound by a shared past and the prospect of new beginnings.

Thanks to Main Street, the downtown corridor is a thriving area to host events, peruse boutiques and grab a bite for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We are so lucky to have Stacey Jeffcoat in charge over there, and we appreciate everything that Main Street does for us and this wonderful town.

Lake Martin Tourism Association sponsored the winners for the art portion of the contest, and recently, they were awarded the Shining Example Award from the Southeast Tourism Society. A special congratulations to Executive Director Brandy Hastings for this prestigious honor. Lake Martin Tourism has become a staple in the community and a shining example to all.

Our third and final sponsor this year, River Bank and Trust, sponsored the photography category of the contest. As a trusted sponsor and friend to Lake Martin Living, River Bank & Trust helps our neighbors and the businesses in our communities reach their financial goals.

We are grateful for all these businesses do in our community to help the county grow and thrive. Without them, the art and photography contest would not have been possible this year. Flip on over to page 21 to delve into just a samping of the beauty and wonderment that was submitted to the contest this year.

Thank you, friends, for your support.

Brittany Smith, Editor 4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Editor Brittany Smith Contributors Kenneth Boone Dave Jennings Lacey Howell Shane Harris Lee Williams Susan Foy Gina Abernathy Jake Arthur Cliff Williams Siri Hedreen Andy Anders Betsy Iler Audra Spears Magazine Distribution Manager Erin Burton Creative Services Audra Spears Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Rachel McCollough Marilyn Hawkins Carson Wages Kerrie Thompson Brittany Hornsby Cathy Parr Digital Services Elle Fuller Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

Lake Martin Living 5

ON THE COVER

Mary Timberlake᾿s painting Fishing Boy Scouts made quite the impact at the Lake Martin Living Art and Photography Contest this year.

The lake is all about people having fun and making memories.

Timberlake᾿s depiction nailed it.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

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6 Lake Martin Living

FEATURES 10. UNION VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE UVFR recently received new equipment designed and built by their very own Stan Merrett.

12. DADEVILLE BEAUTIFICATION BOARD The Dadeville Beautification board announces plan for seasonal awards.

21. LAKE MARTIN LIVING ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST This year's Lake Martin Living Art and Photography Contest entries were the best yet and took People's Choice voting online.

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 14. FROM THE TEE 16. GARDEN TALK 33. MONEY MATTERS 34. MEDICAL NEWS 36. OH SNAP! 40. LAKE REGION EVENTS 43. GOOD EATS 50. CULTURE SHOCK .

Union Volunteer Fire and Rescue now has tankers that are equipped to carry new modified mechanisms.

Photo by Jake Arthur

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10/5/21 10:38 AM

AROUND THE AREA

Virtual home visits become a new normal for preschool parents In its second year of virtual home visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschooler Youngsters or HIPPY's four home visitors now teach virtual lessons as late as 9 or 10 p.m., as early as 6 a.m. or during parents’ lunch hours.

Before the pandemic, the program invented in Israel – operated locally under the Alexander City school system – mentored parents during weekly home visits, going over lessons to improve their preschoolers’ number sense, language and motor skill. Parents spent about 15 minutes a day with their preschoolers going over those skills and reporting back on their progress during the next week’s session.

“The needs have changed,” assistant coordinator Debra Pierce said. “And you know, the parents change, too. The household has changed. Most parents work now, so a lot of the virtual lessons are done in the evening when they get off work.”

“Some days we’re doing them Saturdays and Sundays,” Pierce said.

HIPPY has implemented virtual visits instead of in–home visits because of the concern over COVID-19.

“We’ve had a lot more children with immune deficiencies,” she said. “The parents have been leery about sending them to a public preschool or pre-K or daycare, so they’ve chosen to stay at home and do virtual lessons with them at home.”

“I really think the program is awesome,” she said. “It’s out there for every parent of a 2, 3- or 4-year-old.”

Her hope is that by next year, the in-person home visits can resume; however, for now, virtual visits are key.

“I think it’s just much more personal when you can meet with them in their home,” she said. “You sort of become part of the family.” ~Siri Hedreen

Schooling the Parents

Instructor Gladys Barren preps Sarah Gurley via video chat from HIPPY's office beside the Benjamin Russell High School campus.

$21 million budget approved by county Tallapoosa County Administrator Blake Beck and his staff presented a $21 million budget to the Tallapoosa County that included merit raises for employees and funds for equipment and small projects across the county.

“We saw an overall increase in general fund revenues of a little over $1 million,” Beck said. “Part of that is $400,000 CARES Act money. We will be buying a trailer that can be used as a vaccination and testing point and also can be repurposed some point down the line after the pandemic for emergency response things.”

Beck said other CARES Act funds would be used to aid businesses who lost revenue as a result of the coronavirus.

Beck said funds would likely be distributed through a grant aid program.

Tallapoosa County is receiving funds under the America

Rescue Plan and has budgeted nearly $1 million for extension of water service near New Site.

Beck said the budget has $56,000 surplus that will be added to the reserve if it is not needed.

The commission entered an executive session for the purposes of an economic development discussion with Lake Martin Area Economic Development Gaining Ground Alliance Director Chad The Tallapoosa County Odom. When it returned to Commission approved regular session the commission a budget for fiscal year approved a memorandum of 2022. understanding. At its meeting Sept. 13 the commission tabled a memorandum of understanding following an executive session. ~Cliff Williams Lake Martin Living 9

O

ctober is National Fire Safety Month. Union Volunteer Fire and Rescue has been busy making sure its fire district is well covered.

With 1,800 structures in the Union community, the total property value is $505 million. Having a population of 2,400 on a slow day, and over 8,000 on a holiday weekend, UVFR has to be on top of its game.

Stan Merrett, training officer at UVFR and owner of ETT, LLC, has spent the last 30 years creating devices that will make the delivery and dumping of water more timely and accurate during emergency situations. Over his career, Merrett has worn many different hats at volunteer fire departments. He has served as a firefighter, chief and now a training officer, amongst other positions.

Merrett has logged hours in both Elmore and Tallapoosa counties supporting and protecting the people, structures 10 Lake Martin Living

and lands within each county.

Preparation is Key The Megalodon and “Usually, fire departments Water Shark work are the first line of response,” together to move over said Merrett. “Regardless of 1,300 gallons of water whether the event is a fire, per minute. wreck, human rescue, animal rescue, tornado, medical emergency, etc. The fire department always gets the call and is typically the first to arrive on the scene.”

Effective community protection depends on the local emergency service provider’s readiness, experience, manpower and equipment. When dealing with structure fires, UVFR must depend largely upon a water shuttle to deliver the water needed to extinguish the fire.

“For the most part, in and around Union, fire hydrants are either non-existent or undersized,” said Merrett.”Only

Union Volunteer Fire and Rescue New modifications to tankers allow for more effective water delivery STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH & PHOTO BY JAKE ARTHUR

one of the eight churches located in Union are covered by a fire hydrant, and shuttling water is the only way of getting water to the structure.”

In order to effectively deliver water during a structure fire, UVFR has recently updated two tankers with the latest modifications in the industry, and two new water transfer devices, called the Megalodon, have been installed. In addition, the latest strainer devic, called a Water Shark, has also been installed.

These devices were designed and built by Merrett. They allow water to be moved at 1,300 gallons per minute, and because the devices are mobile, once they are set up, the delivery of water becomes much more effective in the case of an emergency.

“Union is the first department to receive the Megalodon,” Merrett said. “This new device will greatly

aid in the delivery of water on large structures and will set a new standard for rural water delivery.”

While volunteer fire departments are disappearing all over the U.S., UVFR is growing. The department boasts 30 volunteers.

Of those volunteers, 24 are firefighters, 16 are emergency medical responders, six are emergency medical technicians and two are paramedics. Of the 30 volunteers, six are Auxiliary members, and 14 hold at least a firefighter I certification.

“UVFR has been fortunate to have support from our community,” Merrett said. “But most importantly, what we do wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers. They perform all duties and help to keep the community safe and standing strong.”

Lake Martin Living 11

Dadeville Beautification Board Introduces Seasonal Awards

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STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

he Dadeville Beautification Board has implemented a new opportunity for yards in Dadeville to be recognized for seasonal decorations, both fall and winter.

This year will be the first time that the Dadeville Beautification Board has offered seasonal awards since its revival in 2018.

The new category will be open to any and all who decorate their yards with fall decor by Oct. 25 and those who decorate their yards for the holiday season and turn on their lights

by Thanksgiving or Nov. 25.

In order to be recognized by the Dadeville Beautification Time to Decorate Board for seasonal decorations, Decorations must be visible from the all decorum must be visible road and visually from the road and pleasing to pleasing. the eye.

“We would like to encourage everyone to take pride in our town and our community, and this is a great and small way to do it,” said Mickey Forbus, the Dadeville Beautification Board president. “We’d like to recognize as many people as we can.”

Forbus said that more signs and banners are being made to recognize those who put forth effort in this special event. All recognized participants will receive a certificate of appreciation, as well.

“We just want to show those who participate that we appreciate them,” Forbus said.

The Dadeville Beautification Board originally opened its doors back in the early ’80s, intending to get the community involved in preserving the beauty of the town; however, after several years of dynamic work in the community, the board seemed to lose steam as most of their members had aged out, and in 2018, then-Mayor Wayne Smith and Councilwoman Tanesha Goodman Johnson revived the board.

Since the revival, the beautification board has spent more than $20,000 replenishing and

12 Lake Martin Living

beautifying the square, replacing planters, hanging lights, planting trees in and around the city, replacing signage in and around the city and so much more.

“It has only been through the support and participation of the citizens that we’ve been able to do this,” Forbus said. “Everything we do is volunteerbased.”

“We welcome people to come out and participate,” Elaine Forbus said. “The beautification board is just a group of concerned citizens that want to see the city look its best and want to take on projects within the city to make improvements. Anyone can volunteer with the beautification board.”

Forbus said that the beautification board would resume in January with the regular ‘Yard of the Month’ awards for businesses and residential homes.

“Going forward, if anyone wants to have their yard judged or if they want to nominate someone else to have their yard judged, they just need to contact us, and we’ll be happy to come by and view the yard,” Elaine said.

To participate in any of these occasions, seasonal or monthly, call or text 256-749-7932 or email dadevillebeautificationboard@gmail.com.

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

Lake Martin Living 13

Success is a Choice

D

oes it seem like you’re not improving, no matter how much you work on your game?

Most all of us feel that way at some point in golf. We get to a certain level of play, and we just can’t improve. There’s good news and bad news here.

It’s either true, or it’s totally false.

Those who love the game but have very little time to play or practice or take lessons may just have to get cozy with the scores they shoot. There’s nothing wrong with that. Accept that you are getting what you put into the game and smile.

There are range rats that hit hundreds of balls per week, but their scores continue to drop. This player is the king of the range but may not be playing the game of strategy and physical and mental skills. The driving range will help with physical skills but not so much with strategy or mental fortitude.

A person could be an engineer, figure out all of the angles on the green and believe that they have spent adequate time on the practice tee to get better; however, scores are still higher than the cost of the investment. The problem could be rushing, launching anxious over shots, a poor green reader or making poor short game decisions.

Whatever the level of play is, anyone interested in an overall increase in skill would be well served in reaching out

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From the Tee

to a golf professional who could offer playing improvement and enjoyment and how to lessons. improve it.

Those with reasonably sound golf swings During this on-course lesson, do not expect may need someone to show them how to the pro to make swing changes; that’s not what navigate the game around each golf course. I this is about – this is all about playing the game have yet to see anyone play just any golf course and creating a strategy that will work for the the same way that Bryson or Tiger can. But with golfer. Make sure to bring quite a few extra balls. a bit of help, anyone can learn how to play any The pro may ask a golfer to hit certain types of course the best they can with the abilities that shots that they have never given a whirl. Some they possess. may get lost in the drink or woods, but it could A playing lesson is best conducted over a be an eye-opening experience. period of hours on a slow day. Don’t expect to Honestly, don’t look for a bargain deal have a lesson on a beautiful Saturday morning on a playing lesson. This could be the best when the course will play more than 280 investment a golfer has ever made in the game. players. Middle of the week at non-peak hours A few months after this playing lesson, schedule is best. another.

The lesson should begin on the practice tee, The pro may touch on a few other things Dave Jennings where the pro can monitor shot patterns and that could help beyond the first lesson or just club distances. For example, a good pro may confirm that the golfer is doing what needs to request that the person taking lessons hits a few be doing to get the most out of the game. Either fades, some draws and a couple of high and low shots. The way, you win. pro should also evaluate short game shots and green-side If the club pro is a good player or teacher, ask about this bunker play. With this evaluation by the pro, they can better playing lesson. If not, ask around. make suggestions during the on-course lesson.

Enjoy the game and get the most out of it. Unfortunately, The on-course lesson should start on the tee. The pro not all improvements are found at the store or driving should discuss thoughts and plans on how to play the hole range, but with a direct action plan with a pro who can and make suggestions. They should have a hole location coach. sheet to show the prospect how, when and why to refer to it.

Good golf professionals are not totally wrapped around ~Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central Alabama their own personal games but care about the golfer’s game Community College.

lakemartindock.com

334.857.2443

Lake Martin Living 15

Happy Birthday, Master Gardeners!

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his year, 2021, marks the 40th anniversary of the Master Gardener program conducted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University. A statewide celebration event was held on Aug. 30, recognizing the contributions of the Alabama Master Gardener Volunteers and Extension Home Grounds Agents and Specialists.

Alabama Extension MG Program Coordinator Kerry Smith said the MG program has touched thousands of lives throughout its 40-year history in Alabama.

“The Master Gardener program is about so much more than gardening and soil, although these are the initial ties that bind,” Smith said.

“MG volunteers are enthusiastic and serviceminded. Their efforts have helped others learn more and truly made Alabama a better place to live.”

She said the volunteers are the heart of the program.

Alabama Senator Clay Scofield introduced a joint resolution to the Alabama legislature recognizing the master gardeners’ service during the past 40 years.

"The Alabama legislature jointly commends the Alabama Extension Master Gardener program for its contributions to the State of Alabama and hereby recognizes its impact toward making our state more beautiful and its citizens more capable of environmentally safe and sound decisions for their home landscapes.”

Since its beginning in 1981, the Alabama MG program has become an impactful and expansive statewide program. In 2020, 1,565 members reported volunteer hour – even in the midst of a global pandemic.

Forty years of sweat, energy, time and talent contributed to communities all over Alabama equals thousands of hours of community service. The work of MGs has an estimated $112 million worth of volunteer efforts that have made Alabama more Grand Teachers beautiful.

Top to bottom: Gary Murray, Relandscaping an extension agent the Tallapoosa assistant in Madison County Courthouse County in 1981, grounds; Master worked as part of the Gardeners often team that developed teach public the first Alabama classes; MGs love MG curriculum and learning and volunteer training. He taking field trips.

Lake Martin Living 17

was encouraged to implement the program Autauga and Montgomery. It is indeed my

by Huntsville resident Mary Lou McNabb, favorite Extension education program. who participated in the MG program at The people I got to meet and know Cornell University. became friends and almost like an extended “This outstanding Extension program family. The common bond of learning, love owes gratitude to the Alabama MG program of gardening and people and passion for pioneers for their energy and determination, serving our communities are what ultimately especially Mary Lou McNabb for launching define the Master Gardener program. the idea in Madison County,” Smith said.

Our Tallapoosa County Master Gardeners “Thank you to her and to all of the Alabama have played an active role in assisting with Master Gardeners who volunteer in their and supporting the Extension’s mission and communities. Way to grow!” programs. Over the last 22 years, they have Here locally, there are active and taught educational workshops, conducted successful master gardener programs in community projects and installed school Tallapoosa, Elmore and Lee counties. The gardens. They have answered gardening Tallapoosa County MG program began with questions, served as 4-H competition judges, Shane Harris an initial class in 1999. supervised landscape and beautification Several ladies from a local garden club projects, held annual plant sales and hosted had heard about the Master Gardener program in Fall Gardening Extravaganzas. In addition, they have Alabama and other states and encouraged the Extension volunteered numerous hours for the betterment of our office to offer it. Tommy Futral and Nelda Martin are local community. credited for starting it in Tallapoosa County. The Master Thank you, Master Gardeners, for all that you have Gardener program was a huge hit and soon became our done. Congratulations most popular and anticipated educational program. For and happy 40th birthday. Life Learners many of the early years, an MG course was held annually.

For more information, Top Left to Right: Attending Master On a personal note, I participated in the Master contact the Tallapoosa Gardener Conferences; Gardener program in 2000 in Lee County as part of my County Extension office Hosting and teaching horticulture training to be an Extension agent under my at 256-825-1050 or visit a Cooking With Herbs mentor Chuck Browne. I loved the program, the variety us online at aces.edu.

Workshop; Facing Page, of speakers and the interaction with fellow gardeners and Follow us on Facebook. from Top Right Clockwise: classmates.

The 13 week Master Gardener Course held When I began my Extension career in Tallapoosa ~Shane Harris is in Dadeville; Continuing County in July 2000 as the horticulture agent, I looked the County Extension education is a priority by forward to hosting and teaching my first MG class in Coordinator for MGs; Examining a garden 2001. Over the last 20 years, I have taught many Master Tallapoosa County. rain barrel irrigation setGardener classes and facilitated and served numerous up; Doing a fern study county MG programs, including Tallapoosa, Lee, research project.

GARDEN TALK

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The Tallapoosa County Master Gardener Course is typically offered on Fridays beginning in late January through April. It consists of 40 plus hours of classroom and hands-on instruction in horticulture and related areas. Topics taught during the 13 weeks include: Botany Soils and Plant Nutrition Fruit Culture Care & Maintenance of Plants Insects and Plants Diseases Composting Landscape Design Home Lawns Vegetable Gardening Weed Control Landscape Design Plant Propagation Animal Control Pesticide Education Trees Herb Gardening Bedding Plants For more information on the Master Gardener program, call 256-825-1050 or contact your county Extension office or visit mg.aces.edu.

Lake Martin Living 19

Don’t Forget, We’re On Mobile Too! You can find all the most recent breaking news stories from Tallapoosa County and the Lake Martin region right in your back pocket!

Visit us at www.alexcityoutlook.com

256.234.4281 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL

20 Lake Martin Living

Art & Phot ography Contest Winners

M

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

ary Timberlake’s Fishing Boy Scouts under the Milky Way at New Hope Baptist Church took made a great first impression on this first place in the photography division. Judge Audra year’s artwork judge in the Lake Martin Spears loved the perspective and composition.

Living Art and Photography Contest, She awarded second place to Kay Brummal’s winning first place for its Summer in the South, a depiction of lake life. collage of photographs “It’s what the lake in which the subjects is about – a group of resemble letters that spell boys having fun and out the work’s title. Third learning skills,” said place in the photography June Dean with the division went to Kathy Central Alabama Art Buchanon for her Association.

Midnight Visitor photo Second place in the of a raccoon caught in art category was awarded the act of raiding a bird to Erica Naylor for her feeder. graphite drawing of a “The subject matter Tom turkey in midreally struck me. It’s very stretch. lucky to be able to get a “It’s just very well picture like that,” Spears done,” Dean said of said. the matted and framed Honorable mentions in pencil work. the photography category Third place in art went included Color and to Linda Pierce for her Beauty, a closeup shot of acrylic fish painting. colorful zinnias on canvas “It’s just fun,” Dean

by Debbie Blackmon, Kay said. “I love the eye.”

Brummel’s Fathom That!, There was so much John Denney’s Sunrise great talent in this year’s at New Hope Baptist contest that choosing the Church, a horizontal top three was difficult, view of the New Hope the judge said. Among Baptist Church crosses at the top contenders were sunrise and Mary Grace Don Campbell’s outSpeakman’s Snap, Crackle, Claire Lewis' Wildcat won the People's Choice award. Quack, a picture of three of-the-box Forget Not Driftwood BoneFish ducks in a row.

One, a 5-foot driftwood Claire Lewis’ Wildcat fish with a blue eye, won an honorable mention, along won the online voting for the People’s Choice category. with Tina Douglass’ The Leap. Cathy Delionback’s This was the first year for the People’s Choice selection Paddleboarding in the Cove and Phillip Birch’s lake to go digital, and 386 unique voters weighed in to scene, which the judge thought evoked quiet, peaceful overwhelmingly elect Lewis’ bobcat portrait with lake life.

141 ballots. Voting began at mid-day on Sept. 29 and John Denney’s vertical photograph of three crosses concluded at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 3.

Lake Martin Living 21

From Top:

First Place Art Fishing Boy Scouts by Mary Timberlake; Second Place Art Side View of Turkey by Erica Naylor

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Clockwise from Top Left:

Third Place Art Green Fish by Linda Pierce; Honorable Mention Art Paddleboarding in the Cove by Cathy Delionback; Honorable Mention Art Forget Not Driftwood BoneFish by Don Campbell; Honorable Mention Art Lake Scene with Trees by Phillip Birch

Lake Martin Living 23

Clockwise from Top Left:

First Place Photography Milky Way at New Hope Baptist Church by John Denney; Third Place Photography Midnight Visitor by Kathy Buchannon; Honorable Mention Art Fathom That! by Kay Brummal; Honorable Mention Art The Leap by Tina Russell Douglass;

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Clockwise from Top Right:

Second Place Photography Summer in the South by Kay Brummal; Tranquil Beauty by Tina Russell Douglass; Splash by John Raines; Honorable Mention Photography Snap, Crackle, Quack by Mary Grace Speakman

Lake Martin Living 25

Clockwise from Top:

Honorable Mention Photography Sunrise at New Hope Baptist Church by John Denney; Nahanni Hideaway by Ladonna Idell; Oiled Sunset by LE Grinter

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Clockwise from Top:

MetalHead Driftwood BoneFish by Don Campbell; Tufted Tit Mouse by Linda Pierce; Colorful Sunrise by Kolbi Bates; Honorable Mention Photography Color and Beauty by Debbie Blackmon

Lake Martin Living 27

Clockwise from Top Left:

Waiting Game by Kay Fincher; Baby Ducks by Pam Patterson; Ginko by Pam Patterson; Goat Island by Tina Russell Douglass

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Clockwise from Top:

Afternoon Retreat by Edward M. Brummal Jr.; Children's Harbor at Night by Gary Taunton; Front View of Turckey by Erica Naylor

Lake Martin Living 29

Clockwise from Left:

Family Tree by Debbie Blackmon; Violet-eared hummingbird by Ladonna Idell; Lake Impressions

by Kay Brummal

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Clockwise from Top:

Children's Harbor Light House by Gary E. Oliver; Russell Chimes by Sandy Speakman; Look Mom! by Sandy Speakman

Lake Martin Living 31

32 Lake Martin Living

The Psychology of Money

R

ecently I reread a book called The Psychology of or something else unforeseen. Historically speaking, the Money by Morgan Housel. I first heard about it longer someone has stayed invested in the U.S. market, the on a podcast. I listen to podcasts frequently and less risk they have had, according to Housel. noticed that this book kept coming up when the The final point I want to hit on that Housel discusses interviews were asked to name a few books they recently in the book is ‘Time’ in relation to compound interest. enjoyed. After hearing it mentioned a few times, I decided He believes that time is the most powerful force in to buy the book. I read it once; and then, I read it again. investing, and he attributes time as the key to success with There are too many good points in the book compound interest. Although compound to put them all in this article, but I thought I interest is a simple concept, humans tend to would share a few that I found valuable. complicate the process. People desire instant The premise of the book is that doing well gratification and often can’t wait; however, with money has little to do with how smart a the only way to truly experience compound person is and a lot to do with how they behave. interest is patience and not unnecessarily The world of investing is full of intelligent interrupting the process. people, but not many truly great investors.

Did you know that Warren Buffett began Investing is more about the heart than the building his fortune in 1941? He was just mind, as one investor I admire put it; therefore, 11 years old when he bought his first stock. being smart is nothing more than being Also, did you know that most of his wealth as athletic. Athleticism doesn’t assure one will a percentage didn’t really start being created become a professional athlete; far from it. until the mid-1990s? Since then, Buffets Housel also discusses decisions. He says that wealth has hockey sticked, meaning it has good investing is not necessarily about making exponentially risen. This is an example of Lee Williams good decisions but about consistently not compound interest. The key is – it took time. messing up. When I read this, I immediately Charlie Munger has another way of saying it, thought of Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett. which is sitting on your – investing!

Munger says they invert decisions they are looking to make. Why? He’s trying to think of the worst thing that ~Lee Williams offers products and services using the could happen and not do it, which goes hand in hand with following business names: Lee Williams – insurance and Housel’s comment about being able to avoid consistently financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC messing up.

(AIC), Member FINRA/SIPC – securities and investments Charlie Munger once said, “Tell me where I’m going to | The Ascent Group, LLC – investment advisory services. die, so I don’t go there.”

AIC is not affiliated with Lee Williams or The Ascent Group, I find this quite humorous, and it also fits in perfectly LLC. with Housel’s line of thinking.

Representatives do not provide tax or legal advice.

Everyone is always worried about losing money when Please consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding they invest in stocks – or anything for that matter. Housel your situation. Trades cannot be communicated to your discusses the odds of making money in the stock market, Representative by e-mail, fax or regular mail as the assuming one remains fully invested and isn’t getting transaction may not be executed on a timely basis. Please in and out of the market. He says the historical odds of contact your Representative by telephone to request trades making money in the U.S. markets are 50/50 in one day, and do not use e-mail to send confidential information or 68 percent over one-year periods, 88 percent over 10-year time-sensitive instructions. Performance quoted does not periods and 100 percent over 20-year periods. The point guarantee future results. Please refer to your regular periodic Housel is making is that anything can happen over the statement for complete information. short run – whether that’s a pandemic, war, terrorist attack

MONEY MATTERS

Lake Martin Living 33

O

Pinktober

ctober is known for the beautiful fall foliage, and autumnal colors dot our landscape and usher in the upcoming holiday season. It is also the month designated for breast cancer awareness, sometimes referred to as ‘Pinktober,’ reflecting the pink ribbons and clothing worn symbolically for breast health education and advocacy.

Here are the 2021 U.S. breast cancer statistics as reported

by Breastcancer.org: • About one in eight U.S. women (about 13 percent) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.

• In 2021, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 49,290 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

• About 2,650 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2021. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about one in 833.

• About 43,600 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2021 from breast cancer. Death rates have been steady in women under 50 since 2007 but have continued to drop in women over 50. The overall death rate from breast cancer decreased by one percent per year from 2013 to 2018. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances and earlier detection through screening.

• For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer besides lung cancer.

• As of January 2021, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S., including women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment.

• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2021, it’s estimated that about 30 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.

• Breast cancer has become the most common cancer globally as of 2021, accounting for 12 percent of all new annual cancer cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

• In women under 45, breast cancer is more common in black women than in white women. Overall, black women are more likely to die of breast cancer. For Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women, the risk of developing and dying from breast cancer is lower. Ashkenazi Jewish women

34 Lake Martin Living

have a higher risk of breast cancer because of a higher rate of BRCA mutations.

• Breast cancer incidence rates in the U.S. began decreasing in the year 2000, after increasing for the previous two decades. They dropped by 7 percent from 2002 to 2003 alone. One theory is that this decrease was partially due to women’s reduced use of hormone replacement therapy after the results of a large study called the Women’s Health Initiative were published in 2002. These results suggested a connection between HRT and increased breast cancer risk.

In recent years, incidence rates have increased slightly by 0.5 percent per year.

• A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, less than 15 percent of women with breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it.

• About five to 10 percent of breast cancers can be linked to known gene mutations inherited from one’s mother or father. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common. On average, women with BRCA1 mutations have up to a 72 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. For women with BRCA2 mutations, the risk is 69 percent. In addition, breast cancer that is positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations tends to develop more often in younger women. Increased ovarian cancer risk is also associated with these genetic mutations. In men, BRCA2 mutations are associated with a lifetime breast cancer risk of about 6.8 percent; BRCA1 mutations are a less frequent cause of breast cancer in men.

• About 85 percent of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic mutations that happen due to the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations.

• The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are sex (being a woman) and age (growing older).

At Russell Medical, we’re committed to improving your health, including detecting breast cancer at its earliest stage when it’s often easier to treat and cure.

We are proud of our new diagnostic capabilities in the fight against breast cancer as we recently installed our GE Senographe Pristina ™ 3D Mammography system. Threedimensional mammography, also called digital breast tomosynthesis, creates a three-dimensional picture of the breast using x-rays. Several low-dose images from different

MEDICAL NEWS

angles around the breast are used to create a We have three UAB Medicine Breast Specialists series of dimensional, fine-detailed images on staff for women diagnosed with breast cancer paired with iCAD® Profound AI, allowing for the at Russell Medical. Dr. Helen Krontiras, Dr. best evaluation of breast tissue, layer-by-layer.

Rachael Lancaster, and Dr. Catherine Parker see Digital tomosynthesis of the breast is different patients in the Surgery Clinic in our Professional from a standard 2D mammogram in the same Building should your physician send you for way a CT scan of the chest is different from a further evaluation. In addition, UAB Medicine standard chest X-ray. By comparison, think of – Russell Medical Cancer Center began treating the difference between a ball and a circle. One is patients with respiratory gating technology in three-dimensional, the other is flat. As a result, August 2018. Respiratory gating radiation therapy the images are much more clear and detailed. provides treatment between breaths to protect the 3D mammography may be a more accurate heart of left-sided breast cancer patients. In the way of screening dense breasts. Wondering past, many patients with left-sided breast cancer how you know if you have dense breasts? That’s were recommended to temporarily relocate Susan Foy a conversation all women should have with to Birmingham to receive radiation treatment their doctors. Breasts are made up of glandular, with respiratory gating technology. Now, almost connective and fatty tissues. They are considered dense if they all breast cancer patients can stay home for their radiation have a lot of glandular and connective tissues and not much treatments. This technology is part of a comprehensive effort fatty tissue. About half of women over 40 have dense breasts. by the cancer center to bring the highest quality of care to our We know that early detection saves lives. 3D breast cancer patients. mammograms are more accurate, detect cancers at earlier For two decades, it has been our pleasure to host the stages, and have fewer false positives. There’s no need to annual Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon. Unfortunately, travel elsewhere for residents in the Lake Martin area to get due to the increased number of Delta variant COVID-19 the most advanced breast imaging available. It’s right here cases, we will forego this gathering again this year and look in Alexander City. Talk to your physician about scheduling forward to an extraordinary event in 2022. your 3D mammogram today. You will be welcomed by the Ladies, please be proactive with your breast health. mammography technologists you know and trust, Alison Conduct monthly self-exams, have an annual examination by Burton and Kimmy Thompson, who together have 48 years a physician and have an annual mammogram. of expertise conducting mammograms at Russell Medical.

For more information, call 256-329-7246. ~Susan Foy is the director of marketing at Russell Medical.

Lake Martin Living 35

OH SNAP! 1

2

3

4

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Dadeville Performing Arts Center Thursday, October 7, 2021 Downtown Dadeville 1. Dawn Tincher, Michael Mason, Nancy and George Curley, Ed Sloan 2. Kim Walls 3. Elaine and Mickey Forbus, Sandra Carlisle, Mickey Tarpley, Wayne and Joyce Smith and Carol Sellers 4. Sara and Peter Stoecklin 5.Mary Morello, Shirley Armour, Vicki Caters and Geri Looney 6. John Tincher and Kathy Loftus

36 Lake Martin Living

6

OH SNAP! 2

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3 4

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Dadeville Fall Festival Saturday, October 2, 2021 Downtown Dadeville 1. Adalynn Adams 2. Jason Flowers 3. Susan and Bailey Orr with Millie and Lulu 4. Jo Ryan, Harry DeNegre and Mitzy Hidding 5. Tensli Boone 6. Jonathan Floyd and Chance Hunt 7. Josh Darling, Seth Atkins and Troy Cruz Jr.

Lake Martin Living 37

OH SNAP! 1

2

3

6

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Lake Martin Invitational Saturday, October 2, 2021 Charles E. Bailey Sportplex, Alexander City 1. Carson King and Lyndsey Vermillion 2. Evan Edwards, Bradley McDade and KZ Hodnett 3. Ansley and Kari Pike and Jennifer Johns 4. Lorelei Young 5. Keaton Phillips, Zak Griffin, Avery Lewis, Cody Oswalt, Ashlyn Roberts, Paris Swords and Chloe Gantt 6. Matthew Simpson and Lynn Stamps 7. Megan Jordan and Sydnie Powell 8. Eva Tucker, Briley Youngblood, Emily Wright, Hannah Jarhraus, Madalyn Boatwright, Abby Henley, Emily Tate, Hayden Wallace, Savannah Daniels, Tabitha Troxler and Julianna Fredericksen

38 Lake Martin Living

8

OH SNAP! 1

2

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4 8

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Mopar Reunion Saturday, October 2, 2021 Wellborn Musclecar Museum 1. Solveig Evans 2. Alton Freeman 3. Al Macdonald 4. Waverlyn and Kurt Karch 5. Denise Robinette and Eric Bankston 6. Bonnie and Marty Raineri 7. Troy and Nancy Goodwin 8. Paul, Jacob, Arliss and Gloria Storrs

10

9. Thomas, Kaytlynn and Tim Grant and Roger Coker 10. Mike Meads

Lake Martin Living 39

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Turpentine Tales: A Walk Through the Forest Take a tour on the Turpentine Trail to learn about the animals in Russell Forest. Turpentine Tales: A Walk Through the Forest will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 28 through Oct. 30. Local student actors will don the costumes of forest animals to present the audience with glimpses of their lives in Russell Forest.

“Among the animals on the tour will be a hawk, a ring-necked snake, a vulture, a deer and others,” said Karen Kison, wellness and recreation director at Willow Point Country Club, who is directing the outdoor production.

“Tour groups will meet in the stage area on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads where Naturalist Marianne Critter Knowledge

Guides will direct the tour groups along the trail to meet the animals and learn about how they live in the forest.

40 Lake Martin Living

Hudson will have a presentation with live forest critters. Then, a guide will direct them along the trail to meet the animals,” Kison explained.

“Each actor will explain a little about how that animal lives in the forest.”

The program is designed to entertain children, especially those in early to mid-elementary grades, but younger children, older children and adults would find the tour interesting as well, Kison said.

There is no charge for Turpentine Tales; reservations are advised, but walkups will be welcomed. To make reservations, email Kison at kkison@russelllands. com. Please meet at the Town Green stage 15 minutes prior to tour time.

For information, visit RussellCrossroads.com or email Kison.

LAKE REGION EVENTS Oct. 14 - Oct. 30

The Great Pumpkin Patch at Strand Park

Visit Strand Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday to select from Main Street Alexander City’s assortment of pumpkins in a variety of colors, sizes and prices.

Oct. 15-17

9th Annual Fall Boogie

Standard Deluxe will host three days of music at the 9th annual Fall Boogie.

The lineup includes Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, Seath Walker and Joshua Ray Walker on Friday; Maggie Rose, Blue Mountain, Lee Bains III and the Gloryfires, Early James and Janet Simpson on Saturday, and Jon Spencer and the Hitmakers with Lee Bains III solo for brunch on Sunday.

Visit standarddeluxe.com for ticket information.

Oct. 21

Sip, Shop & Support

Join the fun on this Main Street Alexander City Third Thursday event to support the Lake Martin Area United Way from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visit unitedwaylakemartin.org for details.

Oct. 22

Ferst Readers Inaugural Golf Tournament

Stillwaters Golf Club will host the inaugural four-player scramble to benefit Ferst Readers, a nonprofit organization that promotes early reading by giving books to children up to 5 years of age. Registration and range practice time open at 8 a.m. with a tournament start at 10 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m. Box lunches will be provided, and a raffle for donated items will close the event. Player entry fee is $100.

Sponsorships are available at $100 for general sponsors and $125 for hole sponsors. Scoreboard sponsorships also are available. For registration, sponsorship sign-up, raffle item donations or other information, email Susan Paggen at paggen.susan@gmail.com.

Oct. 26

Halloween Concert at The AMP

The Benjamin Russell High School and Alex City Middle School bands will present the annual fall concert from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The AMP on Lake Martin. This concert event is free and open to the public. Come out to support the local students and enjoy an evening of wonderful music at The AMP.

Oct. 30

Fall Family Festival

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Russell Lands will host the Fall Family Festival at Russell Crossroads. This annual celebration will include demonstrations by a working blacksmith and an operating gristmill. There also will be a pumpkin patch, wagon and pony rides, a petting zoo and more. Enjoy festival food items and enter the Canning and Baking contests with cash prizes. Entry fee for the festival is $25 per family (based on a family of four). For more information about the festival, call 256397-1019.

Oct. 30

Harvest Festival

Visit Strand Park and downtown Alexander City from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to a celebrate the season. There will be arts and crafts vendors, inflatables for the kids, games, face painting and more at this free event hosted by Main Street Alexander City. Dress the kids in costumes for trick or treating from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. downtown.

Oct. 30

Monster Mash Street Bash

Main Street Alexander City will host this annual costume contest and bar crawl from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in downtown Alexander City. Don your favorite costume and come out to play with your friends.

Nov. 6

St. James Pottery Sale

St. James Episcopal Church will hold a pottery sale from 9 a.m. to noon in the parish hall at 347 S. Central Ave. in Alexander City. This event is in lieu of the annual bazaar, and only pottery and perhaps a few crafts will be available.

Nov. 18

7 Bridges Band The Ultimate Eagles Experience

Since their first appearance in Alexander City a few years ago, the community has eagerly awaited the return of 7 Bridges Band to the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. This group delivers a stunningly accurate tribute to the music of The Eagles using no backing tracks or harmonizers. Visit alexcityarts.org for details and tickets.

Season-long Events Bingo Wednesdays

Come out to the alley next door to Castelluccio on Wednesday nights for bingo. Order dinner and wine from Castelluccio or your favorite downtown restaurant and have it delivered to your table. The event is limited to six people per table, and the number of tables is limited to 20, due to social distancing. Email Main Street Executive Director Stacey Jeffcoat at sjeffcoatmainstreetac@gmail.com to reserve your table.

Wellborn Musclecar Museum

Housed in a restored vintage auto dealership in downtown Alexander City, the Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open for public viewing Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This exemplary collection includes the famed K&K Dodge, the 1970 Grand National Champion, as well as Aero cars designed for NASCAR. You will see an example of each manufacturer’s highest horsepower cars of 1970, from Dodge, Plymouth, Chevrolet, Buick, Porsche and Oldsmobile. The inventory on display changes frequently, so every visit includes something new and exciting. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free. To arrange private tours or group tours, email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail. com or call 256-329-8474.

Lake Martin Living 41

LAKE REGION EVENTS Charity Bingo

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

Soup to Go

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

Episcopal Church Services at the Lake

St. James Episcopal Church will hold Holy Eucharist services at noon at Church in the Pines on Oct. 24. For more information, visit stjamesalexcity. com.

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 Our Town Volunteer Fire Department at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289. In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the first Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site.

For more information, contact Dianna Porter at 256-750-0075.

Lake Martin Creativity

Anyone interested in art, crafts and hobbies is encouraged to come to and participate in the weekly activities, including canvas painting, rock painting, mosaic or terra cotta pots. Share your interest and learn from others and make new friends. Bring your own water and share what you are currently working on. Monthly fee is $5 to help pay for the 42 Lake Martin Living

space. For more information, contact Suzie Ham at 334-464-2882 or Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

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

Children’s Library in Alexander City

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschoolaged 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 details.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Everyone is welcome.

Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom.

Visit RussellLands.com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on state Route 9 in Equality.

Visit the Equality Performing Arts Center Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming artists.

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.

Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake

Every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts trivia night at 7 p.m. Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards. First place gets $40; second place gets $25; and third place gets $15.

Grab a group of friends and come out for a night of games. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays.

Coffee & Connections

Every third Tuesday of the month, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking event at 8 a.m. open to any chamber member.

To include your upcoming event in the Lake magazine calendar, email details to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

SAUSAGE STUFFING wit h Cranberries and Apples

W

hen it comes to the holidays, there is nothing I like better than the sides. Yes, turkey and ham are great, but the sides make the meal. Sweet potato casserole, green beans, fried okra, sausage stuffing with cranberries and apples – you get the idea.

This stuffing is as classic as it gets with seasoned sausage, tart apples and dried cranberries, all baked together to make one delicious side dish for the holidays. It’s just good simple ingredients with mouthwatering results.

So what exactly is stuffing?

Stuffing is one of those dishes you can always count on showing up for any holiday meal.

It’s a mixture of bread, seasonings, fruit – in this case, cranberry and apples – and butter. It’s typically stuffed Gina Abernathy inside the turkey and cooked, but I’m not fond of anything stuffed inside my bird; so instead, I like to eat it as a side dish.

Homemade stuffing is simple to make and delicious to eat. It’s moist, rich and savory in every bite. This recipe is as close as it gets to grandma’s stuffing.

GOOD EATS

What kind of bread is the best for this stuffing?

You want to use bread that will hold up to the liquid in this recipe and not get soggy. I used a loaf of Italian bread for this recipe, but French Bread will also work nicely. Make sure the bread is dry and toasted before mixing with the other ingredients. The trick to an excellent classic stuffing is to make sure the bread is dry before adding the stock.

Ingredients

8 cups dry bread, loosely measured, cubed 1 pound ground sausage 1 medium onion, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 1 teaspoon salt and pepper 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary 2 large Granny Smith apples (Gala, Golden Delicious or Honey Crisp will also work) cored and diced; do not peel.

3/4 cups dried cranberries 2-1/4 cups turkey or chicken stock 1/2 cup melted butter 2 eggs, beaten

How to Prepare and Bake the Stuffing

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place cubed bread on a large baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes, or let it sit on the counter for several hours/overnight until dried out. Set aside.

In a large skillet, brown sausage until cooked thoroughly.

Remove sausage from the skillet, drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the skillet.

To the skillet, add onion and celery and cook over medium heat until onion becomes translucent. Add poultry seasoning, rosemary, salt and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 3 minutes.

In a large bowl, add bread cubes, cooked sausage, onion and celery mixture, apples, cranberries, stock, melted butter and eggs. Stir to ensure all ingredients are mixed.

Pour into a greased 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes in a 350-degree oven.

After 45 minutes, remove stuffing from the oven and uncover.

Return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes.

The stuffing should be lightly golden on top. ~Gina Abernathy is the author and recipe creator behind the blog Home at Cedar Springs Farm. For more delicious recipes, or to follow Gina, check out her blog at homeatcedarspringsfarm.com.

Lake Martin Living 43

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

280

20

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

4

County Roads

15

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

Flint Hill Church

22

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Pleasant Grove Church

28

11

9

Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church Friendship Church New Hope Church

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Smith Landing Willow Point

7

Seman

5 Camp Kiwanis

9

12 1 Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

80

2

21 6

Union Landing

24

Walnut Hill

y

22 27

Stillwaters

8 Ba

25 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

Church in The Pines

19

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

10 63 18 11

Equality

231

17

57

9 24

Dadev

280

29

Liberty Church

20

Jacksons Gap

26

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

16

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck

13 Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

44 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUNT

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

22

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 43. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 5 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 6 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

hoe Bend nal Park

7 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 8 Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

CHAMBERS COUNTY

Restaurants & Venues

ville

ON TY

9 Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's Froyo 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

8 SpringHouse 10 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

50

Camp Hill

11 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

23

12 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 13 Acapulco Mexican Grill 334-283-2725 2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078

280

Waverly

Business & Shopping 50

20 Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 21 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853 22 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 23 Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 21300 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853

Hotels & Lodges 24 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 25 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 26 Lake Pointe Baptist Church

8352 AL-50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293

Dock Builders 27 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 28 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation & Entertainment 29 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

14 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

14

15 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 16 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

17 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 18 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka

19 Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816

8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

14

Notasulga 85 81

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-414-3174. Space is limited.

Lake Martin Living 45

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

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

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

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Lake Martin Living 47

AD INDEX A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 6

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Tallassee Health & Rehab..................................................................... 5

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Lake Martin Living 49

Get in, we're going on a road trip

C

lark Griswold stamped into our minds what the great American road trip could be. What it is and what it becomes is unique to you and your fellow passengers. I have had some of the best days of my life riding in a car for too long with my favorite people. I used to have handwritten directions to Destin in the glove box of my first car, a Volkswagen Bug. Now we plug addresses into our phones. Getting lost and getting found is a thing of the past. I used to pull over at gas stations and ask for help.

I am currently sitting in the back of my Jeep, listening to Outlaw Country, typing this on my way to 30A for a girls’ trip. I haven’t been on an airplane in almost two years. The funny thing is I haven’t really cared about going anywhere too far because Florida has been just enough. John and I like sunshine, pulling our boat with us and finding a great dive bar for a beer and oysters. The older I get, the less makeup I want to wear in my off time. I like going places where shoes are optional. At the end of the day, a water view and a sunset suffice this old soul.

Orange Beach, Steinhatchee, Fort Lauderdale, Destin and the Keys are a few spots I have visited. St. Augustine was our halfway spot to the Keys last January, and what a cool old town. I highly recommend spending a night there if you haven’t. There was a great bar that kept Christmas decor up all year. It was the perfect kind of tacky.

Southern people, once they hit the highway, are quite particular. I think we could all summon up a list of oddities that live within the car because we just never know what we might need. I always have a toolbox and a mallet with me.

They are mostly for work, but also because I never know what kind of pickle I might get into out on the road.

I don’t remember how it started, but somewhere in our 20s, we got into a habit of stopping to buy one Lotto ticket and a tallboy once we crossed the Florida line.

In recent years, John and I have also made a habit of finding a great BBQ joint for lunch on the ride home. It makes heading home from the beach less of a bummer, and we have passed that tradition off to several people. What’s the point in getting in such a hurry to go home?

We hit South Florida a lot these days to see family, and a stop at Mark’s Melon Patch is a must. So for everyone

50 Lake Martin Living

headed south to Disney this year, it will be on your way and on the right.

The road trips of my youth to the Florida panhandle were usually in a minivan. My parents were in the front seat with a concrete block between them, covered by a white towel, with a small VHS TV balanced on top of it. The beach was about a three-movie drive.

Dad would always stop at a gas station to get a bottled Coke and peanuts. Then he would make a display of putting the peanuts in the Coke. He also would complain that Budweiser tasted different in the can if you bought it in Florida; and then, he would pack his own, along with a full-sized shovel to dig holes with on the beach and his own frying pan. As for my brother and me, we would play the car color game. We would pick a color, say white, for example, and count how many white cars we passed. The first one to 20, or Lacey Howell whatever number was specified, won.

My favorite pockets in Florida are the ones you stumble upon that are ‘Old Florida,’ the kind in grandparents’ polaroid pictures; the low-slung cinder block buildings that look like my own house – painted in bright pinks and turquoise, edged by palm trees. Those places still exist, and my favorite is Apalachicola.

It could be today or 1970 down there. No high rises exist.

I’m rambling on because getting in the car feels like taking a break, and I think everyone deserves a break sometimes.

We locals work our tails off all summer here at Lake Martin, and as we slip into fall, I say cheers to slowing down and heading south.

And when you pass a good-looking BBQ place, drop me a pin.

Culture Shock

~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Instagram @ LaceyHowell and on her Facebook page.

Lake Martin Living 51