Lake Martin Living October 2022

*Standard maximum of 10 acres; however parcels not exceeding 20 acres may be considered if typical for the area and supported by acceptable appraisal valuation. Lot loans are not intended for investment or speculation purposes. Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loans amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products

and services. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2019 U.S. Bank 257701c 10/19

From vacant lot to your future home, find help along the way.

You’ve found the perfect lot to build your next home. We’ll help you explore financing options that may fit your needs. Enjoy competitive rates, experienced support and step-by-step guidance that may make your dream of homeownership a reality.

Loan options for those approved:

Lot loans*

Purchase a lot to build now or in the near future and get financing with no prepayment penalties.

Construction loans

Get financing that includes your construction loan and your mortgage – all in one. That’s one closing and one set of fees. Plus, make interest only payments during the construction of your home. Choose from fixed- or adjustable-rate construction loan options.

Geoff Hall Mortgage Loan Officer

404.267.7775 office 404.662.6604 cell

geoff.hall@usbank.com

NMLS #: 544471

Fall in love with the drive.

Everyday Grandeur

A LUXURIOUS GOLF

LIVING ALONG GRAND

GOLF COURSE

Tucked away on the outskirts of Auburn University at the world-class Grand National Golf Course, the award winning National Village offers everything you’ll ever need for the way you want to live. The thoughtfully crafted master planned community features georgeous homes designed by national award winner Larry Garnett and built by Ab and Don Conner at Conner Bros. Construction Co., Inc., a local company with more than 100 years of experience. With the Marriott at Grand National on site, residents enjoy championship golf, miles of picturesque nature trails and lakes for fishing, spa and pool. National Village is truly an unbelievable place to live – inside or out. Plus, thanks to the high speed fiber optic network of Opelika (Alabama’s first Gig City), our homeowners enjoy some of the Nation’s fastest internet for any work- or learn-from-home requirements.

Ten years ago, when I had been the editor of TPI’s magazines for all of two months, my desk phone rang, and the caller asked me about the deadlines for the annual art and photography contest. I had no idea what she was talking about. But I was intrigued.

TPI had purchased the magazine five months earlier, and none of our staff knew about the art contest. We asked questions as more calls came in about it, and we made a few phone calls ourselves. It sounded fun, and since that first year, it has never disappointed us. At its core, the contest features every entering artist in the October issue of the magazine, with one of the winning works on the cover.

This year’s Lake Martin Living Art & Photography Contest on pages 22 through 30 features oils, pastels, acrylics and photography that gave us cause to admire, ponder, study, point, smile and sometimes even laugh out loud. That’s what art is for, so please peruse these pages at your leisure and share in the experience of art with us.

Art comes in many forms and expressions, and on page 34, we help you venture into the performing arts with an overview of Alex City Arts Council’s ambitious season. From a solo scientist’s convictions about physics to a series of concerts, dancing and musical theater, the ACA board has planned an entertaining season for you.

Then, jump into a bit of seasonal art yourself at Dadeville’s Pennington Park. The response is bigger and better every year as park owners, Kurt and Leigh Pfitzner, invite you to decorate a Christmas tree to express what the season means to you. Businesses, organizations, classes, families, friends and individuals are welcome to join the fun and the festivities. Read all about it in Breanna Manley’s article on page 20.

I think that few people would take exception to the idea that making coffee is an art form, especially when it’s done under chandeliers and among a display of vintage automobiles. Check out Erin Chesnutt’s “Go Local” piece on page 10 about Restoration 49 Coffee in Tallassee. Owners Haley and Dylan Daniels have created a place where a cup of coffee is an experience.

And that’s what we strive to do in the pages of Lake Martin Living magazine as well – to provide you with a unique experience in the life of our community. Let us know what you think at editor@lakemagazine.life.

Lake Martin Living

Chairman

Kenneth Boone

Publisher

Steve Baker

Editor-in-Chief Betsy Iler

Creative Services

Audra Spears

Business & Digital Publishing Director

Angela Mullins

Contributors

Kenneth Boone

Breanna Manley

Lacey Howell

Shane Harris

Lee Williams

Gina Abernathy

Cliff Williams

Kaitlin Fleming

William Marlow

Henry Zimmer

Abigail Murphy

Erin Chesnutt

Audience Development Director

Erin Burton

Marketing/Advertising Sales

Tippy Hunter

Renee Trice

Jennifer Welch

Marilyn Hawkins

Sheryl Jennings

Digital Services

Taminko Kelley

Lake Martin Living

P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011

Betsy Iler, Editor-in-Chief

Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copy righted 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.

Barbara Kazmierczak’s colorful oil of a Lake Martin sunset took first place in this year’s annual Lake Martin Living Art & Photography Contest. The contest was started by the magazine’s previous owners as a means of showcasing the talents of local artists. See more local art in this issue.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

Looking good in the neighborhood

For the second consecutive year, Alabama Power is endowing The Dadeville Beautification Board with a $1,000 grant − the maximum amount awarded.

Alabama Power community relations manager Steve Marlowe presented the grant to beautification board president Mickey Forbus at a Dadeville City Council meeting last month.

During the meeting, Marlowe applauded beautification board members for their dedication to area citizens.

“I want to commend the Dadeville Beautification Board, including Mickey Forbus and Jerry McGukin and the others on that board,” Marlowe said. “They went out, they applied for a grant for ‘Good Roots’, one of the several grant programs we have with the Alabama Power Foundation, and for the second consecutive year have been awarded $1,000.”

Alabama Power previously provided a grant to the board in 2021 for the planting of several trees throughout Dadeville. Now, with this money, the board plans to continue to build on that progress.

Forbus said the board is

checking utility placements at several locations to make sure tree roots and tops will not interfere with operations.

He expressed appreciation to Alabama Power as well as the Dadeville City Council helping secure the grant, noting that the funds will support the board’s upcoming beautification projects.

“We do appreciate the council for supporting us with this grant from Alabama Power. These grants allow us to do a few projects around town,” Forbus said. “We’ve got some more work days in the planning stage now that school is off so we’ll now start planting things up again and make it look a little bit better.”

In addition to Dadeville, Alabama Power also awarded Tallapoosa County Schools several grants in July.

~ William Marlow

Planting Trees

The grant from Alabama Power's Growing Roots program will fund tree planting in Dadeville. Locations and varieties of trees are now being considered.

Local legislators support future leaders

State senators Tom Whatley and Ed Oliver last month helped local high school students hone their leadership skills by presenting countywide grant funds to high school FFA programs. The grants will be used to take students to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis Oct. 26 through 29.

Whatley was an Alabama State FFA officer and made lifelong friends in the organization.

“I met a guy when I was a state officer,” Whatley said. “We served in the senate together. We used a lot of the skills we learned in FFA to work together as a team. You can accomplish a lot more as a team, more than as an individual.”

Whatley and Oliver visited FFA chapters at Benjamin Russell, Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown high schools.

Whatley told students he also will be at the convention.

“I hope y’all get to enjoy it,” Whatley said. “It meant a lot for me to get to go. I’m looking forward to seeing you there. You will have a great time.”

Not only did Oliver and Whatley provide grants to FFA but also they left checks for other school programs, including football. And they presented a $5,000 grant for a new ag center that is in the planning stages with the Tallapoosa County Commission and the Tallapoosa County Extension Service.

Tallapoosa County Schools superintendent Raymond Porter thanked Oliver and Whatley for their efforts in supporting education.

Developing Future Leaders

State senators Ed Oliver and Tom Whatley visited with FFA members at local high schools and presented them with grants.

FFA is a national nonprofit organization focused on training future leaders.

~ Cliff Williams

Restoration 49Coffee & Customs

Restoration 49 Coffee House in Tallassee has all the charm of a smalltown business, but it’s the quirkiness of the vintage cars that draws patrons in to take a closer look. An old VW Bug adds to the coziness of the front patio at the entrance to the shop. Once inside, the inviting atmosphere with chandeliers, exposed brick, warm wood tables and chairs make this a perfect spot to become a regular visitor.

Haley and Dylan Daniels opened the coffee shop in late January of 2021. The past year and a half of hard work is paying off for the young couple. The idea came to them after they moved back to Tallassee, Haley’s home town, after living in Opelika.

“We had a favorite coffee shop in downtown Opelika where we would meet almost every day,” explained Dylan Daniels. “We really missed it, so we decided that we should open a shop here.”

Dylan’s love for restoring vintage cars was included in the plan. His grandfather’s 1949 Ford sits in the front window.

“My granddad’s Ford was the first car I ever restored. When we found out the building was also built in 1949, it seemed like a perfect place for us, and that’s why we included 49 in the name,” Daniels said.

The building had been sitting empty for years before they bought it. Restoration was necessary to get up and running. Daniel’s talent is on display in the handmade coffee bar and tables. He hopes to use his workshop in the back to continue his passion for car restoration in the future. The couple has rented the upstairs space to a fitness center, and they enjoy serving coffee and smoothies to the post-workout crowd.

A friend and local artist added to the unique atmosphere with iron sculptures placed around

STORY BY ERIN CHESNUTT PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

the shop. Wild Fire Bakery, just around the corner, delivers homemade pastry for patrons to enjoy with their coffee, tea and smoothies. The spot is becoming a regular stop for visitors to the area as well.

“We see a lot of the same people stopping in on their way to the lake in the summer, and now we are getting to know some of the Auburn football fans. It’s becoming a regular stop as they travel to Auburn for the Saturday games,” Daniels said.

The success of the shop is offering new opportunities. A building owner in Wetumpka who wanted to see a quality coffee shop open in the downtown shopping district approached the Daniels with the prospect. The couple agreed to expand their business. They plan to open a smaller shop in Wetumpka before the end of the year. This location will be called Restoration Coffee House. Daniels is busy constructing the coffee bar for the new location

High Test All the Way

Clockwise from Left: Daniels' 1949 Ford is a perfect fit for the 1949 building; Vintage charm meets modern service behind the counter; A vintage VW Bug greets customers.

in his workshop, so it will have that same vintage charm as the original Tallassee location.

The couple enjoys being an active part in the community. They are planning seasonal entertainment on Saturdays and plan to have Christmas carolers to add to the holiday spirit this winter. In addition to the new shop in Wetumpka and coming up with creative ideas to delight their customers, the Daniels are excited to welcome their first baby, a little boy named Samson, to the family in February.

Restoration 49 is open every day except Sunday. Daniels opens the shop at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and Haley works until 5:30 p.m. The shop is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Stop in for a warm welcome and a great cup of coffee.

Cheesy Rotel Grits

This is an all-in-one casserole. I like to serve this dish with biscuits and a side of fruit for breakfast. Then, a slice of garlic bread and a side salad for dinner.

Grits casserole is undoubtedly a Southern favorite, and if you’ve never tried grits, this casserole could make you a fan. I enjoy grits the old-fashioned way, but this version is over-the-top delicious. This dish will feed a crowd, making it perfect for a holiday brunch or overnight guests.

GOOD EATS

Cheesy Rotel Grits is delicious, cheesy and a little spicy. This dish has all the flavors from our favorite dip baked into a casserole, the perfect dish to serve at breakfast or as a main dish for dinner.

Cheese grits are about as Southern as it gets. This is the ultimate comfort food. This flavorful dish starts with the basics and is transformed into a casserole your family will request often.

My family fell in love with Rotel and grits many years ago during the holiday season. We took leftover Rotel dip from a party and topped our breakfast grits on a whim. Amazing!

Gina Abernathy

I decided to take this further and turn our favorite dish into a casserole. With just a few ingredients and a little prep, you, too, can have this tasty casserole in your oven and on your table in no time.

Some things to keep in mind as you make this dish:

n Whisk, whisk and whisk some more while cooking the grits. This prevents you from having baseball-sized clumps.

n If you don’t have a whisk, get one. This is an essential tool you’ll need when cooking grits.  n Be sure to use Quick 5-Minute Grits, not instant.

n Use any brand of sausage; regular or spicy. n Velvetta cheese melts the best. Dice into chunks to melt faster.

n After adding the sausage, tomatoes, butter, cheeses and heavy cream, allow your grits to cool for at least 5 minutes before adding the eggs.

~ Gina Abernathy is the author and recipe creator behind the blog, Home at Cedar Springs Farm.

Ingredients

2 pounds sausage

5 cups water

1 1/2 cups Quick 5-Minute Grits

1 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

salt to taste, optional

1/2 cup butter

1 8-ounce package cream cheese

2 10-ounce cans Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained

12-ounce Velveeta cheese, diced

4 eggs, beaten

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.

In a skillet, cook sausage until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and set it aside.

While the sausage is cooking, make the grits. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan; then, add 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring back to a boil and slowly whisk in grits and seasonings. Whisk well for about a minute. Reduce heat to low; cook covered for 5 to 7 minutes, whisking every few minutes. Cook until thickened. Whisk well to break up any lumps. Remove from heat.

Add butter, cream cheese, Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes, sausage and 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the grits. Stir until mostly melted and mixed. Slowly stir in eggs until blended.

Transfer to the prepared casserole dish. Bake, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes.

Here to Help Ready to Serve

In the early 1980s, a popular movie theme song lyric proclaimed, “If there’s somethin’ strange, in your neighborhood, who ya gonna call?”

Everyone who saw the famous movie would then shout “Ghostbusters!” “If it’s somethin’ weird, and it don’t look good. Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!”

GARDEN TALK

still who you can call for help.

Never heard of us? Your county Extension office and staff of professional agents and educators have been around for over 100 years. In 1914, a federal law called the Smith-Lever Act established the national Cooperative Extension System at land-grant institutions.

In the real world, if you have something strange out in your lawn or something weird on your tomatoes, and it don’t look good, who ya gonna call? How about your local county Extension office? If you need advice on canning beans; an evaluation of a dying tree; or control tips for weeds in the hayfield or fishpond, contact your county Extension office. If you’re looking to start a cattle farm or family business; wonder how to manage a piece of property; or need guidelines for healthy eating and nutritious meals, start by calling the Extension office.

Shane Harris

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is the outreach organization for the land-grant mission of Auburn University and Alabama A&M University. Extension educational programs grow from these two land-grant university campuses to serve the people of Alabama and are funded by county, state and federal budgets. We deliver science-based educational programs that enable people to improve their quality of life and economic well-being.

Way before there were internet websites and search engines, social media voices and thousands of online how-to videos, your local county Extension office was the top resource for accurate and trustworthy information. If you wanted to know when to plant your garden, get a soil test or how to prune your fruit trees, you called the county agent. Got a problem or need information? Extension is

Improving Lives

Facing Page: Alex Tigue, Dawn Smith, Dani Reams, Shane Harris, Chip East, Trent Carboni, Jessie Rowan, Drew Metzler, Andrew Sparks and Tonya Phillips share their knowledge through Alabama Extension; Below: Phillips and Smith distribute baby chicks for the 4-H poultry project.

Services

Unfortunately, our office has sometimes been called “the best kept secret.” Many people do not know about Extension today or have never used our services. You will find an Extension office in all 67 Alabama counties, all with a County Extension coordinator supported by regional Extension agents across the state and specialists at both partner universities.

Well, surely you have heard of 4-H. Most people recognize the 4-H clover or were once members of 4-H clubs during childhood. 4-H is a major program that is conducted through the local Extension offices all across the nation. Many people are surprised by that or did not know the connection between the two. But Extension is much broader than just 4-H. Alabama Cooperative Extension provides research-based educational programs

for youth and adults in five primary areas: n Agriculture – animal sciences and forages, home horticulture, commercial horticulture, food safety and quality, farm and agribusiness management and agronomic crops.

n

4-H Youth Development – 4-H clubs, youth programs, projects and camps. n Forestry, Wildlife and Natural Resources – pond management and more. n Human Sciences Extension – human nutrition, diet and health; financial management and SNAP-Education. n Community and Resource Development – workforce development, leadership, tourism and economic development.

In these areas, Extension agents serve as educators, liaisons of Auburn University and Alabama A&M University to bring research-based information to the people. We have on hand or access to publications on almost any topic you can imagine. Unlike, what you might find in numerous places on the internet today, our information is science-based and does not endorse a particular service or product.

For example, despite what you might have heard, adult fire ants do not eat solid foods, so scattering grits on a fire ant mound will not kill them. Regardless of the issue, Extension agents can tell you what works, what doesn’t and, in many cases, what is affordable.

Extension agents are educators, teachers, problem solvers and community project resources. We regularly offer educational classes and workshops with the goal of educating you, so you will be informed to make wise decisions. Farm and home demonstrations were traditionally done and are still done today to share information to local residents. Our face-to-face learning opportunities include community meetings, classroom demonstrations, field days, farm or home visits and 4-H clubs and camps. Examples include pruning workshops, forestry landowner tours, the master gardener course, canning classes and farm field days. A majority of our programs are offered at no cost to the client.

We often write newspaper and magazine articles, do local TV and radio segments and make speaking engagements to share information with the public. Technology today allows us to share information at aces.edu and communicate by email, text, on Facebook, via YouTube and mobile apps. We even host continuing education opportunities through online courses, interactive video conferences and online webinars.

Growing Better

Top: Caroll was honored for her contributions to the statewide Master Gardener program; Middle: Inventor of the Encore Azalea, Robert E. (Buddy) Lee talks plants with Harris; Left: East demonstrates summer propagating for muscadines.

The Tallapoosa County Extension office has many local and area resources to help and serve you. Our professional team consists of: n Shane Harris is the Tallapoosa County Extension coordinator. His area of expertise is home

Popular Extension programs, workshops, classes and projects

Master Gardener course

summer camp

Backyard tomato workshops

Canning classes

ant management workshop

Grown” workshops

beekeeper course

with herbs workshop

basics

pruning demonstrations

water festival

Banks canoe trail

RiverKids Kayak Kamp

Seed starting workshop

and burn workshop

Master naturalist course

Pond management workshop

horticulture; 4-H youth and development; forestry, wildlife and natural resources; as well as community and economic development.

n Trent Carboni serves as the regional Extension agent and team leader for Tallapoosa County 4-H. n Drew Metzler is our regional Extension agent for forestry, wildlife and natural resources.

n Tonya Phillips, our administrative support associate, serves as the Extension office manager and receptionist. n Dawn Smith is an agent assistant for 4-H programs. n Dr. Chip East serves as our regional Extension agent for commercial horticulture.

n Dani Reams is our regional Extension agent for food safety and quality.

n Alex Tigue is the regional Extension agent for animal sciences and forages. n Dani Carroll is our regional Extension agent for home grounds; gardens and pests. n Andrew Sparks serves as the regional Extension agent for agronomic crops.

n Jessie Rowan is a regional Extension agent for farm and agribusiness management.

Our portfolio of educational programs is too extensive to list them all because we are always offering something new based on county needs and interests. See the sideline box above for some of our popular Extension programs, workshops, classes and projects.

The Tallapoosa County Extension office is located

Forest and Friends

Top: Metzler discusses forest management with landowners; Above: Carboni showcases the creativity of 4-H Art Camp kids.

within the Tallapoosa County Courthouse in Dadeville. You are welcome to drop by and say hello, pick up a soil test kit, take a publication or seek assistance with a problem. Be sure to follow us on Facebook – search for “Tallapoosa County Extension office” – to keep in touch for the latest seasonal information, news and updates, event photos and educational workshop offerings. Our aces.edu is your source for all information on timely articles, calendar of events, staff directory and large library of publications and resources. For assistance on how we can help, please call us at 256-825-1050. We are your local county Extension office; we are ready to serve and always here to help you. So who ya gonna call when you have a problem or question? Call us, your local Extension office.

Shane Harris is the Tallapoosa County Extension coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension.

Christmas in Pennington Park

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

All is joyous and bright with Dadeville’s return of the annual Christmas in Pennington Park this year. Following the extravagance of last year’s multitude of beautiful displays, totaling 65, the organizers of the event hope to bring even more displays to the park for residents to enjoy.

“We had 2,500 lights last year, and we’re hoping to have 4,500 this year. It has just grown and grown and grown,” said Kurt Pfitzner, owner of Pennington Park.

Every year, Pennington Park allows families, businesses and churches to build Christmas-themed displays to help get residents and the surrounding communities in the spirit of the holiday season. All displays are welcome, as long as they reflect a business, honor a loved one or a family member or show some holiday cheer.

“The creativity is absolutely incredible,” said Pfitzner.

Each separate entry into the Pennington Park display must fit in a 10-foot by 10-foot space, and all lighting throughout each display must be LED. Anyone planning to set up a display using motorized components must have the plan for the display evaluated and approved ahead of time. Also, keep in mind that weather is a factor when it comes to the displays. Include wet-rated electrical cords to ensure safety.

Though participants supply most of the supplies for the different displays, Pennington Park will provide the space, a sponsorship sign, electricity and supervision of the displays throughout the

season beginning Dec. 1 and lasting until Jan. 6.

Along with the beautiful displays, organizers will include a North Pole mailbox in the park to allow children and even adults the chance to get their wish lists to Santa. Those who write to him and send their letters off in the mailbox should expect a letter from the big man himself, along with a hoof mark signature from his faithful sidekick, Rudolph. Santa even plans to make the occasional visit to the park in a full-sized Santa sleigh.

To ensure safety and provide access to all who wish to visit the park during the season, a handicapped accessible path will be visible around the displays.

Participants may begin display installation on Nov. 1 and may take until Nov. 25 to set up completely, if needed. The lighting ceremony of the displays will take place on Nov. 27 if weather permits.

“There was an audible gasp when we turned the lights on last year,” said Pfitzner.

If you aren’t interested in participating in a display this year, there are plenty of other ways to get involved with the event. Event organizers are always looking for helper elves for the season. To get involved, send a private message to the Pennington Park’s Facebook account, call Pfitzner at 334-233-9852 or email him at kppfitzner@gmail.com.

Lake Martin Living ContestArt & Photography

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Lake Martin Living magazine Art & Photography Contest. The winning artwork by Barbara Kazmierczak is featured on the cover of this month’s issue, and in the following pages, you’ll find a representative piece from each of our entering artists.

Kazmierczak’s reflection of the setting sun on a Lake Martin shoreline drew our judges in and held their attention. Judges noted the heavy paint,

which adds texture and dimension to the work. The contrast of light and dark colors and her use of purple set the work apart as well.

The first place photography entry, Parker Ewing’s “Lake Bound – Last Turn,” was a great surprise to the photographer, who did not know his mother had entered the piece on his behalf.

“We were driving down the road, and when he saw that old truck, he said, ‘Stop the car. I want to get a picture of that,’” said Linda Ewing.

The photo calls viewers to nostalgia, and Ewing’s treatment of the subject conveys an impulse to sit a spell, slow down and appreciate a time that was.

Second place in art went to Abigail Garner’s “Doggy Dew,” a humorous rendition of a golden retriever in the driver’s seat of a personal watercraft. Popular Lake Martin landmarks and activities are depicted in the background, and it all adds up to a fun day of making memories that tell great stories at the lake.

John Denney entered “Gobbler and Clover” in this year’s contest, taking third place in art. Denney’s keen attention to detail and his talent for producing wildlife art make this piece shine.

Second place in photography went to Carol Riddle, who aptly named her piece “Dinnertime.” She caught a flock of hummingbirds in silhouette around the feeders, making artistic use of the sun setting over the lake.

And the judges felt a particular fondness for Teresa Moulton’s “Midnight on Lake Martin,” a deep blue sky reflected behind the moon on the lake.

The choices were not easy, as the results were tied to the very last vote. Also noted were Darla Sasser’s “Going Deep” and “Big Bite.” The perspective on her swimmer painting was unique, and the tiny fish nibbling on the backside of a floater’s yellow polka-dot bikini just made us smile.

In addition, Carol Riddle’s “Cabin in the Woods” called the judges back to a fading memory at Lake Martin, that of the old fishing cabin nestled among the trees.

And that’s the point of art – to take the viewer on a journey of mindset, emotion or beauty; to commemorate a time or place; to communicate at a level beyond the spoken word.

Thank you to all the artists who shared their works – their talents, their imaginations and their love for the Lake Martin area – in this year’s contest, just for fun.

Clockwise from Facing Page:

First Place Art is Sunset Painting by Barbara Kazmierczak; First Place Photo is Lake Bound Last Turn by Parker Ewing; Second Place Art is Doggy Dew by Abigail Garner; Second Place Photo is Dinnertime by Carol Riddle

Clockwise from Top Left: Third Place Gobbler and Clover by John L. Denny III; Third Place Photo Midnight on Lake Martin by Teresa Moulton; Driftwood on pedestal by Joni Campbell; Honorable Mention Irwin Shoals Party by Mary Timberlake

Clockwise from Top Left: Honorable Mention Cabin in the Woods by Carol Riddle; Green Fish by Linda C. Pierce; Splash by Kay Fincher; Bird on a Branch by Pam Patterson; White heron by Barbara Kazmierczak

Clockwise from Left:

The Rock by Sandy Bishop; Painting of white trees by Linda C. Pierce; Solitary Sailboat by Martha Grace Patterson; Beauty in the Broken by Pam Patterson; Beach Babe by Pam Patterson; Honorable Mention of Largemouth Bass by Larry Amerson

Clockwise from Top Left: Gotcha by Kay Fincher; Portrait sketch by Teresa Moulton; Ah! Snake! by Gabby Garner; The Flower Garden watercolor by Mary Timberlake; Busy Bee by Josh Patterson

Clockwise from Top Left: Honorable Mention Brown Bird by Linda C. Pierce; Toast'ma Goats by Darla Sasser; Honorable Mention Big Bite by Darla Sasser; Striped Bass by Larry Amerson; Tree with Hay Bales by Sandy Bishop

Clockwise from Top Left: Pier on a Gray Day by Martha Grace Patterson; Honorable Mention Children's Harbor by Sandy Bishop; Stream by Alice Drew; Pontoon Boat by Cathy Delionback

Clockwise from Top Left: Honorable Mention Going Deep by Darla Sasser; Morning Glory by Pam Patterson; Blue Bird on a Perch by Linda C. Pierce; Picasso Bass by Alice Drew; Honorable Mention Storm on the Horizon by Martha Grace Patterson

Words of Wisdom

MONEY MATTERS

Intimes of stress I like to read letters and wisdom of great managers. This typically brings a calming effect and helps to keep a level head at a time when level heads do not prevail.

Currently, we have seen the S&P fall by 25 percent YTD along with the Nasdaq down over 30 percent.

uncertain. We always have overhanging issues all over the world that could impact businesses in unknown ways. So much of investing is temperament and psychological.

Lee Williams

Investment grade bonds are down double digits YTD, followed by gold, which is down close to double digits. There has really been nowhere to hide other than cash. In investing, just like anything else, perspective matters. As I’ve written before, markets are typically

In this month’s article, I would like to impart some of my favorite wisdom from managers who are mentors to me, some of whom I know and some I don’t. I hope this helps to bring some peace to your life from a financial sense, as it does mine in this turbulent time.

“It never was my thinking that made the big money for me. It always was my sitting. Got that? My sitting tight! It is no trick at all to be right on the market. You always find lots of early bulls in bull markets and early bears in bear markets. I’ve known many men who were right at exactly the right time and began buying or selling stocks when prices were at the very level which should show the greatest profit. And their experience invariably matched mine – that is, they made no real money out of it. Men who can both be right and sit tight are uncommon.”

~ great 1920s trader Jesse Livermore

“What’s important in investing is whether one’s underlying assets gain in value meaningfully over time, not how stock prices gyrate during any given calendar year.”

~ Greg Alexander

“Far more money has been lost by investors trying to anticipate corrections than has been lost in the corrections themselves.”

~ Peter Lynch

“Sometimes, stocks get very volatile, but the important thing is where they’re going to be. I am confident they’ll be considerably higher in 10 years. Stock prices will always be more volatile than cash, but over the long term (cash and bonds) are far riskier than a widelydiversified stock portfolio. I believe stocks will prove to be the runaway winner over any extended period of time. More important: They will be, by far, the safest.”

~ Warren Buffett

“Every day brings something different to worrry about – inflation, recession, depression, natural disaster, war, market crash and that bus when you cross the street. In the last 100 years, the market has seen it all and recovered. You can wait for the sky to fall, or you can invest knowing it will happen; you’ll get through it, and the market will too.”

~ Peter Lynch

On Oct. 16, 2008, the New York Times ran an oped by Warren Buffett: “Buy American. I am.”

In this article he wrote, “The financial world is a mess, both in the United States and abroad. Its problems, moreover, have been leaking into the general economy, and the leaks are now turning into a gusher. In the near term, unemployment will rise, business activity will falter and headlines will continue to be scary. So ... I’ve been buying American stocks.”

In this op-ed Buffett continued, “What is likely, however, is that the market will move higher, perhaps substantially so, well before either sentiment or the economy turns up. So if you wait for the robins, spring will be over.”

“It is those who focus exclusively on short-term market quotes who put their financial future in the hands of others. We must never forget that while in the long term, the stock market adequately reflects the intrinsic value of companies, the stock market only reflects the opinion of what others think a company is worth in the short term.”

~ Francois Rochon

“Don’t allow emotions to rule your decisions. Fear and greed lead investors to make their worst mistakes. In early 2009, investors gripped by fear were selling stocks after a 50 percent decline. A rational, unemotional investor would have recognized selling stocks then was a poor strategy and at some point stocks would rise when the panicked selling stopped, leading to significant gains. Our natural instinct to flee in the face of danger is not a useful instinct in the world of investing.”

~ Greg Alexander

“Judge results over many years. Whether you invest in index funds or use active managers, don’t judge the soundness of your investment plan on the results for one or two years. Even the best money managers and funds suffer periods when they don’t do well; yet, their long-term results are excellent.”

~ Greg Alexander

~ Lee Williams offers products and services using the following business names: Lee Williams – insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member FINRA/SIPC – securities and investments | The Ascent Group, LLC – investment advisory services. AIC is not affiliated with Lee Williams or The Ascent Group, LLC.

A Sensational Season

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

Alex City Arts Council has put together a hefty schedule of performances for the 2022-2023 season – totaling seven – that you don’t want to miss. The first event begins in late October, and the season lasts until mid-April.

“We were able to get a larger grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and we’ve been able to get some sponsorships, more than we’ve had in the past,” explained Mary Wood Perry, president of the ACA. “More resources and more availability of acts that are looking for places to perform; plus, we just planned a more aggressive schedule hoping that people were eager to get out.”

To kick off the season, the arts council is bringing residents an award-winning solo show titled Einstein! which delves into a true story about young Albert Einstein and his mission to prove general relativity against all odds. The show is written, researched and performed by Jack Fry and directed by Hollywood’s Tom Blomquist. The critically acclaimed show, which has caught the eyes of many all across the U.S., will take place on Oct. 20. Tickets are $20 each at the door, and the venue will be the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium.

Less than a month later, a can’t-miss Women Icons of Country show will come to the stage and bring classics from Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette − women who were incredible additions and trailblazers when it came to introducing women into the country music world. Listen out for some of the biggest hits from the ladies, like Crazy by Cline; You Ain’t Woman Enough by Lynn; and Stand By Your Man by Wynette. This must-see musical performance is happening Nov. 17 and will be hosted at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $20 at the door.

If you want to get in the Christmas spirit, there’s no better way than attending The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, set to debut on Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. in the Central Alabama Community College Betty Carol Graham Technology Center with free admission. This performance is produced by Alexander City Theatre II. Come enjoy the story of six misfit children who volunteer to star in their town’s Sunday school Christmas pageant. Along the way, the kids teach the townspeople what Christmas is really about.

After a brief intermission, the season will return on Valentine’s Day in February with The Glenn

Miller Orchestra, one of the most sought-after big bands in the world. The unique jazz sound will resonate throughout the night, providing ample opportunity for dancing. The venue is the Willow Point Country Club ballroom, and reservations will be required for this patrons event. The Valentine’s Day event will be at 7 p.m. Dinner is provided to patrons at an additional cost.

The following month, Celtic Angels Ireland will take place by sharing traditions straight from Ireland through music. Come out to enjoy the songs of Ireland, precise dancing and traditional musicianship. With raving reviews of the Celtic Angels, you don’t want to miss the liveliness of their performance. This event will take place March 21. Catch the performance at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium at 7 p.m.; tickets are $20 at the door.

10 instrumentalists and led by Dr. Dale Farmer, the group has been performing for more than 40 years and has traveled across the country and internationally for performances. Spend the afternoon enjoying traditional and contemporary music coupled with dance scattered throughout the performance. There is no admission cost for this event.

To close out the season, the Assisted Living Musical will be held on April 18 at 7 p.m. in the Central Alabama Community College Betty Carol Graham Technology Center. Laughing will come naturally throughout the night as attendees watch the unfolding of the story about a couple entering heaven, suspecting their son pulled the plug to get his hands on his dad’s vintage Corvette. The couple will take audience members on an uproarious journey, celebrating the latter years of their lives. You don’t want to miss the last event of the season; it seems it’s going to be one to remember. Tickets are $20 each at the door.

Now Presenting ...

Facing Page, from Left: Jack Fry will open this year's ACA season with a solo show about Albert Einstein; Local children will star in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever; the Glenn Miller Orchestra will make a special Valentine's Day appearance.

The Alexander City Arts Council has two more events planned for April. The first, Auburn University Singers will take to the stage on April 2 at the Central Alabama Community College Betty Carol Graham Technology Center at 2 p.m. Featuring approximately 36 vocalists and

According to Perry, season tickets for patron memberships are: $180 for an Angel; $120 for a Benefactor; and $90 for a Friend.

“From the returns that we’ve got from our patronage, it looks like people are ready to get out and do something. It’s excellent,” Perry said.

FEATURED EVENT Calendar

Join a cleanup effort near you this fall

As temperatures cool in time for the annual

Renew Our Rivers cleanup Nov. 4 and 5, local efforts are resurging to keep downtown areas and neighborhood streets clean, too.

“It’s one of the first things people look at when they come to the area to open a business or make this area their new home − how well the city is kept up. If things look nice and clean and maintained, it’s a positive,” said Mickey Forbus with the Dadeville Beautification Board. “I know it’s difficult to keep up, and that it’s a constant battle, but it’s important that we make a good impression.”

Regular monthly cleanups are held in Dadeville and Alexander City. Volunteers are encouraged to pick up trash bags and sanitized pickers and to use designated trash drop-off sites when participating in the organized cleanup efforts.

Volunteers meet at Our Town Volunteer Fire Department on the third Saturday of the month to pick up supplies and area assignments. Call John Thompson at 334-399-3289 for information about the Alexander City cleanups. In Dadeville the monthly cleanup is held on the second Saturday of the month, and volunteers could pick up supplies at Dadeville City Hall. Contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.

The lake area’s largest organized cleanup − Renew Our Rivers − is sponsored by Alabama Power and a host of Alexander City and Dadeville area businesses. John Thompson, president of Lake Martin Resource Association, coordinates this cleanup effort, which draws as many as 400 volunteers every year.

“Renew Our Rivers certainly has expanded into all the areas around the lake, especially where neighborhoods are concerned. Visitors see the difference. Litter-free roadways make a visual

impact,” Thompson said.

Now in its 17th year in Tallapoosa County, ROR is attracting more young participants, Thompson said. Scout groups, classes and even the Junior Leadership Lake Martin participants have already made plans to take part in this year’s effort. Alexander City’s Parks and Rec Department will send 12 employee volunteers to help as well.

Clean Up and Win Cool Stuff

To enter the prize bag drawing, submit a photo during the cleanup.

Picker tools and trash bags will be available for free to volunteers during the event, and T-shirts will be given to volunteers that drop collected trash at designated dumpster sites between 8 a.m. and noon on both days of the cleanup. Dumpsters will be located at the Kowaliga public boat ramp, Wind Creek State Park Marina, the Union public boat ramp, Real Island Marina, Siggars Crossroads and county Road 34. Volunteers will be stationed at the dumpster sites to help with unloading boats or vehicles during the cleanup hours. If transporting the bagged trash proves difficult, arrangements can be made to have it picked up, Thompson said.

Visit LMRA.info or contact Thompson for more information. ROR cleanup volunteers can enter the Lake magazine Golden Picker prize bag drawing by sending photos of themselves taken during the clean up to editor@lakemagazine.life. The Golden Picker prize bag includes gift cards, hats, T-shirts, beverage cups, lake decor and other items donated by local businesses. Last year’s bag was valued at more than $800. Photos will be featured in Lake magazine’s Renew Our Rivers Volunteer Honor Roll in December.

Oct. 14-15 & 21-22

Taking the Old Man Home Tour

Dadeville Performing Arts Center will produce a readers theater original Southern comedy at 7 p.m. Written by Alexander City’s Patti Smith, the play tells the story of an older woman and her three grown children who rent a motorhome to spread the ashes of her deceased husband at Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon and at their old home place, as he requested in his will, with hilarious results.

Oct. 15 Fall Festival

Dadeville’s annual Fall Festival is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the downtown courthouse square. Bring the kids to the fun zone. Shop with the arts and crafts vendors and enjoy delicious food from the food vendors. There will be live music, and Auburn University will be there with a raptor show. Don’t miss the 50/50 raffle. Contact the Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce at 256-825-4019 for more information.

Oct. 15 Fall Festival Open House

Stop in to get acquainted at Dadeville Performing Arts Center during the Dadeville Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See what the center has to offer and meet the director, Kim Walls, to find out about arts opportunities in the community.

Oct. 15

10th Annual Fall Boogie

Standard Deluxe in Waverly will host American Aquarium, Mike and the Moonpies, Vandoliers, Sarah Lee Langford and Will Stewart for this year’s festival of music, art, food and Southern culture. Gates open at 12 p.m., and the show begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $50. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free. Order tickets at standdarddeluxe.com and choose “Will Call” under shipping. Bring chairs and blankets. All tickets are general admission. No outside alcohol is allowed. No dogs.

LAKE REGION EVENTS

Oct. 20 United Way Fashion Show & Silent Auction

Mark your calendar for this annual runway event at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Alexander City. General admission tickets are $30. Reserve a VIP table for $500. Contact Lake Martin Area United Way at 256-329-3600 for details.

Oct. 20 EINSTEIN!

Alexander City Arts will kick off its 2022-2023 season at the Central Alabama Community College Betty Carol Graham Center with a celebration of 100 years of general relativity, an award winning and critically acclaimed solo show about Albert Einstein. Researched, written and performed by Jack Fry of Los Angeles, California, and directed by Hollywood’s Tom Blomquist, this play tells the story of a younger, pre-crazyhaired Einstein trying to prove general relativity against all odds.

Oct. 21

2nd Annual Ferst Readers Golf Tournament

Stillwaters Golf will host this event that provides free books to children in Tallapoosa County. Entry fee is $500 and includes boxed lunch, winner packages and on course prizes. Play begins at 10 a.m. For details, email paggen.susan@gmail.com.

Oct. 22

Holiday Arts and Crafts Market

Everything’s Art will feature local arts and crafts, seasonal baked goods and food trucks at this holiday market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Email everythingsartguild14@gmail.com for vendor applications. Find additional information on the Everything’s Art and Pennington Park Facebook pages.

Oct. 25-27

Florals in Oils

Join Jeanette Herron’s threeday studio workshop at Tallapoosa School of Art and learn to paint using divergent relationships. Use vibrant colors next to muted grays and floral arrangements that come together harmoniously

using planned compositions. Visit tallapoosaworkshops.com for details and booking information.

Oct. 27

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry Celebration

Visit new Water Farms at 460 Civitan Rd. Dadeville, at 6 p.m. for desserts, fellowship, praise and worship. Bring canned goods for admission. For more information, call 256-307-0696.

Oct. 27 & 28 Turpentine Tales

Take a guided walk through Russell Forest from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to get to know the forest animals. Meet at Russell Crossroads for this free event that is designed to entertain children and adults alike. Two narrators will begin the tour with a history of the Benson family, founders of the Dixie Industrial Company and what once was the Southeast’s largest turpentine distillery. Then, attendees will walk through the ruins of the old distillery and will be met by characters in animal costumes. They will talk about their lives in the forest. This year’s event introduces two new animals. At the end of the trail, enjoy s’mores around a cozy fire. Visit russelllands.com or email kkison@russelllands.com for more information.

Oct. 29

Main Street Harvest Festival

Visit downtown Alexander City from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day filled with fun activities for all ages. Join the Harvest Market at Strand Park for the final day of the Great Pumpkin Patch. There will be inflatables and face painting for the kids, as well as early Trick or Treating from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Take a living history tour through the Main Street of yesteryear with Alexander City community theater actors and tour guides. And shop with local merchants, farmers, bakers, artisans and more.

Oct. 29

Fall Family Festival

Visit Russell Crossroads from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a day of extraordinary fun. Visit a working blacksmith shop and grist mill; choose

LAKE REGION EVENTS

a big orange pumpkin to take home. There will be games with prizes, wagon and pony rides, a petting zoo and a presentation by Naturalist Marianne. Win cash prizes in the canning and baking contests. For more information, click the events tab at russelllands.com.

Oct. 29

Creepy Critters

Visit Russell Lands Naturalist Marianne at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a presentation about the creepy critters in the forest, a live owl and other animals among them. Bring your camera. This is a free event.

Oct. 30

Trunk or Treat

Bring the kids out to the parking lot at Harbor Pointe Marina at 5 p.m. for Halloween treats and decorated golf carts and cars. Then visit Bluff’s on the dock for more treats. To sign up to decorate your car or golf cart, email bluffslakemartin@gmail.com.

Oct. 31 Halloween Night Hike

Bring the kids to a spooky, yet wholesome Halloween night activity in Russell Forest. Meet Russell Lands’ Naturalist Marianne at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Road Trailhead for a discussion about creepy critters in the forest before setting out into the woods with flashlights for spooky tales about things lurking among the trees. Costumes are welcome. The cost for this program is $10. Call 256-496-2710 to register.

Nov. 4

Founders Society Dinner

SpringHouse will host this Children’s Harbor event at 6 p.m. with Executive Chef Pete McKenny. Dress is resort casual. For details, RSVP to franniemcbrayer@childrensharbor.com by Sunday, Oct. 30.

Nov. 5

Fall Fun Finale Country Music Show with Brian Holder

Oldies and good ole Southern rock and outlaw country will be the evening’s fare from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center for the last big show before

the Christmas season. Tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door. Or join the pre-show dinner at D’s Smoke Shack at 4:30 p.m. for a package price of $25. For questions, visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

Nov. 5

St. James Annual Bazaar

St. James Episcopal Church will host its annual bazaar from 9 a.m. to noon. The bazaar will feature a variety of homemade goodies, including cakes, casseroles, soups, and other kitchen creations; crafts; and pottery, including St. James’s much loved pottery crosses. The church is located at 347 S. Central Ave., Alexander City. All proceeds benefit local community outreach programs.

No.v. 6 Dadeville Business Christmas Open House

Visit participating Dadeville businesses between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. for refreshments, giveaways and special pricing as store owners usher in the holiday season. Download a map of participants at the Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or pick one up at your favorite Dadeville retailer. Call Molly Parker at 256-825-4019 for information.

Nov. 12

5th Annual Farm Day

Bring the kids out to Meadows Farm from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for music, kids’ zone, pony rides, nature walks, arts and crafts vendors, games and farm animals. Proceeds from this event benefit the Meadows Scholarships for Children of Tallapoosa County. The farm is located at 3585 Dudleyville Rd., Dadeville. Corporate sponsorships are available. To sign up as a vendor or for more information, call 256-269-8533, email meadowsfarmal@gmail.com or register online at meadowsfarmal.com.

Nov. 13

Holiday Open House

Visit Alexander City businesses from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. as they roll out holiday decorations and special pricing to officially begin the season. Pick up a Tis the Season to Shop Local rewards card and get a stamp every time you

spend $10 at a participating merchant. Turn in the card when you’ve spent $50 and pick up another to keep shopping. Enter often to be eligible for a $250 gift card from a merchant of your choice. Visit alexcitychamber.com/tis-theseason for details.

Nov. 14

Trojan Fundraising Golf Tournament

Moore’s Mill Country Club in Auburn will host this benefit for the Central Alabama Community College Trojan golf team and athletic department. The four-person scramble begins at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start and includes lunch, on-course refreshments, tee prize package, closest-to-the-pin prizes on two par-3 holes. A silent auction will be open before, during and after the tournament. Entry fee is $1,000 per team. Email tcassell@cacc.edu to enter.

Season-long Events

Fiber Fridays

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

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.

Tallassee Lions Club

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

Marinas

Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

3. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

3. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

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

Restaurants & Venues

8 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Acapulco Mexican Grill 334-283-2725

2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078

Business & Shopping

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

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

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

8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853

Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847

21300 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853

Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage 334-391-0717

8421 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Hotels & Lodges

Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches

Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

Lake Pointe Baptist Church 8352 AL-50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293

Dock Builders

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

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

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation & Entertainment

Dixie Sailing Club

767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

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Do

Spooky Season

you believe in ghosts?

I do. Although I have not seen one before, I enjoy the thought of them. Along with witches, vampires, monsters and all the things that go bump in the night. During this season with Halloween fast approaching, I think, as an adult, it is fun to be a little scared. Everyone remembers certain haunted hay rides or trails and particular costumes that were extra spooky. I vividly recall running for my life across Dobbs Road back to my house with someone off the Burns’ front porch in a Scream mask in hot pursuit.

I used to sit very still on the front porch of my childhood home in a skeleton mask and scare small children. Maybe it was meanspirited, but it sure was funny to get little Ethan Underwood.

Culture Shock

Windham’s death, Jeffrey was a friendly ghost that took up in Windham’s home in October 1966. He was her unofficial collaborator. According to a letter printed in the foreword to 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey, Windham became interested in ghost stories after this ghost began to haunt her family. At first, the family heard footsteps in rooms that later were found empty. Sometimes, objects had been moved.

A photo allegedly of Jeffrey was accidentally taken when some young people visiting the Windham home decided to play with a Ouija board in an effort to contact the ghost. When photos from that night were developed, a dark shadowy blot with a vaguely humanlike shape was found in one image. Soon after this picture was taken, Windham contacted Figh, a noted collector of ghost stories, to ask about Jeffrey. Out of that meeting, the idea for 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey was inspired.

She did similar editions for Georgia and Mississippi.

Lacey Howell

Then I grew up to be a teenager, and the haunted trails weren’t so much scary as they provided the perfect opportunity to hold hands with a cute boy. Those were the days!

I enjoy sharing stories about Southern authors that I admire. People who are not originally from our region appreciate new recommendations and discoveries.

I had the great fortune of hearing one of the great storytellers or folklorists (isn’t that a great word) of the South, Alabama’s own Kathryn Tucker Windham, read and speak on Feb. 24, 1996, at Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City. I was beyond excited to see her in person. She was one of my heroes and signed her new book for me that evening Twice Blessed. Twice Blessed included nine somewhatautobiographical essays about her life. She was about 80 at that time and lived to be 93, passing away in 2011.

I took great inspiration from Windham and made up my own scary tall tales to tell at sleepovers. One evening, in the dark at the lake, I had a group in the palm of my hand. When I whispered “... and then the phone rang ...”

And then honest to goodness, it actually rang. We all screamed, and everyone remembers it to this day. That might have been my finest hour.

I first discovered Windham’s book, 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey, in grade school (co-written by Margaret Gillis Figh). I have a copy at my house to this day. It was published in 1969,  and on the book jacket, Windham is quotes as saying, “The good ghost stories do not require that you believe in ghosts.”

According to a New York Times article upon

If you are looking for some spooky tales to get you in the spirit this season, I highly recommend any of Windham’s works.

~ 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.

Helen

Rachael