Lake Martin Living magazine November 2019 by Tallapoosa Publishers

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

Pay it forward Holiday Happenings Back in the Saddle November 2019

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

s Thanksgiving draws near and the spirit of giving amps up, I am grateful for the reminder to appreciate the positives in life. It’s easy to focus on what we don’t have rather than what we do, but this time of year offers the perfect opportunity to be thankful. While this year has brought some tragedy and heartache, it also has opened doors and added joys. I learned long ago that family is the most important thing in life, and I am beyond grateful to have the one I do. My grandfather, Ettore, passed away earlier this year but not after a long, fulfilled, well-loved 99 years of life. He was the foundation of this wonderful group of people I get to call my family. We all gathered in one location – from West Coast to East Coast residents – to celebrate his life. Now that is something to cherish. My beautiful, spunky 16-month old niece, Lydia, has brought a whole new level of happiness I never thought possible. Who knew crawling around on the floor until my knees were sore, listening to The Beach Boys on repeat and being force-fed already chewed up food would bring such joy to my life? I’m not a parent, so this is a feeling that I’m sure is common to most, but I never thought I could love a little human so much. Joys in life can range from people, hobbies, accomplishments and more. For some, such as Alexander City natives Melissa Abram and Erin Smith, that may come from a special talent. On page 16, read about Abram’s experience winning the 2019 Ladies Trail Pleasure State Champion title and her love of horseback riding; then, turn to page 18 to read about high school senior Smith as she shines in the baton-twirling world. She recently competed internationally and earned some impressive ranks. Golf columnist Dave Jennings shares his accolades of the CACC golf team on page 26. Jennings is not only grateful for the wins but also is personally vested in bettering the lives of his players. He dotes on their accomplishments regularly, and I know his team must be thankful for him. While it is his career choice, Matt Bean is still paying it forward with his private equity firm, Lowden Street Capital. He provides liquidity to rural area business owners that may not have an exit strategy or succession plan. Turn to page 10 to read more about Bean and his business that opened in the Lake Martin Innovation Center two years ago. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a supportive family, a safe home, a good job and food on their tables. This is just one of the areas where the Salvation Army comes in. I sat down with the Alexander City location’s new service center manager, Grace Gokey, and was astonished at the need in our area. Gokey is a compassionate, motivated individual who is eager to make a difference in the lives of area residents. Read more about her on page 12, and stop in to lend a hand with Salvation Army’s national kettle campaign. If you’re looking to give back to others or share your good fortune, there is no shortage of opportunity in the area. In the spirit of giving, there are tons of ways to spread the joy. Relish this time of year by spending precious moments with family – whatever that may look like to you – and take this time to appreciate the positives in your life.

Amy Passaretti, Editor 4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Editor Amy Passaretti Contributors Kenneth Boone Dave Jennings Shane Harris Cliff Williams Lizi Arbogast Lacey Howell Gabrielle Jansen Santana Wood Susan Foy Courtney Layfield Audrey Moore Angie Smith Mcdilda Photo Magazine Distribution Manager Erin Burton Creative Services Audra Spears Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Katie Wesson Marilyn Hawkins Julie Harbin Digital Services Kat Raiford 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 256-2344281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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Grace Gokey was named the new director at the Alexander City Salvation Army, which serves four counties. This location was without a director for 10 months, and Gokey, originally from upstate New York, was eager to make the transition to this position from a career in finance. Photo by Audra Spears

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6 Lake Martin Living

FEATURES 12. PAY IT FORWARD Salvation Army director trades finance career for philanthropy 16. BACK IN THE SADDLE Local horseback rider wins at state competition 18. TWIRL TO THE TOP BRHS senior named Miss Majorette Alabama 21. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS The spirit of Christmas is in full swing

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS 15. MEDICAL NEWS 26. FROM THE TEE 28. GARDEN TALK 30. MONEY MATTERS 31. OH SNAP! 36. LAKE REGION EVENTS 46. CULTURE SHOCK

Alexander City native Dylan Moncus is part of the 2019 National Champion Golf Team at CACC and a sophomore on this season's team.

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AROUND THE AREA

Lakewinds renovations up to par

Lakewinds Golf Course has undergone extensive renovations since last fall, improving its course and making it more appealing for play. Matthew Keel, Lakewinds superintendent, said the city has improved the turf and enhanced the fairways. The process of fertilizing the fairways has changed, which will help the greens roll better, and the crew at Lakewinds has also put in a new irrigation system. Also, 18 new irrigation heads have been installed to help with drainage. The municipal course is on schedule to lease 50 brand new 2020 model golf carts funded by the Alexander City City Council. Despite the large overhaul of renovations, Lakewinds has still been able to remain open and serve local golfers. Keel said there are about 50 to 60 people who come most days every week, and it was important they were able to play. Lakewinds’ next big goal is to double the number of tournaments it hosts each year. “That gives a lot more people an opportunity to get out and enjoy themselves,” Keel said. “We haven’t always had a good turnout. One of my main objectives was instead of asking people to come Course Facelift Fairways and turf have play, we needed to get our course in shape so they would want to come been improved at play.” Lakewinds, which is a public golf course. ~ Lizi Arbogast

Colvin goes above and beyond Alexander City councilmember Audrey “Buffy” Colvin last month was given the professional desgination of advanced certified municipal official by Alabama League of Municipalities. To acheive the honor, a municipal official completes 40 credit hours conducted or endorsed by ALM. The individual then Advanced Award completes an Buffy Colvin additional 40 hours of (right) receives training for advanced a professional certification. designation.

Coach to retire after two decades with the Tigers Dadeville coach Richard White announced he is officially retiring after 20 years leading the Dadeville Tiger football team. “I’ve been blessed to be able to stay in one place as long as I have, and I’m very grateful,” said White. “A lot of the kids that have come through the program, I hope they’ve learned something that will help them out in life. “The future of this program is going to be in someone else’s hands; this is my last game,” White said after Oct. 25’s 45-14 victory over Prattville Christian. “I think

they’re gonna be Dadeville Football OK ... The future Coach Richard is there for them White spent 20 years as head coach to build off. Two and 11 as assistant or three years coach at DHS. down the road, they’re gonna be back to winning football games and doing what they’re supposed to do.” White has won 138 out of 226 games during his coaching career. He was assistant coach 11 years prior to taking over the team. ~ Lizi Arbogast Lake Martin Living 9

BUSINESS MATTERS

Lowden Street Capital

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

here is more to the word “strategy” than its surface definition when it comes to investing, according to Matt Bean, managing partner of Lowden Street Capital, LP. The private equity firm provides liquidity to rural business owners looking to exit their businesses but have no succession plan. The company was founded in October 2017 and acquired its first investment in January of 2018. “I copied the style of a firm I followed in Boston, Massachusetts. Business owners’ net worth is often locked up in a business, and we can come in and buy them out,” said Bean, who was a civil engineer for about eight years. Since graduating from Texas Christian University with an MBA, Bean has focused on creating his private equity shop. “I can build my track record with limited capital by focusing specifically on small businesses in rural areas where there is less competition from bigger firms,” he said. Currently, Lowden Street Capital owns Polar Bear Inn located in Branson, Missouri, and Good Labor Jobs, located here in Alexander City. The previous owners of these companies had no one to whom to pass the company. The extendedstay apartment complex basically runs itself, said Bean, but he’s been very involved in the operation of the staffing business. “The person who was running Good Labor Jobs recently left. That’s part of this model – that you have to be willing to step in and take over if you have to,” said Bean. While the ultimate goal is to sell both investments after harvesting the gains, Bean said he might hold on to some specific businesses in future portfolios. Good Labor Staffing is one of those examples. “If Lowden Street acquires a business that needs employees, we can just cycle them through the staffing business. It would be a prime example of vertical integration and building competitive advantages,” said Bean. While the returns aren’t correlated with traditional investing, he said, private equity is still capable of generating high returns, especially when businesses are small because of the law of large numbers. In the alternative investing universe, private equity is lower risk than both hedge funds and venture capital. “I’m buying existing, established businesses that already have a plan and system that works. Utilizing a method called a leveraged buyout, Lowden Street uses a company’s balance 10 Lake Martin Living

sheet as collateral for a loan. Essentially, I utilize the history and health of the company and its assets to secure the debt with the bank. Then I pay it back with the value of the business,” Bean explained. By maintaining a business’ brand equity and employees, Bean said, he tries not to alter anything about the business that would be noticeable to the average person, aside from some cost-saving techniques. The $2.5 million fund Bean raised initially was meant to be a seven-year fund, but he said he hopes to return the capital to investors sooner than that. His plan is to raise another one in January 2020 that will be closer to $10 million. Bean’s business partner, Ron Yu, handles the accounting end of the business and lives in China. The two met at TCU. Bean works on the strategic and operations side of Lowden Street. “I used to never understand strategy – it was just a word – but there is so much that goes into a business to position it to create competitive advantages that will lock in customers and push out others,” he said. “It’s important to understand the entire industry, supply chain and all competitive forces at play.” Bean hopes to acquire another business by the beginning of next year and raise a new fund every three to five years. The goal is to eventually raise a half-billiondollar fund and create shops in different states. “There are a lot of small businesses everywhere, and with baby boomers retiring, there is an immense amount of wealth locked up, and it’s got to go somewhere,” said Bean. Bean’s office is located in the Lake Martin Innovation Center where he’s been able to meet a lot of new people. “It’s a small office, just for me. It fits my needs and with everything included, you can’t beat it. The biggest draw is meeting people,” he said. “In my industry, you never stop networking and learning about Future Investments what other businesses are doing Right: Matt Bean is because you might pick up the managing partner something you can use later. It’s a of Lowden Street fun industry to be in, and people Capital at Lake Martin are always welcome to stop by for Innovation Center; a chat.” Above: A chart in For more information about Bean's office that Lowden Street Capital, visit represents the career he's trying to build. lowdenstreet.com.

Lake Martin Living 11

Pay it forward Salvation Army director trades finance career for philanthropy

STORYâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS & CLIFF WILLIAMS

12 Lake Martin Living

race Gokey spent 10 years in the financial world before realizing she wanted to pursue a path that was more philanthropic and meaningful to the community. Her new position as Alexander City Salvation Army’s director of service center is a good fit. “I’ve really hit the ground running since Aug. 19. I want to be able to make a difference in people’s lives, and this is so much more rewarding,” said Gokey, who is originally from upstate New York. Gokey and her family have been in Tallapoosa County for two years, and she said it’s been eye-opening to see the hardship in this area firsthand. “Before I came into this position, I had an idea of what Salvation Army did, but it’s amazing just how much this organization really does for the community,” said Gokey. Most people know Salvation Army for its family stores where they can donate goods or buy gently used items. About 80 percent of that funding goes back into the community, so these stores play a huge role in the organization’s mission. Donations are always welcome, as long as items are re-sellable. If they are not, the cost falls on Salvation Army to get rid of them, so it’s not helpful to drop off something that has no use, said Suzzette McMillan Bogan, divisional service extension director for Salvation Army. “Thankfully, we get a lot of good donations here,” she added. The rest of the funding comes mainly from United Way and the Emergency Food and Shelter Help for Others Program. The Alexander City center Left: Grace Gokey serves Coosa, Chambers, Randolph and (right) is the new Tallapoosa counties. director at Salvation Other services provided by the Army and works Salvation Army include helping people directly with with unforeseen emergencies and customers; Below: reviewing cases to assist with utility bills, Money collected food, shelter, etc. during the kettle campaign helps “Last fiscal year, the number of fund community people served in Alexander City was needs. 763, which is about 64 cases per month,”

Lake Martin Living 13

said Bogan. “And that was A Variety of Services Above: Bell ringers without a director for 10 months, are needed so imagine what we can do now throughout the that Grace is in this position.” season; Donations to People with a need can Salvation Army should come by the office at 1725 state be re-sellable. Route 22; call 256-215-3730; or can be referred for case evaluation. Gokey then acts as a social worker to review the circumstances. “The need is prominent in this area, and I’m glad to be able to help and make a difference,” said Gokey. While she juggles multiple job responsibilities in her position, Gokey has four staff members on site to assist with intake of donations, setting out items to the floor and whatever other jobs are needed. “It speaks a lot to the mission that the staff here has been around for a long time. Verna has been here I think 17 years; Ruth’s been here close to 20; and Lisa has been here for 12,” said Gokey. “We have one new guy, James Harris, who goes by Rex, and he will be responsible for driving the truck for donation pickups at off-site locations.” This time of year, Salvation Army is looking for an extended number of helpers for its kettle campaign, which is run solely by volunteers to save on overhead and keep more money flowing back into its programs. From the day after Thanksgiving until Dec. 24, the organization requests support raising funds for the holidays. Salvation Army distributes Thanksgiving boxes to elderly who are referred by the housing authority. The nonprofit also maintains an Angle Tree program and currently is 14 Lake Martin Living

looking for donors, as well as applicants. “This community has been very giving and helped out a lot with volunteering,” said Bogan, who has served in her position for 13 years. “This job has certainly humbled me a lot, and you realize how much less you need and are more grateful for what you have,” she added. Gokey wants to be more involved in the community and has future plans to expand the food pantry, grow the store and increase the aid available for the disadvantaged. “We hope people will welcome Grace and embrace her in this new position,” said Bogan. Stop in and meet Gokey at Alexander City’s Salvation Army location. She is currently looking for volunteers and her door is always open to those in need. For more information about Salvation Army, visit salvationarmyusa.org. To volunteer as a holiday bell ringer, call Gokey at 256-215-3730.

Hospital vital in our rural communities

s we enter the Thanksgiving season, I’d like to deliver babies. Our emergency department, which is dedicate this month’s article to the importance open 24/7, sees more than 22,000 patients each year. In rural hospitals play in the health and vitality an emergency, every second counts, and without rural of the community. Nov. 21 is deemed National hospitals, many Alabamians would lose access to essential Rural Health Day when people across the country take a frontline services. moment to honor the critical role hospitals play Rural hospitals face many uphill challenges. in our daily lives. Rural communities have a disproportionate Why a National Rural Health Day? share of the elderly, uninsured patients with Let’s consider the facts. Eighty-two percent major health challenges and those living at the of Alabama’s 67 counties are rural, and we can poverty level. Reductions in staff and medical all agree that Tallapoosa County falls into this services – and even possible closures – would category. The rural geography of the state is be devastating to any county. Unfortunately, 88 vast, with 43.6 percent of Alabamians living in percent of all Alabama hospitals are operating rural areas. In Alexander City, we tout ourselves in the red, and the median operating margin for as the gateway to Lake Martin and home to rural hospitals is negative 12.2 percent. Russell Medical, a premier healthcare facility Although the healthcare environment is with a strong heritage dating back to 1923, continually changing, our team of 578 dedicated which is one of Alabama’s 51 rural hospitals. employees is always here and ready to treat According to the Alabama Hospital patients locally. We take pride in providing Association, rural hospitals treat almost access to quality healthcare and are committed 2 million patients each year and employ to delivering it to our citizens because rural Susan Foy approximately 11,000 Alabamians. Quite hospitals matter. often, rural hospitals are the largest employer This month, we celebrate National Rural in a community and serve as an essential Health Day. This is the perfect opportunity to component for attracting new industry, retailers and say thank you for your support. We have grown together residents. through good times and challenging times over the past Rural hospitals contribute greatly to the local economy: 96 years. We have a proud past and a bright future. We Every $1 spent by a hospital generates $2.20 for the local care about Alexander City, the Lake Martin area and those economy. Based on a statewide formula, RM’s economic that call it home. We look forward to taking care of your impact is roughly $152 million to the Lake Martin area. healthcare needs. It is a sincere pleasure to serve you, our Rural hospitals provide access to care. Russell Medical, friends and neighbors. for example, offers obstetrical services in a region where five counties that touch Tallapoosa County no longer ~ Susan Foy is marketing director for Russell Medical.

Medical News

Lake Martin Living 15

Back in the Saddle

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS & COURTESY OF MELISSA ABRAM

hen self-taught horseback rider Melissa Abram had to put down her first horse in 2003, she thought she’d never ride again. The 2019 Ladies Trail Pleasure AOHA State Champion was reminded of her love of riding over the last few years and has made leaps and bounds ever since. After realizing how much she really missed being in the saddle, Abram started trail riding again with friends for leisure about five years ago. She now shows gaited horses and helps take care of them on a daily basis. “My friend Keith Dean bought a horse from Tennessee, Nosy Ned, that had some previous experience showing as a trail pleasure horse. He asked if I would show him at a local show. While I can’t remember what we even placed that day, we had a great time and ended up placing third at state that year,” said Abram, an Alexander City native. She began riding Nosy Ned as often as possible to strengthen their bond. After a couple shows, Dean and others joined in, and the group began traveling together to shows.

16 Lake Martin Living

“I practiced routinely and always asked questions and for suggestions from others,” said Abram. “Hugh Taylor of Taylor Farms in Childersburg and Kristi Norris of Kristi Norris Training Center in Notasulga really taught me a lot.” Last year, Dean purchased another racking horse, Bayside, and Abram began showing him mid-season. “We had a good season and made lots of improvements with each show. We spent the fall and winter getting to know each other trail riding. The more you ride, the better you understand one another,” she said. At the Alabama Open Horseman Association competition over Labor Day weekend this year, Abram and Bayside won the Ladies Trail Pleasure Racking Class unanimously with all three judges placing them in first. The three-day event took place at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, with about 60 to 70 different classes contending and nearly 4,000 people passing through, including competitors and spectators. “I am very lucky to be provided these great horses to ride and show,” said Abram. “Bayside is about four years old.

Our bond has continued to grow through our daily routine of care, grooming and feeding. That’s my part and the way I can give back.” Gaited horses are often referred to as Tennessee Walking Horses or spotted horses. All three are similar but take part in different competitions. Bayside would be eligible for all three categories, said Abram. During a competition for a trail pleasure walk, the horse is judged by its walk and pace; then, the rider and horse do a trail pleasure rack, which is a little faster, explained Abram. The trail pleasure walk is a slow, easy walk without a lot of movement from the rider. “Showing also consists of Western clothes and English attire. It’s like playing dress up as an adult, but this is part of the judging process, as well,” she said. “One of the judges commented about how he enjoyed my outfit this year because I was advised to dress more subtle, which leaves the main attention on the horse.” While competitors typically don’t win money at these local competitions, Abram said, it’s all about the love of the hobby and the pride for the horse. “The competition of showing is fun but it’s also time consuming and stressful because I don’t want to disappoint anyone with our performance. I put in a lot of time to keep the horse conditioned; that’s the easy part,” said Abram. As a matter of fact, she would prefer leisurely trail riding to competition most days. “It’s just about enjoying friends and nature; being able to relax and have fun. It’s my way of clearing my head,” Abram said. Abram likes to ride at Wind Creek State Park and also prefers Horseshoe Bend National Military Park and Talladega National Forest for group trips with other riders. Off the trail, Abram is a full-time registered nurse of 22 years and works as the clinic nurse manager for Healogics Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Russell Medical. She also is a For Fun and Show member of the Left: Melissa Abram received a belt Alexander City buckle along Horse Riding with her State Club and Champion award; encourages more Right: Bayside and people to get Abram competed involved. in Montgomery To learn more, over Labor Day visit achrc.com. weekend. Lake Martin Living 17

hen she first started at age six, Erin Smith’s big dream was to become Miss Majorette of Alabama. She was ecstatic to finally achieve that goal in the senior category for ages 16 years old and up this past March. “It was such a neat thing to see her transition to that role. It’s definitely her biggest accomplishment,” said her mother, Angie Smith. While she’s not quite sure where her future will take her, Smith said she plans to try out for a majorette team in college and hopefully earn a feature spot. In March 2020, she will attempt to qualify for the World Baton Twirling Championships, which is the premiere event in the sport of baton twirling – equivalent to Olympic games. A WBTF member country hosts the World Baton Twirling Championships in early August of even-number years. Even though Benjamin Russell High School doesn’t offer twirling, that hasn’t stopped senior Erin Smith from accomplishing some impressive feats in the sport. Named the reigning Alabama Miss Majorette this year, Smith recently competed internationally, returning home with a top-10 win for two-baton and silver medal for artistic pairs with partner Kaitlyn McGregor of Chelsea, Alabama. This summer, the International Cup in Limoges, France, hosted by the World Baton Twirling Federation and welcomed 19 countries for about a two-week competition, with Team USA and Team Japan featuring the largest numbers of advanced participants. “This was my first international competition, not based in the U.S. It was an interesting experience and such a different culture,” said Smith who also competed on national levels Competitive Technique this summer. Clockwise from To qualify for top: Erin Smith the International performs a Cup, Smith had freestyle routine to tryout last to a mix of summer and tango music; place in the top She performed nationally and six against other internationally this twirlers. There year; Smith shows are three levels off her danceof competition at twirl routine at the International nationals in Ohio. 18 Lake Martin Living

Twirlto thetop STORYâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY MCDILDA PHOTO & ANGIE SMITH

Lake Martin Living 19

Cup: Elite, A and B, which give athletes the opportunity to compete with similarly skilled participants. Smith competed at Level A Senior Women in both categories, as U.S. team members only participate in levels elite and A. Team Effort “We arrived two days Top: Smith and partner Kaitlyn early to sightsee in Paris; McGregor won a silver medal and then, went straight to in Limoges, France; Bottom: Limoges where they held Team Intrepid was awarded an opening reception for USTA national twirl team title everyone,” said Smith. this summer.

20 Lake Martin Living

“After that, it was straight twirling. We practiced every day and scheduled time in the arena and gym.” While most twirl routines are only one to two minutes long, the twirlers practiced all day leading up to their time slots. The top 10 people went on to prelims, and the top five went on to finals in each category. “The arena we were competing in had no air conditioning. It’s just a closed metal building. It was easier to practice outside, even though it was really hot,” said Smith. The combined competition also included a Grand Prix where Smith competed with U.S. Team Intrepid. Ten team members from Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, Florida and Ohio traveled for the competition and finished as the highest-ranking American team. Team Intrepid placed seventh overall, out of about 30 teams and behind all six Japanese teams. Smith practices with Team Intrepid about once a month and competed nationally on two different occasions with them this summer. The team won first place USTA National Twirl Team and placed fifth in dance-twirl with the Southeast Intrepid team at the National Baton Twirling Association Nationals. “I also do two FaceTime lessons twice a week from my coach who lives in Florida,” said Smith. “That can be challenging, but we’ve built a good relationship over the years. We met Cheryl Wimberley at a twirl camp in Tallahassee; and then, she came to teach a camp at Rising Starz and wanted to work more with me.” Since there is not a baton twirling team at BRHS, Smith travels to Rising Starz in Auburn for twirl and competitive dance. She runs to keep up her stamina and said it’s important to do a lot of stretching. “I’ve been watching myself grow the past few years and met a lot of people. Being on a team is so great,” said Smith. Smith’s mother, Angie Smith, was a majorette at BRHS and also twirled at Auburn University. She sponsored the BRHS majorettes when they were still an organization. “Erin just picked it up being around twirling at such a young age,” said Angie.

Holiday Happenings The spirit of Christmas is in full swing

STORYâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

he holiday season is right around the corner and the area chambers of commerce kick start the season with holiday open houses to promote local businesses. Earlier this month, Dadeville hosted its Annual Christmas Open House where merchants opened stores longer, offered specials and promotions and provided the opportunity to shop local for the holidays. Alexander Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Open House will be held Nov. 17 from 1

p.m. to 4 p.m. Spreading Cheer Mrs. Claus and On Nov. 29, the day after Santa ride their Thanksgiving, Russell Lands On sleigh through the Lake Martin will host its annual roundabout in the Holiday Bazaar in conjunction Alexander City with Christmas at Crossroads. Christmas Parade. Wasting no time to enjoy the Christmas fun, Russell Lands brings in local artisans from across the Southeast to Lake Martin Living 21

Festive Occasions

Clockwise from top left: Santa travels on the Dadeville Fire Department truck in last year's parade; Coosa County Sheriff's Department rock through the 2018 parade; Ava Laney bowls at Christmas at Crossroads; the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church Choir sings at Dadeville's tree lighting; Russell Lands hosts carriage rides; ReMax Realty re-enact a scene with the Griswold's from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation; the crowd enjoys holiday tunes in Dadeville.

display their original art and handmade works for sale. This is a wonderful opportunity to score some unique gift items from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Town Green. Santa will arrive by carriage at the Town Green Stage at 10 a.m. and will be available for photos until 2 p.m. There will be plenty of kids’ activities. For more information, visit russellcrossroads.com/events. On Sunday, Dadeville’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will close out the weekend. The nonprofit Everything’s Art will host this ceremony in Courthouse Square from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 1. There will be Christmas music by local church choirs, candy from elves and hot chocolate. Kids will have the opportunity to write letters to Santa and take their pictures with Mrs. Claus. The following evening, Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Hometown Christmas Parade with floats, bands and decorated entries, all led 22 Lake Martin Living

by St. Nick. This year’s theme is 12 Days of Christmas and entry applications are due by Nov. 22. For details, visit alexcitychamber.com. Always a classic for the season, A Christmas Carol performances will take the stage at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium Dec. 5 to Dec. 8. Hosted by Alexander City Theatre II, John Jake’s version of this Christmas tale by Charles Dickens will begin at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $5 for students and $15 for adults. Purchase tickets at the door or in advance at brownpapertickets.com. Head over to Dadeville on Dec. 8 for its 6th Annual Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade. The Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber will host this route of festive floats at 3 p.m., but come out earlier to enjoy children’s activities, craft booths, food and more, starting at 12 p.m. in Courthouse Square. The fun doesn’t stop there as Main Street Alexander

City teams up with Alexander City Parks and Recreation to host A Downtown Christmas on Dec. 14. This day will be jam packed with celebratory activities. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Holiday Market, also known as Santa’s Workshop, will be open on Calhoun Street. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., kids can write letters to Santa in the United Way Conference Room while enjoying hot chocolate; decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus at the Mary Jo Johnson Farmers Insurance Agency; and enter reindeer races hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., there will be tubing on real snow in Strand Park, along with Frosty’s Frozen Playground for younger children; and pictures with Santa. The Polar Express Train will be at Broad Street Plaza, and sleigh rides will be offered from at 4 p.m. to 6

p.m. on Main and Calhoun streets. Throughout the day, there will be carolers, Main Street’s Window Decorating Contest, food trucks in the alley and the Bicentennial Exhibit on display at City Hall. If the crowds and excitement are too much for some children, the Autism Society of Alabama TallapoosaCoosa County Chapter will host Sensory Santa on the same day from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lake Martin Innovation Center. Kids will be able to sit and talk with Santa in a sensory-friendly, calming environment. This event is open to the public and geared toward creating a special event for special needs kids. There will be snacks, hot chocolate, sensory toys and a professional photographer. Tickets are $10 and include a photo. For additional information, contact Melissa Mullins at Melissa.mullins.advocate4autism@gmail.com. Lake Martin Living 23

24 Lake Martin Living

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. wants to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Serving the Lake & River Region for more than 125 years. alexandercityoutlook.com

thewetumpkaherald.com

tallasseetribune.com

lakemagazine.life

Lake Martin Living 25

The Reward They Deserve

t Central Alabama Community College, it is has become an annual event for the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf team to compete on the national level. To the best of my recollection, CACC golf made it to the National Championship Golf Tournament every year but two. This accomplishment speaks volumes to the consistent level of success for this college athletic program. Personally, I have been blessed to play a part in this athletic program, as a student-athlete in the 1970s and now as head coach. In 2001, I was selected to coach the Trojan golf program after it had been shutdown. Accepting the coaching position was best decision of my life. In that first year, the college did not even have a team, so my job was to recruit players; spread the news that 26 Lake Martin Living

From the Tee

Dave Jennings

CACC golf was Ceremonial Dinner The 2019 National back; and begin Champion CACC golf fundraising for team celebrated their the financial win at JR's in Alexander assistance City and received needed to field a their long-awaited team. championship rings. I was certainly blessed in a number of ways and had tremendous help from local community members, including Hoyt Carlisle, Billy Hardy and a few other gentlemen who paved the way in fundraising to bring this internationally acclaimed program back. The good people of Russell Lands On Lake Martin and Willow Point Country Club stood by our side the whole way, as well. Members of the community and

former Trojan golfers – such as Zess Willis who held a junior golf tournament to benefit CACC golf – gave the financial jumpstart we needed. It was a widespread effort to bring the program back to its winning tradition; however, there was a tremendous speedbump in the road to overcome. I had to acquire the confidence of the better junior golfers that CACC golf was here to stay. I will never forget my first year of coaching in 2002, as I had a lot to learn about coaching college golf. I made a thousand errors, and the golf team struggled throughout the year in regular season tournaments. We finished last more times than I care to recall, but those young men fought hard to improve. In our district championship, which is the qualifying tournament for the national championship, I was over the moon proud of that golf team for finishing third out of 14 teams to earn a spot in the national championship in Scottsdale, Arizona. We showed up and played as hard as we could, but we finished in 15th place. I’m proud to say though, that Tucker Evans from Georgia finished as an All-American in that year’s championship. That group of young men helped to spur this program to what it is today. Since my first national championship, things have changed drastically. I am now fortunate enough to receive dozens of resumés from very talented young golfers from all over the world. CACC golf fosters a good reputation as a consistently competitive team; therefore, I also receive requests from university coaches all over the country in every collegiate athletic association for my present players to transfer to the next level in college golf. This helps to make my job somewhat easier, and it certainly helps my athletes to have choices of where they may continue their college educations. Let’s not forget the support that our golf program receives annually from benevolent individuals to keep this train on track. As many of you know, we won the National

Raining Dogs_Magazine Ad_092919-FINAL-print.indd 1

Championship last year for the seventh time in our college’s history. That put CACC golf on top as far as national championship award winners, since the NJCAA created the three divisions early in the 1980s. I had scheduled two ring ceremonies for the golf team. The championship ring manufacturer had postponed delivery for three months, and I finally received the rings in October. With most of last year’s golfers now attending other universities, it was no easy task to schedule getting them all together to properly award them with their championship rings. I felt that these boys, who had worked so hard, should receive recognition with a large audience. I also wanted to share this experience with the many people, who year after year, morally and financially support the program; however, these best intentions did not come off as planned. Caleb O’Toole and Jack Poole from last year’s team, who presently play golf for the University of Western Kentucky, finally arranged a date and asked if we could get together for dinner and a small ceremony. They both finally had a free weekend after a very busy fall season of golf. The 2019 Championship Team joined this year’s undefeated golf team for a ring ceremonial dinner at JR’s Restaurant in Alexander City. Although it wasn’t the public presentation I had hoped for, the boys were all excited and proud to receive their rings. This was a special night for us all, and I believe it also inspired this year’s team to strive for those rings as well. Congratulations to the 2019 NJCAA Division-1 Men’s Golf National Championship Team: Jack Poole, Caleb O’Toole, Owen Burt, Reed Love and Dylan Moncus. Also attending from the 2018-2019 team: Noah Dennis, Andrew Friend and Jackson Schultz. Go Trojans! ~ Dave Jennings is the men’s golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

Lake Martin9/29/19 Living 27 5:11 PM

Don't be fooled!

Make a plan now to control lawn weeds

awn management, can be down right confusing. Most of the time, there appear to be more questions than answers. What type of fertilize should I use? When do I apply lime? Which herbicide should I use to kill the weeds in my lawn? And to make matters worse, there are lawn products and services out there that all claim to produce the perfect lawn or solve all problems. In reality, lawn management is really very simple if you follow a few guidelines, pay attention to the details and ignore the advertising racket. Each fall, homeowners hear and see commercials and products about winterizing the lawn and applying weedand-feed products. My official recommendation is to ignore it and not fall for something that is not needed. If an appropriate amount of fertilizer was added this past summer to the lawn, it does not need to be winterized. Also, weed-and-feed products are not necessarily the best solution. Such combination products might seem convenient but rarely work, since the time for fertilizing and the time for preventing weeds differ greatly. To help manage lawns, the following is a step-by-step yearly lawn management program based Shane Harris on Extension recommendations. These recommendations are for bermudagrass, zoysaigrass, centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass lawns only. There will be exceptions for cool-season grasses. Always read the product labels for specific directions and limitations before applying.

Garden Talk

November

When it comes to weed control, prevention must be a priority. In early November, apply a pre-emergence herbicide to prevent many of the winter annual weeds from coming up. Consumer herbicides – such as atrazine or benefin – can be used and do a good job controlling a wide variety of broadleaf weeds and annual grasses – such as henbit and dandelions. Commercial lawn care companies use simazine to achieve the same results. Unfortunately, atrazine is no longer labeled for bermudagrass lawns. Again, weed-and-feed products are not recommended for Alabama lawns. Stand-alone herbicide products are best.

February

Repeat with a second application of pre-emergence 28 Lake Martin Living

herbicide, such as atrazine or benefin. This will help prevent some of those late winter and summer weeds from sprouting. An application of a post-emergence herbicide might be needed for any winter weeds that did come up. Herbicide products containing 2-4-D are the most common on retail store shelves and are typically described as broadleaf weed control. Many today contain more than one chemical and are designed to control multiple types of weeds. Read the label, as the variable weather and temperatures during the winter could dictate when to apply and its ultimate success.

March

For control of summer annual grasses, including crabgrass, now is the time to apply a pre-emergence herbicide containing pendimethalin, benefin, dithiopyr or prodiamine. Application should be made in early spring before weed seeds germinate. Do scout for emerging spring weeds, like lawn burweed and clover, where action may be required to control it. No need to spray for mature annual weeds in late winter since they are beginning to die off; however, do not let them flower and go to seed. Avoid spring fever and the temptation of weed-and-feed products. Timing of effective weed control and fertilizing is separate. Control weeds now but fertilize later.

May

This is when to begin a lawn fertilization program based on a recent soil test. The month of May might seem awfully late, but waiting to fertilize the lawn will keep the lawn from greening up too early and getting hurt by a late spring frost. Remember bermudagrass will require more fertilization applications throughout the growing season, while centipedegrass is satisfied with just one application. Avoid fertilizer with lots of nitrogen – apply only what the soil test recommends. Putting out too much fertilizer early in the year can lead to insect and disease problems later on.

May through September

Apply a post-emergence herbicide, if weeds escape and manage to come up or if there are a few nuisance broadleaf weeds and grasses. During the growing and mowing season is when many perennial problem weeds may be managed and eradicated. In general, herbicides containing 2,4-D, MCPP, 2,4-DP and/or dicamba can be used on all four types of lawns, but check the label for correct usage. They control a wide variety of weeds, including the major summer weed chamberbitter. For control of annual and perennial grasses, the herbicide quinclorac can be used on all lawns. Sethoxydim is labeled for centipedegrass lawns only and will control annual grasses like crabgrass and suppress bahiagrass. Many products have multiple chemicals for broader

control and often conveniently are sold as an all-in-one.

October

October is a good time to apply lime if a lawn needs it. It will have plenty of time to soak in and take effect before spring. Refer to an official soil test to determine a lawn’s pH and appropriate lime recommendations. Get a soil test done if one hasn’t been. Despite all the national TV ads telling us to winterize lawns in the fall, such hype doesn’t work on Alabama turfgrasses. Winterizing only applies to areas north that are able to grow cool-season lawns such as fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrass and ryegrass. Alabama lawns do not grow in the winter but go dormant in the fall. There is absolutely no advantage to fertilizing a lawn in the fall. Doing so only makes the lawn vulnerable to getting killed by the first frost or freeze. It is a total waste of fertilizer. Homeowners cannot guess when it comes to herbicide on their lawns. Purchasing and applying the wrong product and at the wrong time could not only mean no control of the weeds but may result in a dead lawn, too. This is one reason why Extension recommends separating the weed control and fertilizer into two separate applications. Timing is critical. An educated or informed consumer is a great defense. Before entering the home improvement store, garden center or even hiring a lawn service, know what products work and which ones do not for this area. Know ahead of time the name and type of herbicide needed and what it is sold under. Ignore the fancy design, pretty pest graphics and name or phrase on the product. Look for the product’s active ingredient, usually in small print on the front. Peel off the back label and read it to determine whether this particular item will work to control pests on the lawn or not. Feel free to shop around; be informed; and don’t fall into a sales trap that another product will do or work just as well. The bottom line for having a healthy and weed-free lawn is this: Stop guessing; take a soil test; follow the soil test; do not over-fertilize; mow frequently; water as needed, scout for insects and diseases, and wisely use preand post-emergence herbicides for controlling weeds that

might occur if not choked out by a now-healthy lawn. For additional help with home and garden information, contact a local county Extension office or visit aces.edu. ~ Shane Harris is the Tallapoosa County Extension Coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension. Lake Martin Living 29

What is my home worth?

n the course of my real estate career, I’ve been asked appraised value, the transaction may still go through. many times about the differences between market Insurance value is based on replacement value – value, appraised value, tax assessed value and the what it would cost to rebuild a home in the event of value as reflected on a homeowner’s insurance policy. total destruction. This value, which is calculated using All of these values attached to a property can vary widely. current costs of labor and materials for construction, Fair market value is basically the amount of money can be significantly higher than fair market value. For a buyer is willing to pay for a property at the time of example, an insurance company might determine that it purchase. The fair market value changes would cost $400,000 to rebuild a home in a based on supply and demand. For instance, a particular neighborhood; however, homes in home that has a current fair market value of that neighborhood typically sell for $225,000 $250,000 may increase in value because a new to $250,000, which is the range of fair market school is built nearby. This could attract more value. buyers with school-aged children. Tax assessed value is the amount a Likewise, the fair market value may government agency applies to the property also decrease because of an increase in for the purpose of determining property foreclosures in the neighborhood or an influx tax. Different agencies employ different of new construction nearby. Fair market value methods to determine the tax assessed value can be determined by reviewing the recent of a property – such as applying fair market sales of comparable homes in the area. value, a percentage of fair market value, Online resources could be used to research replacement cost or a combination of these the sales history of homes, but it is best to methods. Tax assessed value is generally use the services of a real estate professional. significantly lower than fair market value. Not all sales prices reflect the true fair market While it is useful to know the tax assessed Audrey Moore value. As an example, a website may list that value as it relates to how much property tax a home sold for $300,000; however, the real someone could expect to pay, it is not a useful estate professional could research to see if that amount value in determining the proper amount at which to list included any concessions to the buyer – such as closing a property or the amount to offer on a property when cost assistance or in lieu of repairs and, if so, how much. buying. Appraised value, similar to fair market value, is As you can see, what your home is worth varies achieved through research of recent sales of comparable according to who is determining its value and why. If you homes by an appraiser; however, the appraised value want to determine the fair market value of your home, is one person’s opinion and is highly dependent on the contact a local real estate professional who will be happy appraiser’s experience and capability. to provide a current market analysis to you at no charge An appraiser researches recent sales of similar homes, or obligation. making adjustments to compensate for differences (an attached garage, additional bathroom and so forth). ~ Audrey Moore, owner and qualifying broker of TLC This value is used by lenders in their decision making REAL ESTATE LLC, serves buyers and sellers throughout to extend a purchase loan or home equity loan or to the Lake Martin region and beyond. She can be reached at refinance a mortgage. If the appraised value is lower than 256-786-0465, audreymoore.TLC@gmail.com and 2129 the proposed loan amount, the lender will decline the Moonbrook Dr., Dadeville. loan. If the proposed loan amount is lowered to equal the

MONEY MATTERS

30 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP! 1

4 5

Aero Warriors Reunion Oct. 12, 2019 Downtown Alexander City 1. Waymon Williams and Nicky Spears

8 9

2. Regina, Cassius, Cassius III, Romeo and Layla Harrison 3. Angelia and Ed Windsor 4. Tom and Suzette Fisher 5. Akeelah Hughes and Shanita Coleman 6. Keith Klosterman and Shannon Walters 7. Hallie Bass, Cheyenne Lifson and Alaric Cox 8. Theo and Mike Teske 9. Kristin and Don Badger and Wendy and Gary Gazda

Lake Martin Living 31

OH SNAP! 1

3 4

Downtown Trick-Or-Treat

Oct. 26, 2019 Alexander City 1. Taylor Henderson and Lynlee and Tyler Davis 2. Lamarcus Swetwyn and Kennedy Bowers 3. Kelsie Mill and John Burke 4. Ansleighn and Blakely Vernon 5. Phoenix and Janell Champion 6. Claire and Brett Burns 7. Taylin Heard and Torrance White 8. Bentley Mann and Paisley and Briar Burch 9. Jacoby Glenn, Keeton Glenn, Kynzle Gates, Vacorrion Moon, AJ Moon, London Lee and Tylan Johnson

32 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP! 1

Lake Martin Area United Way Fashion Show Oct. 17, 2019 Downtown Alexander City 1. Stacey Jeffcoat and Morgan Pike 2. Breanna, Brantley and Troy Smith 3. Lydia Kate Ballard and Cely Sammons

4. LeeAnn Stovall, Jordan Ashley and Mary Jo Johnson 5. Woody Baird and Iris and Andrew McGreer 6. Sandra Carlisle, Sharon Fuller, Linda Boone and Kathy Lashley 7. Malorie Mann 8. Susan Foy and Susan Burrows

Lake Martin Living 33

OH SNAP! 1

3 4

Fall Family Festival Oct. 26, 2019 Russell Crossroads 1. Milly Ivery, Alexis Ingram, Donnie Findley, Wyatt Jones and Madylene Ivery 2. Susan Foy and Annette Funderburk 3. Reese, Anne Butler and Anne Johnson 4. Frances, Wendy and Chapel Fineberg 5. Rosemary, Emily and Amelia McDaniel 6. Kyle, Malarie, Baron and Benjamin Futral and Kinsley, Lauren and Saylor Studdard

34 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP! 1

4 5

3 7

Oktoberfest Oct. 12, 2019 Charles E. Bailey Sportplex 1. Gracie Martin 2. Dianne Mattiace and Lisa Davis 3. Areuna Joneowen, Zoe Edward, Kobe Riley, TJ Wilson and Destinee Glasper 4. Reese and Josh Littleton 5. Kaydelin Ramirez 6. Emily Reyes 7. Jayden Thornton 8. Amanda Blankenship and Francie Carlisle with Piggy

9. Allie Reams

Lake Martin Living 35

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

2nd Annual Meow & Mutt Mingle Animal shelter hosts fundraiser to benefit needy pets

With the season of giving right around the corner, the Lake Martin Animal Shelter will host its Second Annual Meow and Mutt Mingle on Nov. 23 at The Mill Two Eighty for an evening of auctions to support the needy kitties and pups. “This is our biggest – really our only – fundraiser of the year,” said LMAS Director Mia Chandler. “A lot of people don’t realize that it’s really up to us to come up with the funds for not only our daily operations but also our special cases.” For $25 per ticket, attendees will be treated to an open bar and hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, as well as live entertainment by Rachel Wilson Band. Chandler’s goal is to raise at least $12,500, which she exceeded by $200 last year. The funds predominately come from sponsorships, ticket sales and both the silent and live auctions. Individuals in the community have donated items, and businesses have donated gift certificates and services to be included in the silent auction. The live auction will be reserved for bigger ticket items, such as commissioned artwork. “I don’t know everything we’ll have yet. I will be collecting items up until the day of the event,” said Chandler. T-shirts will be on sale at the event, as well and available for sale to the public afterward. LMAS has a contract with Alexander City Police Department, so they do receive some funds from the City. All animals picked up by animal control are taken to the shelter. Chandler said the shelter accepts animals from Tallapoosa County and occasional surrounding areas, depending on available kennels. “The majority of pets that come in, whether strays or owner surrendered, we don’t receive any financial assistance or compensation for. Our day-to-day operations are a costly venture, not including those that need immediate medical attention. We never get restitution from any of these felony animal cruelty cases either,” said Chandler. “This is where this fundraiser comes into play.” 36 Lake Martin Living

Sponsorships are available on They Need Help Pups that come to the three different levels: platinum for animal shelter don't $1,000; $500 for gold and $250 come with financial for silver. Gold and platinum assistance. sponsors will receive tables, and each sponsor receives tickets. Tickets can be purchased at Makers Market on Main, Alexander City Vet Clinic, Wayside Animal Hospital, LMAS and online at lakemartinanimalshelter.com. “Last year was a great success. We had a good turnout, and it was a lot of fun,” said Chandler. “I’d like to see this continue to improve over the years.”

Now – Nov. 18

Help Make A Child’s Christmas Wish Come True

The Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber is collecting gift items for boys and girls aged 2 to 14. Please no food or drinks. All gifts will be given to children in Tallapoosa County. Label your box/bag with the gender and age range of items in the box. Drop off gifts at The Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber at 345 E. LaFayette St., Room 102, Dadeville.

Nov. 12-Dec. 31

Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit

Alexander City City Hall will host the Alabama Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit. The exhibit includes information about Alabama history and is suitable for all ages. City Hall is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit also will be open for Nov. 17’s Open House and Dec. 14’s A Downtown Christmas. To schedule a group visit, contact the city clerk’s office at 256-329-6700.

Nov. 14

VCCA Lunch and Learn

Sandra Patten, R.N., will present You are what you think! Bring a sack lunch; dessert and tea will be provided. The program will begin at noon at 5030 U.S. Highway 280, Alexander City. Call 256-234-0347 by noon on Nov. 12 to reserve a space.

Nov. 16

Vulcan Orienteering Event

Start times are scheduled for 9 a.m. and noon at the Wind Creek State Park Beach. Orienteers of all ages will use a detailed map and compass to find points on the map at their own pace − from leisurely stroll to competitive sport. Courses are provided by the Vulcan Orienteering Club and are color-coded for beginners through advanced. Fee is $6 for the first map and $1 for each additional map if working in a group; $2 finger device rental fee if no one in the group has one. State park day-use fees also apply. Visit vulcanorienteering.org.

Nov. 17

Alexander City Christmas Open House

Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Holiday Open House from 1 p.m. to 4

p.m. It’s a great opportunity to support local retailers and get a jump on Christmas shopping.

Nov. 21

Capitol Sounds Concert Band

Alexander City Arts will host this Montgomery-based all-volunteer concert band directed by John Jackson at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or online at brownpapertickets.com. For information, email alexcityarts@gmail.com or call Mary Wood Perry at 256-749-8073.

Nov. 21

Strength and Perseverance Steak and Burger Dinner

The Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin area will host its annual inspirational dinner for local youth at St. James Episcopal Church, 347 S. Central Ave. in Alexander City. The silent auction will begin at 5 p.m., and dinner will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Mike Goggans II, a former BRHS football player and Auburn football champion. Tickets for adults are $10, and children aged 5 to 17 are admitted for free. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at the door or at the Boys and Girls Club Office, 1009 Cherokee Rd. Alexander City, starting Nov. 16.

Nov. 22

Little House Show

Alvin Youngblood Hart will perform at the indoor stage at Standard Deluxe in Waverly at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22, and seating is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit standarddeluxe.com.

Nov. 23

Denim & Diamonds Charity Ball

The Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber and Lake Martin Area United Way will host an evening of giving at 6 p.m. at The Lake Martin Event Center. Tickets are $50, which includes a steak dinner, music, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased from any Dadeville chamber member; United Way office at 17 Main St. in Alexander City; or directly from the Lake Martin Area Chamber office at 345 E. LaFayette St. in Dadeville.

Nov. 24

Little House Show

Little Mazarn will take the indoor stage at Standard Deluxe in Waverly at 7 p.m. For more information, visit standarddeluxe.com.

Nov. 29

Christmas at Crossroads and Holiday Bazaar

Make sure your kids have their lists ready for Santa, as the jolly elf will make his way by carriage from the North Pole to the Town Green Stage at around 10 a.m. at Russell Crossroads. Santa will stay until 2 p.m. There also will be tons of arts and crafts and games for the children. Come spend Black Friday at Russell Crossroads with Santa and a whole lot more. In addition, the Holiday Bazaar will feature local artisans from Lake Martin and across the Southeast that will exhibit original works in jewelry, reclaimed wood décor, paintings, photography, candles, soaps and more from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at this annual juried art show at the Town Green. All works are original and handcrafted. For a vendor application or for more information contact Tyler Mitchell at tmitchell@russelllands.com Vendor sign-up deadline is Nov. 15.

Dec. 1

Dadeville’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Everything’s Art will host the annual tree lighting ceremony around Courthouse Square from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be Christmas music by local church choirs; candy from elves; kids can mail letters to Santa and have their pictures taken with Mrs. Clause, all while enjoying hot chocolate and warm cider. The tree will be lit at dusk.

Dec. 1-8

An Eclectic Christmas

Reservations now are open for the 2019 outdoor walking tour from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This annual re-enactment of the Bible’s story of the birth of Christ includes more than 200 volunteers at the Falk Farm, 1733 Claude Rd., Eclectic. Walk-throughs are scheduled every 15 minutes between 5:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Reservations are required. Make yours at aneclecticministry.org. Lake Martin Living 37

Dec. 2

Hometown Christmas Parade

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will host the annual parade of floats, bands and beauties, led by jolly old St. Nick himself. The theme for this year’s parade is 12 Days of Christmas. Entry applications are due before Nov. 22. Visit alexcitychamber. com/christmas-parade for details and the entry application.

Dec. 5-8

A Christmas Carol

Alexander City Theatre II will stage John Jake’s version of the classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7 p.m., and the Sunday performance will begin at 2 p.m. All performances will be held at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for students and $15 for adults. Purchase tickets at the door or in advance at brownpapertickets.com.

Dec. 6

Great Futures We Are One Breakfast

Dec. 11

Season-Long Events

Drop by the Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama office at 5030 U.S. Highway 280, Alexander City, between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to learn more about VCCA programs and meet the volunteers involved with them.

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

VCCA Open House

Dec. 14

A Downtown Christmas

Main Street Alexander City will team up with Alexander City Parks and Recreation to host a full day of holiday fun. The Holiday Market will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Calhoun St., and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. kids can write letters to Santa at United Way, bake cookies with Mrs. Claus and join in reindeer races. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., there will be snow tubing at Strand Park, Frosty’s Frozen Playground, pictures with Santa and Polar Express Train at Broad Street Plaza and sleigh rides from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There also will be carolers, Main Street’s Christmas Window Decorating contest, Santa Fun Run and more throughout the day.

Dec. 14

Eclectic Holiday Festival

The Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area will host this community breakfast in an effort to recruit more community members to become involved, as well as appreciate current staff, kids and community leaders. The breakfast will be held in the United Way Conference Room, 17 Main St. in Alexander City, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Mike Lutzenkirchen will be the guest speaker. Call the BGCLMA office at 256-234-4757 to RSVP by Nov. 25.

Take a walk through Candyland in downtown Eclectic to celebrate the holidays with games, shopping, vendors, food and more from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Christmas parade will begin at 2 p.m. at Elmore County High School. For more information, call 334-201-0092 or 334-541-3581.

Dec. 8

Autism Society of Alabama Tallapoosa-Coosa Chapter will host an event from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lake Martin Innovation Center. Children will be able to sit and talk with Santa in a sensory-friendly, calming, worryfree space. This event will be open to the public and geared toward creating a special event for special needs sensoryseeking kids. There will be snacks, drinks, hot chocolate, sensory toys and a professional photographer on hand. Tickets are $10 and include a photo release. Contact Melissa Mullins at melissa.mullins.advocate4autism@ gmail.com for more information.

6th Annual Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade

The Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber will host the annual Christmas parade at 3 p.m. Head down to Courthouse Square around 12 p.m. for children’s activities, craft booths, food and more.

Dec. 11

Little House Show

Dylan LeBlanc will take the indoor stage at Standard Deluxe in Waverly at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Seating is limited. Visit standarddeluxe.com.

38 Lake Martin Living

Dec. 14

Sensory Santa TCC Autism Society of Alabama

$20 on the 20th

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 Fridays and Saturdays 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. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus. Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by show-and-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

Charity Bingo at Jake’s

Play charity bingo at Jake’s Restaurant at 16 Broad St., Alexander City, at 6 p.m. every Thursday night. Cards are $1, and proceeds benefit local charities.

Amateur Radio Club

The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City, with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. For information, contact Michael Courtney at 256-8257766 or Mike Smith at 256-750-5710.

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. Check the calendar at RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.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 (except December) 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.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

The third Saturday of each month, volunteers throughout the community are encouraged to meet at Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@ alexandercitychamber.com.

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. Participants should meet at the TPI bullpen at the Lake Martin Innovation Center for coffee, a light breakfast and a chance to network with community members.

Open Studio

The Artists Association of Central Alabama meets from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Senior Center and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays at the Dadeville Senior Center on Columbus St. Beginners are welcome, and there is no charge for open studios. For more information, call June Dean at 334-301-5317 or Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

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. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays. Lake Martin Living 39

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

Power lines

280

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

Flint Hill Church

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

Rockford

128

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Pleasant Grove Church

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

Seman

4 Camp Kiwanis

10 1 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

19 5

Union Landing

Walnut Hill

20 25

Stillwaters

7 Ba

23 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

Church in The Pines

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

8 63 17 9

Equality

231

12 24

Dadev

280

Liberty Church

Jacksons Gap

Union

Central

Red Hill

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

Eclectic Santuck

11 Kent Reeltown

231

ELMORE COUNTY

120

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

40 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

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 5 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

hoe Bend nal Park

6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 7 Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600 397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

Restaurants & Venues

CHAMBERS COUNTY

ville

11 Acapulco Mexican Grill 334-283-2725 2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078

ON TY

9 Catherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 10 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Camp Hill

88 SpringHouse 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

12 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

Business & Shopping

280

Waverly

13 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036 230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

18 Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 19 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133 6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853 20 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 21 Off the Beaton Path 205-708-3127 21322 U.S. Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853

Hotels & Lodges 22 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440 6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 23 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820 8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 24 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 8352 AL-50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293

Dock Builders 25 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 26 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400 6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation & Entertainment 27 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

14 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

15 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 16 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

LEE COUNTY

17 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka 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 41

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE! Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy. ALEXANDER CITY

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

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

Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store Longleaf Antiques Mark King Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot Touchless Boat Covers Valley Bank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

CHELSEA

The Ditsy Daisy Boutique Winn-Dixie

CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie

DADEVILLE

American Watersports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts

42 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

ECLECTIC

Bless Your Heart Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Original Grace Peoples Bank

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

INVERNESS

Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Area Tree Top Family Adventure Winn-Dixie

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA

Good Ole Boys BBQ Piggly Wiggly on 21

TALLASSEE

Chamber of Commerce Community Hospital Community Medical Arts Center Covington Healthcare Eagle Fuels Ivy Creek Game Day Clips Hornsby & Sons Body Shop Mitchell Veterinarian Hospital Paris Mullins Jr, OD Parker Tire & Service Center PrimeSouth Bank Tallassee Board of Education Tallassee City Hall Tallassee Community Library Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Family Dentistry Tallassee Internal Medicine Clinic The Tallassee Tribune Three Lake Dental

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald

Lake Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marine Construction Company 6732 Highway 63 South, Alexander Cit y, AL 35010 | (256) 392-5200 | www. sunrisedock sllc.com

Lake Martin Living 43

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BOATHOUSES | STATIONARY DOCKS FLOATING DOCKS | SEAWALLS EZ PORTS PWC LIFTS | BOAT LIFTS RE-DECKS | BOAT LIFT REPAIRS

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

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................... 2,44

Advanced Heating & Air.................................................................... 4 4

Lake Martin Signature Construction................................................... 4 7

Avita Mexican Cuisine........................................................................ 2 5

Lake Winds Golf.................................................................................. 8

Badcock Furniture.............................................................................. 2 4

Main Street Alexander City........................................................... 24-25

Beyond Home Care............................................................................ 4 7

Merle Norman................................................................................... 2 5

Alexander Landscaping ..................................................................... 4 3

Millstone Nursery................................................................................. 6

Bolton Cove.......................................................................................5

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery..................................................... 5

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation......................................................... 4 2

Patterson Air...................................................................................... 2 4

C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 4 2 Cahaba Glass....................................................................................... 8 City Pawn Shop................................................................................. 2 4 Coosa Valley MRI..............................................................................44 DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 4 Designs by Trish................................................................................... 6 Eddie & B's Carwash & Produce......................................................... 4 4 Exterior Service Cleaners.................................................................... 2 5 Four Seasons..................................................................................... 4 4

Payne Furniture.................................................................................. 2 4 Prime Home Health.............................................................................. 8 Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6 River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 4 Russell Medical.................................................................................. 4 8 Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 3 Southern Sash..................................................................................... 5 Southern Star Farm...................................................................... 24, 43

George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 6

Steven Mackey.................................................................................. 2 5

Glitter and Glow................................................................................ 2 5

Surgical Dermatology......................................................................... 4 7

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 4 4

Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 4 3

Heritage South Credit Union................................................................ 2

Swearingen Fence.............................................................................. 4 2

Hinson Galleries................................................................................... 3

Sweet Pickins..................................................................................... 4 4

Jackson Thornton............................................................................. 3 9

Trinity Custom Homes........................................................................ 4 5

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance................................................ 4 4

Uber/Lyft/Glenn Ayerbe......................................................................44

Kelleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heating & Air........................................................................ 4 4

Lake Martin Living 45

Thanksgiving

should be the low-key holiday

dults make it to Thanksgiving and are relieved to have a day off. It is acceptable to wear stretchy pants while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Folks just want to eat turkey, drink a beer, chill out and watch a little football. It is a no-pressure holiday until you undercook the dressing or can’t get the shell off of the boiled eggs for the deviled egg tray. (Been there on all of the above.) Then, overnight, innocent-looking little Thanksgiving morphs into Black Friday at Walmart. We all know the origin story of the first feast with the Pilgrims, Squanto and the Native Americans. We all have our own cast of characters (or family) that we whom we annually break bread that day, and those meals are not without stories: dishes gone wrong; fights; love; hilarity; and maybe even dread. To that point, a friend brought up the interesting angle of Mercury being in retrograde this year during November. Luckily for everyone else, by the time this column is out, it will almost be over. Mercury has been in retrograde since Halloween and will continue to be through Nov. 20. Thanksgiving 2019 is on Nov. 28. That means all the crazy energy should evaporate from the atmosphere before you are under one roof with your extended relatives. Thanksgiving should not implode. Hurray! Are you lost yet? I myself did not fully understand the term “Mercury is in retrograde,” until I read up. According to Farmer’s Almanac: “Because of the Earth’s daily rotation, the objects in the night sky appear to move from east to west through the night sky. While the location of the stars relative to the Earth is fixed, at least from our vantage point, the other planets in our solar system all orbit the sun at varying speeds. The outer planets – Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and

46 Lake Martin Living

Neptune – all take longer to orbit the sun than the Earth does, because their orbits are larger. Because of this, the Earth often laps these planets in its journey around the sun. When the Earth overtakes an outer planet, that planet appears to travel backward, as compared to the stars, for a time.” To elaborate further, the inner planets – Mercury and Venus – appear to go retrograde when they lap Earth. Mercury completes its orbit around the sun in only 88 days, so the planet becomes retrograde three or four times in a calendar year, for about three weeks at a time. Outer planets have less frequent, but longer lasting, periods of retrograde motion. Astrologers believe this causes chaos in the lives of us mere mortals. Everything from crashed Lacey Howell computers, cars and power outages, to havoc in the work place is possible. (Ironically, I wrote this on Halloween, and my power was out!) There are many articles on the internet that will tell you what that means for each Zodiac sign; however, most of us do not have the luxury of hiding out at home for three weeks. We must go out into the world, hustle and plan for the holidays. As a Virgo, my sign under this retrograde said my takeaway for those three weeks was to not gossip – easy enough. My lips are sealed. Until the pecan pie comes my way …

Culture Shock

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

IN-HOME CARE SERVICES

For elderly and disabled individuals needing assistance with activities of daily living.

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Surgical Dermatology Group is pleased to announce the opening of our new office in Alexander City, located in the Professional Office Building on the Russell Medical Center campus. Dermatology appointments are available Monday through Thursday with Stacy Davidson, CRNP, as well as Brian King, MD and Rob Gathings, MD who have recently joined Surgical Dermatology Group. Call us to schedule your annual skin check!

Lake Martin innovation Center 175 aLiant Parkway â&#x20AC;˘ aLexander City, aL â&#x20AC;˘ (256) 414-6090

Lake Martin Living 47