NOVEMBER 2020
LAKE 1
Detect It. Treat It. Beat It.
™
Assisting buyers & sellers with their real estate needs in the Lake Martin Area Rhonda Gaskins, Broker Century 21 Lake Area Realty, Inc.
256-749-3644 rhonda@lakearearealty.net
lakearearealty.net
Let Me Move You!
NOVEMBER 2020
LAKE 3
Staff
Letter from the Editor
C
hallenge your impression of post-Labor Day Lake Martin in this issue of Lake magazine: It’s not all sunset cruises on the pontoon and leisurely strolls through the woods. Lake Martin offers up exciting adventures and surreal beauty this time of year, and you won’t want to miss the views, the exhilaration or the fun. Come along with Kenneth Boone and me on page 36 as we join Lake Martin Tourism Executive Director Brandy Hastings and Willow Point’s Karen Kison and her workout group on an afternoon float trip on the Tallapoosa River with Off the Beaten Path Alabama outfitters. The fall colors were just approaching their peak; the water temperature was comfortable – even when I took an unexpected swim down the rapids; and our guides were the best on the river. Our group included an 85-year-old first-time kayaker and a good mix of novice and experienced paddlers. Though I had done a lot of canoeing, I had not ever been in a kayak before this trip, and I can’t wait to go back. To be fair, the swim was my own fault. I hesitated choosing the right or left side of a large rock and instead breached my boat, sliding around the boulder backwards. The rushing water caught the kayak like a sail and over I went, bouncing my padded backside over the moss-covered rocks for a good city block before the water was calm enough that Karen Kison and Pete Browne – who stayed at my side and made sure I was OK the whole time – could fish me out. The outdoor adventure continues on page 2o, where Katy Shelton shares the wonderful stories of Lake Martin fall island campers. While the quiet water and crisp air certainly are inviting, it’s really all about the stars. And for an even more wondrous adventure, combine the kayak trip with the camping trip. There are several primitive free campsites along the Harold Banks section of the Tallapoosa Scenic River Trail, and it would be a trip you could tell your grandchildren about someday. On a sadder note, I so regret that I must tell you of the passing of Lake Martin’s beloved John B. Scott, for whom the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association Yates Lake Forever Wild footpaths below the dam are named. This lover of nature and enthusiastic advocate for the environment died Oct. 15. Learn more about him and the contributions he made to Lake Martin, the state of Alabama and beyond on page 52. And then, honor him by setting out on an adventure that will open for you a whole new season at Lake Martin. Take Lake magazine along and send us a snapshot from your excursion. Email your pictures to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com or upload them at lakemagazine.life.
Betsy Iler, Managing Editor Editor's Note: On page 46 of the October issue of Lake magazine, Welborn Forest Products was credited with the cabinetry for the featured lake home. Wellborn Industries supplied the cabinetry.
4 LAKE
NOVEMBER 2020
Chairman KENNETH BOONE
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Publisher STEVE BAKER
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Managing Editor BETSY ILER
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Art Director AUDRA SPEARS
audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com
Circulation ERIN BURTON
erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com
Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER
tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com
Marketing RACHEL MCCOLLOUGH
rachel.mccollough@alexcityoutlook.com
MARILYN HAWKINS
marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com
JULIE HARBIN
julie.harbin@alexcityoutlook.com
LIZ HOLLAND
liz.holland@alexcityoutlook.com
ANDY CARR
andy.carr@thewetumpkaherald.com
Digital Success Manager ELLE FULLER
elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com
Contributors KENNETH BOONE JULIE HUDSON AMY PASSARETTI GREG VINSON CLIFF WILLIAMS LONNA UPTON STEPHANIE SIMONS MATT SHEPPARD JOHN THOMPSON AUDRA SPEARS
All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281
On the Cover Willow Point Wellness and Recreation Director Karen Kison organized participants in her workout classes for an ageless kayak trip on the Harold Banks Canoe Trail, part of the Tallapoosa Scenic River Trail. About 15 people signed up for the three-hour tour with Off the Beaten Path outfitters and guides. The group negotiated the series from Horseshoe Bend National Military Park to Jaybird Landing. Photo by Kenneth Boone
6400 Highway 63 South, Alexander City, AL 35010 docksunlimitedllc.com (256) 203-8400 Check out our Facebook Page: Docks Unlimited
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LAKE 5
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Contents 20. OH MY STARS Fall camping at Lake Martin is all about the view of the night sky 26. LAKE MARTIN Q&A Lake Martin Tourism Director Brandy Hastings hits the ground running
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36. AGELESS ADVENTURE A little bit of fast water on the lake's Tallapoosa River doesn't scare this group of mature, novice paddlers 44. FALL IN LOVE WITH THE LAKE Atlanta's Beth and Paul Daffin fell hard for Lake Martin and spend more time at the lake than they planned 52. JOHN B. SCOTT (1930-2020) Lake Martin remembers a cherished friend and advocate who leaves a legacy on the CRATA trails
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LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:
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9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 14. LAKE MARTIN EVENTS 30. NATURE OF THE LAKE 56. LAKE PROPERTY
58. LMRA 60. FAB FINDS 62. HEALTHY LIVING 64. CHEF'S TABLE 68. BIG CATCHES 71. PAR FOR THE COURSE
Lake magazine also features an online, digital edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with friends and family and provides you complete access to stories, photos and advertisements from anywhere in the world with Internet access. View our digital edition today at www.lakemagazine.life.
NOVEMBER 2020
LAKE 7
Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry
A Place To Worship Lake Martin Area Churches
WATERFRONT Church of the Living Waters Inside StillWaters, Dadeville 256-825-2990 New Hope Baptist Church 529 Peppers Road, Alexander City 256-329-2510 Church in the Pines Kowaliga Road, Kowaliga 334-857-2133
OFF WATER Equality United Methodist Church 281 AL Hwy 259, Equality 334-541-4063
OFF WATER
OFF WATER
OFF WATER
Hillabee Baptist Church Hillabee Road, Alexander City 256-234-6798
Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa Street, Alexander City 256-234-6494
First Baptist Church 178 South Tallassee Street, Dadeville 256-825-6232
Red Ridge United Methodist Church 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL 36078 334-252-8618 (12 Miles South of Lake Martin)
First United Methodist Church 310 Green Street, Alexander City 256-234-6322 First United Methodist Church West Lafayette Street, Dadeville 256-825-4404 First Presbyterian Church 371 Jefferson Street, Alexander City 256-329-0524
Lake Martin Baptist Church 9823 County Road 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-7434
St. James Episcopal Church South Central Avenue, Alexander City 256-234-4752
Lake Pointe Baptist Church La 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293 Faith Temple Church 425 Franklin Street, Alexander City 256-234-6421
ASK ABOUT OUR
Flint Hill United Methodist Church 2858 Flint Hill Road Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-5047 Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy 280 Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-2555
WE WILL CUSTOMIZE A PLAN SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR NEEDS! PAGE A7
God has our names tattooed, us won’t forget
FOR RECORD SUBSCRIBERS in
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NO. 20
MAY 16, 2019 THURSDAY,
nuisance anyone with the Hardin said those affected by ts or the EARPDC said the grant complain should bring can use them Debbie Minor street paving ts so they City Clerk is for both projects. y written statemenon. goes application n Drive is) in absolutel night. authority said. “If for the applicati n Tuesday planner Jason “(Freema the housing COUNCIL • Page A3 ,” Hardin demolitio really “As far as regional See condition the group there it’s EARPDC the councila CDG grant awful driven through at funding E JANSEN on you’ve Hardin informed we’re looking structures.” By GABRIELL with the city Drive at bad and also n at dilapidated Freeman y and is working Staff Writer paving on heard for demolitio Authorit for street Housing s. Dadeville e City Council Dadeville Regional The Dadevill sion the ing 22 propertie East Alabama t Commis demolish from the nd D elopmen
8 LAKE
St John The Apostle Catholic Church 454 North Central Avenue Alexander City, Al 35010 256-234-3631
NOVEMBER 2020
Call one of our marketing representatives today!
Small Space Advertising Works.
256-234-4281
Call Liz Holland 256-414-3174 & ask for Lake Church Page
Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month
Number of sales
Average selling price
Median selling price
Days on the market
Total houses for sale
55 38 26
$813,935 $647,825 $449,846
$627,500 $599,500 $323,250
115 161 132
86 250 346
September 2020 September 2017 September 2014
Inventory/ sales ratio 2.33 8.55 14.12
The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS.The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single-family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy of Lake Martin Realty, LLC (a Russell Lands, Inc., affiliated company).
Send in your cleanup photos for a chance to win Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., once again will give away a bag of thank you gifts to one lucky Renew Our Rivers cleanup volunteer on Lake Martin. The bag, filled with gift cards, T-shirts, hats, koozies, coffee cups and more giveaways from lake area businesses will be awarded to a volunteer in a random drawing of photos submitted from the cleanup. For a chance to win the bag, gather friends and family to take part in the annual trash cleanup at Lake Martin on Nov. 6 and 7. Turn out to pick up supplies at one of the volunteer stations around the lake and turn in the trash you collect at one of four designated dumpster stations around the lake. While you're out picking up trash or turning it in, take a photo together and send it to betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com. After the cleanup, the names of everyone in the photos will be put in a bowl, and one name will be drawn out. That's the winner of the Golden Picker bag! The cleanup is sponsored by Alabama Power and coordinated by Lake Martin Resource Association. Additional cleanup sponsors include Russell Lands On Lake Martin, Advanced
Disposal, Wind Creek State Park, TowBoatUS Lake Martin and Lake Martin Dock Company. Since the annual cleanup effort began at Lake Martin 15 years ago, more than 160 tons of trash have been removed from the shoreline and roadways around the Lake, and more than 600 automotive tires have been removed and recycled. Dumpsters will be located at Kowaliga Public Last year's Golden Picker Ramp, Real Island Marina, prize bag included gifts Wind Creek State Park valued at more than $500 Marina and the Union Public Boat Ramp.Volunteers could pick up supplies at dumpster locations beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Trash can be delivered to the dumpsters between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Supplies also will be available Friday only at the Table 34 parking lot on county Road 34 and on Friday and Saturday at 8 a.m. to Lake Martin Mini Mall on state Route 63. To donate items to the Golden Picker prize bag, contact Lake magazine managing editor Betsy Iler at 256-234-4282 or email betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com.
Weather Outlook for November November 2020 Forecast
Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid-60s with average lows in the lower 50s and more than 4-3/4 inches of precipitation in the month of November. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures and rainfall averages will be above the normal range this month.
Year to Date
Precipitation: 71.42 inches Avg. high temp.: 77.4 Avg. low temp.: 55.2 Avg. temp.: 66.3
Our Normal November Precipitation: 4.79 inches Avg. high temp.: 66.8 Information from the Avg. low temp.: 51.1 National Weather Avg. temp.: 54.0 Service.
NOVEMBER 2020
Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.48 Lowest: 488.94 Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit the website lakes.alabamapower.com.
Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and waterrelated equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.
LAKE 9
Lake Scene n People & Places
Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Jumping off the back of the boat is Harper Hare's favorite thing to do at the lake. (2) Murray Dunlap takes in a relaxing sunset at Lake Martin with friends. (3) Emerson and Grace Walters goofing around on a sandy beach near Peanut Point. (4) Kyle Thornton captured this image of the Children's Harbor Chapel last Christmas Eve. (5) Cale Hanks, Gunner Middlebrooks, Luke Hanks and Liz Middlebrooks hold a delicate balance on a paddleboard. (6) Laken and Chase take the kayaks out in the slough on a sunny day at the lake.
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NOVEMBER 2020
Lake Scene n People & Places
Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Jayden Trowbridge hit the water mat on her first vacation at Lake Martin. (2) Robin E. Taylor took this photo of NEOWISE comet off Turner Road in Blue Creek. (3) Mary Haslam sent this phot of friends and family on a boat ride at Lake Martin, including Sydney Ward, Maura Swanson, Emma, Ethan, Tom and Mary Haslam. (4) John Neighbors visited the goats that spent a few weeks at Sandy Creek over the summer. (5) Life at the lake is paw-fect for Keith Calhoun's 5-month-old German Shepard pup. (6) Zach Thompson is takin' it easy at the lake. (7) Austin and Ryan Charles hang on for a wild ride behind the boat. (8) Wilson Satterfield took a flying leap off the boat July 4th weekend.
NOVEMBER 2020
LAKE 11
ProCare, LLC C O N T R A C T I N G
Lake Martin’s Marine Construction Company 6732 Highway 63 South, Alexander Cit y, AL 35010 | (256) 392-5200 | www. sunrisedock sllc.com
12 LAKE
NOVEMBER 2020
Lake Scene n People & Places 1
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READER SUBMISSIONS
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(1) Haig Lee takes a boat ride on Lake Martin. (2) Helen Short snapped this gorgeous photo at Blue Creek just before a storm the area. (3) Victoria Lancaster caught this 2-1/2 pound catfish from her pier at The Harbor on Lake Martin. (4) McKailee Herman is all set to watch the Derby at the lake. (5) Will and Sara Tate Schroeder found a rainbow on the Willow Point golf course. (6) The DiBenedetto goldens are looking a little tired after a day at the lake. (7) A beautiful autumn day at the lake begins with golden sunlight on an old pier. (8) Mary Palmer Watkins,Colin and Gentry Falkner take a leisurely tube ride at Cooper's Slough.
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LAKE 13
Now-November Confronting Covid-19
for more information or email him at djennings@cacc. edu.
The Kelly’s online Treasure Hunt Exhibit 2020 addresses the phases of coping with the coronavirus pandemic. Part I is entitled Isolation, to be followed by Activities, Healing and, finally, Reunion. Visit the exhibit at thekelly.org and on the museum’s Facebook page.
Nov. 5 Bingo Under the Stars Main Street Alexander City will host Bingo Under the Stars at 6 p.m. in the United Way parking lot with a cash jackpot, raffle items and door prizes.
Nov. 7 Jim Landers Memorial Bass Tournament
Nov. 10-13 Painting Lake Martin en Plein Air
Discover the beauty of the lake in autumn during this four-day workshop in soft pastels and oils for all levels with Greg Barnes at Tallapoosa School of Art. This workshop is for all skill levels, as Barnes will employ on site demonstrations in oils and acrylics for beginner to seasoned artists. For details and registration, contact Dorothy Littleton at dorothylittleton@gmail.com. The festive annual Denim & Diamonds event features a steak dinner, live entertainment and a silent auction to benefit Lake Martin Area United Way and the Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber
Nov. 11 Fall Painting
Celebrate fall by painting your Wind Creek own fall picture State Park will at 1 p.m. in the host and OGS fellowship hall at Tournaments Red Ridge United will facilitate CALENDAR OF EVENTS Methodist Church. No previthis event to benefit Outdoor ous painting experience is necFriends Forever, which helps WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN essary. Bring a neighbor or a special needs children enjoy friend and $30, plus your own hunting and fishing. Entry fee refreshment. All supplies will be provided. Masking and is $110, and the Big Fish pot is another $10. Boats will leave the dock at 4:15 a.m. and weigh-ins start at 3 p.m. social distancing will be respected. To register prior to the event, contact instructor Kay Fincher at 256-825Visit ogstournaments.org for details. 2506 or email her at vkfincher@aol.com.
Nov. 9 CACC Fundraising Golf Tournament
The Trojan Golf Team will host a four-person scramble golf tournament at Moore’s Mill Country Club in Auburn. Entry fee is $1,000 for a four-person team. All proceeds benefit the Trojan golf program. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Tee time is 10 a.m. There will be postround food and prize drawings, as well as a silent auction. First, second and third place teams will be awarded prizes for net and gross team golfer. Closest-to-the-pin prizes awarded for par-3 holes. Mail checks, payable to CACC, to Coach Dave Jennings, CACC, 1675 Cherokee Rd. Alexander City AL 35010. To pay with credit card, ,call Gina Wall at 256-215-4355. A portion of the entry is tax-deductible. Call Dave Jennings at 256-215-4242 14 LAKE
Nov. 15 Main Street Alexander City Holiday Open House
The Christmas shopping season begins downtown in Alexander City when local shops open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to showcase decorating and gift ideas, along with speciality items for everyone on your holiday list.
Nov. 19 Tales of Dadeville
Hosted by Zazu’s Verandah in downtown Dadeville, Tales of Dadeville will feature Emma Jean Thweat in a discussion about the history of the buildings on the courthouse square. Nannie Bell’s will be open next
NOVEMBER 2020
door for the event. Storytelling will begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Nov. 20 9th Annual Denim & Diamonds
Lake Martin Event Center at the World Famous Rodeo Club will host this annual auction event to benefit Lake Martin Area United Way and Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber. Tickets are $50 per person and include a steak dinner and musical entertainment. Silent and live auctions keep this “Evening of Giving” moving. For tickets, visit the Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber at 345 Lafayette St. #102, Dadeville, or the LMAUW office at 17 Main St., Alexander City, or call 256-825-4019 or 256-329-3600. Tickets also are available at the World Famous Rodeo Club.
Nov. 27 Christmas at Crossroads and the Holiday Bazaar
Santa will arrive by carriage and will be in attendance at the Town Green Stage from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be arts and crafts and games for the children, and the annual juried art show will return to the Town Green at Russell Crossroads from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local artisans will exhibit their original works in jewelry, reclaimed wood décor, paintings, pottery, metalwork, photography, candles soaps and more. Artisans interested in displaying their works are invited to contact Tyler Mitchell at tmitchell@russelllands.com. The deadline for applications is Nov. 11. Vendor space is limited. Social distancing will be maintained. Masks will be required.
Dec. 3 Tales of Dadeville
Drive through the parking lot at St. James Episcopal Church at 347 S. Central Ave. between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. every Tuesday and pick up a brown bag dinner with soup, sandwich, fruit and dessert. COVID-19 precautions are taken by volunteers who prepare, pack and distribute the meal, which is open to the whole community, not just those in need.
Clean Community Partnership Cleanups
Volunteers in Alexander City and Dadeville are encouraged to participate in community partnership cleanups every month. In Alexander City, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of the month. Meet at Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For details, contact Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@alexandercitychamber.com. In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the first Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Dianna Porter at 256-750-0075.
Millerville Trade Day
Bibb Graves School on state Route 9 hosts this trade day on the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m with free outside setup for vendors, yard sale, flea market and swap meet items (no food vendors). Donations from sales to BGHS Alumni and Friends Association would be appreciated. There will be a designated area to bring vehicles for sale with $20 donation to BGHSAFA upon sale. For information, contact Bruce Lowery at 205-522-5794.
Library Storytime in Dadeville
Roy Mathis will return to Zazu’s Verandah for the second half of his presentation on Dadeville history. Bring a non-perishable food item donation. Nannie Bell’s will be open next door. Storytelling begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Dec. 7 Hometown Christmas Parade
This year’s annual Hometown Christmas Parade will wind its way through Alexander City to the theme, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Spectators line the streets to watch the dancers and bands perform, see the floats and welcome Jolly Old St. Nick. For details, visit www.alexcitychamber.com/christmas-parade.
Season-long Events Charity Bingo
Soup to Go
Storytime for children aged 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Children’s Library in Alexander City
Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds a themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschoolaged and younger children. In addition, the children’s library hosts board games and puzzles every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information, call Melissa Finley at 256-234-4644.
Santuck Flea Market
The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month at 7300 Central Plank Rd., state Route 9 in Wetumpka.
Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit
Every Tuesday in September, stop in at Niffer’s at the Lake at 6 p.m. for eight rounds of Bingo to benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way. Cards are $1 each. The first seven rounds pay Niffer’s dollars, but the last round pays a cash jackpot.
The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin exhibit is on display all year long at the Alexander City Board of Education building, located at 375 Lee St.
NOVEMBER 2020
LAKE 15
$20 on the 20th
The Lake Martin Dadeville Area asks our community to spend $20 on the 20th of each month to help our local economy.
Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store
Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. 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.
Real Island Supper
The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.
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.
second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City, with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. For more information, contact Michael Courtney at 256-825-7766 or Mike Smith at 256-750-5710.
Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours
Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom.Visit RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com/ blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.
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.
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.
Charity Bingo at Niffer’s Place Lake Martin
Niffer’s, 7500 state Route 49 in Dadeville, hosts charity bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Cards are $1 each, and funds go to participating charities. To include your event in the Lake magazine calendar pages, email details to betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com by the 15th of the preceeding month.
Amateur Radio Club
The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the 16 LAKE
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LAKE 17
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NOVEMBER 2020
LAKE 19
Oh My Stars
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STORY BY KATY SHELTON & PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS
Ask anyone who camps at Lake Martin, and they will tell you about the stars. At the end of the day, when the sun sets and daylight finally fades, an endless sky full of twinkling lights makes its grand appearance. Campers experience this spectacular display of stars in a special way, a way like no other. “I camped when I was a child with my family, and now I camp with my friends,” said Alexander City’s Tom Collier, retired Camp ASCCA director and camping enthusiast. Collier’s favorite places to camp on Lake Martin include the islands near Chimney Rock, the Highway 280 Bridge and Camp ASCCA. “Camping is stress-free and brings me more in touch with nature and closer to God.” All Lake Martin tent campers know the importance of preparation, and while most campers want to pack
light, there are a few items every camper needs. These include safety items, food supplies, sleeping accommodations and entertainment. “Always consider your access point,” Collier said, stressing the issue of safety. “If an emergency arises, or bad weather moves in, it is important to think through your plan to get back home.” There is cell service on all the islands where he’s camped Collier said. But it’s always a good idea to pack a first-aid kit. He brings bug spray for the occasional red bugs and ticks, but mostly, he enjoys the ospreys, blue herons, bald eagles and white-tailed deer that regularly make appearances. He said his only bad experience with wildlife involved an unwanted guest, a Copperhead, at his site. In addition to safety, camping preparations also
The night sky puts on a show for fall campers at the lake
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include planning meals. Most campers prefer to keep it simple, and cooking over a campfire can be both simple and entertaining. Collier said there is always plenty of downed wood, branches and limbs to use as firewood, so there is never a need to cut wood. In addition to a cooler, it’s easy to bring along a grill grate on which to cook. Camp stoves are also simple to pack, as well. For campers who would rather not cook but instead want to keep it completely basic, there are many freezedried food options available. Always bring the appropriate amount of water to rehydrate the food packets. For a short trip in mild weather, gallon jugs of water are the easiest way to go, but water filters travel light and make purifying lake water simple if heat or length of stay dictates a greater amount of water. Collier said he prefers a tent when he camps, but it’s easy to hang a hammock and sleep among the trees. If using a tent, he recommended placing a tarp on the ground to keep the rain out and to protect the tent from getting punctured by rocks. He also suggested bringing a sleeping pad or air mattress to provide a cushion over the hard ground. A sleeping bag and inflatable pillow provide the perfect warmth and comfort for a good night’s sleep beneath the stars. Lake Martin provides natural entertainment with its wildlife during the day and endless stars at night, but campers could bring along a fishing rod. Whether A good camp fire takes fishing for dinner or catchthe chill out of a fall evening ing for sport and release, the lake is teeming with bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish. Or pack a camera and capture the beauty of the lake and its surroundings from behind the lens. As a reminder, Collier said to always consider your impact on the lake when camping. He practices the leave-no-trace philosophy. In other words, he leaves the site clean and ready for the next camper. If possible, he finds an existing campsite to use. Collier’s final advice for new campers on Lake Martin is simple: Practice makes perfect. Practice setting up your tent ahead of time, and always arrive at the campsite early and with plenty of daylight ahead. Finally, the best way to be sure you’ve thought of everything needed for your trip is to perform a trial run. A night of camping
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in the backyard, especially if the kids are along, helps to identify needs or issues not otherwise anticipated. Dadeville’s Brad Thompson and his wife Charlotte also enjoy camping at Lake Martin and agree with Collier. “Be prepared,” said Thompson, “bring more provisions than you think you need.” The Thompsons have been camping at Lake Martin for many years, and have camped all over the lake, along with their two sons, who are Eagle Scouts. When selecting a campsite, the Thompsons look for a nice view, a sandy beach and a kind shoreline. They like to keep things simple by finding a primitive site where they cook good food over an open fire. And of course, the Thompsons also enjoy the stars. Like Collier, Thompson camped as a child. “I remember going to Smith Mountain and exploring the area around the old, dilapidated ranger station. This was in the 1970s before the watchtower was (restored).” The Thompsons enjoy venturing off their campsite, and they also recommend the hiking trail on Smith Mountain, which leads to wonderful views of the lake, but camping at the fire tower is no longer allowed. Thompson enjoys setting up camp on the island near Bay Pines. Look closely to spot several eagles’ nests hidden in the trees. A final word of advice about camping from both Collier and Thompson: Select a campsite on land designated for public use. Alabama Power Company’s division of Shoreline Management controls much of the land around Lake Martin, and camping is allowed on these natural and undeveloped lands. But do make certain to avoid privately owned property at the lake. Visit the Treasured Mile Program page at lmra.info for a map featuring Alabama project islands and shoreline. Collier and Thompson agreed, camping is nice any time of year, but fall might be their favorite. After Labor Day when the summer boat traffic subsides, as well as the heat, locals continue to enjoy the lake. The weather is perfect, the colors are glorious, and tranquility prevails. And never forget to look up at the twinkling skies above the sparkling lake. You’ll be in for a glorious treat.
NOVEMBER 2020
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Lake Martin Q& A
Brandy Hastings Executive Director Lake Martin Tourism
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n What will you be doing to develop tourism here at Lake Martin? Tourism is already alive here at Lake Martin, and during the summer, the area actually saw increased visitation and visitor spending. We have a wonderful product to market to visitors, and we offer the type of off-the-beaten-path getaway that people are seeking. I plan to promote us through targeted digital marketing focused on geographical areas within driving distance. I am also working to make sure that the visitors who are coming already – whether for a weekend at their second home, a sports or fishing tournament or a vacation – are encouraged to dive deeper into our community and explore more of our things to do, places to eat, etc. I hope to give people reasons to stay longer and do more during their time here. The launch of the new ExploreLakeMartin.com website was a big step, as well as the launch of our social media channels. I am also making sure we have all necessary assets – including pictures, video, print collateral, etc. – to best promote our area. We are working on ways to get that information to the right people at the right time. The Lake Martin Tourism Association has a wonderful board of directors that has worked tirelessly to bring this tourism focus into fruition for the area; however, we can’t develop tourism alone. The strong partnerships we have with our local government and businesses and with other organizations, such as Tallapoosa County Tourism, Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Alexander City, Alexander City Parks and Recreation, etc., are critical to the overall success of this mission. n What is your experience in promoting tourism? I spent many years in the broadcasting industry, but during one of my first radio jobs during college, I also ended up working as a concierge at a boutique hotel in Shreveport, Louisiana. The owner of the radio station happened to own the hotel, and I was working hours wherever I could to keep rent paid and be able to buy peanut butter, jelly and bread. Little did I know that, years later, the tourism and hospitality industry would be such a huge part of my life. That adventure led me to Visit Florida, the state of Florida’s official tourism marketing organization. During my years there, I made it my mission to learn as much as I could about the tourism industry. I obtained my Professional in Destination Management Certificate from Destinations International and my Hospitality and Tourism Management Certificate from Florida Atlantic University. I also had the opportunity to work as director of sales and strategic partnerships for Go Pegasus, a tourism company in Orlando. n How do you think tourism could improve the quality of life in our local communities? Our residents know all there is to love about Lake Martin, and we are simply sharing with others what we are blessed with every day. When others visit, they spend money in our local businesses, which helps keep those businesses alive for us to enjoy as well. Visitors are an important part of keeping our local businesses open and thriving.
Those businesses create jobs for residents, who spend money throughout the community. In this way, tourism really does affect every single person in our area. Visitors also contribute tax dollars to our cities when they spend money in our stores and restaurants. Those that stay overnight contribute additional lodging taxes. This is money that goes to our city’s general fund to help the city pay for the services it provides to residents. More visitors means more thriving local businesses, more jobs and more money in our local economy. n How can we glean the benefits of tourism without losing the laidback lifestyle that we love about Lake Martin? The laidback lifestyle we have is the reason we are seeing the benefits from tourism. We should never change that, but there are some areas that we can grow. One area that has definite growth potential is our lodging sector. There are many times when our hotels are at capacity, and visitors have to stay farther away than they would like. Those are tax dollars that we are losing, and additional rooms for our visitors is one way we could grow that would not negatively impact our lifestyle. I believe that laidback lifestyle is what our visitors are seeking, and it is very important that we do not lose the vibe and feel of Lake Martin. That is one of the biggest things that drives people to visit our area. It is imperative that we stay true to who we are. n How will social distancing, wearing masks and other health safety measures be a part of your promotions of the area? As many destinations across the world were seeing their biggest visitation declines in history this past spring and summer, Lake Martin was the anomaly. Busy, large destinations that were used to seeing millions of visitors became ghost towns overnight. What our area saw, and what multiple research studies have shown, is that people searched for destinations where they could get away from the crowds and feel safe. Cleanliness and safety quickly became top priorities, and even post-pandemic, those priorities will remain. We must evolve as an industry to make sure we not only genuinely provide clean, safe experiences for our visitors, but also that we promote ourselves as such. The State of Alabama reached out to us as part of a $10 million initiative to promote the state as a safe, clean destination, and we were able to share information on things to do in the Lake Martin area to be included in the campaign. They are providing marketing exposure for us; the caveat was that they are only promoting businesses that follow social distancing and safety guidelines. We will be cautious in our marketing and will employ similar procedures to make sure visitors view Lake Martin as a fun, yet safe, destination. n What can community members do to support the work that you are doing here? Our welcoming community is one of the biggest selling points of a visit to Lake Martin. On my first visit, the hospitality shown to me was one of the things that stood out
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the most. The Southern hospitality in our area is not to be taken for granted, as that is something that keeps people coming back. When visiting new destinations, people love to hear the scoop from locals, so if you encounter visitors, share tips on your favorite things to do, the best fishing spots or places to eat. Don’t take for granted the knowledge that you have as a local. That is so valuable to visitors. Even a simple smile or wave goes a long way in making them feel welcome in our community. Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Another thing that the community can do is to encourage friends and family to visit our area. Data shows that visiting friends and relatives will become an increasing travel trend, so make sure we invite them here. n Philanthropy and giving back are deeply woven into the fabric of life in our local communities. What local charities or community services are important to you and why? I am so proud to come to a community that believes in giving back. There are so many great organizations that I am learning about in our area, from Children’s Harbor to Camp ASCCA and our local United Way. Making our footprint on the Earth less invasive and preserving our natural resources is so important, not only for what we have to offer as a destination to visitors, but also as residents who want to keep enjoying the wonderful land and waterways that we get to enjoy every day.
I am inspired by the work of LMRA, and I am excited to participate in my first Renew Our Rivers cleanup on Nov. 6. The work that they do is phenomenal, and it is a great testament to the respect that our residents show for our area. I hope that I can be an instrumental part of also encouraging our visitors to be part of that mission. As a hiker, I am delighted at the work CRATA has done and continues to do in building and maintaining great trails in our area and giving more people a reason to go out and enjoy the great outdoors. They even offer free guided hikes to our visitors. n If you could have dinner with any three people from any era – living or deceased – who would they be and why? I would have dinner with Jesus, Bob Marley and my grandparents. I guess technically that counts as four, but hopefully we could pull another seat up to the table. Jesus: I have so many questions for Him and just can’t even imagine the awe of being in His presence. Not to mention, He is a great storyteller, which is always great to have at a dinner party. Bob Marley was very insightful and intuitive and became the most recognizable name worldwide in the music industry. I think he could give me some great marketing tips, and maybe he could even sing a song and provide after dinner-entertainment. My Mamaw and Papaw had a huge impact on my life, and I would love to have the chance to spend another moment with them. Plus, they were great cooks and would probably want to be the ones cooking the dinner, too.
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Beggar Lice leaves its triangular seed pods on almost everything that touches it
NATURE OF THE LAKE BY KENNETH BOONE
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Beggar Lice
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Beggar’s Lice is one of those plants that you don’t often see at first blush. Its small and spindly, not much of a standout on the forest floor. But after a first brush with the plant, you’re very likely to see it’s Velcro-like seeds hitching a ride on your pants. This plant – actually these plants because there are dozens of closely related species with the same nickname and similar characteristics – are all members of the genus Desmodium or Hylodesmum. In Alabama, there are 20 species of Desmodium and three more of Hylodesmum. They are known collectively as Beggar’s Lice or Tick Trefoil, but they’re also called Stick Ticks, Tick’s Clover and Hitch Hikers. Most folks around Lake Martin call them Beggar’s Lice, or they sometimes drop the ‘s’ and just say, “Beggar Lice.” This is a huge group of closely related plants that has more than 300 members and is found almost all over the world, with the exception of Europe. More than 50 species are native to the United States. Beggar’s Lice are perennial forbs that grow 2 to 4 feet tall. Its leaves grow on alternate sides of the stem and are trifoliate, meaning that each leaf is divided into three leaflets (which each look a lot like an individual leaf). Leaf shape and size varies with species – some are long and shaped like lance points, while others are oval or roundish. Its flowers are relatively small, vary in color from purple to white, and look a lot like pea or bean flowers, because they are closely related. These herbaceous plants are relatively lanky, as opposed to being compact and bushy, which helps make them hard to spot when they’re elbowing for space with dozens of different wild plants. They grow best in disturbed soil, like new
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Some species of Beggar Lice have small, rounded leaves
field edges or open forests that have been burned. Beggar’s Lice does well in sandy and rocky soils and in partial to full sun, and it’s kind of middle of the road when it comes to the amount of water it needs. The obvious characteristic that Desmodium spp. (‘spp.’ is a scientific abbreviation that means more than one species; a fact you can use to impress your biologist friends) have in common are their distinctive flat, triangular-shaped seed pods that stick to almost everything they touch. The seeds, which appear in the early fall when each plant produces loads of them, are covered with tiny hair-like hooks, like the harder plastic side of Velcro. This makes the seed pod stick to fur, fabric or even bare skin. If you’ve ever walked in the tall grass and weeds in the fall, you’ve probably found Beggar’s Lice on your pants. If your dog is walking with you, you’ve probably found them on him, too. They stick surprisingly well and are sometimes difficult to remove … especially from fuzzy socks and sweaters and long-haired dogs. Sometimes it takes a steel comb or just picking off each triangular Stick Tick one-by-one. For a plant firmly rooted in the ground, growing seeds that stick to moving creatures is a very good way to spread across the countryside. Hunters with game cameras sometimes see deer speckled with Beggar’s Lice during the early part of the season. For the environment, it’s not a bad thing that Beggar’s Lice are so widespread. Beggar’s Lice is a legume, a member of the ecologically important Fabaceae family that includes beans and peas. Like other legumes, Beggar’s Lice improves the quality of its home dirt by fixing nitrogen in the soil. This means these plants can be considered a ‘living mulch’ or ‘green manure’ that is helpful to have growing on your property. And it smells better than the real manure. The benefits of Beggar’s Lice don’t stop there because the sticky triangle seeds are high in protein and are one of the most important native foods for many game animals, including Wild Turkey, Bobwhite Quail and Whitetail Deer. People who manage their land for game often choose to sow Beggar’s Lice because it is a native plant that provides nutrition comparable to soybeans. Both Beggar’s Lice and soybeans contain 20 percent to 40 percent crude protein and 20 percent to 28 percent fiber. By the way, if you do have Beggar’s Lice on your jeans, a dull butter knife held at a 45-degree angle and rubbed across the fabric will scrap them off. But that probably won’t work on your dog. Information for this article came from Dave’s Garden, the Alabama and North Carolina extension services, Troy University and QDMA. Other species sport leaves that are long and narrow
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Beggar Lice flowers tend to be very small
People usually don't even notice Beggar Lice in the woods until their pants are covered with seed pods
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Ageless Adventure STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
Veteran kayaker Barbara Sokol enjoys a respite while waiting for the rest of the group
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Mother Nature still holds a few beautiful autumn days at Lake Martin, so heed 2020’s lesson to not take life for granted and be prepared when the sun warms the back of your neck and the river whispers of adventure. James Glenn, Pete Browne and Boue Ingram last month guided a gathering of women and friends on just such a spectacular weekday afternoon last month. Arranged by Willow Point’s Wellness and Recreation Director Karen Kison, the group booked owner Chuck Browne’s Off the Beaten Path guides and kayaks for a three-hour tour on a 5-mile section of the Harold Banks Canoe Trail on the Tallapoosa River. More than a dozen women and five men
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signed up for the excursion, including Lake Martin Tourism Executive Director Brandy Hastings, who brought the average age of participants down to 70 years. The eldest in the flotilla was 85 years old and brand new to kayaking. Beverly Thomas, the most senior member of the tour, said she thought she took on a little water but hopes the Parting Shot photo Kenneth Boone took of her (page 78) doesn't scare away others who might be up for the adventure. “Feel free to use my age if that would encourage others to give it a try,” Thomas said. Willow Point's Betty Chambers, 84, said experience on the water isn't necessary for this activity.
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Betty Chambers hit the rapids with a smile on her face
“I have only been in a kayak for 20 minutes before this, and that was just a quick lesson on how to get in and out,” Chambers said. Pat Bice was another newcomer to river kayaking. “I loved it. I was a little bit slower than the others, but it was wonderful. I can’t wait to go again,” Bice said at the end of the trip. The route from the bridge at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park on state Route 49 South to Jaybird Landing on Boone Valley Road took about three hours and included several sections of fast-running water, as well as wide open spaces and some wildlife sightings.
The group started their adventure at Jaybird Landing at the end of a 6-mile red clay washboard of a road that would make newcomers guess they’d missed a turn somewhere. They parked their cars in a large gravel lot above the muddy boat launch and entrusted their keys to Browne for the duration of the river run. “We hold all the keys, and they never leave the van,” Browne told everyone at the start. “Don’t take anything you would hate to lose. If you bring your cellphone, put it in a plastic, zip-closed bag.” As paddlers stood at the ready beside their kayaks, paddles in hand and life vests buckled, Glenn called for
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Fall leaves were just starting to turn on the late October day of the adventure, so the kayakers added their own bright colors to the setting
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attention. “Now this is where you have to start listening to me,” Glenn told the enthusiastic beginners. When the sit-on-top boats had been launched with riders situated, he demonstrated a turning technique he called the ‘stick turn.’ “There will be times when you will want to make a sharp 90-degree turn. Stick the paddle straight down into the water and hold it there,” he said, recommending that riders practice the turn often before the first light rapids came into view. “If you flip over, I want to see 10 toes up,” he said. “Don’t try to stand up. The current is too strong for you to keep your balance. Just float down the river on your back. We will come to get you.” As a final caution, participants were instructed to stay behind
Boue Ingram in the lead kayak, and with that, the river caravan set out. Browne, who retired from Auburn University, founded the equipment rental, shuttle and guide service in 2016. Over the years, he has added guides and now works with six regular guides, supplementing with a few more during busy times. But not all of his river trips include guides. “It depends on the experience of the paddlers and their familiarity with the river. Most trips do not include guides, and many trips don’t rent boats. They just need a shuttle service to their put-in point,” Browne said. Every trip is customized to the needs and desires of the particular paddlers, Browne said, from the type of boats – canoes, kayaks or tubes – to the number of guides, the routes and the schedule. And every trip is different, Browne said. “The river is so big and changes so much that every time I go, it’s a different river. It depends on the route you take and how much water is let out at the dam
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Claudia Isaac, Pat Bice, Brandy Hastings, Jan Hare, Barbara Sokol, Beverly Thomas, Diane and Louis Long, Karen Kison and Betty Chambers were all smiles at the trip's end
James Glenn was the lead on the other end of the lake. You can take difguide extraordinaire ferent routes; there are so many small islands that you can go around and find a different rush. There’s no wrong way to go,” he said. At the same time, there are alternatives to the fast water options. Following the main channel results in the same elevation changes as the fast-water routes, but the water runs slower with more gradual drops, he explained. Safety is the most important element of the business. Browne is certified in CPR, life guarding and is a 4-H youth instructor. The guides operate with safety antennae up at all times, identifying and sticking close to those with the least amount of paddling experience. They check in often with each paddler to group in a canoe laden with bottles of water and snacks assess the existing level of stamina in case the that Kison had brought along for her crew. route needs to be altered or a rest stop added. “It started with members of my water aerobics class at Glenn and Ingram have tandem-teamed many guided Willow Point Country Club,” Kison explained. “We wantriver trips in the last seven or eight years. During the sumed to start doing some other exercise activities. I taught mer, they are on the river every day. As the water level them a kayak preparedness class in the lake, so we could drops with the lake level toward autumn’s end, they take take this trip.” kayakers onto the lake, originating the float trips below Additional club members joined the outing, includIrwin Shoals at Jaybird Landing. ing Louis Long who retired four years ago with his wife They communicate along the route via walkie talkies, Diane, also a first-time kayaker on the trip. coordinating the pace and rest stops to keep the groups “This is just great,” Long said when the adventurers together and prepared for whatever adventures lie ahead. stopped to rest on a sand bar about two-thirds of the way Browne’s brother Pete, who moved to the area three into the excursion. “Things like this are why you retire. years ago and also guides, followed the Willow Point
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Just get out there and have fun.” Hastings, a veteran kayaker, wanted to experience the river first hand, so she could better promote the activity to visitors and answer their questions about the route, guide service and terrain. “This is a great experience that people can do right now and in the spring. I want to come back when the Cahaba lilies are blooming,” Hastings said. The river winds through uninhabited wilderness, boasting unspoiled nature at Alabama’s best. An eagle, presumably one of the pair that established a nest on the river and so far have raised two young, circled above the group at the beginning of the trek. Later in the afternoon, a raft of geese took flight with much bellowing and honking when the kayakers gathered at the bottom of a fast-water run. Toward the end of the float, a young cottonmouth tried to sidle up to the kayakers, but Pete headed it off at the pass, parking himself between the snake and the paddlers as he warned the kayakers to stay away. After the rest stop at the sand bar, the group veered left of the main river channel to tackle a side route that held the last fast water of the day, a narrow section of rapids at Irwin Shoals. On this stretch, they negotiated quick turns to avoid sudden drops and ducked under overhanging trees and around rocky outcroppings. All but one of the kayakers managed the exhilarating run without flipping over, but Pete and Kison were on the spot even before the swimmer hit the water. One advantage of making a river trip in the fall is that air temperatures are cooler than those on summer runs while the water temperature remains comfortable. The river is fairly shallow in this section, so the sun warms the water throughout the day in early-tomid fall. In addition, a fall float is relatively bug-free. Wear swim trunks or quick-dry shorts, along with shoes that will protect the feet on the various bottom surfaces of the river. Take along some water and other beverages, if desired. Pack a snack and be sure to wear sunblock, even on cloudy days. A hat also is a good idea. If someone on the trip has a cellphone or a camera, be sure to take a picture of the group to commemorate the adventure. And be prepared to get wet. While the river rapids on this section of the Tallapoosa are relatively slow – Class 1 or 2 in a system that measures up to raging whitewater at Class 5 – Browne said he doesn’t recommend it for every 84-year-old. “It is strenuous and challenging. You’ve got to be in reasonable shape,” he said. “But it’s a great way to get out and appreciate God’s creation.” Off the Beaten Path operates year-round. Rates are very reasonable but vary depending on the services and equipment requested. Visit the outfitter’s Facebook page or offthebeatenpathalabama1.com for pricing, preparation tips and booking.
Hastings looks forward to returning to the river in the spring to see the Cahaba lilies
Diane Long catches her breath at the top of the last rapids of the day
Pat Bice handles the whitewater like a pro
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L a k e M a r t i n , A LAKE l a b a m43a
Soft blues and silvery grays in the furnishings and dĂŠcor mirror the colors of the lake outside the living space windows
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Fall in love with the lake STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
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Paul and Beth Daffin made quick use of time when they began their search for a lake community. Hoping to find the perfect house on the water to enjoy right away and retire to later, the couple rented a house on Lake Martin in May 2018, so they could get out on the water and explore. They made their decision to buy a house on the lake that weekend, came back for Memorial Day weekend, made an offer before their stay had ended and closed in June. “When we found the right house, we knew it. We loved the big water view and that it would be close to friends we had on the Dadeville side of the lake and family in Columbus, Auburn and Opelika. The house had everything we needed with six bedrooms and a large covered porch. And since COVID-19, we are so glad we had our home at the lake. We are here almost fulltime,” Beth Daffin said. The Mitch Ginn design was built by Chad Sterns for H2O Development and features a spectacular view of the lake through a wall of glass across the back of the house. Upstairs, shiplap walls are white, and the ceilings are stained. The upstairs floors are oak with a custom stain of 75 percent Classic Gray and 25 percent Jacobean. Exterior paint is Benjamin Moore’s Urbane Bronze, matched to
the gray stone apron and columns. With its location on a point lot, the house appears to sit directly at the water’s edge and offers a view of the lake from every bedroom. Just off the foyer, Paul enjoys dedicated office space when he is at the lake. Barn doors with cobalt blue panels at the top conceal the space and offer privacy when needed. Just past the foyer, one large room is divided into living, dining and kitchen areas. A vaulted ceiling with beams and a stone fireplace add architectural detail to the space. The couple found the comfortable, extra-large sofa and chairs at Johnson Furniture in Eclectic. The Daffins have beautifully incorporated two antique Morris chairs handed down as family heirlooms from Paul’s mother – one in the office, built by his great-grandfather, and another in the living area that was his grandfather’s favorite reading chair. A reclaimed wine barrel coffee table came from Wine Enthusiast, and lamps and a large chest-of-drawers are from Hinson Galleries in Columbus. Other accent pieces in the home were purchased from McGhee Furniture in Alexander City and Lake Martin Mini-Mall in Eclectic. “I am from Columbus, and my husband grew up in
The spacious kitchen opens onto a large screened porch through sliding doors; Above: Barn doors with cobalt blue glass panes provide entry into the office
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A point lot on a hill provided the perfect location for this Mitch Ginn design
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A guitar and hat autographed by George Strait are among the family treasures.
Elle, a Boykin spaniel, enjoys her comfy spot at the lake
The downstairs patio puts guests in the shade with a breeze and a magnificent view
Propellers from Hinson Galleries add to the nautical dĂŠcor.
The master bath includes a large glass shower and his-and-hers vanities
A suite above the garage indulges guests with an elegant, peaceful space
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Windows bathe the master in natural light and draw the eye to big water views
Montgomery, but we both went to Georgia Tech and raised our children north of Atlanta in Cumming. Both children went to Auburn, so it’s great to have a house close enough for them to be here for game weekends. And we keep having friends visit who end up buying lots,” she said. Daffin credits her mother with decorative touches that have helped make the house a home. In fact, her mother has been known to slip in and add a painting or a table or lamps in the perfect spot. “My son calls my mom a reverse burglar. She brings things in instead of taking them out. She knows my taste, and when the house was still barely furnished, while we were waiting on items to arrive, she brought things from Hinson’s to surprise me. I love everything she has done,” she said. The dining table and bench were custom made by Junc2Funkt Furniture Company in Milton, Georgia, and Daffin found gray chairs to match at Johnson Furniture. The quartz island has three sides of reclaimed wood, and it seats four on barstools, also from Johnson. The quartz countertops are accented with a backsplash of rectangular light blue and gray glass tiles. A subzero refrigerator and Wolf range are centerpiece appliances, and a walk-in 7-foot by 7-foot pantry is fitted with electrical outlets, so appliances – such as the coffee pot or a crock pot – could be used behind closed doors. The cabinets were custom built by Varner Woodworks in Montgomery and
painted Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore. A back hallway provides a mudroom area with a laundry room and a powder room. A console table with stacked stone lamps is decorated with a driftwood fish and a wooden clock, perfect to welcome friends and family through the back door. The master suite on the opposite end of the house has a king-sized bed, also custom made by Junc2Funkt. Windows are treated with woven Roman shades. Two over-sized club chairs with ottomans provide a perfect sitting area in the bay window. Neutral creams and grays complement each other in the fabric on the chairs and the linens on the bed. The large closet was not something Daffin believed they would need, but as they are spending more and more time at the lake, they are glad to have it. A two-car garage, plus a carport, allows plenty of covered parking alongside the concrete pad in front of the home. Above the garage, a private suite with bedroom and bath provides a completely private area for guests and family. Sloped ceilings at different angles add unique detail. The suite has its own air conditioning and heating unit, which guests enjoy, she said. Subtle prints of dogs accent the room in the artwork and on two ottomans under the windows. A wide L-shaped stairway in the foyer provides access to the large downstairs living area with four bedrooms and three baths just off the main room. All of the rooms are appointed with queen-sized beds and dressers. One room has two queen-
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The Daffins enjoy toasting life at Lake Martin around the fire pit as the sun sets
sized beds for extra space. Linens are easy, natural colors in creams, tans and blues. Comfortable leather chairs and a sofa face the television, perfect for watching movies and football games in the downstairs central room. The light blue coffee table came from McGhee’s Furniture, as well as the corner high-top bar. Purchased from Etsy, shelves over another bar area display items and store wine glasses. Storage in the house is maximized under the stairway and in a sizable back closet, which also serves as a shelter in the event of severe weather. Outside, the Daffins enjoy a 16-foot by 24-foot covered porch upstairs, the same sized patio below and a fire pit with Adirondack chairs positioned to look over the water. “The fire pit is our favorite place. We could sit there every night, even in the summer. The sun sets behind us, and we always have a cool breeze. A glass of wine at the fire pit is a perfect way to end the day,” Daffin said. Tommy Bahama furniture on the porch, a sofa, two large club chairs and two large swivel rockers, provide comfortable 50 LAKE
seating for sports events on the large-screened television or simply a relaxed evening of conversation. A picnic table is the perfect addition for casual dining on the porch. Cushioned wrought iron sofas and chairs, as well as round tables with chairs, are perfect for anyone who wishes to be near the water but in the shade. The Daffins enjoy exploring the lake and finding new places to have fun. Their grown children and guests love Peanut Point – the peanuts, the T-shirts, the koozies. Over Labor Day weekend, they took their boat filled with guests above the River Bridge for a day of swimming in the rapids and eating lunch on the water. “We never thought we would be here fulltime, but now we are living in reverse. Instead of a lake house we travel to only on weekends, we live here and travel to a townhouse in Atlanta only when we need to. We have fallen in love with Lake Martin,” Daffin said.
The screened porch is the place to be for cheering on Georgia Tech
NOVEMBER 2020
Fall is right around the corner
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John B. Scott (1930-2020)
J
Lake Martin remembers a cherished friend STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI
John B. Scott died Oct. 15, 2020, at 90 years old, but his name will live on at the Lake Martin trail that bears his name in remembrance of the quality of life he enthusiastically promoted and helped to build here. The John Jimmy Lanier (left) B. Scott presented John B. Scott Forever Wild with the CRATA Trail at the Cherokee Ridge resolution that created the Alpine Trail John B. Scott Association’s trail in 2016 Yates Lake area below Martin Dam will call to mind the legacy Scott left to his family, his friends and the thousands of visitors that hike the namesake trail every year. The trail was named in honor of Scott in 2016, and his daughter, Laura Breyfogle, said the family will continue to hike the trail every Thanksgiving. Scott was an avid outdoor enthusiast and advocate for the environment, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Forever Wild Land Trust. Established in 1992, the trust has secured more than 270,000 acres in the state for public conservation use. In addition, he was the first president of the Alabama Law Foundation and the initial chairman of the Nature Conservancy of Alabama. “The first time I met him, I was so impressed,” CRATA member Jerry Bynum said. “We were going to clear a trail at the Yates property where the John Scott Trail is and he hopped off the back of the truck with a chainsaw in his hand. We walked 2 or 3 miles that day, and he carried that saw the whole way, cutting limbs and everything.” It wasn’t until Bynum learned Scott’s age that he
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was even more amazed. “As we got to know him a little better, I realized he was quite a gentle gentleman with an outdoors spirit,” Bynum said. “His love of the outdoors was just quite amazing.” CRATA cofounder Jimmy Lanier said Scott considered the hiking trails the best thing to ever happen to Lake Martin. Lanier also considered Scott a cherished friend, and the two spent plenty of time admiring the land and sharing laughs and memories. “Daddy met Jimmy Lanier at The Overlook one time a couple years ago and just talked to him about the trails,” Breyfogle said. “He was just so interested because he’s been an environmentalist for years. Anything involving getting people outside is of great interest to him.” Scott shared that pastime with his family who inherited a love for hiking trails around Lake Martin. “It just added a whole new dimension, he realized, for our family and other people coming to the lake to be able to hike,” Breyfogle said. “John was just a dear, special friend,” Lanier said. “He had a great sense of humor and could really tell a funny story. They may be corny jokes, but they were so good they made you laugh.” Breyfogle is no stranger to her father’s cheesy humor. “Oh, he was known for his corn,” she said. “He’d tell jokes at dinner, and we’d say, ‘Pass the butter; I
NOVEMBER 2020
smell corn.’ He was a good punster.” While Breyfogle wasn’t sure if it was Scott or Lanier’s idea to actually build the trails at the Forever Wild acreage, she knew it was her father’s favorite place to be. “When he joined up with Jimmy, he just loved it,” Breyfogle said. “He would always talk about how it was being out there with the trail crew – just to go out and work with them. They didn’t talk politics or religion; just had a good time and celebrated what they were doing. There was a real camaraderie out there, and he enjoyed it so much.” CRATA friends weren’t the only ones Scott made out in the woods though. “Dad was one of the people who made friends with Rusty the Trail Dog,” Breyfogle said. “The dog lived there at the trailhead below the dam. We never knew where he came from, but he just hiked with people.” Scott’s brother, Jim Scott, known for his exquisite gardens at Lake Martin, was the one to suggest naming the trail in Scott’s honor. “Jim wanted him to be honored, and at that point, Daddy just wanted to help build that trail,” Breyfogle said. “He was delighted to have the trail named for him. We all felt he deserved it. He’s pretty humble about things, but he was quite pleased.” Spending all his life in Montgomery and 40 years as an attorney, Scott began visiting Lake Martin on the recommendation of a friend who compared it to
Acapulco and listening to the waves crashing on the shore. Scott bought some land in the late 1970s near the dam and built a house in 1980. “So my dad went and looked at the lot, and he figured at the time he wanted to go in as a family thing,” Breyfogle said. “So he asked his brother and his brother-in-law, my uncle Luther Hill who is an architect and he designed the house. It’s been something that brought out family together and kept us together over the years.” Breyfogle, who now lives in LaGrange, Georgia, said on her last trip to Lake Martin she saw the sign for the John B. Scott Forever Wild Trail on Highway 50 and asked her dad how it felt. “Daddy doesn’t it feel good to have s sign with your name on it?” Breyfogle said. “He said, ‘Yup.’” And one of the last things Scott did before his death was hike the scenic loop of the John B. Scott Trail. “I talked to John about three weeks ago and knew he wasn’t doing well,” Bynum said. “But even the time nearing his death, he was extremely positive and thankful to the volunteers of CRATA for the work they were doing. He always supported us physically and financially. I can’t say enough good things about John Scott.”
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NOVEMBER 2020
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As decorating trends shift toward more contrast, consider whether it might be smarter to remodel or sell 'as is' and build a new lake house
Market Advantage Update for current decorating trends or upgrade with new construction?
I
t is time to prepare to end one year and begin anew. So much has changed in 2020. This year has been so wrought with changes and difficulties; it is hard to see opportunities through the fog – yet they do exist. How people buy and sell homes is not immune to such change. The local Lake Martin community has and is continuing to see many sales and resales taking place. A good bit of the local and national buying and selling is due to the pandemic and subsequent work and lifestyle shifts. If you pay close attention, you might see that there are many great opportunities. The best of these opportunities is coming from lowered mortgage interest rates; therefore, it is no wonder that people are taking a fresh look at how they are housed, con-
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sidering the massive implications of COVID-19. Some people are upsizing or downsizing; some are moving out of crowded cities and suburbs; some are adding secondary homes in peaceful settings; all while others are taking advantage of lower cost remodeling monies or selling for profit. There are owner, construction trade, builder and developer wins everywhere in this specialty local economy. The rare uptick in certain markets will probably have residual effects well into 2021. According to local Lake Martin area real estate agent Lacey Howell, the lake is abuzz with regular sales and bidding wars, and inventory is often limited. This presents several exciting and thought-based advantages for sellers and a bit more preparedness on the part of buyers.
NOVEMBER 2020
The Market
If you are a seller, you should be concerned with competitiveness. If you are a buyer, your purchase methods begin with strategic compromises and future considerations. No one should enter a strong market without a plan for the best personal outcome. The sellers need to know what makes their properties more competitive. Is it the “As Is� sale to capitalize off the demand without the extra expense? Is it the strategic upgrades that will improve positioning and higher net sale amounts? Where is the best placement of properties for the best value proposition to the buyers? The buyers are either entering the highly competitive market or upsizing or downsizing to stay within a market they have come to love. But what is
the best new house scenario for their the year of new strategies and pivotcurrent and future needs? Can a house ing in nearly every aspect of our lives that needs upgrades suffice for a and livelihoods. But again, we must period? Will a fixer upper net a higher account for the specific markets and value later? Is the best way to enter the right influences: the current market a new construction Even if you plan to pay cash, call home? a financial professional These are only a few (CPA, banker, mortgage of the questions that buybroker) or collect iners and sellers need to depth researched inforconsider as they navigate mation about your sale/ a market that could have purchase subject matter. short-term or long-term Make sure the informafinancial and personal tion relates to your exit implications. Figuring and entry market segout the best-case scenario ments. is not like gambling or Ask the right experts LAKE PROPERTY choosing from a dinner (Realtors, chambers of BY STEPHANIE SIMON menu. commerce) about the local economy and staThe Influences bility of housing in your current and Certainly COVID-19 has influplanned markets before committing to enced some people, but no one factor staying or leaving an area. causes change for a large group of Ask the right experts (architects, people. Many are seeing health and designers, structural engineers, financial benefits, while others see the appraisers) about what you should chance to change their lifestyles. How and should not do to prepare your and why each person makes these home for sale or when buying one that decisions is not as important as the requires updates or repairs. overarching aftermath of the sale or purchase. Are you selling a home for the benefit of profiting and moving upward or downward in housing type? Is that decision only based upon opportunity, or have you made a strong list of what the next step looks like for you and your family? If you buy a home based upon COVID-19 and future health considerations, have you had enough time to really consider the community you are swapping for gain? If you are a tandem seller/buyer, you have double the planning process. This is especially true if you are coming from a completely dif• QUARTZ ferent type of market. How do you • QUARTZITE prepare for both when each has its own set of needs assessment, includ• GRANITE ing timeliness? Just because you • SOAPSTONE want to sell and then buy doesn’t mean you will not end up buying and then selling (hopefully). Strategies and compromise are particularly high in this situation.
Once you have the feedback of one or more of these experts (not entertainment television or online sources), move on to contractors or builders you are interested in seeing if the considerations match across the board. Never update a home or buy according to fads and trends unless you are willing to live with the changes you’ve made for five to seven years or more, just in case sale plans are sidetracked. Never buy a home that will require a bigger investment than you can plan to absorb or benefit from within two to five years after you have purchased it. These are exciting, scary, life shifting and critical times in world history. Plan accordingly. ~ Stephanie Simon is a certified design and construction professional with more than 22 years of multidiscipline experience. Follow her on Instagram Scenario_Design, on Facebook@scenariodesigninc or contact her by email at ssimon@scenarch.design.
Lake Martin’s deBeer Representative
The Plan
While these are big thoughts, they are not impossible to realize if you plan well. After all, 2020 is
Denise Booth 256-749-6177
debooth.al@gmail.com homeologylakemartin.com Located at The Wellborn Industries Showroom 59 Wellborn Way, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861
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Volunteer for the Nov. 6 & 7 cleanup Be part of a small group that makes a big difference
I
have always been challenged by the inspirational words from Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that has.” This powerful statement of truth has played out many LMRA times over the course of hisBY JOHN THOMPSON tory, but it really hits home with me as summer ends and the crowds that have enjoyed Lake Martin to the fullest depart to find other sources of entertainment to fill their spare time. Unfortunately, some of those leave more than footprints on the beautiful sandy beaches and wooded shorelines of our Treasured Lake. There are literally thousands every year that enjoy all Lake Martin has to offer, usually starting with 58 LAKE
Memorial Day weekend and ending Labor Day weekend. This year kicked off a little early with the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic that caused families to hunker down in the safest place they could find, which in many cases was Lake Martin. They were able to fish, ski or just hang out and enjoy the clean, clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches. Unfortunately, as in all preceding years, many often took advantage of all the lake has to offer and failed to respect its fragile, pristine environment. With Labor Day weekend behind us, some quietness has returned to the treasured waters that we love and work hard to protect for future generations. It is now time to clean up any remaining trash left behind by these careless individuals. This is when a small group of thoughtful, committed lovers of Lake Martin step up to the plate. There are a few dedicated volunteers that have been doing
NOVEMBER 2020
Supported by a host of dedicated sponsors and volunteers, the annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup at Lake Martin is a concerted effort to protect and preserve our Treasured Lake
this for many years, and they have truly improved the appearance of the shoreline and the health of the lake’s clear, clean waters. More than 160 tons of trash – including plastic and glass bottles, beaded Styrofoam, metal drums, household appliances and automotive tires, along with pretty much anything else you might think of – have been removed and delivered to a landfill over the past 15 years. Thousands of individuals enjoy all that our Treasured Lake has to offer, but only a handful volunteer to clean up the mess that is left behind. This is truly a very small group of hard working individuals who are dedicated to removing every piece of trash from the 800-plus miles of shoreline surrounding Lake Martin. The progress has been remarkable over these past few years, and I am beginning to believe it really could be done.
Everyone can pitch in and play a part. The annual Renew Our Rivers/Lake Martin Resource Association Lake Martin cleanup takes place on Nov. 6 and 7. Grab a trash picker and a bag, walk your shoreline or your neighborhood roadside and become a part of this small group of thoughtful, committed citizens that are changing the environment of the Lake Martin community forever. We all want to enjoy the recreation and peace the lake has to offer, so let’s chip in to leave it better than we found it. For more information regarding the cleanup plans, visit lmra@lmra.info. ~ John Thompson is president of Lake Martin Resource Association. Visit lmra.info.
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FABULOUS FINDS
FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS SOLD
Willow Point, Parkview Cottage • $769,000 Builder: Derryl Thomas Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,580 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
Russell Cabins at The Willows, Verandas • $825,000 Water-Access w/ boat slip Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,396 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Anna Speaks, Rhonda Watson 256.215.7011 RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
Russell Cabins at The Ridge, Tree Top • $1,325,000 Builder: Classic Homes Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,706 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RusellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
1470 Willows End, Alexander City • $7,900,000 Beds: 10 • Baths: 10 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com
61 Jacks Hollow, Alexander City • $2,900,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jan Hall 256.329.6313 LakeMartinRealty.com
160 Ridge Crest, Alexander City • $2,750,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty David Mitchell 256.212.3511 LakeMartinRealty.com
883 North Ridge, Alexander City • $1,325,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty John McInnish 334.415.2149 LakeMartinRealty.com
51 Cardinal Lane, Dadeville • $699,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Michelle Brooks-Slayman 256.749.1031 LakeMartinRealty.com
208 Wind Crest Road, Alexander City • $3,700,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 7.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com
79 Mountainview Circle, Dadeville • $749,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com
964 Trillium W Pkwy, Eclectic • $1,825,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 7 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Haley Fuller 256.750.2411 LakeMartinRealty.com
41 Teague Circle, Equality • $450,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Judy Voss 256.794.0779 LakeMartinRealty.com
C403 Marina Pointe Road, Dadeville • $499,000 3 BR, 3 BA, comes fully furnished with boat slip just below your unit. Located inside Stillwaters! Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256-749-8681 lakemartinteam.com
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100 Harbor Place - Unit 505, Dadeville • $255,000 2 BR, 2 BA Lake Martin condo comes furnished. Located inside Stillwaters! Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256-749-8681 lakemartinteam.com
NOVEMBER 2020
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O
ne year ago, without knowing our country was about to face a national pandemic, I wrote about grateful living and how it encourages us to notice what is present and abundant in our lives, while taking nothing for granted. Learning life is a gift and, in the most challenging times, living gratefully could force us to learn, grow and extend ourselves to others with compassion. Celebrations may look and feel different this year; nonetheless, it is imperative to dig deep into our hearts and souls while we give thanks with grateful hearts. The year 2020 has inundated us with conversations that revolve around how to stay healthy and safe. Following these simple tips in the kitchen will ensure our safety while we celebrate our favorite traditions and relish the leftovers with gratitude. If you are in charge of hosting Thanksgiving, reduce stress and anxiety by planning your menu several weeks ahead of time and shopping early. If you are buying a frozen turkey, you can do this early if you have space in your freezer. If you are buying a fresh bird, do so just one or 62 LAKE
two days in advance of cooking. See properly take the internal temperature the accompanying sidebar for some of your turkey, test it at least in three helpful guides to preparing for the areas: the thickest part of the breast; big celebration. the innermost part of the wing; and Preventing foodborne illness is the thigh. Whole turkeys should easy when precautions are taken. reach an internal temperature of 165 Start with the obvious. degrees. Ham and pork Make sure all of your roast should reach an kitchen help washes their internal temperature of hands before, during 145 degrees. and after food preparaBefore carving, tion. Keep kitchen surallow the meat to rest faces, utensils and cutting for at least three minboards clean with hot utes. soapy water during the When it’s time to meal preparation. make that luscious If you use your sink or gravy, remember to boil other surfaces to handle it. To kill harmful bacthe raw turkey, be sure teria, boil your gravy to completely clean and HEALTHY LIVING before serving it for sanitize all surfaces that the first time and even BY JULIE HUDSON the raw turkey may have when you are reheating. touched. If you have to thaw meat or Never use the same spoon to stir turkey, be sure to allow enough time and taste foods. Taste with a clean for it to thaw in the refrigerator. spoon every time and do not dip a If you are pressed for time, filling used spoon into any foods for further a sink with cold tap water is okay. tasting. Change the water about every 30 The two-hour rule is a reminder minutes. that after two hours perishable food Use a meat thermometer to check could enter into the danger zone: the meat or turkey for doneness. To temperatures between 40 and 140 NOVEMBER 2020
degrees Fahrenheit. In What Size Turkey to Buy this temperature range, Type of Turkey Pounds to Buy the perishable food Whole bird 1 pound per person needs to be thrown away Boneless breast ½ pound per person or put in the refrigeraBreast ¾ pound per person tor. Leftovers should be placed in airtight conThawing Times for Turkey tainers and stored in the Size of Turkey In Refrigerator In cold Water refrigerator or freezer to 4 to 12 pounds 1 to 3 days 2 to 6 hours cool down. Cooked foods 12 to 16 pounds 3 to 4 days 6 to 8 hours should be frozen within 16 to 20 pounds 4 to 5 days 8 to 10 hours two hours. It is not neces20 to 24 pounds 5 to 6 days 10 to 12 hours sary or even suggested to allow food to cool before Timetables for Cooking Turkey putting it into the refrigMethod Size Cooking Time Notes erator. Oven roasting 8 to 24 lbs 13 min/lb Oven temp 350°F Use leftovers in a timeGrilling 8 to 16 lbs 15 to 18 min/lb Temp 225° to 300° F ly manner. Reheat leftSmoking 8 to 12 lbs 20 to 30 min/lb Temp 225° to 300°F overs to 165 degrees and Deep Fat Frying 8 to 12 lbs 3 to 5 min/lb Oil must be 350° F bring leftover gravy to a boil. Refrigerated, cooked turkey should be used within three to four days. created by using leftover gravy as Turkey salad is a takeoff on Stuffing should be eaten the base. Add turkey or ham and chicken salad. Dice fresh turkey and within one to two days. Casseroles, vegetables and thicken with mashed add a small amount of mayonnaise, vegetables, cream pies and cheesechopped apple and celery, if you cakes should be eaten within three to potatoes or sweet potatoes. Sandwiches, wraps or quesadilwish. Serve on a bed of spinach, arufour days. Remember the old adage: las could be created using turkey or gula or baby greens. When in doubt, throw it out! ham. Spread cranberry sauce or relish Stuffing cups are made using Some wait all year long for the over the meat and add some favorite muffin tins. Spread a thin layer of Thanksgiving feast. Nothing tastes cheese and/or greens. stuffing or dressing into a muffin tin, better than the freshly cooked Cranberries mixed with frozen crack an egg into the middle of each Thanksgiving meal; however, thenyogurt and orange juice create colorand bake until firm. Or make stuffing comes the question of what to do ful smoothies. If you prefer not to or dressing into pancakes by adding with all the leftovers. The first option use frozen yogurt, use plain or vanilla an egg and mixing together. Place the is to send leftovers home with the Greek yogurt, cranberries, orange pancakes on a hot griddle or skillet guests. The second is to reheat leftjuice and ice. Place all ingredients in and sauté until golden. overs for another meal. Third, reina blender. venting the Thanksgiving meal could Create a tossed salad with ham ~ Julie Hudson is a registered be a fun way to utilize the leftovers a or turkey. Start with your favorite dietician at Lake Martin Wellness day or two later. greens. Chop the meat of choice. Center in Dadeville. Turn the Thanksgiving feast leftAdd leftover green beans or other overs into soups, sandwiches, wraps, vegetables. Serve with a side of cranquesadillas, salads, stuffing cups or berry relish or sauce. pancakes. Soups or stews could be
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Thanksgiving Put a new spin on
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Mix up the traditional holiday menu with these treats from SpringHouse Executive Chef Chris Morina
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Chicory and Apple Salad with Sherry Dressing Ingredients Chickory Apples (type of your choice) French's French Fried onions Pecorino cheese Fresh cracked black pepper
We use Radicchio, but a mix or other chicories will do. Endive or Friese would be a good addition.
Directions
Cut two or three heads of your choice of chicory into bite-sized ribbons and wash. Dry. Cut your favorite apple into thin slices using a mandolin or a knife. Toss with a little dressing to prevent oxidation.
Sherry Dressing Ingredients
1 cup sherry vinegar 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon Dijon 1 cup EVOO
Directions
Combine first three ingredients, whisk in EVOO. Season to taste.
Olive oil Salt 1 Pear
To Assemble
Dressing Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the greens with the dressing and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to coat. Chicories are pleasantly bitter, so dress on the slightly heavy side. Layer into a large serving bowl with some of the apples, finishing with most of the apples on top. Top with French fried onions. Using a peeler, pull strips of Pecorino, and cover the salad liberally with the cheese. Finish with a good crack of fresh pepper.
Roasted Pumpkin with Asian Pear Ingredients
1 medium pumpkin (or butternut squash or sweet potato)* Pumpkin seed oil Roasted pumpkin seeds (or chopped toasted nuts) Limes
1 cup lime juice 1 cup honey 1 cup EVOO
Dressing Directions
Whisk dressing ingredients together and season to taste.
Directions
Pre-heat over to 400 degrees. Peel pumpkin or other vegetable if skin is not edible. Cut vegetable into large but bite-sized chunks. Toss in a large mixing bowl with olive oil and salt. Spread on a sheet pan, be sure not to over crowd or caramelization will not happen. Use two sheet pans if needed. Roast until golden brown and tender, about 25 to 40 minutes, depending on vegetable used. While still warm, place vegetables in a serving bowl and dress with dressing. Top with pumpkin
Do something different with the fresh fall harvest this Thanksgiving
Chris Morina, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and worked with Southern food icon Linton Hopkins at Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta before moving to Mourad and other Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco. 66 LAKE
NOVEMBER 2020
CHEF’S TABLE BY CHRIS MORINA
Introduce a new dessert that flirts with traditional flavors
Spice as Nice Cocktail
Chill an old fashion glass for this delicious seasonal cocktail that tastes like a refreshing bite of pumpkin pie.
Ingredients
1.5 ounces Kraken Rum .5 ounce Domaine de Canton 1 ounce Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup (recipe below) .5 ounce Cranberry Juice .25 ounce Lemon Juice
Directions
Combine ingredients above in a shaker. Shake and strain over ice into chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist. seeds or chopped nuts and a little pumpkin seed oil. Top with pear that has been cut thin on a mandolin or with a knife. Add a healthy squeeze of fresh lime. *One medium pumpkin should feed four people; four to six sweet potatoes or three to four acorn or butternut squash would be equivalent.
Almond Semifredo with Dried Fruit and Spiced Honey Almond Semifredo Ingredients 2.5 cups milk 6 egg yolks 2/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon amaretto 1/2 cup chopped and toasted almonds 1/5 cup heavy cream
Directions
In a saucepan, bring milk to a boil over medium high heat. In a large bowl, whisk together yolks and sugar. Beat until sugar is dissolved and the mix is pale yellow in color. Slowly stream in the warm milk while whisking. Return mixture to the saucepan and heat gently until mixture thickens enough to coat a spoon. Stir in vanilla and amaretto and chill.
In a large bowl, whisk the heavy cream until stiff peaks form; fold in the custard and chopped almonds. Do so gently to keep the mixture light. Scrape mixture into a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan and freeze overnight.
Spiced Honey Ingredients
6 dried figs, chopped 6 dates, pitted and chopped 1/2 cup honey Juice of 1 lemon 1 cinnamon stick
Directions
Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup Ingredients 1 1 1 4 4 3 3
cup sugar cup water cinnamon stick grams fresh grated ginger grams whole allspice grams whole cloves grams grated nutmeg
Syrup Directions
Bring all ingredients to a simmer until sugar is dissolved. Strain and chill.
Combine spiced honey ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer until fruit has softened. Let cool slightly; and toss out the cinnamon stick.
To Serve
Place loaf pan of almond semifredo in hot water for about 5 seconds. Place a large plate on top of the loaf pan and invert quickly. Cut semifredo into thick slices and plate; drizzle with spiced honey.
Try a delicious new cocktail
NOVEMBER 2020
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hen thinking about what temperatures based on water temperafish like to relate to, there ture or weather changes, this is the are two terms that could be route they often take. good to know. Picture anything from a small creek The first is ‘cover.’ Cover basically channel to the main river channel refers to something that a fish could serving as a highway to the fish. They hide in, behind, under, etc. Some of the travel up the lake, down the lake, into first things that come to mind when I the creek and out of the creek using think about cover on Lake Martin are the channel. Like people traveling up 34 sunken trees, laydowns, docks, stumps, and down the roadways, fish stop perilarge rocks and grasses, like water wilodically to rest and enjoy the weather low. Any and all of these are potential or to refuel for more activities. These targets for anglers because they attract stopping points are often the places BIG CATCHES smaller baitfish, crawfish and, evenwhere the fish essentially pull off the BY GREG VINSON tually, bass, crappie, bream … even main road (channel) to eat, rest, etc. catfish. Like a good exit off the Interstate, if ‘Structure,’ on the other hand, is different. there are plenty of places to stay (cover), and plenSometimes, it’s easy to get the two mixed up. I ty of good choices to eat (food types), such cover know because I still catch myself doing that very probably creates a popular exit. The same applies 33 thing. Structure refers more to the shape of the bot- to points. tom of the lake. Looking across a pasture or at a Just about any point on the lake could be attracsteep hillside on land, there are changes in contour. tive to fish at any given time, but the best points More often than not, the features that I see and have a lot to offer. The best points are often close experience on land in an area are the same features to channels. The best points have cover (rocks, that are submerged beneath the lake surface. stumps, brush, etc.), and the very best points have Alabama is dominated by man-made reservoirs, different types of food available, like shad, herring, 500 water bodies featuring man-made dams that hold spottails, bream and others. all the water in the watershed below a determined Fortunately, anglers have very good mapping Youngs elevation above sea level. For Lake Martin, that software available for marine electronics these Island elevation days. They can look at their map (Garmin Lake Vu, 32 is at 491 feet above sea level when the lake is at full pool. When the lake was built, any in my case) and see the different types of points 0 50 hills, roads, ridges and creeks that existed below around the lake. Then they can see what those 491 feet sea level are still there, submerged in points look like as they extend out from the bank water. These once-upon-a-time changes in terrain by looking at the contour lines. contour have now become underwater structure. One feature that helps me with mapping is depth Depending on their preferences, various speshading. That’s simply assigning different colors cies of fish relate to these structure elements. What to different depth ranges on the monitor, like a once were hills in the area have become submerged highlighter on a paper map. Are they long and flat? humps. The ridges became points. And the creeks Are they short and deep? Is there a channel close have become creek channels that serve as highways by? Are they at the mouth of a creek or towards the 31 for fish traveling to better water conditions, feeding back of the creek? areas and spawning grounds. As you ride along the roads leading to the lake, Points are oftentimes one of the most important think about what that would look like under water. types of structure to predatory fish, especially bass Where would the fish travel? Where would they and striped bass. A point could be very long, skinstop? Then when you drop the boat in the water, it ny and flat, the kind of lots homeowners enjoy on makes it easier to look around the lake with your the lake. But a point also could be short and steep, eyes, along with your lake map and decide what like a bluff point. These often have very deep water points might be good to try. close by. Points simply are terrain accompanied by Try different types of points to start. If you get structure that extends out from the main shoreline. a bite or two, try the next points in the area, but 30 Lake Martin has over 800 miles of shoreline, which also pay attention to every feature that point has means it has a whole lot of pockets – and points. to offer. Chances are there are other points nearby Spotted bass and stripers especially like points that will produce a few more fish and lead to the on Lake Martin because these points present oppor- satisfaction that comes with developing a pattern. tunities to feed. Whether from the wind or possibly even current, the points are places where the fish ~ Greg Vinson is a fulltime professional angler could sit and wait on food to come by them. Even on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He without cover present, the points provide perfect lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake transitions from deep to shallow water and vice Martin. versa. For fish that are trying to regulate their body 29
34
NOVEMBER 2020
LAKE 69
prep roadsides
hydroseeding
litter cleanup
Join a new endeavor... and others who have already committed to help make Hwy 63 the example of how beautiful the Lake Martin area can be.
Help beautify the area through volunteer commitment and community involvement.
Ask a buddy to join you! Volunteer to adopt a mile of Hwy 63 and commit to
keeping it litter free. If you are interested, just go to 63PrideDrive.com and sign-up.
Volunteers will receive a Pride Drive t-shirt, safety vest, trash picker and bags. Help your friends and neighbors bring Pride back to the community.
TO VOLUNTEER OR TO LEARN MORE, VISIT 63PrideDrive.com
Moncus Send-off H
aving the opportunity to be the direcinstruction from a great friend and mentor of tor of golf at Willow Point has many mine, Wayne Flint. With the help of Flint, who rewarding advantages. At the end of teaches at Highland Park, Moncus began finethe day, it is simple: We work and live where tuning his swing to be ready to compete at the other folks choose to spend their free time. collegiate level. Being a club professional, many hats are worn, While at CACC, Moncus quickly realized some more rewarding than others, from helpthat at the collegiate level everyone can play. ing a junior get his first ball in the air to makHis first semester, he learned that day in and ing a group of members feel like they are they day out. The CACC program, lead by Coach are the only ones that matter and more. Jennings, always attracts talented players, and Almost five years ago, a 16-year-old it shows by the team’s performance year after named Dylan Moncus showed up for a golf PAR for the COURSE year. The saying, “Competition breeds suclesson. Throughout the course of a year, our cess” comes true in the case of Moncus. As he MATT SHEPPARD staff instructs more than 200 golfers, but this spent his freshman season at CACC battling to one was a little different. make the five-man traveling Moncus, a seasoned athlete team, he never gave up and and the starting kicker on continued to improve. As he the Benjamin Russell High began his sophomore season, School Wildcat Football Dylan Moncus was a staple Team, wanted to concentrate on the traveling squad. Many on golf. At the time, he was times, he led the CACC team a competent player with very to victory. little competitive experience His upward progression outside of a few matches at as a player has been very Lakewinds, the local municiimpressive to watch. From pal course. Moncus decided his early days digging ditches that day to set a goal of playon the driving range to his ing golf in college. current situation as a scholThroughout the next year, arship athlete at Samford I watched him work hard at University is just incredible. our practice facility day in Speaking of upward and day out. The old saying, progression, playing great “aHrd work pays off” is true golf is one thing, but being in this case. His dedication to a great person that can play hard work paid off big time great golf is another. Moncus on May 8, 2017, at Cider began working for us the Ridge in Oxford, Alabama. summer after he graduated Moncus, a junior at BRHS at from BRHS. Throughout the the time, fired a 5-under par last three summers, I have 67 to lead the BRHS Wildcat personally seen him grow Boy’s Golf Team at their into a fine young man. He 6A sectional tournament. has successfully continued to Alexander City's Dylan Moncus qualified for the develop in all aspects of life, Moncus sinks a putt for the AHSAA State Championship from interpersonal skills to CAAC Golf Team as an individual, a feat that at academic success, accountthat point, had not happened ability and his ability to get in quite some time. the little white ball in the hole pretty fast. During his senior season, Moncus continued to work In short, Dylan Moncus is worthy of everything that hard on the course, with his results paying off – literally. comes his way on and off the course. We all wish him the He was granted a spot on Coach Dave Jennings’ Central best as he continues his education and golfing career at Alabama Community College Golf Team, the first time a Samford University. male BRHS graduate went on to play college golf since the days of Richard Williams and Kyle Sullivan. As his game ~ Matt Sheppard is the PGA director of golf at Willow progressed, he began traveling to Birmingham and receiving Point Golf and Country Club. NOVEMBER 2020
LAKE 71
Legend
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Public Boat Ramps 19
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Camp ASCCA
Flint Hill Church
Camps & Parks
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County Roads Piney Woods Landing
Wind Creek State Park
Pleasant Grove Church
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COOSA COUNTY
Alex City Boat Ramp
Mt. Zion Church
259 9
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Friendship Church
16 20
New Hope Church
Liberty Church
14 Willow Point
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Children’s Harbor
Trillium
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NOVEMBER 2020
Timbergut Landing
Horseshoe Bend National Park
Jaybird Landing
Lake Martin Alabama Marinas
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
11. Kowaliga Marina 256-397-1210 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
49
Jacksons Gap
42. Real Island Marina 256-397-1200 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026
280
53. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
Bethel Church
21
62. Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026
Dadeville
25 57
280
Camp Hill
Smith Landing
Restaurants & Venues
13
6. SpringHouse 10 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Lake Martin Baptist Church 49
6. Catherine’s Market 11 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Stillwaters
7 5
8
12 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
15 Walnut Hill
50
82. Lakeside Marina 256-825-9286 7361 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 2. Lakeside Marina at Bay Pines 9 256-825-0999 3455 Bay Pine Rd., Jackson's Gap, AL 36861
Pleasant Ridge Church
Church of the Living Waters
3. Harbor Pointe Marina 7 256-825-0600 397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853 www.harborpointe.net
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13 Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337 5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853 14 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com
17 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, AL 35010 5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 18 334.857.3900 7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 19 4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 20 4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 21 4. Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 22 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010 4. Dark Insurance 23 256-234-5026 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 24 . Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 . The Tiny Rabbit 25 256-307-1998 220 N. Broadnax, Dadeville, AL 36853
Churches 26 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853
Dock Builders 27 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25. Contact our Marketing Department at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.
15 The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887 8605 AL HWY 50, Dadeville, AL 36853 49
Business & Shopping 16 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010
Reeltown
NOVEMBER 2020
LAKE 73
Lake Magazine Distribution ATTENTION READERS: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic some of our distribution locations have changed. This month, you may pick up the most recent issue of Lake magazine at the following locations.
ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Piggly Wiggly Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine JR'S Hillabee Towers Senior Nutrition Center Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Dark Insurance Warren Appliance MainStreet Family Care Grace's Flowers Koon's Korner Larry's General Merchandise Daylight Donuts Alfa Valley Bank - 280 Pricare Temple Medical AllState Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance Vision Landscapes North Lake Condo
River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Jim Bob's Chicken Fingers Russell Building Supply Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall Regions Bank Marathon - 280 BB&T Bank Russell Medical Center Koon's II Tallapoosa Ford Dylan Johnson - Country Financial Holley's Home Furniture Jackson's Drugs Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark The Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que Russell Do It Center Russell Home Decor Holman Floor Satterfield Inc. Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina on Lake Martin Kowaliga Marina Sunsrise Docks Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office Russell Lands Real Estate Sales
Center Springhouse Restaurant Ridge Club Ridge Marina NEW SITE Piggly Wiggly DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Alabama Power Siggers Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library Pearson's Place Flower's & Gifts Dadevile Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Home Plate Cafe Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Tiny Rabbit Lakay's Sweet Pickins Amy Banks Realty Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters County Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Shell - 280 Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle
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
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NOVEMBER 2020
Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Lakeside Merchantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks CAMP HILL Link Gas Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Mitchell's Upholstery Lake Martin Mini Mall Cozumel Mexican Grill Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Cartering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Hometown Lenders, Inc. Anchor Bay Marina WETUMPKA Wetumpka Herlad Office TALLASSEE Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber OPELIKA Collaboration Station Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $25 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.
Lake Martin Business and Service Directory
COACH KRAFT
UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery! HANDRAILS | GUARDRAILS POWDER COAT | SAND BLASTING WELDED FENCE | CUSTOM ART STAIRS GATES | I-BEAMS STEEL POSTS STAINLESS STEEL CABLE RAILING
Patrick Mason 334-283-6759
334-332-3435 or 334-329-4635
676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com
IN-HOME CARE SERVICES
Some of us have to paddle before we can swim. Small budget advertising can have you swimming laps around your competitors.
LAKE
256-234-4281
Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers ■
■
Our goal is to keep our clients as active as possible in their own homes to promote overall health and well being. With our personally tailored care plans, you will receive the individual care you need with the dignity and respect you deserve.
Homemaking... Personal Care... Companionship
Lake Martin innovation Center
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700
175 aLiant Parkway • aLexander City, aL
(256) 414-6090
harold.cochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin. Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281
MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
LAKE 75
Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing............................................................. 16
Homeology................................................................... 57
Romar Construction.................................................. 75
Alex City Guide Service............................................. 8
Insurance Solutions Group....................................... 63
Russell Lands on Lake Martin...............34-35, 43, 70
Alex City Marine......................................................... 19
Kowaliga Whole Health............................................. 57
Russell Marine.............................................................. 51
Beyond Home Care................................................... 75
Lake Martin Dock....................................................... 19
Russell Medical.............................................................. 2
Blue Creek Iron Works............................................. 75
Lake Martin Realty................................................29, 76
Sandra Booker, Fuller Real Estate............................. 5
Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation....................................... 74
Lamberth & Lamberth............................................... 19
Satterfield........................................................................ 5
Carol King Interior Design......................................... 5
Mark King's Furniture................................................ 17
Security Pest Control............................................8, 54
Coach Kraft Upholstery............................................ 75
Moore Wealth Management..................................... 79
Singleton Marine......................................................... 23
Custom Docks............................................................. 54
National Village............................................................ 42
Southern Star................................................................. 6
Davco............................................................................. 75
Odd Jobs....................................................................... 54
State Farm, Harold Cochran.................................... 75
Docks Unlimited........................................................... 5
Pine Straw Direct........................................................ 24
State Farm, Karen Channell...................................... 75
First Community Mortgage........................................ 6
Prime Management....................................................... 6
Sunrise Dock................................................................ 12
George Hardy D.M.D................................................... 8
ProCare, LLC............................................................... 12
Tallapoosa Board of Education................................ 18
Henderson & Coker, Inc........................................... 25
Renaissance Electronics............................................... 8
Temple Medical Center............................................... 8
Heritage South Credit Union.................................. 55
Rhonda Gaskins, Century 21 Lake Area Realty....... 3
TowBoat US................................................................. 24
Hinson Galleries.......................................................... 76
Rhodes Construction................................................. 53
Walmart........................................................................ 75
Holley’s Home Furnishings....................................... 80
Rhonda Jaye, Lake Martin Realty............................. 28
Wedowee Marine....................................................... 61
76 LAKE
NOVEMBER 2020
Chad McKelvey 256.749.4018
Haley Fuller 256.750.2411
John Shelton 404.858.9198
Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417
Allison Ladson 256.750.0711
Haley McKelvey 256.749.8353
Damon Story 205.789.9526
Mike Davis 256.226.1238
Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792
Amy Duncan 256.212.2222
India Davis 256.749.7592
Judy Voss 256.794.0779
Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681
John McInnish 334.415.2149
Michelle Brooks 256.749.1031
Jan Hall 256.329.6313
Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071
Becky Haynie 334.312.0928
Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220
Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372
Adam Yager 205.914.0830
Mimi Rush 334.399.7874
Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099
Sawyer Davis 205.965.7940
Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017
David Mitchell 256.212.3511
Howard Haynie 334.312.0693
Leroy Sellers 256.496.2141
Randall Rogers 334.707.5804
Denise Cochran 256.786.2484
WE’RE THE Market Leader
Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share
47.8%
LAKE MARTIN REALTY/RUSSELL LANDS ON LAKE MARTIN
*LMAAR/MLS Member Firms Sales Volume Data Oct 2019 – Sept 2020
Dadeville
256.825.9092
Willow Point 256.212.1498
L a k e M a r t i n R e a l t y. c o m
NOVEMBER 2020
Ourtown
256.212.1498 LAKE 77
Parting Shot Photo by Kenneth Boone
" If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough." ~ Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
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