Lake Martin Living December 2023

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

Homemade Christmas Food Gifts Avoid a Blue Christmas Wartime Holiday

December 2023

www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

2 Lake Martin Living

Waterscape inspired design with a fresh & salty point of view.

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@jesandgray Lakejesandgray.com Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

N

ot so long ago, the staff at Lake Martin Living magazine struggled to find holiday events to cover, as so many celebrations were cancelled due to the pandemic. We’re glad that’s not the case this year. Even halfway through December with more than a dozen activities already having raced by, Christmas is in full swing here, and the spirit of the season runs high. From gift giving to baking and sharing memories, we’re delighted to include a few articles in this issue to help you past the season’s finish line.

On page 16, Shane Harris at Tallapoosa County Extension offers a variety of gifting ideas from the heart. Today, we seem to treasure time together more than we ever have. Perhaps that’s because we came to know the holidays without this precious gift in recent years. This month, Shane helps us revive that wonderful aspect of the holidays with a feature article highlighting myriad ways to gift from the garden.

Gina Abernathy takes that idea a step further, as she shares a delectable twist on a traditional treat, starting on page 22. She packs all the goodness of a seasonal fruitcake into the convenient shape of a Christmas cookie. And we have it on good word from the North Pole that Santa would love to find a plate of these tasty bites waiting for him on Christmas Eve. Then, get out the tissues to read Lacey Howell’s column on page 50. She is fortunate to have in her possession a collection of letters written by her grandfather during the Korean War. She shares with us the poignant struggle, the suppressed fear, the hope and the courage of a young soldier at Christmas. Perhaps her column will remind us to thank veterans and service men and women this time of year.

On page 30, George Miranda notes that it’s sometimes hard to find a smile at Christmas, as the absence of those we love may ring hollow, even in the midst of the joy, love and peace around us. He offers a few suggestions to not only lift our spirits but also to share a meaningful season despite the sadness.

Actually, you may not have missed all the fun of early December activities, after all. Turn to the Oh Snap! section on page 34 to be there again. And check out the calendar, starting on page 40, so you don’t miss the fun ahead.

Merry Christmas!

Betsy Iler, Editor-in-Chief

4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone

General Manager Tippy Hunter Editor-in-Chief Betsy Iler Creative Services Audra Spears Business & Digital Development Director Angela Mullins Contributors Kenneth Boone Ben Smith Lacey Howell Shane Harris George Miranda Lee Williams Gina Abernathy Audra Spears Cliff Williams Abigail Murphy Henry Zimmer Melody Rathel Lizi Arbogast Gwin Audience Development Director Samantha Himes Marketing/Advertising Sales Renee Trice Sheryl Jennings Hidey Arrington Rachel Hubbard Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

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

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

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Lake Martin Living 5

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Wishing a Merry Christmas to all our readers and to the advertisers who support Tallapoosa Publishers magazines, as well as the business owners that offer our publications free at their locations. Thank you for helping us to showcase what a great place this is to live, work and play!

FEATURES 10. NOT JUST PECANS A local pecan processor expands their inventory to include a variety of tasty seasonal treats.

16. HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS Nothing captures the sentiment of the season like a gift from the heart – or the hands.

21. 'TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING Only a few more weeks remain of 2023, so get those tax-deductible donations in the mail.

26. IT'S ON! Playing "just for fun" turned competitive after the Alexander City Pickleball Club lost their first tournament.

IN EVERY ISSUE 22 . GOOD EATS 30. MEDICAL NEWS 32. MONEY MATTERS 34. OH SNAP! 40. LAKE REGION EVENTS 50. CULTURE SHOCK

30

Not having an over-the-top Christmas? George Miranda shares some insight for dealing with loss or disappointment during the holidays.

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8 Lake Martin Living

AROUND THE AREA

Benjamin Russell's FFA president wins national public speaking award Benjamin Russell High School FFA president Richard Colley received the Bronze Emblem Award in the National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Event early last November.

The National FFA Organization holds the event every year in Indianapolis, Indiana. Participants must recite an 8 to 10 minute speech on a relevant agricultural issue from memory. The goal of this event is to encourage students to develop their public speaking skills in a professional and competitive environment.

Colley’s speech outlined the problems that some farms in America face due to government policies and consolidations that occur when large farms purchase small farms. In addition, he spoke about Nationally Recognized how a decline in the number of small Richard Colley last month took the farms across America couldn lead to Bronze Emblem at the National larger problems.

FFA Prepared Public Speaking Last year, Colley presented this speech Leadership Development Event. at the state level and won second place.

This year, he won the Bronze Emblem Award at the national level.

The most difficult part of the preparation process, according to Colley, was the more performative elements of public speaking.

“Public speaking is more than just talking to a large group of people,” Colley said. “There’s a lot of things you have to keep in mind: hand gestures, walking around and maintaining eye contact with the audience.”

Because this was Colley’s second time presenting this speech, he felt confident in the content and his overall presentation. However, he had to work on his enunciation before presenting this speech at the national level.

Colley chose to enter this competition because he wanted to improve his public speaking skills. His goal is to become an agricultural lawyer, so he believes perfecting a skill such as public speaking will help in his future career. After high school, Colley plans to attend college and major in agricultural business. His next step is to attend law school. ~Melody Rathel

Radney Funeral Home honors fallen veterans

To recognize the fallen veterans who served our country, Radney Funeral Home invited volunteers to place American flags on veterans’ graves at Hillview Memorial Park.

Despite the light rain, several volunteers came out to prepare the cemetery for the day of remembrance.

Around 500 veterans are buried at the cemetery, and volunteers spent roughly two hours placing flags on the graves. Many of the volunteers were school-aged children who spent their day off honoring the veterans and doing community service.

The flags placed this year remained at the grave sites through the end of the week. The funeral home will be back again next May Remember the Fallen for Memorial Day. ~Abigail Murphy Volunteers admire their handiwork after placing almost 500 flags on the graves of deceased veterans.

Lake Martin Living 9

Not Just Pecans 10 Lake Martin Living

GO LOCAL

Lake Martin Living 11

STORY BY BEN SMITH & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

I

t may be easy to miss the Lake Martin Pecan Company as you drive U.S. Route 280. It’s a large, corrugated metal building, with the word “PECANS” displayed across the front in large blue letters. A few pickup trucks sit scattered around the gravel parking lot. The building fits right in with the usual scenery of the highway, and if you didn’t see the three or four customized banners and signs planted across the front lawn, you might drive on by without a second thought. But you’d be missing something.

The Lake Martin Pecan Company is one of those places beloved by the handful of people who know about it. It’s a secret, spread primarily through excited recommendations from family and friends, who talk about it as if it were gossip. The company has no website, but it does have a Facebook page, which was created and is managed by a customer who enjoyed the store so much, she felt a need to spread the news further than the word of mouth could go.

“Too many people believe they must travel elsewhere or purchase online to enjoy the yearly pecan harvest,” said Bethany Sharman Jennings, who

12 Lake Martin Living

organizes and displays the store. Her husband, Mike Jennings, owns it.

“People believe they have to travel to Georgia to purchase them. But pecans are right here on 280.”

Mike handles the storefront, as well as cracking and blowing the pecans to make them ready for purchase. In the back of the building is a workshop where about a dozen pecan cracking machines and a large blower run noisily as they crack and remove shells. A thin layer of pecan-scented dust covers the table.

Selling and reselling, cracking and blowing pecans have been the Lake Martin Pecan Company’s single trade since 1960, when Mike’s father, Bobby, first started the business in the barn behind his family’s house. But in the last three years, the small, familyowned business has expanded to include a storefront that sells pecan-inspired goods: bags of chocolate covered and candied pecans, roasted pecans, pecan oil, pecans in the shell and pecan brittle.

Going Nuts Over Nuts and More

Previous Pages: Lake Martin Pecan Company now stocks soaps, birdhouses, cutting boards, decorations, sweet treats and canned goods, as well as nuts; Above Left: Pecan oil and other specialty cooking oils are available; Above Right: Shelling pecans remains an integral part of the business; Right: Pecans are processed on site.

But the store is much more than pecans.

“I’m an educator,” Jennings said as she described in detail the origins and applications of various soaps, oils, candies and woodworks that adorn the small room, an apothecary of handcrafted treats. It’s an eclectic assortment of items, each one handpicked by Jennings, vetted by both her and her husband to ensure its up to their standards.

Each savory snack and artisan item has a reason for being there, and that’s because of Jennings.

Jennings said that her degree – a doctorate in education with a concentration in business – and her varied business experience has helped her with organizing the store and filling it with the best products she can find.

“I just let the Lord lead me,” Jennings said. “I just literally let the Lord lead me. I might sleep, three or four hours, and I’ll awaken and reach for my iPad. And I’ll begin reading and investigating to gather all my information and just go with.”

Jennings finds much enjoyment in discovering products to bring into the store. She’s found jams and preserves from a Massachusetts abbey, handmade caramels and Irish mints, bottled mineral water from Blount County and Amish soaps. Each item is meticulously researched and reviewed to ensure that the best quality products are on display.

But many of the products come from right here in Tallapoosa County. They’re made by locals who have a favorite lemon cake recipe, or who make a mean divinity, praline, or fudge. Or they are local artisans who provide handcrafted items like cutting boards and Adirondack chairs. Whoever they are, they come

to the Lake Martin Pecan Company hoping to share their gifts with others, without having to navigate the intricacies of creating and operating a business.

You could say the Lake Martin Pecan Company storefront is a “Tallapoosa County Greatest Hits” shop, where various chocolates, soaps, jellies and pickles have graduated from local renown to become accessible to anyone driving U.S. Route 280.

Other items on display are the legendary Frogeye sorghum and cane syrups, locally crafted cedar furniture, birdhouses and bird feeders, bumblebee Lake Martin Living 13

Lake Martin Pecan Company Recipe

Make or purchase two pie crusts.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Ingredients

3/4 stick of butter 1 cup white Karo syrup 1 cup white sugar 4 eggs, slightly beaten 2 cups pecans, chopped 1-1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

Melt butter in a large, black iron skillet. Remove from heat and add white Karo and white sugar, using a wire whisk to thoroughly combine with melted butter. Use the whisk to add the beaten eggs and vanilla. When mixture is fully combined, thoroughly mix in the chopped pecans.

Pour filling into pie crusts and bake on cookie sheets at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Turn pies from back to front every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking. *May have to lower oven temperature to keep from over-browning.

catchers, charcuterie boards and Christmas ornaments. In addition, Jennings and Mike have worked with a local woman to create exclusive recipes for cheese straws, pecan brittle and peanut brittle.

During the last three years, the storefront has grown from a couple of small tables offering only bagged pecans to the eclectic assortment of nuts, cakes, pies and cookies it offers today. The little room is brimming with handcrafted treats and artisan goods, and at every turn, there seems to be a new, eye-catching product.

Behind the check-out counter, a wooden pole with an old aluminum Leseur English pea can nailed to the end hangs on the wall. The handmade, improvised tool was used by Mike’s grandfather to pick up pecans in his yard. The tool helps to avoid the repetitive bending over that would strain the lower back. Most importantly, it is a reminder of how far the company has come, a reminder of its history and its legacy.

Lake Martin Pecan Company is open Monday through Saturday throughout the year, with the exception of its monthly closing during August.

One Stop Shop

Selections include bags and boxes of mixed delights, ready for gifting or stuffing in stockings.

14 Lake Martin Living

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Homemade Christmas 16 Lake Martin Living

A

s we celebrate the holiday season of giving, finding that special Christmas gift for someone can be a real challenge. Traditionally, it means hitting the stores and shopping until you drop and finally finding something worthwhile, often leaning toward the latest tech gadget, the year’s hottest toy or just something wearable. Some spend their valuable time with fewer crowds, searching online retail stores for deals and gifts that could be conveniently shipped anywhere. When gift ideas and precious time run out, there’s always a gift card option at the last minute.

Mission accomplished.

But consider food. It’s something that everyone likes and needs that always brings joy.

Good food brings people together and creates lasting friendships and fellowships. The holiday seasons are surrounded by and organized around food, and pre-holiday conversations often include the question, “What are we going to eat, and what do I need to bring?” Everyone looks forward to the family, work, church and social gatherings with the wonderful Christmas meals or getting a bite of a certain specialty dish.

Disappointment is on the menu when a special item is not there for some inexcusable reason.

With that in mind, homemade and even store-bought edible goodies make the best Christmas gifts. Some of the most unique and special Christmas gifts often come from the garden, farm, kitchen or pantry.

After a successful growing season and bountiful harvest, it is admirable to share with others. For generations, families have shared and given canned fruits and vegetables as gifts.

Not only are they homegrown, but Give From Your Heart

For an extra special gift, select a number of properly canned goods to accommodate the tastes of the receiver.

Lake Martin Living 17

GARDEN TALK

also, it takes a lot of hard work and families Don't Forget The Sweets love to produce and preserve them. could not Hand decorated cookies make short-lived but No doubt, people get excited to open a afford festive gifts, especially if present holding a special jar of Aunt’s holiday the grandchildren helped B’s pickles, Maw Maw’s apple jelly or presents, with the icing.

Ms. Sue’s fresh tomato salsa. For those fruits were who do not garden but like homegrown given as goods, the gift could be a combination stocking stuffers. These sweet and basket of favorites from the garden, healthy treats, especially hard-to-find like canned green beans, tomatoes, oranges, were delicacies and prized gifts muscadine jelly, pepper sauce and pear for children and families. It was rare to preserves. have fresh fruit during the winter, and For safety, it is important to use citrus supplemented many nutritional recipes and processes from reliable and dietary needs. With citrus being tested sources like the National Center expensive, some say giving an orange, Shane Harris for Home Food Preservation, Extension grapefruit or tangerine as a gift was websites and USDA, especially for considered quite generous. canned foods. For questions about Many people today, especially senior home food preservation, reach out to Dani Reams, adults, still appreciate fruit baskets as Christmas regional Extension agent for food safety and quality. gifts. It is not so much that they do not have access Her number is 256-368-1694. to fresh fruits from grocery stores or farmers Gifts of fresh fruit are a historical Christmas markets; rather, it’s the thought that counts. The tradition. Today, for those with ungrateful hearts, variety packs and baskets could contain almost that might sound quite unappealing. In years past, any combination. A mix of fresh favorites, such as perhaps as early as the Great Depression when apples, oranges, pears and bananas, is a good start.

18 Lake Martin Living

Or go wild and include pineapple, grapes and kiwi.

Select the fruit and varieties the receiver really likes.

Buy pre-assembled and ready-to-go or experience the real joy of giving by building a select collection and adding a personal touch of Christmas spirit.

Then, there’s the sweet stuff. The Christmas season would not be the same without all the candies, cookies, pies, cakes, breads and other dessert treats.

All the cooking and baking and edible treats add to the festive atmosphere of the holiday season. For that special sweet tooth in your life, these goodies indeed make special but short-lived gifts.There are so many recipes, so many creative ideas and so many ways to prepare them. All the people on your Christmas list would hope you drew their names, so they would get delicious goodies.

Lastly, if you just don’t possess the ability or time to make homemade edible gifts, you still are in luck because you could buy some of the products mentioned. Many local farms and farmer’s markets not only sell fresh produce, but they also sell value-added items. Value-added products are raw agricultural products that have been modified or enhanced to have a higher price and/or a longer shelf life. Some examples include fruits made into jams or jellies, tomatoes and peppers made into salsa, and meats made into jerky. These packaged food items make great Christmas gifts. Many times, these retailers offer not only large selections worthy of trying, but also gift wrapping. Locally produced honey, apple butter, strawberry jams, soups, sauces, candles and even ice cream are commonly sold farm products.

The idea of giving a food gift for Christmas might be something different, but it has all the makings of being very heartfelt and special. Just think of the possibilities: a plate of Christmas cookies for a neighbor; a fruit basket for a shut-in Church member; homemade strawberry jam for a co-worker; a box of candy reindeer for the teacher; or a Satsuma orange stocking stuffer for a child on Christmas morning. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

On behalf of all the staff of the Tallapoosa County Extension office, we wish you a Merry Christmas.

For help on other home and garden questions, contact your local county Extension office or visit us online at aces.edu. ~ Shane Harris is the county Extension coordinator for Tallapoosa County.

Dress Up Your Gift

Top: Add colored food-safe paper to a decorative container to make your gift appealing to the eye, as well as the taste buds; Right: A holiday gift bag and a simple ribbon make wrapping easy.

Lake Martin Living 19

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20 Lake Martin Living

'Tis the season of giving Before 2023 closes and a New Year is ushered in, give some thought to charitable organizations that conduct worthwhile work in the community, be it feeding the masses, caring children, elevating the arts or something else. The boroughs of Tallapoosa and Coosa counties have well-earned reputations for philanthropy, and gifts to local nonprofits directly impact lives right here at home. Such gifts also often qualify as tax deductions, so it’s important to offer support at year end.

TPI publications, including Lake Martin Living magazine, often support charitable organizations in print by promoting and reporting on fundraising events. Over time, some of those efforts strike a chord or tow and hold a special place in our hearts.

Lake Martin Area United Way is one of those.

Serving 27 local agencies through an annual donation campaign of more than $500,000, LMAUW also is poised to respond to vetted, unforeseen needs. For example, just before this issue of Lake Martin Living magazine went to press, LMAUW Executive Director Courtney Layfield put out a plea for help making Christmas special for six local families. Donations are requested through Dec. 18, or contribute to the annual campaign at unitedwaylakemartin.org.

Christmas also could be a tough time for local veterans suffering from PTSD, depression and health issues related to their service. Vetsforhope.com offers resources that help them through what often is a difficult time of year.

TPI General Manager Tippy Hunter and Director of Business and Digital Publishing Angela Mullins advocate support for the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center. In addition to operating a busy thrift store, TCCC acts as a clearinghouse, matching those who need financial assistance with those who can provide it. Visit tallapoosachristiancc.org for more information.

Regional Sales Manager Renee Trice named BridgeWays in Coosa County, an LMAUW agency, among her favorites.

“They do really great things with so many kids and are going to start offering services in Tallapoosa County soon,” she said.

Newspaper Managing Editor Lizi Gwin concurred.

“I didn’t know anything about them until I did a story about them in our United Way guide publication. They are awesome,” Gwin said.

Check out the BridgeWays Coosa County Facebook page for details.

But Gwin also advocates love for local monthly food pantries.

“There’s one at Rockford Baptist Church each month that’s been in operation for several years. Family Worship Center in Alexander City has used that model to start one; the first month was November,” Gwin added.

Call Rockford Baptist Church at 256-3774900 or Family Worship Center at 256-7942969 to learn how you can help.

TPI Magazines Editor-in-Chief Betsy Iler has an eye on beauty and the arts, as her favorites include the Dadeville Beautification Board and Alexander City Theatre II. “It’s amazing that the dedicated volunteers at DBB can do so much with so little. Just think what they could do with more,” Iler said.

“And ACT II is a place where people of all races and walks of life can work together, sharing their knowledge and talents, to produce four free, live theatrical shows for the pleasure and entertainment of the greater community.”

Contact Elaine Balint Forbus at 256-749-7932 for information about Dadeville Beautification Board. Visit actheatre2. com to learn more about ACT II. Whatever your interests, there probably are local charitable organizations that share your passion.

At this season, we encourage you to support them.

Thank you.

Lake Martin Living 21

Christ mas

Fruitcake Cookies

22 Lake Martin Living

G

et ready to elevate your holiday baking with a twist on tradition with fruitcake cookies. These cookies are nostalgic and strike a perfect balance, offering a nod to the timeless flavors of traditional fruitcake. They unleash a burst of holiday cheer in every chewy bite.

They are fun and easy to make and add a touch of spirit to the holiday dessert table.

These Christmas cookies steal the show at every holiday gathering.

Fruitcake cookies are a delightful blend of candied fruits, pecans, warm spices and a kick of spirits; all in a flavorful, bright and golden cookie. They borrow ingredients from the classic fruitcake but taste so much better. This cherished family recipe has been passed down through generations and carries the essence of festivity, making it ideal for any holiday celebration. Even if you’re not a fan of the classic fruitcake, these cookies are certainly worth trying. They have become one of my preferred holiday treats and are essential for the festive season.

The charm of these cookies is a treat in itself. The vibrant candied cherries, raisins and pineapple add a burst of color and infuse each bite with a sweetness that mirrors the season.

The warm spices add a comforting and aromatic touch that fills your home with the nostalgic fragrance of holiday joy. The bourbon does not overpower the taste of the cookies; rather, it gives them a depth compliments the Gina Abernathy that fruit, providing an excellent balance and richness. With each batch from the oven, these cookies become a holiday delight and a cherished tradition. This year, transform your home into a cozy retreat where the magic comes to life with each bite.

As you savor these delightful cookies, may the holiday spirit bring you closer and fill your home with love, laughter and an appreciation for the simple pleasures that make this season exceptional. Embrace the magic of togetherness, cherish your family, and enjoy the moments that make this Christmas enchanting. Merry Christmas!

GOOD EATS

Lake Martin Living 23

Ingredients

2-1/2 sticks butter 1-1/4 cups sugar 4 eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 pounds candied fruit (mixed red & green cherries, pineapple) 15 ounces golden raisins 6 ounces bourbon 3 cups pecans, finely chopped

Instructions

Combine fruit, nuts and raisins with 1/2 cup of the flour. Toss well to coat and set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining flour, baking soda, cloves and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.

In the bowl of a standing mixer on medium speed, cream butter and sugar for two minutes; scrape the sides of the bowl. Add eggs and beat well. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl again.

Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add flour-and-spice mixture and bourbon. Mix well.

Remove the bowl from the mixer. Pour dough into a large bowl and stir in the fruit-and-nut mixture.

24 Lake Martin Living

Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight.

To Bake

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.

Drop dough onto the prepared pan using a tablespoon cookie scoop and bake for 15 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack to room temperature before storing in an airtight container.

Makes about 132 cookies.

Recipe Tips

• Purchase the fruit in individual containers or buy a diced mix.

•C hill the dough overnight for the best flavors.

•U se a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.

• F ruitcake cookies freeze well. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for three-tofour months.

• F ill a decorative tin and share these cookies with co-workers, neighbors, friends and family.

You might make them fruitcake cookie fans. ~ Gina Abernathy is the author and recipe creator behind the blog, Home at Cedar Springs Farm.

Lake Martin Living 25

It's On!

Playing "just for fun" turned competitive after the Alexander City Pickleball Club lost their first tournament.

STORY BY BEN SMITH PHOTOS BY BEN SMITH & COURTESY OF ACPC

J

essica Samford and her team stepped into the Opelika Pickleball Facility with their eyes wide and their jaws dropped. It’s a state-of-the-art facility of 24 individually fenced courts, painted blue, white and green, covered by a wide canvass stretching across the entirety of the complex. The courts are well-lit and open all day and night. There is a 24/7 livestream on the website that shows exactly how many people are present, and which courts are available for use.

The team had arrived at the first of a three-day tournament. Over 750 players had registered to participate, including Samford’s Alexander City team, who had learned how to play pickleball only seven months prior.

“We were just playing among ourselves,” said Samford. “And so, we would play and get better and think we had all these rules figured out. We quickly found out how much better others were than us.”

Most pickleball tournaments admit players on a self-ranking system from one to five. This particular tournament required participants to be at least rank three. Hopefully optimistic, the Alex City Pickleball Club figured they could pass as threes. They showed up to the courts to find other teams wearing sleek uniforms, and coaches shouting orders to ‘kill’ or ‘bounce.’ The way Samford put it; her team was served a slice of humble pie.

“It was like we walked into another world,” she said.

“You know how there are soccer moms? These were pickleball people, and they were legit.”

The Alex City Pickleball Club exited the tournament quickly, conceding that they were probably rank two, or maybe two-and-a-half. But the club will not be 26 Lake Martin Living

No Days Off

The ladies have been practicing up to four times a week in preparation for their next tournament in Opelika.

dissuaded. They’re hungry for next year and plan to reenter the same tournament in the spring.

“We call it the ‘Road to Redemption,’” said Samford.

“We’re going to blow their minds.”

The club has 14 members, all of whom are women from the area who are relatively new to the sport.

“Everyone in the club is a mom,” said Samford. “We

laugh and say, ‘Is our midlife-crises pickleball?’”

The club formed in January of 2023, when StillWaters resident and pickleball paddle-salesman Jim Laws taught Sampson and a few of her friends how to play the game. The group began by playing every Thursday at the Central Alabama Community College courts, the most popular place for pickleball in Alexander City. As membership grew, so did the investment in the sport. The club met more often, and now, they find themselves competing against

each other four times a week. As Samford put it, they’re obsessed.

“My entire TikTok algorithm is just pickleball videos,” she said, laughing.

Samford said the main appeal of the sport is its ability to be played by all ages. The play area is a third Lake Martin Living 27

Hats Off to Pickleball

Jessica Samford and her team pose with their custom-made Alex City Pickleball Club hats.

two performances

Tuesday, February 6 Wednesday, February 7 7 p.m.

Woltosz Theatre Presented as part of our 2023–24 Broadway Series

View our complete 2023–24 season calendar online.

28 Lake Martin Living

of the size of a tennis court, and many pickleball clubs and tournaments have divisions for athletes aged 50 and above.

“It’s something I think anybody of any age can do,” said Samford. “You need a paddle and a ball and the will to play. That’s it.”

Samford said the sport provides exercise and competition for people who are older, or who don’t take well to working out at a gym.

“It’s a space for somebody who might be a little intimidated to do something else. People who may be afraid to go to a gym, or to participate in a group workout can try this and be successful in finding something they can be active in long term.”

According to the 2023 Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in the United States for the last three years, with the number of players increasing by 158.6 percent since 2020. Designated pickleball courts are opening all around Alabama, in cities like Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Auburn-Opelika. Samford said cities could capitalize on the nationwide pickleball craze, drawing out-of-town tourists and providing opportunities for health and recreation.

“Could you even imagine if our city put the resources into having more courts?”

For now, Alex City Pickleball Club is practicing hard and imagining serving that humble pie to others at next year’s tournament.

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Lake Martin Living 29

Merry & Bright Chase away the blues this holiday season

30 Lake Martin Living

E

MEDICAL NEWS

lvis sang, “I’ll have a Blue Christmas with the United Way. Courtney Layfield, the without you.” Judy Garland sang, executive director of the Lake Martin Area “Have yourself a merry little United Way, could hook you up with all Christmas,” in the movie, Meet manner of organizations that could benefit Me in St. Louis. And Neville Anderson and from your volunteering.

Don Henley sang, “Please Come Home • Take time for yourself: As important as for Christmas.” While Biblical scholars tell it is to socialize when you’re sad, it’s also us that the visit of the Magi happened a important to take time for yourself each good two years after Jesus was born, during day, doing something that brings you joy: a Christmas we still read the story of the Holy bubble bath with scented candles; a walk Family fleeing as refugees to Egypt to escape in the woods; or driving around to look at Herod’s murderous fury. houses decorated with holiday lights. For me, Christmas is a joyous time – a time for it’s sitting on the porch and playing guitar (in family, gift giving, sumptuous meals and the winter, playing guitar by the fireplace). celebrations. But for some folks, Christmas If you’ve recently lost a loved one and George Miranda is blue. Some folks lost a loved one this year, your Christmas traditions just aren’t going and their absence will be sorely felt during to be the same without him or her, consider the holiday season. Others are lonely, perhaps far away starting new holiday traditions. Better yet, make a point from home and unable to travel to be with family and of remembering the person you lost at family gatherings. friends. I have a friend going through a nasty divorce.

Light a candle or leave an empty chair at the dinner table Another friend’s house burned down this year, and his for your loved one. Be intentional about sharing stories family is living in a rental house while their new home is and memories about him or her. being rebuilt. For them, Christmas is not going to be the Consider simplifying the holiday experience. In our same as it used to be. family, we no longer buy gifts for the adults. Instead, we If you’re one of those people who don’t feel jolly this have a family outing or donate money to a charity in holiday season, there are things you can do to manage honor of one another. your sadness and stress. Dr. Michael Miller, a psychiatrist When you’re grieving, it’s difficult to find someone at Harvard Medical School, offers some advice to help who understands and can empathize. The Rev. Dorothy chase away the blues at Christmas.

Scott hosts Grief Share on Monday mornings at Red • Exercising: Though not my personal favorite, we all Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville. I facilitate know that getting a good workout releases endorphins in a support group for people with cancer, for whom the the brain and helps relieve stress and feel physically and holidays are often a mixed blessing. Alexander City mentally refreshed. You don’t have to sign up for an Iron entrepreneur Liz Benton runs Our Journey of Hope Man competition to reap the benefits of exercise. Simply Cancer Ministry with her husband, the Rev. David going for a 30-minute walk every day will bring some Benton, catering (though not exclusively) to women who stress relief. are cancer survivors. It’s easier to talk about these things • Treat yourself: Take your mind off the holiday blues by with other folks who are in the same or similar situation. going to see a movie or treating yourself to a nice meal One of the best things to do is to adopt an attitude of and a good bottle of wine. But be careful about imbibing gratitude. Be intentional about giving thanks for what’s too much alcohol. Alcohol is a chemical depressant good in your life. Even when someone says something and may enhance feelings of sadness. You don’t have to that’s not very helpful, appreciate that they are at least become a teetotaler; just watch your alcohol intake. Limit trying to show love and support, even if it’s in a bumbling yourself to one or two drinks. manner.

• Socializing: You might not feel like going to that Life can be hard. But life can also be exhilarating at the Christmas party, but make yourself go, anyway. Being same time. It’s certainly better than the alternative. around friends and acquaintances could be a mood If you’re not the person who is feeling sad this booster. You don’t have to push yourself. Stay as long as Christmas, be aware of those around you, and be you feel like it and leave when you feel like leaving. You empathetic to those who are having a difficult season. don’t have to apologize or explain.

Reach out to someone you think might be lonely, sad or • Volunteering: Giving your time to a worthwhile cause grieving. If you’re having a big family dinner, consider could help take your mind off your own problems. It feels inviting someone who is alone or separated by distance good to bring a little kindness to another person who from family to join your family’s holiday meal. True needs it. Volunteer to deliver Meals on Wheels, or serve happiness comes not from what we have, but from what soup at the Episcopal church. Put together food baskets we give away. As the apostle, Paul, wrote, quoting Jesus, at the Catholic church, or do something as simple as “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” visiting someone who is homebound.

There are a plethora of opportunities to give of ~ George Miranda is the director of the UAB Medicine – yourself in this community. A good place to start is Russell Medical Cancer Center.

Lake Martin Living 31

Investing is a lot like golf W

hen I played golf at a high level, I never thought I would have a career doing anything else in life regarding a career. I had practiced my whole life and had dedicated vast amounts of time to the sport. I’d sacrificed to be successful at the highest level. Other plans were in store when I found out that, due to a back disease, my ability to play golf at a high level would be forever changed. What I didn’t realize at that moment was that golf had prepared me for the next stage of life: investing. On the surface, it would seem golf and investing have little in common, almost day and night. But there are common themes and parallels.

MONEY MATTERS

Life throws curve balls, and plans are there to be fluid, allowing goals to be altered.

Science fiction author Cory Doctorow said, “The first casualty of any battle plan is the attack.” Nothing could be more true in life.

Plans, as I like to tell clients, are nothing more than bowling with guard rails. The likelihood is going from bumper to bumper in getting to the final goal.

In golf, each course requires a game plan to fit a golfer. This game plan is different from player to player, depending on strengths and weaknesses. Each plan addresses certain hole locations, tee box setups and wind conditions. Just like in Lee Williams investing, the plan must be fluid. Things change, feelings change, and sometimes veering from the plan is necessary to make an Risk Management adjustment. The important thing is to have a plan In investing, risk management is the dominant guiding from bumper to bumper, which gets you to force. Everyone wants to make as much money the finish line. as possible while taking as little risk as possible.

Furthermore, an investor wants an advantage, as the Patience late Charlie Munger used to say.

I’m going to quote Charlie Munger here again since Golf is no different. If a golfer is being calculated he was a North Star to me and recently passed away. in how he plays, risk is all he thinks about. At the Munger used to say that the big money in investing level I played, I calculated odds all day long. I tried to is in the waiting. The world is full of people who take the least amount of risk possible with the highest went bust trying to make money quickly. Successful upside in hitting every shot during a round. When I investing, for most people, takes time. It often requires saw an opportunity that set up well for me, I didn’t doing the same thing over and over (not the insanity hesitate to try to take full advantage of it. Just like way), which can be boring and monotonous. There in investing, sometimes I didn’t execute as planned; can be periods when it seems investments may not do however, over time, things largely worked out by anything at all, go sideways or even fall. Also, there playing the odds. can be periods when accounts seem to grow quickly.

Golf is similar. I don’t know of any other sport Planning that requires as much patience as the game of golf.

Most investment programs have a plan behind Getting good at golf flat out takes time and practice. them with goals attached. These plans could get very Sometimes, it’s hard to see the improvement. There are detailed as someone approaches or enters retirement. periods when a golfer seems to get worse and wonders

32 Lake Martin Living

when the tide might turn. There are periods when it seems to come easy, and a player feels like he or she can’t shoot a bad score. Bottom line, the key to getting good in golf is time, practice and staying the course over time. Not much different than investing.

Temperament

If there is one quality that I think discerns a bad investor from a good investor, this is it. Humans are mostly wired to avoid pain and suffering. It has been this way since the beginning of time and will always be so. Fear is stronger than excitement. The world of investing is riddled with data on bad decisions made because some market event created fear that, in many cases, led to poor decisions and bad outcomes.

Golf is similar. I don’t know of a more important trait in a great golfer than temperament. In golf, there is a range of emotions in any given day throughout the four hours it takes to play 18 holes. At the highest level, these emotions could be magnified with a lot of money on the line. Yes, there are emotions displayed, good and bad; however, great players keep these emotions in check, allowing them to make smart decisions and not panic, which ultimately translates into better outcomes and lower scores.

Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and other greats have excellent temperaments. Excellent investors like Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger and others do (or did) as well.

I could keep going on and on with parallels between golf and investing and would love to keep laying out the case; however, I think these are the most important, foundational parallels between successful investing and golf. I believe being aware of certain key components in anything people do helps give them an edge, whether that be in golf, investing or something else. Hopefully, you can relate to some of these characteristics and look to build on the foundational level you have. In the end, I’m a big

believer the ultimate outcome will be driven to a large extent by your risk management, planning, patience and temperament.

Have a Merry Christmas. See you in 2024! ~Lee Williams Important Information Blalock Williams, LLC (Blalock Williams) is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Blalock Williams and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon.

You should consult your attorney or tax advisor.

The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on market and other conditions.

These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.

All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability, or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information, and it should not be relied on as such.

Lake Martin Living 33

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Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Monday, December 4, 2023 Alexander City 1. Lizi Gwin and Tammy Montgomery 2. George, Andrew, Henry and Claire Walters 3. George and Marley Baynes with Riley and Remi 4. Addison Caldwell, Macie Knox, Raeleigh Caldwell, Katie Davis and Bailey Knox 5. Marley Love 6. The Blair Family

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W. David Lane Author Book Signing Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Dadeville Performing Arts Center

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1. Elaine Forbus 2. Heidi and Burke Carroll 3. Geri Looney 4. Faith Mishelle, Asher and Ben Dudley 5. Trudon Price and Camille Foshee 6. Mickey Forbus, W. David Lane, Mary Stroud and Lee Lane 7. Lynda King, Rhonda Brewer and Gwen Davis

Lake Martin Living 35

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Dadeville Christmas Parade Sunday, December 3, 2023 Dadeville 1. Steve and Amanda Bevels 2. Brady, Hudson, Cooper, Tate, Tori and Raylan Claybrook 3. Martha Harrelson, Lynn and Al Peck, David Hartley, Scout and Luke

4. Phillip and Sally Baker 5. Douglas, Sharon and Zamora Morgan and Kennedy Foreman

6. Creslynn Geer 7. Jakiyla and Tanya Gibson and Javion Maxwell 36 Lake Martin Living

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ACT II - A Christmas Carol Live Radio Play Friday, December 1, 2023 Central Alabama Community College 9

1. Lindsay Goree 2. Karen Kison, Kristy Steele and Stephanie Smith 3. John Jung and Chuck Clark 4. Lou Long and Patti Smith 5. Dianna Walker 6. John Mitcham and Chris Baker 7. Jan Jung and Alesia Boddie 8. Rob Iler, Beverly Howard and Christale Tuck 9. Doug Roberts, Steve Thomas and Keith Garrett

Lake Martin Living 37

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Alexander City Government Open House Thursday, November 30, 2023 City Hall 1. Kim and Woody Baird 2. Kathy Railey, Kristin Joiner, Amber Gortney and Alicia Clifton 3. Callie Abel, David McClanahan, Ken Cowart and Sarah Pasquantonio 4. Amanda Thomas, Kasey Kascheck and Piper Barnett 5. Teresa Grier and Tara Snyder 6. Mary Perry, Randy Dawkins and Audrey “Buffy” Colvin

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An Eclectic Christmas Friday, December 1, 2023 Eclectic 8

1. Sellers and Marlee Jackson 2. Carol Turner and Chris Rossi 3. Carrie Donahey and Brandy Collier

4. Katie, John, Isabella and Annabelle Henderson, Tiffany and Silas Cumbie, Dalton Stephens, Matt Tucker, Charlotte Connell and Barbara Moore 5. Hannah Emfinger and David Bloodsworth 6. Candice Joseph-Webb, Dixie, Lloya and Lecerde Webb, Takiyah Toussaint and Bill Hamby

7. Venita Christian and Elizabeth Fralish 8. Justin, Matthew, Aidan, Ashely and Logan Goggins Lake Martin Living 39

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

First Day Hike

Start the New Year in the great outdoors

K

ick off the New Year right and join Wind Creek State Park Naturalist Dylan Ogle at 10 a.m. for a 3.5-mile First Day Hike on the park's Speckled Snake Trail.

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America's state parks. The program is designed to encourage people to get outdoors and to start the year with intentional outdoor activities. Led by knowledgeable state park staff and volunteers, people are invited to savor the beauty of state parks around the country, so they will be inspired to visit again and again throughout the year.

Ogle's hike is one of 11 First Day Hike events planned across Alabama. This hike features dense woods with several rolling hills and occasional views of Lake Martin. Hikers might expect to see deer, songbirds and other wildlife, including bald eagles.

Meet Ogle in the marina parking lot at the park. Come early; the hike will leave the parking lot at 10 a.m. Expect a three-hour experience and be prepared for cold or wet weather.

Wear sturdy shoes. Bring a snack or lunch, as well as plenty of water. Hiking poles or sticks are optional. If you bring the pup, be sure to keep your pet on a leash at all times in the park.

40 Lake Martin Living

There will be a nominal day-use fee to enter the park, but the hike is free.

Call Ogle at 256-329-0845 for more information.

Go Take a Hike

WCSP Naturalist Dylan Ogle will lead a First Day Hike on Jan. 1, 2024.

LAKE REGION EVENTS Now thru Jan. 6

Pennington Park Light Show

Park displays will be lit nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Event will include display of full-size Christmas sleigh with scheduled visits from Santa. A mailbox will be present for special delivery mail to Santa.

Dec. 15

Buffalo Nichols at Standard Deluxe

Welcome Buffalo Nichols back to the Little House at Standard Deluxe at 7:30 p.m. Gates and bar open at 5 p.m. with supper by the Waverly chicken Man. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 on the day of the show, if available. Only 50 tickets available.

Visit standarddeluxe.com for details.

Dec. 16

Saturday with Santa

Visit with Santa from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. when Main Street Alexander City hosts this ornament and cookie decorating event at 19 Main St., Alexander City. A $5 donation to Main Street Alexander City would be appreciated.

Dec. 16

Gypsy Candlesticks

Tony Brook and Yve B will welcome special guest Mace Glasscock to the Little House at Standard Deluxe at 7:30 p.m. Gates and bar open at 5 p.m. with supper in the Feed Shak at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Visit standarddeluxe.com for details.

Dec. 16

Festive Christmas Craft Market

Find arts, crafts, fresh vegetables, food vendors and gift shopping from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot at Mt. Lovely Church in Camp Hill.

Lady D’s Sweet Treats will sponsor a coat and toy drive. Call 334-734-3884 for more information.

Dec. 17

Christmas Cantata

Red Ridge United Methodist Church will host this annual Christmas musical presentation at

9:30 a.m. with a 30-member choir and full orchestra. Music composed and arranged by Lloyd Larson.

Dec. 17

Milk & Cookies with Santa

Eclectic’s Blue Ribbon Dairy will host social time with Santa from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 5290 Chana Creek Rd. in Tallassee.

Dec. 18 & 19

Fire Truck Santa

Santa and his helpers will pass out toys to community children from an Alexander City Fire Department truck. Check the routes and times for both days on the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

Dec. 19

Author Visit

Jessica Keyes will read her book, Dessa May Donkey Wants to be a Reindeer, during children’s storytime at 10 a.m. at the Dadeville Public Library.

Dec. 29

New Year’s Eve Party at Martin's

Start your New Year's party early with Blackberry Breeze at Martin's at Lake Martin on Friday, Dec. 29. $60 tickets include an all-you-can-eat steak dinner buffet, complimentary champagne, unlimited photo booth snaps and a three-hour concert performed by Blackberry Breeze.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Only 100 tickets available.

Dec. 31

Last Sunset Guided Hike

Russell Lands Naturalist Marianne will lead a hike to the highest point in Russell Forest - Heaven Hill. As the sun sets, hikers will discuss their accomplishments from the past year and plans for 2024. Then, there will be snacks and a toast. There is a $10 fee for this program. Call 256-4962710 to register.

Dec. 31

Sweet Young ’Uns 50th Anniversary Party

Year’s Eve at the Elks Lake Lodge in Alexander City. Come hear fabulous classic rock and country music as the group commemorates their first gig in Tallassee in 1966. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door and include party favors, champagne at midnight, breakfast food and continuous music.

All proceeds benefit Camp ASCCA.

Jan. 13

LMYP Polar Plunge

Lake Martin Young Professionals encourage everyone to join the plunge in the lake to raise money for Lake Martin Resource Association’s lighted buoy program. Look for details coming soon.

Jan. 18

Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber Annual Banquet

Come celebrate the chamber and special guests at 5:30 p.m. at the annual awards banquet at New Water Farm. There will be live music, door prizes, member booths and more.

Admission is $50 per person and includes a steak dinner. RSVP by Thursday, Jan. 11 at 256-825-4019 or email chamber@dadeville.com.

Jan. 19-25

Throw Away Days

Take advantage of free dumpsters available throughout the county to clean up and throw out items too large for regular residential trash pick up. Dumpsters will be located at Alex City Annex at 395 Lee St. Jan. 19 and Jan. 21; the intersection of Young’s Ferry and Mullican roads and at Double Bridges on State Route 63 South Jan. 22 and Jan. 23; and at the old Newsite School and at Stillwaters Jan. 24 and Jan. 25.

No liquids, pesticides, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or hazardous or medical waste. This event is sponsored by the Tallapoosa County Commission.

The 50th Anniversary of the Sweet Young’Uns will take place this New

Lake Martin Living 41

LAKE REGION EVENTS Jan. 25

Two Crows for Comfort

Join your friends at Zazu’s Verandah from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for music with this original, engaging and funny duo. There will be a food truck on site and beverages for sale.

Season-Long Events Dulcimer Club

All levels of musicianship are invited to gather at Dadeville Performing Arts Center from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday to rehearse for performances at a variety of community events. Club fee is $25 annually. Performer memberships, patron memberships or quarterly memberships are $30. Email kim. walls@dadevilleperformingartscenter. com.

Wellborn Musclecar Museum The Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open for public viewing Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The inventory on display changes frequently, so every visit includes something new and exciting. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are free. To arrange discounted group tours or private tours, email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail. com or call 256-329-8474.

Dadeville Community Chorus Rehearsals will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at Dadeville Performing Arts Center for a performance in late May. Email kim.walls@ dadevilleperformingartscenters.com.

Lake Martin Creativity

This group meets every Monday at 1 p.m. in the downstairs community room at the StillWaters Residential Building. Anyone interested in arts and crafts is encouraged to join.

Bring something to work on, or come see what others are doing. A monthly fee of $5 is charged to help pay for the use of the space. For more information, contact Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

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Fiber Fridays

Bring your knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber art projects to The Yarn Shop Around the Corner in Dadeville from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays to meet fellow fiber artisans, share tips and techniques and talk with others who share your interests. For more information, call 334-444-1038.

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. to 2 p.m. with free outside setup for vendors, yard sale, flea market and swap meet item. No food vendors, please. Donations from sales to BGHS Alumni and Friends Association are appreciated. There will be a designated area to bring vehicles for sale, and a $20 donation to BGHSAFA will be included with each vehicle sold. For more information, call Bruce Lowery at 205-522-5794.

Library Storytimes

Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m., and storytime for children preschool-aged and younger is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Mamie’s Place children's Library.

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

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.

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. 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 334-8572008 for more information.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes, fowl and more. Check the calendar at RussellLands.com/blog/ events.com for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Charity Bingo at Niffer’s Place Lake Martin

Niffer’s hosts charity bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at 7500 state Route 49 in Dadeville. Cards are $1 each, and funds go to participating charities.

Second Friday Open Mic Night

The Equality Performing Arts Center invites all musicians to its monthly jam sessions on the second Friday of each month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no cover, but donations are greatly appreciated.

There will be an intermission for snacks, and people are encouraged to bring a dish to share. For more information, visit the EPAC Facebook page.

Alexander City Lions Club

Serving 27 local charities in Tallapoosa County, the Alexander City Lions Club meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Lake Martin Area United Way office on Main Street.

A meal is provided at the second meeting of the month, which also features an engaging speaker. For more information, contact Mae Lynn O’Neil at 256-750-7404.

Artists Association of Central Alabama

AACA artists meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex grounds with a general meeting followed by open studio. Club dues are $20 for the year.

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

Lake Martin Living 43

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GOLDVILLE 280

GOODWATER

Legend

To Sylacauga

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

Public Boat Ramps

NEW SI

Churches

★ Points of Interest

22

280

Power lines

Timbergut Landing

9

U.S. Highways

280

County Roads

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ALEXANDER CITY

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Camp ASCCA

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Alex City Boat Ramp

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Charles E. Bailey Sportplex

ROCKFORD

Hor Na

Jaybird Landing

49 128

22

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Creek ★ Wind Boat Ramp

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★ New Hope Church 9

24

★Smith Landing

27

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Camp Alamisco

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Trillium

Children’s Harbor

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Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

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Church in The Pines

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Smith Mountain Fire Tower

10 11

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Willow Point

EQUALITY SEMAN

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Young’s Island

Liberty Church

280

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Peanut Point

259

20

231

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

JACKSONS GAP

Chimney Rock

Stillwaters 22

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Union Landing

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19 6

WALNUT HILL

90

24 21

UNION

80

50

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Martin Dam

RED HILL

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63 229

SANTUCK

49

ECLECTIC 13 KENT

ELMORE COUNTY

Reeltown

120

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TALLASSEE WETUMPKA 44 Lake Martin Living

229

MACON COUNTY

Explore

DAVISTON 22

Lake Martin

ITE

1

Kowaliga Marina

★

2

The Ridge Marina

256-397-1300

rseshoe Bend ational Park

3

River North Marina

256-397-1500

4

Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

CHAMBERS COUNTY

DEVILLE 16

N Y

50

CAMP HILL

20

280

WAVERLY 50

334-857-2111

5 Real Island Marina

334-857-2741

6 Blue Creek Marina

256-825-8888

7 Parker Creek Marina

256-329-8550

8 Harbor Pointe Marina

256-825-0600

9 Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's

256-444-8793

10 SpringHouse

256-215-7080

11 Catherine’s Market

256-215-7070

12 Kowaliga Restaurant

256-215-7035

13 Acapulco Mexican Gril

334-283-2725

14 Russell Do It Center (Alex City)

256-234-2567

15 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic)

334-541-2132

16 Russell Building Supply

256-825-4256

17 The Stables at Russell Crossroads

256-794-1333

18 Kowaliga Whole Health

334-857-1816

19 Aronov Realty Lake Martin

256-825-4133

20 Off the Beaton Path

205-994-0847

21 Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage

334-391-0717

22 Creekside Lodge

256-307-1440

23 Red Ridge UMC

256-825-9820

24 Lake Pointe Baptist Church

256-373-3293

25 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc

334-857-2443

26 Docks Unlimited LLC

256-203-8400

27 Dixie Sailing Club 28 Lakeshore Pharmacy

LEE COUNTY

256-825-0063

Your Lake Martin Sightseeing Pass. Scan me!

LOACHAPOKA 14

NOTASULGA 85 81

Get on the Map! 256-234-4281

Lake Martin Living 45

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

STORY IDEA

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

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Lake Martin Living 47

AD INDEX Alexander Landscaping ....................................................................... 8

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 15, 49

Azalea Cove Waterside...................................................................... 2 0

Lake Martin Vascular.......................................................................... 2 9

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6

Lee Map Art...................................................................................... 1 5

C&C Wood Products............................................................................ 6

Legacy New Homes............................................................................. 2

Coosa Valley MRI............................................................................... 4 9

Medical Marajuana Seminar............................................................... 2 5

Cotney Jewelers................................................................................. 1 5

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery................................................... 2 0

Diamond Golf Cars............................................................................ 4 3

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

Electronic Technology Group.............................................................. 4 9

Phillip Pouncey Builders...................................................................... 4 7

Ellaby Boutique.................................................................................. 1 5

Precise Pressure Washing................................................................... 4 9

Four Daughters Veterinary Services.................................................... 4 7

Prime Home Health.............................................................................. 8

Four Seasons..................................................................................... 4 9

Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6

Francis Bryant Construction............................................................... 2 9

Russell Medical.................................................................................. 5 2

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

Southern Sash................................................................................... 2 0

Gogue Performing Arts Center.......................................................... 2 8

S&K Offices....................................................................................... 4 9

Grove Station.................................................................................... 1 5

Stanley Steemer................................................................................. 4 9

Heritage South Credit Union.............................................................. 2 0

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

Highway 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage....................................... 4 9

Tallassee Mobile Homes..................................................................... 1 5

Holmes Guns..................................................................................... 4 9

TowBoatUS........................................................................................ 4 7

Jes & Gray Living................................................................................. 3

UAB Heart & Vascular........................................................................ 4 3

Karen Channell, State Farm............................................................... 4 9

USBank.............................................................................................. 4 8

Kowaliga Handyman Services LLC...................................................... 1 5

Virginia Pettus, Miner's Cove............................................................... 5

Kowaliga Veterinary Care................................................................... 4 9

Waller Property Maintenance............................................................. 4 9

Lacey Howell..................................................................................... 5 1

Will Tampling, Keller Williams.............................................................. 5

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Lake Martin Living 49

Wartime Christmas Letters

A

Culture Shock

ll this war around the world made continued. “So, take it in life’s stride and, for me think about The 1914 Christmas goodness sakes, don’t worry about it – cause Truce, one of the best Christmas that won’t help. The only thing that will help stories ever. During World War is confidence, in the individual and God or I, on the Western front, British and German whatever one places his faith.” soldiers called a truce. According to firsthand Being a Shaffer: P.S. Tell Parker to be good accounts, the Germans were singing Christmas and take care of the women, I can’t. carols, and the British began to sing them back.

He was sure to mention that Parker’s They called out to meet in the middle, “No spelling needed to improve and always Man’s Land,” and agreed to impromptu cease encouraged him to go to dental school, which fires. This happened in pockets throughout he did. “Study hard and have a big time,” was Europe, with some soldiers playing soccer and the exact advice given. There was much back helping to collect each other’s dead. It was a forth about who was dating whom, and Lacey Howell and reminder of the humanity still left in everyone. toward the end of his time served, he was a bit Can you imagine how homesick they all must put out that his old friends had gotten married, have been during the holidays? and he missed a few wedding parties.

I have a collection of my grandfather, Jim Shaffer’s, The December letters emphasized how excited he letters home during his during the Korean War from was to come home before being shipped out and the one October 1950 to September 1952, spanning Camp to right after he left at Christmas reads as melancholy. He Japan to Korea. He was 22, drafted and part of the 145th described the trip home as a dream and told his mother Anti-Aircraft, Automatic Weapons, Battalion, Selfhow wonderful she was and kept telling his father to not Propelled – half trucks and tanks. worry. He ended the Dec. 27, 1950, letter: The logistics of getting home for Christmas from P.S. I am in good spirits, you be the same. Believe in God, training in 1950 was at the forefront of his worries. In and in not too long, we will all be much wiser to the ways of his letters, he directed my great grandfather on what the world, time and whatever life we will soon live. flights to book and what flights to cancel on Delta out of Of course, he made it back, as I am writing this today.

Montgomery because the dates kept changing. He went The book of letters is such a treasure. In pure Shaffer through options A and B as to who might be able drive form, there is an inappropriate story about the lack of an him in from there. outhouse during wintertime in Korea.

He continued in regard to what he wanted for As we celebrate this holiday season and coast into Christmas dinner, and I could tell he thought it could be an election year, let’s all take a moment to appreciate his last Christmas: this great country, “Mother, I don’t imagine you and Rebecca will have the soldiers protecting Jim Shaffer a chance to plan much for us. But maybe Xmas night us present day and we could all have a party together and sing Christmas those before them, and carols. Also, a good menu would be charcoal steaks, Miss remember how blessed we Virginia’s “salad a la Virginia,” some cheese straws and are. Happy Holidays! toasted pecans – plus some good bourbon and Scotch whiskey. I’m amazed but what could be better.” ~ Lacey Howell is He wanted to carve out time to go hunting with his a recovering English father and brother, Parker, instructing to leave “out of major from Auburn time visiting” off the agenda. He included photos and told who now lives on Lake his family to feel free to share them with The Outlook Martin, sells real estate, and The Dadeville Record. He made a point of saying rides horses and loves he would go to see his friends, twins Nancy and Julia good wine. Follow Russell. her on Instagram @ He got serious and wrote to his father that he would LaceyHowell and her have to censor the letters at some point: “This division Facebook page. is at full strength, one of four in the U.S. Dad, we’re also on the alert to be called at any moment. I imagine my Christmas leave will be the only one I’ll get unless maybe one before we go over if there’s enough time.” He

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