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Collecting can be lots of fun. Knowing what speaks to your heart and making the effort to preserve those things can be very rewarding. A lot of people I know collect something –arrowheads, daylilies, dolls, Santa statues, political buttons, watches, art … My husband might tell you that I collect unfinished sewing projects and random scraps of paper. What I really collect is stories.
I’ve been collecting them as long as I can remember, and it brings me great joy to share them. That’s why my job is so much fun. In every issue of Lake magazine, I’m sharing with you the newest stories in my vast collection.
This month’s collection of stories is all about memories – making them, reliving them and holding onto them for the next generation to enjoy. There are lots of opportunities for doing all of those things at Lake Martin, especially at Christmas.
On page 40, Lisa Woolard decorated her Lake Martin home with memories, from the beautiful Nativity scenes she’s found around the world to the sunburst mirrors that appear in every room of the house. Recently relocated to the lake fulltime, Lisa and her husband, Paul, are looking forward to making more memories as their grandchildren grow up visiting their new home.
For 20 years, Lake Martin Resource Association has collected trash. The annual fall cleanup at the lake last month netted several tons of plastic bottles, aluminum cans, old tires, assorted household items and more. LMRA’s John Thompson received the state’s highest honor for leading the drive behind that collection. And Alabama Department of Environmental Management is actually offering grants to communities that add to their collection of old tires. Shaylee Beck Moore tells you all about these stories and more on page 24.
And if you’re looking for ways to collect holiday memories at the lake this season, turn to page 20. There, you’ll find a host of activities and events designed to help you and your loved ones share wonderful time together, from parades to crafts shows, concerts, theatrical productions, book signings and more.
Because adding to that collection – whatever it is – warms the heart.
Wishing all of you a joyous season.
Betsy Iler, Editor-in-Chief
Staff
Chairman
KENNETH BOONE editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
General Manager
TIPPY HUNTER editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Editor in Chief
BETSY ILER editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Art Director
AUDRA SPEARS audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com
Business & Digital Development Director
ANGELA MULLINS angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com
Audience Development
BAILY TERRY baily.terry@alexcityoutlook.com
Marketing
RENEE TRICE renee.trice@alexcityoutlook.com
SAMANTHA HIMES sam.himes@alexcityoutlook.com
GENA KAY DIXON genakay.dixon@alexcityoutlook.com
CARMEN RODGERS carmen.rodgers@alexcityoutlook.com
ERIN VICKERS erin.vickers@alexcityoutlook.com
Contributors
KENNETH BOONE
JULIE HUDSON
GREG VINSON
CLIFF WILLIAMS
PETE MCKENNY
LIZI GWIN ABIGAIL MURPHY
MELODY RATHEL
STACEY JEFFCOAT
HARRY DENEGRE
AUDRA SPEARS
SAM HIGGS
STEVE ARNBERG
AUSTIN ELLIOTT
ROB "GABBY" WITHERINGTON SHAYLEE BECK MOORE
All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life
Montgomery transplants to Lake Martin, Lisa (left) and Paul Woolard enjoy a cozy lakeside fire with their Brittany spaniels after decorating their home at The Ridge – and their lakeside cedar tree – for Christmas at the lake. They look forward to sharing their home with grandchildren, friends and family this holiday season. Photo by Kenneth Boone
20. FESTIVE FUN
Mark your calendars for a full season of holiday cheer at these locals events.
24. RENEW OUR RIVERS CLEANS UP
The Lake Martin community celebrates two decades of dedicated volunteers and innovative partnerships that have made a lasting impact on our shorelines.
30. BOOKEND HIKES
End 2024 with Wind Creek State Park Naturalist Dylan Ogle on the Speckled Snake Trail, immersed in nature and looking forward to the New Year.
40. UNEXPECTED PLEASURE
A Montgomery couple decks the halls at their new home at The Ridge this holiday season with custom designs and sentimental touches.
LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:
9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE
10. LAKE SCENES
13. WHERE IS LAKE?
14. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
18. LAKE MARTIN NEWS
34. NATURE OF THE LAKE 52. LAKE PROPERTY 54. HOBO
57. CHEERS!
59. FAB FINDS
60. HEALTHY LIVING 62. CHEF'S TABLE 64. BIG CATCHES 67. THE SCRAMBLE
PARTING SHOT
Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake
Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators
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).
Easy peasy tips for cleaning your boat
Keeping your boat clean doesn’t have to be a grueling task, nor should it be a quick rinse-and-go approach. For those who love their time on the water but want to keep maintenance straightforward, a smart, easy cleaning process is essential.
Boats endure more than just water exposure. Fish remnants, dirt and debris accumulate quickly, especially after a day of fishing. These residues can damage surfaces and dull your boat’s shine if left untreated. A good boat wash should make cleaning quicker and easier.
Achieving a thorough clean doesn’t mean complicating the process. Here’s an easy routine to keep your boat in great shape without the extra hassle:
n Rinse First: Give your boat a quick freshwater rinse to remove loose dirt and debris. This helps reduce the chance of scratches during cleaning.
for aggressive scrubbing.
n Gently Scrub if Needed: For particularly stubborn spots, use a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush to gently loosen grime without scratching your boat’s finish.
n Apply Boat Wash: Spray boat wash across the boat’s surfaces. Choose a formula that works fast to eliminate grime, fish residue and other tough stains without the need
n Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove all soap and residue; and then, dry with a soft microfiber cloth to avoid water spots.
Wax Periodically for Added Protection: A quick coat of marine wax after washing keeps the boat shiny, protects it from UV rays and makes future cleanings even easier.
n Final Thoughts: Maintaining your boat shouldn’t be a chore. With the right approach, it’s easy to keep your boat looking pristine and protected from dirt, algae growth and other debris. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll enjoy a clean, beautiful boat that’s ready for every adventure without all the hard work. (Editorial content used with permission from The Great Outdoors)
Weather Outlook for December
2024 Forecast
Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the upper 50s with average lows in the mid 30s and about 5 and a half inches of precipitation in the month of December. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be slightly higher than average and rainfall will be slightly below average this month.
Year-to-Date
Precipitation:
Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 489.21 Lowest: 484.65
Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit 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.
Cleaning your boat regularly helps to preserve your good times on the water
READER SUBMISSIONS
(1) Wendy Watson and Kayla Pemberton took a quick pic at Lake Martin Pizza on the Fourth of July. (2) Great Day on the Lake. (3) Cousins Harper and Collins took a boat ride to Chuck's this summer. (4) Maggie Munsterman is living her best life at Parker Creek. (5) Tony Johnson watched his neighbor pull out for early morning fishing after Labor Day traffic left the lake. (6) Martha Lynn and Alton Starling just happened to be in the perfect place to catch the light emanating from a bowl under the rainbow that formed after a downpour at Lake Martin in late July.
READER SUBMISSIONS
(1) Adaline and Greyson Lawhorn and Dansby Whiteard celebrated the 4th of July at the lake. (2) Amanda Baker's 'Moose' gets his lake legs at Wind Creek State Park over Labor Day weekend. (3) Keith Smith took this photo of the U.S. flag over Lake Martin. (4) Matthew Parriott's stepfather-in-law gives his son a silent fishing lesson on the west side of the lake near Real Island. (5) Lights at the dock transition the lake from day to night. (6) Grayson Peters sets the foil up for the perfect sunset shot at Lotts Slough. (7) Jimmy and Marsha Carlisle sat on their pier and took in the sunset with their eight grandchildren, Caroline, Callie, Conley, Bryant, Brayden, Anna Claire, Cooper and Claire.
READER SUBMISSIONS
(1) Lake visited Normandy with Jay and Sally Young, Ricky and Rebecca Hart and Greg and Janie Hart. (2) Phil, Tommy and Jennifer Spraggins, Carol and Randy Lee and Nancy and John Hodges took Lake on a family trip to Pisa, Italy. (3) Johnny Thames took Lake magazine to Alabama's State Capitol. (4) David Whitman and his wife took Lake magazine on a vacation to Italy, Switzerland, Czechia and Germany. This picture is at the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. (5) Greg and Janie Hart, Ricky and Rebecca Lott and Sally and Jay Young took Lake to see the Eiffel Tower.
December 1
Spirit of a Hometown Christmas
Dadeville’s Annual Christmas Parade will wind through downtown at 2 p.m. on South Broadnax and Tallassee streets as some 50 to 75 entries celebrate the season. Food vendors will be set up near PNC Bank and City Hall. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place floats. Entry fee for floats is $25; $15 for individual entries. Call Carol Sellers at 256-749-0630 to register an entry. Stick around the Dadeville Courthouse Square for the annual tree lighting, courtesy of Dadeville Beautification Board, and after that, stroll down the hill to Pennington Park for the lighting of the Christmas display.
December 2
Downtown Christmas Parade
Bands, businesses and believers in Christmas will parade through the streets with seasonal music, lights and decorations at 6 p.m., courtesy of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. Visit alexcitychamber.com/ christmas-parade for route and entry details.
December 5
David Jones at Zazu’s Verandah
David Jones will play Christmas music and personal favorites from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Listening Room at Zazu’s Verandah. Admission is free. Please tip the musician.
December 6-8
Have Yourself a Crazy Little Christmas
Cookie decorating is a popular activity at Alexander City's Downtown Christmas
December 8
Sing Christmas
This Red Ridge United Methodist Church Christmas cantata, composed by Joel Raney and Mary McDonald, will be accompanied by a 22-piece orchestra at 9:30 a.m. The public is welcome.
December
8
Historic District Christmas Tour
The Dadeville Historic District Committee will offer a self-guided tour of historic homes and buildings that are on or in the courthouse square area in honor of the late Bill Ponder. Tour sites will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Start the tour at Zazu’s Verandah to purchase tickets, get a wristband and obtain a map of the homes on tour. David Jones will play Christmas music at Zazu’s Verandah from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Light snacks will be provided, and there will be a cash bar. Tickets are $25 each and are available at Tallapoosa Nutrition during regular hours of operation. Nine buildings are on the tour, including the Sturdivant-Easterwood-Jones home, The Mitchell House, the Bulger-Dennis-Treadwell building and more.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN
ACT II will stage Collin Andrulonis’ delightful holiday play at 7 p.m. December 6 and 7 and 2 p.m. December 8 at the Benjamin Russell High School auditorium. Admission for this hilarious, familyfriendly production is free. Visit the Alexander City Theatre II Facebook page for details.
December 7
Holiday Market
Standard Deluxe in Waverly hosts this annual display of handcrafted wares by local artisans from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find something for everyone on your gift list. Enjoy holiday sweetbreads and treats.
December 9-15
Throw Away Days
The Tallapoosa County Commission has arranged for the placement of dumpsters in five locations for limited days at no charge to residents. Dumpsters will be located at Union Community Center and Double Bridges on state Route 63 December 9 and 10; the intersection of Young’s Ferry and Mullican roads and at Hackney Community Center
December 11 and 12; and at the Alexander City Annex at 395 Lee Street December 13 through 15. No liquids, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or hazardous or medical waste will be allowed.
December
12
Christmas with Friends
Alexander City’s Scott Blake and friends will present this annual Christmas concert at 6:30 p.m. on the Betty Carol Graham Center stage at the Central Alabama Community College Alexander City campus. Admission is free, but donations at the door are presented to a local charity.
December 13
The BEV and Band Holiday Show
Join the jazzy, soulful celebration of life during the holiday season at 6:30 p.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Expect special activities for the kids and refreshments, as well as an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children admitted free by reservation. Advance tickets for adults are $10 at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com. Tickets are $15 at the door.
December 14
Vulcan Orienteering Club
Pick up a map and e-stick at the Wind Creek State Park Beach from 9 a.m. to noon and test your navigation skills by locating flags off the beaten path. More than 200 JROTC students will enter for their regional championship competition this year. Join the fun or just come out to watch.
December 14
5th Annual Downtown Christmas
Main Street Alexander City and Alexander City Parks & Rec invite you to experience the magic of the season from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown as this popular celebration takes over. Finish your holiday shopping while the kids are engaged in festive activities and fun.
December 14
The Mystic Order of East Alabama Fiction Writers
Dadeville Public Library and Dadeville Performing Arts Center present authors Gail Langley, Marian Carcache, Margee Bright Ragland, Joanne Camp, Katie Jackson and Mary Dansak as they share their secrets and stories at noon at DPAC. Admission is free.
December 17
Christmas Music at DPAC
The Real Bells and Lake Martin Dulcimer Club will present a one-of-a-kind concert with a unique tone and style of Christmas tunes, some favorites and others not so familiar. Children admitted free by reservation. Adult tickets are $10 in advance at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com or $15 at the door.
December 20
Special Storytime
Local children’s author Jessica Keyes will read Dessa Mae Donkey Wants to be a Reindeer at 10 a.m. at the Dadeville Public Library.
December 20
Creatures of the North Pole Class
Join the Wind Creek State Park naturalist as he teaches about the amazing animals that live in the frigid Arctic Circle. Contact dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama.gov for details.
December 21
Cocktail Class
Join the fun and learn to mix up a great cocktail at The Local at 41 Main in Alexander City from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The class is $35, and participants will go home with recipes for holiday party drinks, classic cocktails and more.
December 31
New Year's Eve at Zazu's Verandah
Ring in the New Year with friends and live music at Zazu’s Verandah. This is a 21-and-older event with a minimum tip of $20 per person to the band, MUSE, from Auburn, Alabama. Wine and beer will be available for purchase, while charcuterie snack trays are available for preorder. No need to make it a late night; the Zazu drop happens at 10 p.m. Call Zazu’s Verandah at 256-307-2188 for more details.
January 1
First Day Hike
Bring in the New Year with Wind Creek State Park Naturalist Dylan Ogle as he leads a 3.5-mile hike around the Speckled Snake Trail. Meet in the marina parking lot. Step off time is 10 a.m., so arrive early with plenty of water and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. No charge for the hike, but there is a nominal day-use fee to be paid at the park entrance.
January 12
Mutts Gone Nuts
Gather at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium at 2 p.m. for this Alex City Arts program that introduces you to eight world class shelter dogs in a hilarious comedy production. Tickets are $20 in advance at alexcityarts.org and $25 at the door.
January 18
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 more details in next month’s issue of Lake magazine.
Season Long Events
Naturalist Presentation and Guided Tours
Come see Naturalist Marianne and her lively nature presentations at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature. For details, check out the events listing at RussellLands.com/blog/events.
Tallassee Lions Club
The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant, across from the football stadium in Tallassee, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and
patriotism. For more information, call Marilyn Speake at 334-283-6864 or email her at marilyn.speake@tcschools. com.
Christmas in Pennington Park
Pennington
Park
and Everything’s Art will host Dadeville’s 6th annual Christmas in Pennington Park. Each year, Pennington Park allows any family, business or church to put up a Christmasthemed display in the park. Last year, the park hosted 112 beautiful displays lit by more than 35,000 lights. The park displays will be lit from approximately 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly during the month of December. A full-sized Santa sleigh will be present, along with periodic visits from Santa himself. A North Pole mailbox will be available for sending letters to Santa.
Red Hill Dance Hall
Every Friday night and on select Saturdays, the old Red Hill Schoolhouse is filled with rhythm and dancing. A rotating schedule of bands perform each night, playing renditions of Hank Williams, Otis Redding and anything else to get you up and grooving. The music starts at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m. Attendance is completely free. Food will be provided, but alcohol is strictly prohibited. Call Red Hill Community Center President Paula Castleberry at 334-541-2474 for details.
Memory Makers Quilt Guild
This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. and sew until 2 p.m. Bring your lunch or a snack, sewing projects, machines and questions.
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.
Lake Martin News
Charlee Jones wins ROR T-shirt contest
Charlee Jones won this year’s annual Renew Our Rivers T-shirt contest at Stephens Elementary School in Alexander City.
The ROR cleanup is a Lake Martin-wide effort sponsored by Alabama Power and LMRA. This year, LMRA celebrated its 20th year associated with the cleanup, and for the better part of that, the group has hosted a T-shirt art contest for STEM teacher Leanne Waldrop’s students at Stephens Elementary School. Students draw a picture depicting the theme of keeping Lake Martin clean, and one studen’s drawing is chosen to be featured on the back of the Renew Our Rivers T-shirt for that year.
An assembly is held to honor the winning artwork and teach students the impact of the annual cleanup. Students also are encouraged to participate in the cleanup. This year, Waldrop told her class that each student who cleaned would be rewarded with a popsicle.
“Hard work pays off,” said John Thompson, former president of LMRA and one of the judges of the T-shirt contest. “The kids have worked hard. The teachers have worked hard. That’s what it’s all about protecting and taking care of our environment.”
Students also received pickers and trash bags to take home with them in preparation for the cleanup that was held on November 1 and 2.
Thompson also spoke at the Alexander City Kiwanis Club meeting prior to the cleanup, discussing how LMRA works to include children in its efforts while educating them on the importance of environmental consciousness.
“We wanted the young folks that are coming along today to know how important it is to protect our environment,” Thompson told Kiwanis members. “Everybody in the tricounty area should recognize and appreciate the fact that we have the cleanest lake in the state.”
Ror more on this year’s ROR cleanup, see the story on page 24.
Lizi Arbogast Gwin
After 12 years in the process, Publix finally opened last month in Alexander City
Publix opens in Alexander City
Publix’s grand opening in Alexander City last month was a celebration of more than a decade of work.
“Twelve years ago is really when the first evaluation was done, so it’s been 12 years in the making,” Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President Steve Robinson said. “We’re extremely excited, and we believe this will lead to great economic development opportunities, so we’re excited about that.”
Alexander City’s newest grocery store opened its doors at 6:45 a.m. November 6 in the Gateway at Lake Martin shopping center. The anchor store helped bring about other retail opportunities, such as Rack Room Shoes, Marshalls and Five Below. Starbucks opened its doors at the shopping center in October.
“This store is greatly important for us,” Robinson said. “It’ll have an incredible financial impact.”
But more than just the financial aspect, city leaders were excited to bring in a company that’s so involved with the community. Publix is known for its community involvement, including giving back to schools and other civic organizations.
“Publix is a wonderful community partner, and the Lake Martin Area United Way is excited to welcome them,” LMAUW Executive Director Courtney Layfield said. “Globally, Publix Super Markets, Inc., ranks No. 1 in global charitable giving to the United Way. Publix’s partnership is key to United Way’s mission of improving our communities. Publix and United Way are committed to improving health and wellness, education and financial stability in our communities, and we are excited for this new partnership and all the good things we will do together.”
Lizi
Arbogast Gwin
Community support makes big difference for Girls Ranch
The Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch had an active summer, Ranch Director Eric Strong told donors and volunteers last month at a quarterly luncheon.
“It takes all of us to come together as a community to change the course of a life that has been shattered and beaten down,” Strong said. “Please remember why we are here. It is for the children of Alabama and the next
Charlee Jones (left) and John Thompson show off her artwork for this year's ROR T-shirt
generation, and it takes all of us to change lives.”
With its mission of supporting at-risk youth, the ranch works to provide girls with as much normalcy as possible.
The main trip was to the beach, but several Lake Martin residents also offered their homes for girls to have some lake trips. In addition, Youth for Christ hosted a scavenger hunt through the campus at Auburn University, and the girls participated in Camp Victory. Events the girls attended included Auburn football games, volleyball games and the Lee County Fair.
In recent months, the ranch has undergone updates on its property. Through a partnership with Auburn University’s Building Science program, the ranch has a new pool pavilion and a barn for hay and equipment. The program also provided a deck at the back of one of the ranch houses and fixed a hay barn. Also, the Girls Ranch staff has created more horse trails for the girls to use on the property.
Bailey Harris Construction and other businesses have helped the ranch finish out the basement at the learning center, and that will become a space for the girls to pick out clothes.
“When they come, sometimes, they will have three suitcases of clothes, but most of the time, they may have three Walmart bags of clothes, and those are worn out,” Strong said. “We want them to have a space to go and pick out nice clothes that they can use.”
ARS roofing has recently helped to put a new roof on
the ranch’s gym, and the ranch staff are getting quotes to repair the foundation. Strong said these are just some examples, but there have been many organizations that have aided the ranch recently, and he appreciates all the helping hands.
Visit the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch Facebook page or email Strong at estrong@alsyr.org to make donations or find out how you can help.
Abigail Murphy
180 Birmingham Rd
Eclectic, AL 36024
334-857-2443
sales@lakescape.com
Martin homeowners seeking to enhance their lakefront from the front door to the waterline with docks, decks, boathouses, hard and soft scapes, irrigation, lighting and other features or to renovate or service existing ones.
Docks & Seawalls
Decks & Patios
Landscaping
Lighting & Electrical
Lake
Repairs & Maintenance
Festive Fun
Check your calendar twice for holiday events in the lake area
STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY TPI STAFF
Tallapoosa County commissioners
John McKelvey and Emma Jean Thweatt plug in the Christmas lights for Dadeville
Christmas in Pennington Park
BBeing at Lake Martin for Christmas is magical, but spending the month here is more so, as the area boasts a bevy of sweet holiday activities and presentations that exude smalltown charm. From parades to artisan shows, home tours, tree lightings and more, fill your Christmas calendar with seasonal delight at the lake.
Volunteers with the Dadeville Beautification Board worked more than 200 hours to trim the courthouse square with garland, bows and sparkling white trees, creating a wonderland in lights. The scene makes a delightful backdrop for seasonal shopping, dining and holiday festivities, so make a day of it December 1.
Dadeville's Sound of Gold Marching Band in the annual Christmas parade
The fun starts at 12 p.m. as food and craft vendors set up at the Dadeville City Hall parking lot, PNC Bank and Floyd’s on Broadnax Street. Browse the booths until 5 p.m. to cross a few more items off your holiday shopping gift list.
Bring the children, lawn chairs and hot chocolate downtown at 2 p.m. to watch the floats, hear the marching bands and share the joy at the Dadeville Christmas Parade. There are typically 50 to 75 entries for this season-opener that features food vendors and prizes for the best floats.
The parade starts at Dadeville High School and follows South Street to the courthouse square, and this year, parade coordinators Carol Sellers
and Rhonda Gaskin obtained permission from the Alabama Department of Transportation to close a section of state Route 49 for 45 minutes, the duration of the parade, to allow the parade to circle the square.
Following the parade, there will be entertainment on the courthouse steps until dusk, when City representatives, along with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and members of the beautification board, will light the city’s official Christmas tree.
Then, at 5 p.m., stroll down the hill for the lighting of Pennington Park, a celebration completed with hot chocolate and carols by the Dadeville Community Chorus. Park owners Kurt and Leah Pfitzner host a stunning display of trees, decorated by businesses, organizations and individuals, every year. And every evening throughout the holiday season, the trees are lighted from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors are invited to stroll through the display and leave letters to Santa in the mailbox. Each letter is personally answered by the Jolly Old Elf himself.
It’s a fabulous, full day to open the season, but that’s only the beginning.
On December 2, join the throng along Cherokee Road and Church Street at 6 p.m. in Alexander City to welcome Santa Claus to town. The splendor of the city parades through town, escorting Santa through the downtown circle where a small herd of reindeer in lights graze, waiting for the big day.
December 6 through 8, Alexander
Mr. & Mrs. Claus greet children at Alexander City's Downtown Christmas
City Theatre II will stage their annual Christmas production, free of charge, at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. This year’s play, Have Yourself a Crazy Little Christmas by Collin Andrulonis, tells the hilarious tale of a holiday Christmas card photo gone awry, from the pet ferret getting cooked in the turkey to an ex-fiancé showing up for dinner, Nana sipping Grampa’s (Irish) Christmas punch and the mother-in-law with a face full of mashed potatoes (more than once!). This is a play the whole family with laugh through and leave the theater smiling. Showtime is 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Slip over to Standard Deluxe in Waverly between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on December 7 for the annual Holiday Market, where you’ll find wares crafted by local artisans, sweetbreads and holiday treats and a DJ. It’s a great way to spend a day.
Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville hosts their annual Sing Christmas concert December 8 at 9:30 a.m. These sweet voices will be accompanied by a 22- piece orchestra. The public is welcome and is never disappointed in the music at this event.
Also on December 8, the Dadeville Historic District Committee will open nine homes and buildings on or near the courthouse square from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. to honor the late Bill Ponder. Start the self-guided tour at Zazu’s Verandah to obtain a wristband and a map to the featured locations. Return to Zazu’s after 3 p.m. for the event’s post-party. Tickets are $25 at Tallapoosa Nutrition.
Hear more Christmas music December 12
when Scott Blake celebrates Christmas with Friends at the Betty Carol Graham Center stage at Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m., and admission is free. Donations at the door are presented to a local charity.
Then, join Dadeville Performing Arts Center in welcoming The BEV and Band Holiday Show at 6:30 p.m. Children will be admitted free by reservation for this event, which features special activities, refreshments and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Advance tickets are $10 for adults at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.
Return to downtown Alexander City on December 14 to experience the magic of the season from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be games, festive activities and more for the children while adults finish their Christmas shopping.
And on December 20, bring the children to a special story time at Dadeville Public Library, when local children’s author Jessica Keyes will read Dessa Mae Donkey Wants to be a Reindeer
And don’t forget to bundle up with a warm cup and a lap blanket for a leisurely drive around the lake, taking in the decorations on docks and lawns as you idle by. It’s a holiday season to remember, and the Lake Martin area offers myriad ways to create those wonderful memories. Mark your calendar and join the fun.
Alexander City's Christmas parade
ACT II Have Yourself a Crazy Little Christmas
Tim Wheeler, Tammie McVicker and Stephen Moore load the boat with trash they collected during the ROR cleanup
RENEW OUR RIVERS CLEANS UP
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE
BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & AUDRA SPEARS & COURTESY OF JOHN COLEY & ADEM
FFrom John Thompson receiving the governor’s highest honor to ADEM’s tire recycling program and Lake magazine’s Golden Picker winner, the 20th cleanup at Lake Martin was a winner.
For two consecutive days, hundreds of volunteers from around the community came together by boat and on foot to clean up Lake Martin, removing debris from area roadsides and shorelines. This year, the Lake Martin Resource Association, in partnership with Alabama Power, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the annual Renew Our Rivers trash cleanup campaign. Held in November each year, this initiative focuses on clearing trash from the lake’s shorelines and surrounding roadways.
“On behalf of the Lake Martin Resource Association, I want to thank each one of the 350 volunteers who took part in the annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup on November 1 and 2,” said Steve Robinson, LMRA environmental engagement chair. “Your efforts led to removing approximately 3.5 tons of litter from our Lake Martin shorelines and roadways throughout our community. Thank you for helping to support our LMRA mission of protecting, preserving and promoting the Lake Martin community.”
To celebrate the dedication of local volunteers each year, Lake magazine partners with local organizations, including Alabama Power, Lake Martin Tallapoosa County Tourism, Wind Creek State Park, Russell Lands, Children’s Harbor, Lake Martin Voice, River Bank and Trust and additional
PHOTOS
community leaders to create the Golden Picker bag. The ultimate collection item, this Renew Our Rivers bag is filled with Lake Martin swag and tied up with a golden picker.
This year, volunteer Emileigh Williams won the Golden Picker prize, which included Lake Martin tote bags, water bottles, gift certificates from local restaurants and more.
ROR volunteers pick up a variety of trash from around the lake, from plastic bottles and fishing lures to swimming floats and Styrofoam containers. But trapped among fallen trees and debris, one of the most environmentally hazardous kinds of trash requires extra diligence – rubber tires. Tires can take decades to disintegrate, and in that process, they release harmful chemicals into the water, disrupting wildlife habitats and contributing to longterm environmental damage.
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management, the state agency tasked with enforcing environmental regulations, plays a key role in removing discarded tires from natural areas. The agency also promotes innovative ways to repurpose tires, helping to keep them out of landfills and reduce environmental waste.
PALS Executive Director Jamie Mitchell (Left) presents John Thompson with the Don Himes Award
(Left to Right) Greg Lein, Matthew Capps, Chris Blankenship, Stephen Cobb and Douglas Carlson at the acceptance of the Leadership in Conservation and Sustainability Award at the National Association of State Park Directors Conference this fall
In recent years, ADEM has established the statewide Scrap Tire initiative. Available to all counties in Alabama, the program offers grant funding to help remove rubber tires from properties and illegal dumping sites.
Of the 67 counties in Alabama, 48 have enrolled in ADEM’s Scrap Tire Program, including Elmore County since 2011 and Tallapoosa County since 2016.
An estimated 11 million tires have been collected throughout the state since the inception of the Scrap Tire Program in Alabama, including tires collected from the Lake Martin area.
“Through this program, we allocate funds to provide a grant to participating counties,” said Lance LeFleur, executive director of ADEM since 2010. “The grant is a three-year commitment, offering $150,000 to assist counties in collecting scrap tires from roadways and other areas, especially where there are innocent landowners impacted by tire dumping.”
In addition to removing tires from the environment, ADEM repurposes the collected tires into rubbermodified asphalt. This innovative, eco-friendly solution transforms scrap tires into materials for roadways and children’s playgrounds, effectively keeping them out of landfills and illegal dump sites.
Leadership in Conservation and Sustainability Award, recognizing the work the agencies have done to promote the innovative work of rubber-modified asphalt.
“We are gradually building up the supply and demand for scrap tire products,” said LeFleur. “Our goal is to keep scrap tires out of landfills through dedicated partnerships.”
“Rubber from scrap tires is mixed in with regular asphalt, and it’s used to pave roads and parking areas,” said LeFleur. “And we’ve done a number of those projects around Alabama at several state parks. In addition, rubber from scrap tires is used to create mulch for playgrounds. It’s a much softer, smoother and permanent base, making it an ideal choice for this type of recreational area.”
This year, ADEM, in conjunction with Alabama State Parks and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, received the
The success of the cleanup efforts also can be attributed to a local member of the Lake Martin community, John Thompson, who led LMRA’s environmental education program starting in 2004 and served as president of LMRA from 2011 to 2023. Thompson has dedicated more than two decades to keeping Lake Martin beautiful.
On November 12, Thompson was honored with the Don Hines Memorial Award, the highest honor from Alabama People Against a Littered State, in recognition of his lifelong dedication and commitment to the lake and community.
“The top PALS Governor Award is special to me because PALS represents exactly what makes LMRA successful with cleanup efforts in the Lake Martin community,” said Thompson.
“Forming partnerships with Tallapoosa
Publishers, Inc., Russell Lands, Alabama Power, GFL, TowBoat Lake Martin, Wind Creek State Park, Lake Martin Dock Co., Dixie Sailing Club, Russell Marine, Tallapoosa County Commission and Alexander City Main Street has resulted in more than 175 tons of trash being removed from the shoreline and adjacent roadsides of Lake Martin over the past 20 years. Working together with a common goal is the answer to keeping the Lake Martin community clean and litter free.”
Shaylee Beck Moore (Right) presents Emileigh Williams with the Golden Picker Prize Bag
Bookend Hikes
STORY BY BETSY ILER
PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & BETSY ILER
Naturalist Dylan Ogle will lead hikers on a Last Day Hike December 31 and a First Day Hike January 1
EEnd 2024 on a high note and join Wind Creek State Park Naturalist Dylan Ogle at 12 p.m. for an End of the Year hike on the Speckled Snake Trail. The 4-mile loop is one of the most accessible trails at this Lake Martin wonder and traverses shoreline, woods, creeks and Ogle’s favorite area – a seasonal wetlands.
“At low water, there’s a part along the trail that turns into a wetland with shallow pools of water,” Ogle said. “It’s interesting to see how that ecosystem changes seasonally. You can usually find a great blue heron out there in the winter.”
Fall and winter are popular hiking seasons at the park, and Ogle said attendance on day hikes goes up during the cooler months of the year.
“This is when the weather is reliably cool. During the summer, the days are hot, so people join the night hikes more than hiking during the day,” he said.
Also along the Speckled Snake Trail, Ogle said, hikers might catch a glimpse of ruby crowned kinglets, very small birds that frequent the canopy of leaves over the open trail areas.
“Bring binoculars for this hike if you have them. The birdwatching should be good with cardinals, nuthatches, blue jays, all kinds of birds,” he said.
Geology buffs also will enjoy viewing the layers in the exposed quartz along the trail, he added.
“This trail can be hilly, which adds to the beauty of it. The hills create drainage, so we’ll cross over or walk along a few small creeks. That’s always interesting, so bring a walking stick if you like to hike with one.”
With construction in the campground and the North Picnic area of the park, Ogle said the Speckled Snake path, which begins and ends at the entrance to the fishing ramp parking lot, is easier to reach now than other trails.
“Once the construction is done, we’ll schedule more hikes on the Campfire trail. That’s a 1-mile loop along the lake,” he said.
Children under 4 and overnight guests at the park can join the hike for free. Day-use visitors will pay a nominal admittance fee at the front gate. For adults aged 12 to 61, the entrance fee is $5; for children between 4 and 11 years old and seniors aged 62 and older, the fee is $2.
“Wear good boots and bring water and maybe a snack. The hike is about two or three hours, so bringing sunscreen is a good idea. Dress appropriately for the weather, light long-sleeves, a hat,” Ogle said. “That time of year, you shouldn’t need bug spray, but you can bring it if you want.”
In addition to the End of the Year hike on December 31, Ogle will lead a First Day hike along the same trail at 10 a.m. on January 1.
The woods glow with color
Bring a walking stick to help traverse rocky stream beds and steep hill
The Speckled Snake Trail offers many opportunities to view nature's bounty
“It’s sort of like bookends,” he said. “End the year and begin the New Year with a hike. It’s good to be outside, looking at nature, getting some exercise.”
Ogle has planned additional activities several times a week throughout the season at the park, from campfire stories to nature trivia, plein air painting, bingo, Christmas decorating crafts, presentations on wildlife in extreme regions and more.
On December 7, the park will host a Legacy Lakeside Birdfest. Funded by a Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education grant, the event will include food vendors, live raptor meet-and-greets, a mobile classroom touch table and bird migration games. Alabama Audubon will lead a birding walk, and Ogle, along with Alabama State Parks Central District Superintendent Scottie Jackson, will present a program on attracting birds to your yard. The event will be free to overnight guests. Day visitors will pay only the entrance fee at the park gate for this event.
The park also offers an ongo -
A seasonal wetlands at the end of a slough is Ogle's favorite spot on the Speckled Snake Trail
ing weekly scavenger hunt. Participants can pick up the list of items at the park office and work on their own to discover the natural elements and animals on the list.
Offering the varied schedule of activities is Ogle’s favorite thing about his job at the park, he said.
“I get paid to do what I love, being outside, make up these programs, encourage people to try new things. I have a lot of creative space and the freedom to figure out what people like,” he said. “I get to help them enjoy being outside with their friends in the woods and see nature. The End of the Year hike is another opportunity to do that.”
Register to attend this hike or any of the park’s programs and activities at alapark.com/parks/ wind-creek-state-park/park-events. Click on Park Events under the Things to Do list. Or simply show up at the trailhead before the hike, Ogle said. For questions about this hike or any naturalist programs at WCSP, call Ogle at 256-827-9540.
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Despite their cute faces, Raccoons are very destructive and can be dnagerous to pets
NATURE OF THE LAKE BY KENNETH
Trash Pandas
BOONE
OOne of the cutest, most adaptable and intelligent animals in the forests around Lake Martin is the Raccoon. But while they probably live close to your home, you’re not likely to see them often because they spend most daylight hours in hiding, resting up for nighttime prowls.
Raccoons are stocky, medium-sized mammals that with long, furry tails. Adults have four to 10 black rings around their tails. Raccoons wear black masks across their eyes with white patches above and below, and their attractive faces are wide with short, pointed snouts.
They are rarely seen during the day, as they are generally nighttime prowlers
Their back legs are large and strong, while their front legs are smaller, making Raccoons look a little hunched over when walking. Raccoons don’t have hair on the soles of their feet, and their front paws look a lot like human hands without thumbs. In fact, their long, delicate, nimble fingers are almost opposable, which gives them the ability to pick up and hold objects and put food in their mouths like few other animals. The undersides of Raccoons’ front paws are protected with hard layers that become more pliable when wet, giving them an extremely sensitive sense of touch.
These animals are unusual because they often climb trees face up and descend trees face down. When climbing down, they can rotate their hind feet 180 degrees so that they point backwards.
Raccoon fur is thick and course and, around Lake Martin, mostly gray with black and white markings.
In other areas of their range, Raccoons can be more brown, buff or rust colored.
Adult Raccoons can weigh anywhere from 4 to roughly 23 pounds, depending on their habitat. Those animals that live in cold areas are the heaviest, as Raccoons pack on fat stores that can account for up to half their body weight. These animals are from 2 to 3 feet long and their tails can make up almost half of their length. Raccoons have excellent hearing, night vision and intelligence. Scientists have proven that Raccoons can remember symbols and how to perform tasks for up to three years.
Male Raccoons, known as boars, are about 15 percent larger than the female sows. Young Raccoons are known as kits.
Raccoons are found throughout most of the United States, except the Rocky Mountains and the southwest deserts. They also are native in southern Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean islands, Central and northern South America. They live around water, but other than that requirement, they are extremely adaptable to a wide variety of environments and are often found living near people – anywhere with protected den areas, like hollow trees and rocky crevices, food and water.
Racoons are famous for washing their food with their very nimble, hand-like front paws. In fact, the word “Racoon” came from a Native American Powhatan tribe word that means “animal that scratches with its hands.”
However, recent studies have shown that despite their reputation, Raccoons don’t commonly wash their food except in captivity. Wild Raccoons often fish their prey out of shallow water, and scientists think captive Raccoons are mimicking that process when they “wash” their food.
The current (1780) scientific name for Raccoon is Procyon lotor, which means “before-dog washer” in Latin. That’s because Raccoons were once thought to be primitive dogs and, again, they’re famous for washing their food. Before that name stuck, the godfather of taxonomy, Carl Linnaeus, called the animal “Ursus cauda elongate” which means “long-tailed bear” and “Ursus lotor” which means “washer bear.”
We now know that Raccoons are not related to dogs or bears – they are members of the small Procyonidae family, which also includes the coatis and ringtails.
The Raccoon is sometimes known as the Northern or Guadeloupe Raccoon. One common name for Raccoons that has nothing to do with food washing is “masked bandit,” a reference to the black markings over their eyes that looks like a mask. Another is “trash panda,” which they earned with their cute faces and habit of scavenging in trash cans.
watermelons. Raccoons are also known to raid trash cans and eat pet food.
During the mating season, which begins around the first of the year, male Raccoons roam their home range searching for females who are receptive over three to four days. Mating occurs repeatedly for multiple nights. Gestation is roughly two months, and most litters produce 2 to 3 kits in Alabama. When born, Raccoon kits are blind and deaf, and their mothers shoulder 100 percent of the parenting duties, nursing them for six to nine weeks until they are able to eat solid food. By the time kits are four months old, they are weaned, but the mother looks after them until the fall, when the young Raccoons go off on their own.
These animals spend lots of time around water and are very good swimmers, being able to float and swim for hours at a time.
Many aquatic animals are on the Raccoon’s varied menu, including fish, frogs, crayfish and shellfish. Raccoons also eat insects, rodents, bird and turtle eggs and carrion, as well as a wide variety of plants, roots and fruit. In our area, wild fruits like grapes, berries and persimmons and nuts like acorns, beech nuts and walnuts are part of their diet. So are many human agricultural products, like corn, citrus, figs, peaches and
Raccoons fall to large predators like coyotes, bobcats and birds of prey. Many Raccoons are killed by automobiles as they cross roads, and some are taken by hunters as food or for their pelts.
Raccoons can be a real nuisance to farmers, causing overnight damage to gardens and crops. They have also been known to drown dogs in fights around water.
There are countless reports of people happily living
with Raccoons as pets; however, the animals are known to carry a number of diseases – most notably rabies, distemper and trichinosis – which put people and other domestic animals at risk. In addition, adult Raccoons can be very destructive in a home, so bringing a baby Raccoon home is not a good idea … no matter how cute it is.
Some information for this article came from Outdoor Alabama, PBS’s Nature and the University of Michigan’s Animal Diversity Web.
They are easily recognized by their black masks and banded tails
STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
A sunburst mirror over the stove is one of many throughout the home
Unexpected Pleasure
A Montgomery couple decks the halls with custom designs and sentimental touches
I“It was never on my radar to move to the lake,” said Lisa Woolard, who recently retired after 27 years at Bargainier Davis Sims Architects Associated in Montgomery, where she eventually headed up the interior design department.
But when Woolard saw her husband, Paul, shopping online for a lake house, she knew that an idea he’d mentioned in passing a few weeks earlier was definitely in her future.
“Paul grew up coming to the lake. His parents had two houses here, and when we were dating, we came to the lake,” she said. “He missed being here, so we started looking.”
At first, the couple looked at a one-bedroom concrete block cabin with the idea of transforming it into their ideal lake escape, but they realized such a dwelling would not accommodate their then-future grandchildren.
“So, we started looking at move-in-ready houses, but we’d walk through places and wish they’d done something differently,” she said.
The Woolards met in college at Auburn University, where she majored in interior design in the School of Architecture, and he studied building science. Paul is third generation president of Woolard Brothers Commercial Contracting in Montgomery, the firm that built the media center at Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City. Since marrying 36 years ago, the couple has lived in homes they built together. When it came to Lake Martin, they realized they needed to build again.
“We bought this lot at The Ridge in 2017. We knew we would need a house to accommodate our growing family, and we enjoy having space for extended family friends to come stay with us,” she said. “We couldn’t be happier.”
They engaged Leon Gould to build a 5,000-squarefoot home that Woolard designed with help from Clay Adams at Walcott Adams Verneuille Architects in Fairhope. She designed the kitchen layout and all of the cabinetry throughout the home and chose a neutral theme that is rich in texture and warmth. The cabinets
The single glass cardinal on a branch in the dining room is in rembrance of Lisa Woolard's late father
A 12-foot tree in the living space is decorated with ornaments collected on the Woolards' travels
were made by Grace Fabrications in Montgomery. The couple moved into the six bedroom, five-and-ahalf bath house on the shores of Lake Martin in May of 2020.
“Leon was such a pleasure to work with. He has wonderful subcontractors. They did such a great job,” Woolard said.
The open concept home on a gently sloping lot lends itself to the couple’s relaxed lifestyle and Woolard’s love of decorating for holidays. At Christmas, that means displaying the 20-plus Nativity scenes she has collected during the couple’s travels.
“Each one has a story,” she said.
One sweet, colorful Nativity she found on an anniversary trip to Mexico is tucked among the wine glasses in a built-in bar cabinet in the dining room.
She found another in Ecuador on a mission trip with her church. She’s picked up a few at flea markets, and some have been gifts from friends who know the heartfelt regard Woolard has for the stable scenes. On a nightstand in the primary bedroom, she set up the first Nativity in her collection. It is from Italy and was a gift from her mother.
Also in the bedroom, Woolard set up a shimmering white tree on a French country accent cabinet, decorating it with small glass balls that once belonged to Paul’s grandmother.
All through the house, Woolard decorated with natural elements. Paperwhites in glass bowls can be found on the polar white quartzite countertops, on sofa tables and gracing a side table next to the cast iron tub in the master bath. Magnolia leaves and cedar
Woolard displays some 20 Nativity scenes throughout the house
Uplighting accentuates the lakeside landscape
sprigs are tucked between green glass jugs and wine bottles in upper cubbies in the kitchen; spread across a mantle in front of pottery and olive jars; and arranged with large pinecones in wooden bowls and trays on the counters and coffee tables.
The 12-foot tree in the couple’s living room is adorned with gold and white, from stalks of cottony blossoms to leafy gold garlands. Carefully collected over the years, the tree’s ornaments are mementos of their travels and their life together. The tree provides a backdrop of greenery for tiny white lights that twinkle only occasionally under the 20-foot vaulted ceiling.
The tree also includes sunburst mirror ornaments, a design Woolard has incorporated throughout the home, from a large piece hanging above the bed in the master to smaller ones emblazoned in the details of
lamps on the kitchen counter.
This dark sun gold is a color Woolard has used throughout the soft palette of the home. It is repeated in some of the stones in the living space fireplace; edges the hexagonal Carrera marble on the master bath floor; and rims the green wine glasses in the dining room cabinet. It blends well with the creamy hues Woolard has arranged in each room.
She tempered the gold with contrasting textures – soft green and cream pillows on the sofas and a woven jute rug layered with cowhide. She also used the outdoors as an interior design element. Eight-panel windows and doors bathe every room in light and offer views of the trees on the lakeside lot. The home sits above the lake, and the land slopes away, creating the feel of a beautiful, spacious treehouse.
Clockwise from Above: An accent tree in the bedroom holds ornaments that belonged to Paul's grandmother; Peanuts caroloers add cheer in the downstairs living space; Natural elements bring the outside in; A simple Nativity stands before a collection of balloon molds in the downstairs den; Brass bells welcome guests at the front door; Tiny white lights on the tree twinkle only occasionally.
The sense of elevation is keen in the kitchen, where Woolard dropped an 8-foot square quartzite island in the center of the room. Work spaces were placed around the room’s walls, with storage accessible in adjacent cabinetry and under the island. Utensils and spices are just a reach away in drawers that flank the six-burner stovetop, while pots and pans are stored in a cabinet under the island. Dishes and glasses are kept in cabinets on the wall behind the under-island dishwasher.
In the dining room, Woolard placed a white branch in a large green glass vase filled with wine corks. A single, simple glass cardinal ornament perched on the branch was a gift from her sister, a remembrance of
their father who passed in 2020.
Above the round dining table and upholstered chairs hangs a double-wheeled wrought iron chandelier with decorative flame-shaped bulbs. The picture window here is flanked by two heavy ceiling panels with flowers carved in relief. One on each side of the window, these dark panels mirror the chandelier, giving weight to the lighter aspects of the room.
The Woolards’ furnishings include antiques and other pieces brought from their Montgomery house, including a prayer bench with the original upholstery in the bedroom, a set of balloon molds that accent a wall in the downstairs living space and a cattle gate that sits in an interior window opening in the stairwell.
These unique finds complement and add contrast to the creamy paneled walls and ceilings with their cedar beams and white oak floors.
The home’s lighting was of particular interest for Woolard. Gould’s carpenter, Yancey Edwards, converted two exterior porch pillars into floor lamps in the dining room. Clay pots were turned into lamps on bedroom side tables, and two weathered and peeling exterior corbels are now sconces in the dark green powder room.
“It’s the only room that has a dark color on the walls,” Woolard said.
The Sherwin-Williams Olive Grove powder room includes a chandelier that sat in the beach
Clockwise from Left: Woolard designed the cabinet, which holds the microwave oven and other small appliances, so everything is easily accessible but low clutter; A 45-foot porch is the family's favorite place to spend time together; The Dickens Village is set up near the grandchildren's rooms.
house attic for several years.
“I purchased it for the beach house but never put it up. I like the way it works in here,” Woolard said.
The family’s favorite place to spend time is on the 45-foot porch above the daylight basement patio. They love to gather on the sofas in front of the gray stone woodburning fireplace, which Woolard festooned with greenery and a swag of small brass bells. She also strung garland along the cattle-gate-and-wire railings and added subtle festive touches among the lanterns and end tables. A round table for summer dining and another, more intimate, seating area leave open space for mingling and play with the grandchildren.
Below the porch, Eric Brown at Hilltop Landscaping in Alexander City created a flagstone walkway to the lake, with a cozy fire pit to the side. Here, the back of a stone bench doubles as a retaining wall, and Adirondack chairs invite family and friends to spend time in the intimate setting.
A young cedar on the bank is strung with lights, adding holiday cheer for passing boaters.
Though open concept, the home offers a variety of cleverly designed private spaces, from Paul’s grilling porch to the downstairs guestroom wings. The plan creates clean, concise and uncluttered spaces, so this family’s new and unexpected life – including holidays at the lake – can shine.
Lamps made from antique candlesticks flank a Nativity in the entry
Great Appreciation
Year after year, Lake Martin homes are increasing in value
TThe real estate term for an increase in property value is “appreciation.” According to the Google definition, appreciation means an increase in monetary value. If you own Lake Martin waterfront property, you should probably opt for an alternate Google definition, “recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of something.”
You may wonder why you should be so happy. Let me give all lake property owners an early Christmas present. It’s a big one, too – better than a new puppy, for sure. In fact, you can purchase a whole bunch of puppies with this present.
How about $91,153 for a Christmas present? I hope you appreciate that.
BY STEVE ARNBERG
Every month, we take stock of the real estate market on Lake Martin by compiling data from the Multiple Listing Service of the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors. Our method is to compile the most recent 12-month period and compare it to the same period in the prior year. I am writing this article in mid-November, so the most recent data was for the 12-month period ending on October 31, 2024.
For this period, the average residential property sales price was $1,240,684. Last October, the average price was $1,149,511, for an increase of 7.9 percent. That is a pretty good investment, especially when you consider that you can’t go swimming in your stock and bond portfolio. Like an old friend of mine said, Lake Martin is an investment the whole family can enjoy.
A gift that keeps on giving
This year was not a once-in-a-lifetime gift either. The lake has been giving significant increases in property values dating back to 2019. If you have owned your lake place since then, you might enjoy this time where you can take stock of your property values. Let’s take a look back in time at annual residential sales prices for waterfront property.
n 2020 was $109,932 over 2019 or 18.6 percent. n 2021 was
$128,450 over 2020 or 18.3 percent.
n 2022 was $182,650 over 2021 or 22 percent. n 2023 was $136,302 over 2022 or 13.5 percent. n 2024 was $648,487 over 2019 or 110 percent.
The value of Lake Martin property is resilient. In 2022, the Federal Reserve began to raise interest rates in an effort to tame inflation. Rate increases drove mortgage rates from 3 percent to well over 7 percent, and while most of the country has seen significant impacts to property value increases, the lake continues to notch impressive gains.
What is likely to happen next
Given the headwinds that real estate has been under the last two years, such as a slowing economy and increased interest rates, it doesn’t take a doctorate in economics to predict next year. If the economy improves due to relaxed regulations, and interest rates come down a point or two, that can only mean that more people will be able to buy the lake property of their dreams.
We have noted that available inventory is still well below normal historical levels (138 units now verses 184 in 2019). So, it stands to reason that property values will retain their ground and notch an attractive increase. There are other metrics that I look at that give me optimism for next year’s market. So, rather than bog you down in a bunch of data, let’s just say we should appreciate what we have here at Lake Martin.
Steve Arnberg is Vice President of Real Estate Sales for Russell Lands.
Each block represents a 12-month period
1,240,684
LAKE PROPERTY
Lake Martin Residential Waterfront Sales 12 Month Rolling Average Price
Join a team that has an impact
GGiven the season, this article will be a buffet of items to share and discuss. We are very fortunate to live in this community. We have an obligation to be good stewards of what we have been given and to work as a community to preserve this Treasured Lake. We have an obligation to keep this community alive and well to pass along to future generations. We have an obligation to keep this community safe and clean.
Please accept my apologies to any organization or individuals that I may not mention or recognize. These are organizations and individuals that are top-of-mind to me.
Dadeville Beautification Board and Chamber of Commerce
In my opinion, these boards have performed an outstanding service to our community. Just drive into downtown and view the Christmas decorations. Dadeville is becoming the Christmas card for smalltown America. We should all take pride in the progress of Dadeville. We see many small businesses open in downtown. Please remember to support these small businesses during the holidays. A prosperous downtown benefits us all.
Pennington Park
This park is and has been an outstanding addition to our community. The Christmas displays this year will number more than 100 businesses in our community. We are able to enjoy this park due to the generosity of Kurt and Leigh Pfitzner. They have worked tirelessly to ensure the park is enjoyed year-round by the community. They are a true blessing to our community.
Community Organizations
There are several organizations that serve our community and for which we should be thankful: Lake Martin Community Hospital, Lake Watch of Lake Martin, Lake Martin Resource Association and Lake Martin HOBOs, to name a few. Each of these organizations serves our community and assists us all in meeting our obligations. If you are not involved with these organizations, I would request each of you to consider joining one of these organizations and getting involved with their contribution to our lake community.
Tallapoosa County Commission and Tallapoosa County Engineer
Thank you for recently repaving county Road 34. It is a good ride now from the intersection of state Route 49 and county Road 34 South. We request that the county look at repaving all the side streets that go into the neighborhoods on county Road 34 south of state Route 49. It has been a long time since that was initially completed, and the roads need some serious attention. In most cases, there has been considerable new construction, which has made the side roads very difficult on which to ride.
Christmas Season
All of us have many things for which to be thankful. May this Christmas season bless each of you with the good Lord’s blessings. We are fortunate to live in this community. May all of you have a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Please consider becoming active in one of the lake community organizations. All of them need new members and active volunteers to continue to serve our needs.
Harry DeNegre is president of Lake Martin HOBOs. Visit lakemartinhobos.com to learn more about HOBOs.
HOBO
BY HARRY DENEGRE
The annual flag planting is just one of many meaningful events at Pennington Park
Cranberry Margarita
Celebrate the season with a holiday twist on this favorite summer cocktail. The cranberry juice gives you the light sweetness of a traditional margarita with the tartness you expect at Christmas.
CHEERS!
Ingredients
1-1/2 ounces tequila
1 ounce Cointreau
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1/2 ounce lime juice
2 ounces cranberry juice
Directions
Combine in a shaker with ice and shake until frosty. Strain over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wheel. Enjoy!
Everything's Better with Boursin
IIn 1957, Francois Boursin, a young cheesemaker in the Normandy area of northern France, mistakenly announced the launch of Boursin cheese infused with garlic. Although the public loved the idea, Francois had no recipe in the making. In order to meet the public’s desires, he created his original recipe inspired by fromage frais, a traditional party dish that incorporates garlic, fresh cream, soft cheese, herbs, salt and pepper.
It was in 1963 that Boursin garlic and fine herbs cheese was introduced to the world. It was served at gatherings throughout France and quickly became a household name. To spread the news of this delicious new cheese, Francois featured his cheese in a television advertisement depicting a gentleman who gets out of bed craving Boursin.
In 1972, Boursin launched a second campaign that featured a now-famous slogan, “Bread, wine, Boursin” (In French: Du Pain, du Vin, du Boursin), and today, this slogan still appeals to many generations.
More than 50 years later, Boursin continues to be incorporated into recipes at holidays feasts, special gatherings, social occasions and, most recently, as a featured ingredient in nightly recipes. It certainly has made an impact in the fresh cheese-spread market in more than 35 countries on five continents.
Boursin is a creamy yet crumbly gourmet cheese that is infused with flavor. It can be used on cheeseboards, favorite crackers or crusty bread, elevate pasta dishes, served with crunchy crudités or simply spread on a sandwich. Boursin has expanded from the original garlic and fine herbs to varieties that include cracked black pepper, shallot and chive, basil and chive, caramelized onion and herbs, rosemary and black garlic, fig and balsamic, truffle and black truffle and sea salt.
If you are using Boursin in the simplest way, there are some things to consider. First is the accompaniment: baguette, artisan bread, crackers or crudités. Second, to open the cheese, remove it from the box and gently open the wrapper. Remove the foil lid and continue to peel back the foil wrapper. Third, is the presentation. Boursin can be served with a cheese knife or a butter knife. If you are using several flavors of the cheese, use a different knife for each. For a cheese board or charcuterie board, you can leave the cheese in its foil wrapper with the sides pulled down.
The ideas are endless
n Place any flavor of Boursin cheese in a piping bag or on a small spoon to fill baked filo tarts. Garnish with a red pepper strip and some fresh dill.
n Serve on a little biscuit or toast point.
n Serve on a cucumber slice. Add smoked salmon and Boursin shallot and chive cheese or cooked shrimp and sesame seeds with your choice of Boursin.
n Add crumbled Boursin to your favorite guacamole.
n To make a baked Boursin dip, mix a package of Boursin cheese with 1 cup of ricotta cheese and a whole egg. Bake in a small ramekin at 400 degrees. Serve with toasted bread and honey and top with crushed pistachios.
n Stuff a tiny red, yellow or orange pepper with Boursin.
n Line mini-muffin tins with prosciutto. Bake on 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Fill with your choice of Boursin. Top with apricot or fig jam and garnish with an arugula leaf.
HEALTHY LIVING
BY JULIE HUDSON
n Bake Adirondack blue or fingerling potatoes. Slice the potatoes, so they sit flat on a platter. Top with Boursin. Drizzle with cranberry jelly relish and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
n Bake a sweet potato. Slice potato into rounds. Top each round with Boursin. Garnish with cooked cranberries, walnut and honey.
n Add Boursin to mashed potatoes or mix into twice baked potato mixture.
n Top butternut squash soup with crumbled Boursin cheese and pumpkin seeds.
n To make a fresh corn salsa, grill corn until charred and season with salt. Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup scallions, 1/2 cup cilantro, 1 chopped jalapeno, 1 or 2 tablespoons garlic, 1 tablespoon lime juice, chili powder to taste and 2 ounces of Boursin.
n Slice off the tops of cherry tomatoes and scoop out insides with a small spoon. Season the tomatoes with salt. Toast pine nuts in a skillet for about 2 to 3 minutes and stuff each tomato with Boursin cheese. Top with pine nuts, basil leaf and/or chives.
n For a crispy baked Boursin with hot honey, unwrap
the cheese. Gently roll it in a mixture of 1 cup flour and salt and pepper. Gently roll in one beaten egg. Roll in 1 cup panko bread crumbs. Place in an ovensafe dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until golden. You could also use an air fryer for this recipe. Prepare as above and bake in the air-fryer at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes until golden. Drizzle with honey or hot honey. Serve with your favorite crunchy bread or crackers.
n Make a one-pot Boursin orzo dish. Peel and chop onion and garlic. Heat in frying pan and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic with 8 ounces of spinach. When onions are translucent, add 16.6 ounces of orzo. Stir well; then, pour in 17 ounces of vegetable stock. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly. Drain one jar of sundried tomatoes and place in a paper towel to remove excess oil. Cut into strips. Add spinach leaves and sundried tomato to orzo, then add 4.2 ounces of Boursin Shallot and Chive Cheese. Stir until pasta is creamy and serve immediately. You can also make this with any pasta noodle.
n Try this one-pot vegetable pasta recipe: Trim, halve and quarter Brussels sprouts and peel and chop carrots into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast in 9- by 13-inch pan for 20 minutes at 350 degrees, stirring halfway through. Remove from oven and add 2 packages Boursin Garlic and Fine Herb Cheese, one 20-ounce package of cheese tortellini and 2-1/2 cups of water. Mix thoroughly. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove foil and continue baking for seven to eight minutes. Remove from the oven. Mix all together and add 1 package of crumbled Boursin Garlic and Fine Herb Cheese on top.
The endless possibilities using Boursin will make your holiday celebrations come to life and your weeknights or social gatherings stress free. Boursin can be found in most grocery stores in the gourmet cheese section.
Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken Ingredients
4 to 6 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
8 garlic cloves, chopped
2 yellow onions, medium diced
1 whole stalk of celery, medium diced
2 cups cooking white wine
1 gallon chicken stock
2 quarts heavy whipping cream
1 handful fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 to 4 bay leaves
Dumpling Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chipped
1-1/2 cups whole milk
8 tablespoons melted butter
Directions
Warm a 3-gallon pot with a splash of cooking oil. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. If desired, sprinkle garlic powder as well. Sear the chicken thighs on both sides until lightly colored. Remove to a baking sheet and put aside.
BY PETE MCKENNY
Pete McKenny, General Manager and Executive Chef at SpringHouse Restaurant, trained at four-star restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio,Washington, Arizona and Vermont before returning to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golf & Country Club.
Turn heat to a medium/high temp. If your pot looks dry, add another tablespoon of oil and sauté the garlic. Keep stirring the garlic and scraping any bits left behind the chicken. Add the celery and onions and continue to cook until tender. Deglaze with 2 cups cooking white wine.
Wrap the bay leaves and fresh herbs in cheesecloth and toss into the mixture. Cook the wine down until a little is seen at the bottom of the pot. Add the chicken thighs back and stir to combine everything. Add the gallon of chicken stock and reduce by one third or one half.
Add the heavy cream and reduce the heat to a nice simmer. Skim the foamy fat that rises to the top and discard. Cook until the cream has reduced by about one quarter.
While the chicken is cooking, make the dumplings. Melt the butter. Sift all dry ingredients together and add the fresh thyme after. Add the melted butter to the chilled milk and slowly add to the dry. Mix until everything is well combined; then, let it rest for 30 minutes. Once the chicken mixture has reduced, remove the chicken again to pull apart in chunks. Scoop the dumpling into the chicken and cream mixture with a small ice cream scoop or roll into small size balls. Cook in the mixture for three or four minutes. Remove one and cut open to see if it is cooked in the center. Depending on the size, they might take a bit longer. Once dumplings are cooked, add the pulled chicken back in and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
CHEF'S TABLE
The Perfect Cast Part 2
IIt’s easy to think that the key to success in fishing is knowing the best spot or the best bait to use. Often this is true, but what if that perfect spot requires a certain presentation to get that best bait to the fish correctly? A versatile angler can make multiple types of casts, depending on what the situation requires. Sometimes, being close is not enough to trigger pressured fish to bite. Whether it’s skipping a bait underneath an overhanging bush, launching a bait to a small group of schooling fish or precisely casting to a fish seen cruising on forward sonar, various casting methods have evolved over time, giving an angler the best opportunity to catch fish, regardless of the challenge.
As just one example of the skill required in fishing, I decided (with the encouragement of Lake magazine editor, Betsy Iler) to take a deep dive into the how-to and importance of casting. In the November issue of Lake, I discussed the flipping and pitching techniques. These are primarily closerange methods that allow stealth and precision when casting to very small target zones.
This month, let’s look at long-range casting methods – overhead and roll casts, capped off with the most difficult one – skipping.
OVERHEAD
Overhead casting is probably the first method folks pick up when learning to throw a baitcaster or
a spinning reel. When I think of overhead casting, I think of distance. The advantage of being able to throw farther allows an angler to get the bait away from the boat. Sometimes, fish can pick up the presence of the boat and be boat shy. Then, there’s schooling fish that always seem to break the surface just outside of casting distance. Being able to gain several extra feet on a cast could put several extra fish in the boat.
The biggest advantage to overhead casting is the duration the bait is in the water during retrieve. A longer cast with a crankbait allows it to reach maximum depth and stay there longer before rising back up to the boat. A longer cast with a topwater give it much more time to draw fish up to the surface for a strike. The same applies to worms, jigs and Carolina rigs. Overhead casts are more about covering water and less about precision.
To make an overhead cast, bring the reel to the chest with rod tip moving upward and back until it reaches a 3 o’clock position. The rod, at this point, will be almost parallel to the water surface and behind the angler. Rotating the rod quickly overhead and releasing the line generates a momentum that will launch the bait farther than any other cast. As the bait flies through the air, point the rod tip in that direction to achieve even more distance.
Overhead casting is not a stealthy casting presen-
tation. The bait will splash down hard as it lands, but that’s not always a bad thing. The splash can trigger curious fish to come investigate the commotion, thereby making the bait more noticeable, especially in open water.
ROLL CASTS
The roll cast has become a personal favorite over the years because of its versatility and stealth. When anglers can make good roll casts, they nearly have the stealth of a pitching presentation but the advantage of distance like an overhead cast. It’s also effective with a wide variety of baits. When I first learned to throw a baitcasting reel, it seemed I could avoid backlashes better and had better accuracy by holding the reel to side of my body, rather than at the chest like an overhead cast.
Sometimes, a well-placed cast can bring the fish out to the edge of that cover. But the odds of triggering that fish to take a bait go down as fish expose themselves outside the coverage of shade. Skipping a bait into the zone underneath the overhanging cover, where the fish is used to feeding, could be the answer.
By holding the reel to the side of the body, the rod tip can start and finish lower to the water, meaning a softer landing for the bait. As the bait nears the end of the retrieve, the angler can quickly use the 1 to 2 feet of line out from the tip to generate momentum for the next cast. That’s done by rolling the bait through the air (i.e.. “roll cast”) and making the cast as the bait swings back forward.
BIG CATCHES
BY GREG VINSON
A roll cast is an extremely efficient method of casting, once an angler is comfortable with it. This cast also is less stressful on the back and shoulders, as the arm is in a more natural position beside the body.
Even though the angler is laser focused on the next target, the bait is still visible in peripheral vision low to the water. This leads to better casting accuracy, and once again, the low trajectory lets an angler feather the bait softly to its landing spot. The roll cast shines with baitcasting gear, but it can be very effective with spinning gear, too.
Being able to roll cast effectively sets the stage for the final and most difficult casting method – skipping.
SKIPPING
Fish in shallow water oftentimes prefer to lurk in the shade, especially bass. On one hand, it could be a protective instinct for avoiding birds flying overhead; or it could be that the water is cooler in shady areas during the summer. Primarily, it’s a way for fish to conceal themselves from their prey. Shade allows them to hide in the dark while being relatively close to potential food sources along the bank. Terrestrial critters, insects, frogs, bream and shallow-dwelling minnow species are all fair game. Finding shade along a bank is not as difficult early in the morning or late in the afternoon. When the sun moves overhead though, the shady areas can be tucked underneath bushes, docks or other overhanging structures.
A skip, while causing some splash along the way, seems a more natural splash to the fish. Occasionally, I’ve seen prey fish like blacktail shiners (spot tails) skip across the surface trying to escape. In a similar way, I’ve seen insects, frogs and even snakes scoot across the water in a panic to avoid being eaten. It seems that a skipped bait can trigger a reaction from a nearby bass that something is in distress. In other words, it might signal an opportune time to get a meal.
A skipped cast can be achieved one of two ways. The most common is more like a refined version of the roll cast with the rod extended out from the body and tip low to the water. The angler has to generate momentum that will cause the bait to slide across the water without sinking. This is best achieved with spinning reels because backlash is not a factor if everything isn’t perfect. A wacky-rigged stickworm is one of the easiest baits to skip and also one of the most effective at catching shallow bass in the shade. It can be thrown well on a spinning rod since it’s nearly weightless.
Baitcasters are much less forgiving than spinning reels when skipping, but they allow the use of more powerful baits and line. The most popular bait to skip with a baitcaster is a jig, but hollow body frogs can even be skipped to generate some big bites. Soft jerkbaits and swimbaits are good examples of minnow imitators that skip well, too.
One of the best ways to practice skipping prior to going on the lake is in a swimming pool or on slick concrete. Keeping the rod tip low to the water throughout the cast is the best way to maximize skipping distance. Get the rod tip moving just above the water prior to releasing the line and the bait will have a better angle of trajectory to skip.
By investing some time and effort into learning multiple casting methods, it might be surprising just how quickly your game can improve on the water.
Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.
The Gift of Golf
SSeason’s greetings, Lake Martin!
I don’t know about you, but I cannot believe that we have entered the month of December. It just seems that life is moving faster than ever before, although I know that can’t be the case. I do know that I am honored to be asked to return to Stillwaters Golf and to the people around this beautiful lake that I have always enjoyed. They say that time flies when you are having fun, and I certainly have to agree with that, as it applies to my life and career. I am truly blessed.
The holiday season is filled with all manner of special moments delivered by special people. Our focus turns to all these people who have impacted our lives throughout the year. Perhaps it is your employer and your fellow employees that you have worked with all year. We feel cared for by people in the community who have provided services that impacted our lives in positive ways. We are drawn to the warmth of our personal friendships and think about the gifts of their time, attention and support. And of course, our families. The blessing of their impact in our daily lives goes unmatched, loving them with all our hearts can express.
Thus, the season of giving is upon us, as we try to find the perfect gift to show our love and appreciation to all these wonderful people. Being a PGA golf professional, I have spent my entire career catering to those who love the game of golf as much as I do. I understand that golf isn’t for everyone, but those who play the game are rewarded through the great experiences that are delivered through practice and playing golf. I agree with Arnold Palmer, who said, “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated. It satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” If it is the season of giving, why not consider the gift of golf?
There are many ways to reward golfers at Christmas. If they are interested in trying the game, purchase some golf clubs and golf lessons with a local PGA golf professional. I offer a special rate for a series of beginner golf lessons. If they currently enjoy the game, perhaps an upgrade to newer clubs with newer technology is in order. Demo day participation or a personal club-fitting could provide options for new club selections and purchasing.
If golf is their sport of choice, consider purchasing a golf membership, providing them with a regular home
ROB WITHERINGTON
course, member benefits and new friendships with other golfing members. Stillwaters has a value-based promotional annual membership that is available until the end of this calendar year.
Other gifts or stocking stuffers could include golf attire, golf merchandise and golf balls. No matter the direction you choose in your giving, you would be sending a loving message to your personal golfers. They would be thrilled by your presents, and you would be rewarded by their continued enjoyment of the gift that keeps on giving. To quote Arnie again, “What other people find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight of a good drive.”
Have a Merry Christmas and the best New Year!
Rob “Gabby” Witherington is a PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Stillwaters Golf Club. Learn more at stillwatersgolf.com.
THE SCRAMBLE BY
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Parting Shot
"One piece of graffiti doesn't mean much. Forty pieces of graffiti might mean something ... it's all about connecting the dots."
~ Kim Rossmo
Photo by Kenneth Boone
Firepits and birthdays. Starry nights and laughter. There’s no life more wonderful than The Heritage on Lake Martin. Set among Lake Martin’s nearly 900 miles of shoreline surrounding over 40,000 acres of pristine water, The Heritage is a 1,500-acre waterfront development along 12 miles of sparkling shoreline—all from Russell Lands, one of the South’s most respected land companies. The stunning community features spectacular waterfront and luxury interior homesites, as well as a flagship resident-owned lake club and private Coore & Crenshaw golf course. Don’t miss your chance to start your own cherished traditions. Opportunities to rewrite your Heritage are now open. Contact us today. THE
