Lake Martin Living People, events and culture in the Lake Region
Alex City team wins state bowling championship 3 new books from Lake Martin authors Community breathes a sigh of relief for Ashley Bunn United Way ready to kick off 2017 season August 2016
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From the Editor’s Desk
M
any years ago, in a previous life, I belonged to a bowling league. I was the public relations rep for a well funded non-profit outside of Chicago, and I bowled on a team with the center’s psychologist, the client relations director and a technician. Truth be told, I thought the technician was good looking. I really enjoyed bowling, but after three years on the league – and despite ample advice and lessons from the technician – my high game was 133, and he was engaged to someone else. I considered counseling with the psychologist. Since leaving that job, I could count on one hand the number of times I’ve stepped inside a bowling alley. I’ve moved on to another sport that I also enjoy immensely but at which I am equally terrible – golf. There are, however, a couple of guys in Tallapoosa County who are really good bowlers. They are so good that they recently won the state doubles championship, which was held in Huntsville. Jerry O’Neil and Shane McCord have bowled competitively for years – O’Neil even has a 300 ring (perfect score – strike every time). That’s pretty impressive bowling, and we’re delighted to highlight their skills in the lane – and the winners’ circle – on page 34. We’re also happy to share with you the story of Ashley Bunn on page 28. This young woman from Dadeville has been the beneficiary of countless fundraising events across the area in recent years, as the whole community banded together to support her bid for new lungs. Bunn’s transplant surgery in May appears to be a success, and she is recovering well in a Durham, North Carolina, apartment near Duke Medical Center. This month, we also checked out some great reads from three local authors. Lee St. John, Peggy Jackson Walls and Lila Graves, along with Katie Porterfield, have all released new books this summer. Find out what those projects are about on page 24. And don’t forget that we are now accepting submissions for the 2016 Lake Martin Living Art and Photography Contest. Art pieces will be on exhibit at Emporium Wine in October, and the winner of this year’s contest will be featured on the cover of our October issue. See the ad on page 11 for details, and email us at editor@lakemartinmagazine.com or call 256-2344281 if you have questions.
Betsy Iler, Managing Editor
4 Lake Martin Living
Lake Martin Living Editor & Publisher Kenneth Boone Managing Editor Betsy Iler Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Fletcher Scott Susan Foy Fred Muenzmay Cliff Williams Mitch Sneed David Granger Mia Osborn Kay Thomas/Karen Jennings Lacey Howell Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Emily Gregg Donna Jones Jaylan Reynolds Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com Reader Advisory Board W.L. “Buddy” King Fred Dobbs Ann Goree Donna Burkett Reggie Dean Feel free to contact members of our Reader Advisory Board.
Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-2344281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.
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Lake Martin Living 5
IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 12. HAPPY GARDEN 16. FROM THE TEE 18. OUTDOOR LIFE 39. MEDICAL NEWS 40. MONEY MATTERS 42. OH SNAP! 48. LAKE REGION EVENTS 58. THE LAST WORD
FEATURES 22. HISTORICAL MARKER E xplore the history of Alabama's first medical school 24. LOCAL AUTHORS T allapoosa County writers have recently churned out hits for kids, historians and lovers of laughter 28. BREATHE FOR BUNN H ow Ashley Bunn's lung transplant rallied a whole community 32. UNITED WAY KICKOFF T he aid organization announces its 2017 season 34. ON A ROLL L ocal bowling champs are in a league of their own
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18 Dr. Robert Pullen hunts for telltale signs of abandoned gardens to help locate long-lost Native American towns.
ON THE COVER
State bowling champions Jerry O’Neil and Shane McCord get in some practice time at their home lanes inside Idle Time Family Center in Alexander City. Photo by Kenneth Boone.
Lake Martin Living 7
8 Lake Martin Living
AROUND THE AREA
Climbing to reach the classics
Guests of the Adelia M. Russell Library are now able to take an actual walk through literary history, thanks to one talented young local resident. Makayala Wright, a recent Benjamin Russell High School graduate, painted the rises on the steps leading from the library’s ground floor media lab to the main floor to look like the spines of classic novels. The 18-year-old spent several weeks on the project. Wright said she had never tried her hand at a painting of this size, but she did have plenty of artistic experience under her belt, from private art lessons to editing the BRHS yearbook, The Echo. “The library originally contacted my art instructor saying they had some different painting projects. So my art instructor sent me to see if there were any projects I’d be interested in,” said Wright. The staircase interested Wright because of the different styles of text she got to try on each title. “I’m going into graphic design in college, and we have to do typography, so I already know I’m good at it,” she said. Wright completed the project in 55 hours spread over two weeks. She is pleased with her work but said crouching on the stairs as she painted was less than fun. In the fall, Wright will attend the University of Montevallo to pursue her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Stair Star Makayla Wright painted the Adelia M. Russell Library stairs to look like classic novels. ~ Mia Osborn
Bear returns to Tallapoosa County Just when you thought the summer bear sensation had come and gone, a family in the Union community was treated to an hour-long show by a black bear making a meal from their backyard bird feeder. Officials say it is most likely the same bear that was here late last month. Candis Birchfield and her 4-year-old daughter Mary Alice watched in amazement as the bear that stood more than 6 feet tall on his back legs shook the seed from the feeder and then laid on the ground to chow down between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. “I casually looked out my kitchen window, like I do every morning to watch the birds, and was shocked,” Birchfield said. Birchfield, a former journalist, grabbed a camera and her phone to shoot photos and video of the bear’s antics. The Birchfields live in Indian Shores subdivision in Union where there is a lot of wooded area close to the water. Obviously, it was a spot the bear found inviting. Sweeter than Honey Candis Birchfield shot photos of the black bear that stopped ~ Mitch Sneed for a snack at her bird feeder. Lake Martin Living 9
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Nature Nurtures Spending time in the garden aids mental and physical health
I
Happy Garden
think most of us inherently know add “source of inspiration” to that list. that time spent in nature is beneficial. Today’s world can seem like a frightening We feel rejuvenated as we step out place, teeming with difficult problems and for a brisk morning walk or dig in the even more difficult disagreements about soil planting seeds. We feel the sun on the solutions. With stress coming from our backs as we pick that perfect bunch family, friends and the world at large, it of ripe blueberries or just lie in fresh cut can be tempting to throw in the towel and grass with the aroma of new leaves and retreat from the worries of the outside the smell of new oxygen coming from the world. trees. At this time of year, we in the South Studies have found that spending time have added pressures, including outdoors is beneficial for everything high humidity, hot days and nights, from our circulation to our aptitude for unpredicted rain and wanting to change kindness and empathy. Most of us also the weather. At the Alexander City have personal experience with nature’s Farmer’s Market (temporarily located Fred Muenzmay ability to impact our mental states, in a lot beside the First Baptist Church perhaps most noticeably at the change as renovations are made at Broad Street of seasons. Who can deny the desire to spend a cozy Plaza), we see customer after customer stand in front morning in bed in winter or the rush of spring fever? of our booth, checking the weather on their cell As we build our list of nature’s benefits for us, I phones. They want to know what, when and where wonder if we might the weather is moment by moment. But the benefits of nature really shine forth when we stop searching for control and simply observe. I love to sit on the porch watching the hummingbird feeder attract nature’s flying acrobats. They zoom, faster than hockey pucks, chasing one another away from the feeder. I marvel at how fit these tiny birds must be to use such bursts of energy for protecting the big red flower feeder that they believe is theirs. Six feet to the right of the hummingbird feeder is a standard feeder for cardinals, sparrows, chickadees, nuthatches and you-name-it birds. The scenario at this feeder is much different. The larger the bird, the higher its place in the pecking order. At our feeder, the cowbirds and cardinals Flying Flower maintain control of Watching birds can be the throne while the relaxing and open the mind to the beauty of creation. smaller birds wait for 12 Lake Martin Living
an opening to catch a seed or two. As I look some 100 feet beyond these porchside feeders, I can see the same birds flying around our blueberry bushes. At this time of the season, the berries have become very soft, and many have now fallen to the ground with the heavy rains. This allows the small birds to get at the berries on the ground without resistance from the larger birds. The behavior of the birds can teach us about survival and what it means to be part of nature. Science is proving what many of us already instinctively know; in addition to being a teaching tool, a connection with the outdoors is crucial to our mental and physical wellbeing. Studies around the world confirm that being in nature helps us become more relaxed and innovative, and being outdoors has also been scientifically proven to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones. Amos Clifford, founder and director of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs in Santa Rosa, California, said, “Being out in nature is necessary to the very essence of who we are. We have evolved as human beings in nature.” Nature’s calming effect is creativity-boosting and mind-expanding. These intrinsic benefits are even more imperative now, in the age of technology, where nature serves as an antidote to the downside of technological influences. The more high-tech our lives become, the more exposure to nature we need.
My wife A Path to Peace enjoys a water Studies have found that time in nature can improve mental health. aerobics class at the pool in Alexander City three or so days a week. She does it both for the exercise and the chance to socialize with folks who want healthier lifestyles. The weightless feeling of moving through water also trips those feelings of natural freedom. Study after study has shown that the human brain and body react to nature in ways that enhance our sense of connection, reduce pain, help fight anxiety and allow us to experience a deep sense of calm. In fact, many researchers believe that nature benefits us at a molecular level, right down to our cells and neurons. The Bible relates to us the importance of placing ourselves in the hands of a power greater than nature itself, the Creator. Gardening is nature at its best. I can tell you how to do it, but I can’t do it for you. So the next time you delay getting out in the garden, consider the health benefits you could be reaping for mind, body and soul. Sleep well, eat well and enjoy what God has created. ~ Fred Muenzmay of Eagle’s Roost Herb Farms is a Master Gardener and has been in the business of growing organic herbs, vegetables and blueberries for regional and local farmer’s markets for 25 years. Contact him at fmuenzmay@earthlink.net. Lake Martin Living 13
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Lake Martin Living 15
CACC GOLF
F
A Golden Opportunity
ifty years ago in 1966, Alexander City State Junior College (ACJC) began the Trojan men’s golf team under the leadership of President Byron Causey. Maxie Boles addressed the president about a golf team and requested to be the head coach. Before Maxie left the president’s office, he was given the position. In the academic year of 1966-67 ACJC had its first golf team with Boles as head coach and Willow Point Country Club as the team’s home course. Boles was competitive and committed to becoming a winner. He soon learned that in order for the golf team to become a national contender, he would need to find some very talented golfers. In a very short time, Boles started bringing in some real golf talent to Alexander City. These young men came from across the globe to attend ACJC as members of the golf team. From Japan, Scotland, Denmark, South Africa, England, Australia and all across our United States, young golfers found a short-term home in Alexander City. The members of Willow Point welcomed these young men with open arms, and so did the community at large. Many folks in our town invited these college boys into their homes for home-cooked meals or took golf trips with them during the off-season. Many of our past players have become lifelong friends with our community members. Steve Lyles, then head golf professional for Willow Point Country Club, invited many of the ACJC/CACC golfers to join him in Alabama state pro-am events. Thanks to our community and Willow Point, Alexander City has become a second home for most of our Trojan golfers. 16 Lake Martin Living
In the spring of 1976, I reached out to Maxie Boles, asking him if I could walk-on to the golf team at ACJC. After high school, I played golf for Troy for a year but was disenchanted with the program (can you say young and dumb?). After leaving Troy, I returned to my second love, playing the drums and travelling the Southeast with my band from high school, Sawdust. The band soon relocated from Montgomery to Tuscaloosa because it was more centralized to where we traveled. Some of the Champion Swing members of that group Dustin Johnson won this were real talents who year's Open, despite the went on to become career controversy of a confusing penalty ruling. musicians. On April 15, 1975, my world changed. At the age of 53, my father had a massive heart attack and passed away. Dad’s passing shook me pretty bad. He was my hero: a loving husband; a wonderful father; a Marine Corps fighter pilot and veteran of three wars and a darned good golfer. After his passing, I thought it would be best for me to return to Montgomery and look after my mom. It didn’t take long for me to fully realize what a strong person my mother truly was. Not only did Mom raise three boys while Dad was off fighting for our country, but she had also been a lieutenant in the Navy in WWII as an RN. She was 105 pounds of dynamite. Mom actually consoled me in the loss of Dad and suggested that I return to golf and to college. After a year of practicing hard, I was blessed with the
From the Tee
opportunity to become a member of the be the best one ever. I am so excited because Trojan golf team. That year in Alexander City, in this year’s tournament, CACC golf will join I competed with a great group of really good forces with the Russell Medical Center (RMC) golfers. I witnessed Steve Lyles perform his Foundation. duties as a head pro, and my love for the game Along with assisting our golf program’s grew immensely from these experiences and financial needs, the RMC Foundation benefits playing Willow Point and Stillwaters daily. I was our town’s lifesaving cancer center. convinced that my career would be in the golf The RMC Cancer Center is the facility that industry. saved my life a few years ago. I am thrilled to As you may know, the ACJC/CACC Trojan have the opportunity to work with the RMC Golf Team has won the NJCAA National Foundation. In this tournament, the four-man Championship six times: 1990, 1996, 1997, 1999, teams will be playing with a past ACJC/CACC Dave Jennings 2000 and 2013. Boles led the team in the first golfer who is either a professional or still a very three championship years. Immediately after his competitive amateur golfer. I know this will be a retirement, CACC hired John Sadie as the head great way for us to celebrate our 50th anniversary golf coach and John’s team won in 1999 and 2000. I had the while benefiting two tremendous causes. privilege of heading up a great group of gutsy golfers who If your company would like to sponsor a team or you and won the championship in 2013. your friends would be interested in joining us, please contact By far, ACJC/CACC has produced more all-American either Tammy Jackson or me. This event will be great fun. golfers than any other junior college in the nation. In the past These are two great organizations: one brought me back to nine years, our group has won team academic all-American Alexander City; the other kept me alive to enjoy it longer. status. The success stories from golfers who began their Thanks for the memories, college years in this program are truly overwhelming. I am Dave Jennings very blessed and proud to be the coach of this golf team. For many years, I have hosted a fundraising golf ~ Dave Jennings is the men’s golf coach at Central Alabama tournament. Without this additional funding, golf at CACC Community College. could not survive. This year’s fundraising tournament should
Lake Martin Living 17
Forgotten Gardens
Wild herb gardens may help to locate lost Native American villages
R
ecently, I had the pleasure of spending the day with Dr. Robert Pullen and his assistant, Lisa Truett, on a field trip. Pullen is a retired professor of sociology and anthropology at Troy State University. Truett is a Creek Matriarch from Columbus, Georgia. She advises tribes about the old ways and has a close relationship with the elders. Pullen and Truett came to northern Tallapoosa County to seek out plants that were used in Native American medicine. Tallapoosa County represents the ancestral lands of the Creek Nation. Native Americans often come here to connect with their ancestors. Pullen and Truett also have an interest in locating Creek village sites. There were many village sites in Tallapoosa and surrounding counties. Some sites and battlegrounds are well known, such as Horseshoe Bend; others are obscure, with the exact locations being difficult to pinpoint. 18 Lake Martin Living
“One way to identify nearby village sites that have long been buried or transformed into pastures and woodlands is to locate nearby herb gardens. Every village had an herb garden. These were the drug stores of the day,� said Pullen. These carefully nurtured gardens were valued for the medicinal poultices and teas their plants produced, as well as some that had important ceremonial uses. Medicinal plants grow wild everywhere, so in order to recognize a former herb garden, Pullen recommended looking for well-known medicinal plants growing together in quantities larger than would be found in nature. Our field trip began on Jerry Brown’s property. Native Americans have frequented this place for several years. Some of his guests have included Don East, author of A Historical Analysis of the Creek Indian Hillabee Towns, and Creek medicine man Sam Proctor, who is known throughout the
traditional medicine called for a tea brewed from dried and green leaves of the plant mixed with root bark to quiet restless legs. He went on to explain that most Native American medicines were taken in tea form. Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) was also to be found nearby. This herbaceous plant grows in colonies from a single, shared root, and each plant produces only one flower. Pullen shared that, though all parts of the plant are toxic, the fruit can be eaten once it turns yellow. “This fruit is also called crow pumpkin,” Pullen said. “It is good as a liver medicine. You can cut out the joints of the roots, make a powder and eat about as much as you can get on the end of a Popsicle stick.” From the wet bottom, we traveled to an open area near a creek. Pullen noticed some rattlesnake master Fletcher Scott (Eryngium yuccifolium) growing. This tall, grass-like plant has greenish white flower clusters on the tips of each stem. Pullen explained that the plant takes its common name from Native Americans who used the roots as a snakebite antidote. A strong emetic, rattlesnake master is used as a “touch medicine,” meaning it is applied by dipping fingers into the liquid and touching them to the patient’s lips. “One time I was attending a ceremony in Oklahoma where I was given the medicine after a night of too much drinking,” Pullen recalled. “I ran over to the trees and just heaved and heaved with no results. About that time, a gentleman walked up to me and said, ‘Sir, you have to face east!’” After walking a little farther, we spotted some spiderwort (Tradescantia Virginiana) growing near the creek. “I once asked Sam Proctor what this plant was used for,” said Pullen. “Proctor laughed and pointed out some children playing nearby. At first, I couldn’t make the connection. Then he explained it was sometimes used as a ‘male enhancer’ in medicine.” We continued, following dirt roads and creek crossings and locating many other native plants, each complete with legends, cures and magic powers. That afternoon, we traveled to the Martin property, a few miles north of our original location. A few botany-inclined friends and I had discovered this place while returning from a field trip. As we drove past a hillside, we noticed large spires of black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) in bloom. We immediately turned the car around and, upon close inspection, discovered wild geraniums growing underneath the cohosh. The whole hillside was covered in these plants that seemed to be growing out of place. Cohosh is a native plant, but you
Outdoor Life
A Real Field Trip
Lisa Truett and Dr. Robert Pullen, center, show their guests yellowroot harvested from the banks of a creek.
United States in Native American studies. Alabama Native American and local Sam Currin has visited the property, as have several groups of Creeks and Seminoles from Georgia, Florida and Oklahoma. The first place we visited was a wet bottom full of jewel weed (Impatiens capensis). “This plant is widely used as a treatment for exposure to poison ivy,” Pullen explained. “You crush the leaves and stems; then, rub them over any area of your skin that has been in contact with poison ivy. It is said to give you protection from urushiol, the ingredient that causes the dermatitis.” We located some rabbit tobacco (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium) in the same location. Pullen described how
Lake Martin Living 19
20 Lake Martin Living
rarely find it growing in such large quantities in one area. It is possible this place could have been the site of a Native American herb garden. Cohosh was widely used by Native Americans as a cure for ‘women problems,’ from cramps to menopausal symptoms. Geranium roots were made into an astringent with a drying effect, useful for sores and bleeding gums. Nearby, we discovered another strange profusion of plants: a creek bottom full of more Indian cumber-root (Medeola Virginiana) than I have ever seen. The plant gets its name from its roots, which taste just like cucumber when eaten raw. From Pullen’s comments about herb gardens near village sites, I knew these plants had probably been cultivated. Jerry Brown once told me there was supposedly a Hillabee town in that area, but the exact location was never determined. With this new knowledge, we may be close to finding its location. Pullen was eager to explore, whether or not the Martin property was the site of a forgotten Hillabee town. As we walked up and down the steep hill, we found lots of plants used in herbal medicine, such as bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata) and bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). After exploring the hillside, we returned to the Brown’s place, where Pullen concluded the day by brewing us a pot of tea from yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria). With a species name like that, you may be wondering why anyone would drink such a brew. Rest assured, it doesn’t have that effect. In fact, it tastes like hot tea with a coffee-like aroma. Pullen brewed the drink from a small handful of the tiny leaves he brought from Pike County. Yaupon holly grows mainly in south Alabama, but its reach extends to several northern counties, as well. Pullen first roasted the leaves in a skillet. They darkened as they cooked, turning almost black. The aroma of roasted coffee beans filled the air. Next, he dropped the roasted leaves into a pot of water, and slowly brought the temperature up until the leaves began to sink. This was just below the boiling point. The tea was allowed to steep, which stained the water. He poured each of us a cup of the brew, which I must admit has a wonderful flavor. I could certainly see why the drink was highly popular in early American history. Today, all of our drugs are synthesized from compounds originally found in plants. From indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest to the Chinese apothecaries, plants are still used Nature's Bounty Opposite page, to treat all manner of human clockwise from Top Left: ailments. So the next time you Geranium root was treat your illness with a medicine, used as a treatment for sores; Jewel weed's ask yourself, “What plant did this delicate leaves hold drug come from?” the cure for poison ivy; Black Cohosh blooms in a former garden; Mayapple - also called crow pumpkin - is toxic until the fruit turns yellow.
~ Fletcher Scott is a retired science teacher who enjoys nature photography.
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Historical Markers:
Grafenberg Medical Institute STORY & PHOTO BY MIA OSBORN
A
lthough it was open for less than a decade, the by written exams but by three days and nights of public Grafenberg Medical Institute made a lasting questioning by the trustees on all the subjects they mark on the history of medicine in Alabama. had learned in their time at the Institute. Among the Philip Madison Shepard, a Georgia-born physician Institute’s graduates were four of Shepard’s sons and one and graduate of Augusta Medical College, founded of his daughters, Louisa Maria Shepard, who became the Grafenberg in 1852. first female to graduate from medical school in the South. Shepard first moved his family to Alabama to work In 1858, the Institute expanded to include Winston at what was meant to be the Male College and in 1860, it state’s first medical school: the grew further with the addition Alabama Medical University of the Octavia Walton Le Vert in Wetumpka. But for reasons Normal College for Young that were not recorded, the Ladies. The students from all University never opened. three schools who could not Shepard set up shop as commute from home lived in a local doctor and began early student housing beside farming to make additional the Shepard home. money. In 1851, Shepard In 1861, Shepard died advertised that he would suddenly from a blood begin teaching medicine at his infection caused by cutting infirmary in Dadeville. The himself during an autopsy. The following spring, Shepard’s Institute closed soon after, and informal school was granted the building burned down in a charter from the State of 1873. Alabama and became the State funds originally sent school that was once intended to the Institute were rerouted for Wetumpka. to the Medical College of Under the instruction Alabama, which opened in of Shepard and three other Mobile in 1859. The College trustees/teachers, students later became the University learned surgery, physiology, of Alabama at Birmingham First Aid Dr. Shepard saw four sons and one daughter pharmacology and obstetrics. School of Medicine, which has graduate from his medical school. Classes took place across continued to shape the lives of the road from the Shepard physicians and their patients farm in a building outfitted with what were at the time ever since. cutting-edge facilities, including an anatomy laboratory, The real Grafenberg Institute was located about a mile pharmacy, auditorium and library. A semester’s tuition north of Highway 280 in Dadeville, but the marker sits at cost $140. That’s roughly $1,250 in today’s money. the corner of East Lafayette and North Broadnax streets The first of the Institute’s 50 graduates was James L. in downtown Dadeville, in front of the First Methodist Gilder, who received his degree on April 24, 1854. A Church. Coordinates are 32.83307 N; 85.76374. student’s readiness for graduation was not measured 22 Lake Martin Living
Lake Martin Living 23
Three Tallapoosa County authors this summer released books nationwide. Lila Graves of Alexander City illustrated a children’s book by Katie Hines Porterfield; the first in a collection of humorous essays by Dadeville’s Lee St. John is now available; and Peggy Jackson Walls, who grew up at Hog Mountain, has written a historical account of the area’s gold mining endeavors, beginning with an 1832 discovery that founded a town.
Local Authors Katie Porterfield & Lila Graves
At 33 pages, the A-Z illustrated guide to lake life, Find Your Heart in Lake Martin, by Katie Hines Porterfield and illustrated by Lila Graves is a delightful gem for the young, the young at heart and anyone with a soft spot for Lake Martin. Author Katie Hines Porterfield was raised in Atlanta, but she spent summers at a Russell cabin and kindled in her heart a lifelong love of Lake Martin. Porterfield’s first book, Sewanee A to Z, was a celebration of the university domain that she loved. “After that one did really well, I thought, the next place that’s close to my heart is Lake Martin,” said Porterfield. Her first book employed a local artist as illustrator, so Porterfield began the search for someone else that knew and loved the lake as much as she did. Lila Graves’ name was the first one that came up. The Alexander City based artist is a local celebrity for her whimsical, colorful paintings, and Porterfield realized the choice was obvious. It was an offer Graves couldn’t refuse. The two met in person for the first time in the summer of 2015. They brainstormed over Otter Pops in Graves’ Alexander City home and then drove around town, chatting about the book and getting to know one another. First came the text. Porterfield’s cheerful rhymes highlight all the best parts of spending time at Lake Martin, from waterside rope swings to trail rides and pizza at Chuck’s. Graves drew up sketches to go along with the scenes Porterfield described. Then, the pair met at Porterfield’s family 24 Lake Martin Living
cabin and laid out all the images. “They all looked pretty good, but there was one that was just awesome,” said Graves. “So then, all the others had to measure up. That’s where I started having to really work. The rest was easy and fun.” Graves tweaked and tinkered with paintings for months, mailing them to Porterfield for feedback when the two couldn’t meet in person. On the surface, Graves’ illustrations are simple, but those who look closely will see the details that fill her illustrations, such as the elusive insects hidden throughout the book, sending readers on something of a treasure hunt. Graves’ illustration of a Chimney Rock jumper holds a secret of its own: The graffiti on the rock includes the initials and birth dates of Graves’ and Porterfield’s family members. The same image was also screen-printed on a line of T-shirts that Graves produced for Little Black Dress, a boutique in downtown Alexander City. Find Your Heart in Lake Martin and the corresponding shirts are available at Little Black Dress in Alexander City, The Company Store at Russell Crossroads and Lakeside Mercantile at highways 49 and 30. The book can be pre-ordered at mascotbooks.com. The book sells for $17.95. T-shirts are $20; Tank Tops are $25. STORY BY MIA OSBORN PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE, COURTESY OF EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY AND PEGGY JACKSON WALLS
Lee St. John Lee St. John has been connected to writing all of her professional life, from working at her hometown newspaper throughout her college years to grading essays as an English teacher. But it was just recently she decided to try her hand at creative writing. After retirement, St. John and her husband wanted to spend more time travelling and relaxing at their second home on Lake Martin. But she soon found she was restless. “I can’t sit still. I went through every kind of activity that I guess old people do,” she said. “I mean bridge, adult tap, adult ballet, book club, art, scrapbooking, blah, blah, blah...” But none of the hobbies she tried clicked. It wasn’t until an old college friend suggested she write down some of the stories from her life that she began to dream of being a nonfiction author. “I read a story somewhere that said you can tell a lot about a woman from looking at her closet. That’s really true. It got me thinking,” she said. St. John said that she hadn’t had much experience with humorous writing before she began work on her essay series, but humor writing came naturally, considering her outlook. “I’ve always been playful,” she said. St. John drew on a lifetime of experiences – what she calls “cocktail party stories” – to create her first book, She’s a Keeper: Confessions from a Southern Girl’s Closet. From items in her couture wardrobe to a collection of old maps, St. John organized the tales around her own possessions. “These things aren’t really all in my closet right now,” she admitted, “but they have passed through my closet at some time in my life.” St. John has planned five books in the She’s A Keeper series. Each will be based around the same theme of memorytriggering objects. But in the future, she plans to move out of the closet and take a look around the whole house: attic, basement and garage. The fourth book, which St. John plans to release in 2017, will cover her funny experiences as an educator. “Next year, it will be Compositions from a Southern Girl’s Classroom. It will be all the stories that teachers aren’t supposed to tell. Teachers are going to love that,” she said. St. John’s future looks as bright as her disposition. She is working on a host of projects related to her first book,
including an audiobook and an adult coloring book. Meanwhile, publishing plans for the rest of her series are coming along well. “Tales from a Southern Girl’s Basement will be out by September or October. And the third book’s already written,” she said. She wrote the first two books at the same time, pounding out story after story at her laptop. She said her goal in writing these funny tales was the same as her goal when she told them at parties: to make a connection. “I want people to read the stories and go, ‘She does that, too?!’ I want people to know they’re not as crazy as they think they are; I’m right there with them,” she said. In July, Confessions from a Southern Girl’s Closet was rated the No. 1 Amazon Kindle download for both short reads and humorous essays. For more updates on the series and St. John herself, visit www. leestjohnauthor. com.
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Peggy Jackson Walls Walls grew up in the shadow of the Hog Mountain gold mine. Many of her relatives and family friends were miners. Walls became fascinated by the mine that dominated the lives of so many people she knew. After leaving Tallapoosa County for college, she realized it was important to tell the story of the mine because it was so little known, even within the same state. “You can mention Alabama gold mining somewhere like Auburn and unless they’re in the history department, they say, ‘Well, there must not be much to it; I haven’t heard anything about it!’” she said. In 1982, Walls was working on her Master’s in English at Auburn University when she began gathering information for a writing project on the mine. That project would become Alabama Gold, a book more than 30 years in the making. Walls’ book guides readers through the three main gold
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mining periods in Tallapoosa County. First was the rush that followed the accidental discovery of the Log Pit Vein in 1832, which led to the town of Goldville appearing almost overnight. This initial gold rush was further strengthened in 1839 when the first gold was found in Hog Mountain. But in 1849, the California gold rush sent many unlucky Alabama prospectors out West in search of bigger scores, and Alabama mining operations slowed. Gold fever returned in the late 1880s, after post-Civil War Reconstruction left Tallapoosa County in severe debt. In 1890, one local publication reported the quality of gold from Hog Mountain and other mines was such that “Alexander City, nearest to the most productive mines, began calling itself the ‘Gold City.’” Mining in this period lasted until 1916, when the vast numbers Digging Through History
Top: Peggy Walls; Walls' book tells the story of Alabama's gold producing days. Below: A photograph of the mill and Hog Mountain Gold Mine during its prime.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS Enter the
2016 Annual Lake Martin Living Art and Photography Contest
of miners enlisting in World War I caused Hog Mountain to shut down from lack of labor. The last burst of interest in commercial gold mining came in the heart of the Great Depression. Hog Mountain reopened in 1933, but legislation from Franklin D. Roosevelt in the latter years of the decade – such as minimum wage raises and bans on child labor – saw the mines closed for good. Walls began her research with the miners of the 1930s, many of who were connected to her family. The second half of Alabama Gold is full of interviews in which these miners tell their stories. Walls felt that sharing the harsh realities of life in this little-known period of Alabama history was a job that was meant for her. “I like to think this is an important part of history,” Walls said. “And because of where I was from and my being an English major and writer, I thought I could help tell that story.” Alabama Gold became available in stores and online in mid-July. In its first week of publication, the book spent time as Amazon’s No. 1 best selling new release in both Mining and U.S. Travel sections. Walls said she has been booked for speaking engagements on Alabama mining through 2018. She has upcoming talks and book signings at the Dadeville Public Library on Oct. 11 and The Capitol Building in Montgomery on Nov. 16. For more information, visit www. alabamagoldyes.com/.
Winners will be featured on the cover and inside pages of our October magazine edition, and this year entries again will be on exhibit at Alexander City’s Wine Emporium and Gallery 128. Submissions accepted in acrylics, oil, watercolor, pastels, pencil and photography. All entries must reflect life and scenes in Tallapoosa County. Each artist may submit up to three works of art. All entries must be framed, matted or mounted on boards and ready to hang. There is no fee to enter, and no prizes or monetary awards will be made. The contest is just for fun! A panel of local artists will judge the entries. Clearly mark each entry with the artist’s name, address and telephone number and deliver entries to the office of Lake Martin Living magazine on or before 5 pm September 23. The office is located at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, across from Benjamin Russell High School. Please call magazine editor Betsy Iler at 256-234-4281 with questions or email editor@lakemartinmagazine. com.
Now accepting submissions through September 23, 2016 Lake Martin Living 27
Breathe for Bunn STORY BY MIA OSBORN PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ASHLEY BUNN
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n the surface, Ashley Bunn seems like any other young woman. The pretty Alexander City-born brunette loves shopping, reading mysteries and baking cupcakes. But at 24, Bunn has endured more than most people twice her age. Behind her cheerful smile is an incredibly resilient soul and a grassroots community effort to keep her smiling. Bunn has an iron will that has guided her through a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis, an inherited disorder that causes mucus and other fluids produced by the body to become too thick, leading to lung infections and decreased function in the lungs, liver and other organs. Bunn was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was six months old, and she can’t recall a time when the illness wasn’t part of her life. But though she was aware of the condition, it didn’t slow her down until after Breathing Easy she graduated from Left: Bunn Reeltown High School removed her in 2010. oxygen tube for “I was – I wouldn’t this photo; now, she no longer say fine – but it didn’t needs it. Right: get in my way. Not until The Breathe for after I graduated. Then Bunn Walk/Run recently finished I started getting more its third year. sick and more sick,” said 28 Lake Martin Living
Local woman’s double lung transplant sparks a social media community Lake Martin Living 29
Bunn. It was clear that Bunn’s condition had become life threatening. In September 2014, lung specialists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital told Bunn and her family the grave news: If she was to survive much longer, she needed a double lung transplant. Bunn spent a week being evaluated as a candidate for the lung transplant waiting list. Doctors had to make sure she was strong enough for the surgery and that she had no other health problems that could render the transplant ineffective. Bunn passed every test and was placed on the waiting list, but the battle had only just begun. The first challenge was funding. Organ transplants are extremely expensive, and the Bunn family found themselves unable to cover all the costs associated with Ashley’s surgery. They turned to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) for help.
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COTA helps communities organize fundraisers for transplant-related expenses. With COTA’s aid, the Bunn family set a goal to raise $50,000 by Dec. 1, 2016. Dedicated volunteers from Tallapoosa County and surrounding areas took up the call and became a fundraising force to be reckoned with. The group, which came to be called Support on All Sides Team Bunn, has been The Bunn family announces responsible for three their decision to have Ashley's transplant at Duke Medical Center; years of 5K walks/ Opposite page: Bunn is recovering runs, bass fishing with her mother in a North Carolina tournaments and sales apartment. of novelty items, such as beach towels, bracelets and Frisbees, that popped up at events around the region. Fundraising opportunities and updates on Bunn’s condition were publicized through the group’s Facebook page, which
gathered over 1,000 followers who continue to watch for new chapters in the story of her journey back to health. Bunn said she is in awe of all the work that has been done on her behalf. “There’s not enough ‘thank yous’ for everybody,” said Bunn. “I just want them to know I’m very appreciative of everything they’ve done and continue to do.” While funds were being raised, Bunn faced a frighteningly long wait. Organ transplant waiting lists are notoriously timeconsuming. At any given time, there are more than 100,000 people waiting on vital organ transplants in the United States alone. Factors such as urgency of a patient’s condition and finding a donor organ that is compatible with their blood types can affect how long they spend on the list. According to the website of the Gift of Life Donor Program, the median wait time for a donor lung is four months. Bunn waited for a year and a half for an opportunity to have her operation through UAB, but the chance never came. Finally, the family decided to try another hospital. In April 2016, Bunn underwent the same battery of tests at both Duke Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina and at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Florida. She passed both sets of evaluations and was accepted to both programs but chose to go with Duke. Bunn and her mother, Pat, moved to Durham on May 16. Exactly one month later, Bunn underwent surgery at Duke. The operation lasted for hours, but when it was finally over, Bunn had a brand-new, fully functioning set of lungs. Two days after the surgery, Bunn was taken off the ventilator that had been helping her breathe and began to use her new lungs. Pat Bunn wrote that hearing Ashley’s first free breaths was an incredible moment. “I can tell you it was just as sweet as hearing her take her first breath and cries at birth.” Bunn was not allowed to know who donated the set of lungs that now reside in her chest, but she is incredibly grateful for what that person did. After a year’s waiting period, she will be
allowed to send a letter to the donor’s family, and she already knows exactly what she wants to say: “I will honor my donor’s life through mine, and I will forever cherish the gift they’ve given me,” Bunn said. Bunn’s recovery so far has gone well. She was released from the hospital’s care on July 20. She continues to attend daily physical therapy sessions as she regains her strength. “There are busy days ahead,” said Bunn. “I have to go to rehab every day for two to three hours. It usually involves walking and weightlifting, and I have to ride a bike for so long.” She can’t wait to return to Tallapoosa County and see all the friends who have been cheering her on throughout her ordeal, though some of them have been able to visit her in North Carolina. “I’m missing everybody and the lake. Missing everything on the lake on July Fourth was so hard,” she said. But Bunn’s indomitable spirit carries on. She’s making plans for the future, including studying pastry arts at Virginia College in Birmingham. “I started baking about two years ago,” said Bunn. “I started with cupcakes and moved into cakes. Now I want to learn more.” Bunn’s remaining length of stay in Durham is unclear, since it will be based on the speed of her recovery. So far, though, progress has been good, and Bunn hopes to be home in a few months. When she returns, she’s looking forward to rejoining normal life. “I’m looking forward to just getting out there, oxygen free. Doing whatever I want to do and not having to worry about anything. Just being able to go.” For updates on Bunn’s progress, check out the Breathe for Bunn Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ groups/807413976030762. To make a tax-deductible donation to offset the cost of Bunn’s transplant, visit: www. cotaforteambunn.com. Checks may also be sent to the Wellness Center of Lake Martin on Bunn’s behalf. These checks should be made out to COTA. Lake Martin Living 31
United Way Kick Off STORY BY MIA OSBORN
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he Lake Martin Area United Way has announced an evening of prizes, fun photos and free hot dogs to celebrate the kickoff for its 2017 campaign. The kickoff event will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center at Central Alabama Community College. Executive Director Sharon Fuller said the free event will begin at 5:30 p.m., and everyone is welcome to attend. “All of our 27 agencies will come and have displays,” said Fuller. Guests will fill out cards with their names as they enter the event. Those cards will later be exchanged for a dinner of hot dogs with all the trimmings. Guests can eat while they listen to Fuller’s kickoff presentation, starting with the reveal of this campaign’s theme. “This year’s theme is “Picture a Brighter Future,” Fuller said. To celebrate the theme, each agency will decorate a large picture frame that guests can pose inside for photos. Guests will be able to vote on which frame they like best. “I will introduce our United Way board and this season’s pace setter. Pace setters are companies who have stepped forward to say they would like to start the campaign early,” Fuller explained. This year’s pace setter will be Russell Medical Center (RMC). As pace setter, RMC will begin their campaign in 32 Lake Martin Living
mid-August. At the kickoff, they will announce how much they raised during that twoweek headstart. Before the event winds down, the name cards guests exchanged for their dinners will make a reappearance as they are used to determine who will win door prizes. This will be Fuller’s sixth campaign with the Lake Martin Area United Way, and she is looking forward to another successful year. “This event was a huge hit last year,” Fuller said. “It gets everyone excited and motivated to start the season.” The kickoff event is funded by a portion of the more than $12,000 raised from one of last season’s most profitable United Way fundraisers: the April Quail Fry at L.B. Benton’s farm. Also beginning this month, the United Way will circulate letters and flyers to local businesses that have donated in the past. Fuller believes that helping the United Way can offer donors the kind of satisfaction that only comes from giving to others. “It’s a morale builder and allows them to feel good about helping other people. Going Up So many people have to come Sharon Fuller marks the to the agencies for help,” she progress during last year's said. campaign. For more information about the 2017 campaign or to give to the Lake Martin Area United Way, visit www.unitedwaylakemartin.org or call 256-329-3600.
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wo local bowlers have found themselves in a league of their own. Shane McCord and Jerry O’Neil won Alabama’s 10th Annual Open State Bowling Tournament in Huntsville in April. McCord and O’Neil took home first place in the Handicapped Doubles division. They also placed 14th in the Scratch Doubles division. The pair were awarded a total of $1,523 in winnings. McCord and O’Neil represent the Lake Martin Area Bowling League, better known as the Thursday Night Fellowship League. McCord was born and raised in Alexander City and was first exposed to bowling when he took it as an elective course at Huntington College. “I fell in love,” he said. O’Neil grew up in Coosa County. This graduate of Goodwater High School started bowling at age 15, but the sport had been part of his life for as long as he could remember. “My mother was a big bowler, so I followed in her footsteps,” O’Neil said. At that point, the world of competitive bowling was divided by gender. O’Neil’s mother was a member of the Alexander City Chapter of the Women’s International Bowling Congress. In 2005, the men’s and women’s organizations merged to form the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). O’Neil and McCord are members of the local bowling 34 Lake Martin Living
group, the Thursday Night Fellowship League. The men have known each other for about 20 years and have bowled together at numerous league practices and city tournaments, but their victory in Huntsville was the first time they had bowled as a double at the state level. O’Neil said the pair did not go into the competition with a specific strategy. “Our strategy is always to have fun and bowl as good as you can,” he explained. Part of the preparation for good bowling is to have the right tools for the job. “Conditions are different from house to house,” O’Neil said. “The lanes dictate what equipment you use.” For the state championship, O’Neil and McCord spoke to a friend who had previously bowled on the lanes where the championship was held. The friend advised them that the lanes were synthetic and very dry, which required different equipment from that needed on the older wooden lanes found at Idle Time Family Center in Alexander City, where O’Neil and McCord practice with their league. McCord Alley Cats bought a specially Previous pages: Shane McCord designed bowling ball and Jerry O'Neil throw down with for the conditions he the Thursday Night Fellowship expected, to which he League in Alexander City; Below: They brought home the state partly credits his win. championship after a Huntsville “I’ve won a couple tournament this spring.
On A Roll Local bowlers pin state title STORY BY MIA OSBORN PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
Lake Martin Living 35
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of little bitty tournaments here and there, but to win the state title was really big,” said McCord. “To come out on top next to last day of the tournament felt great.” O’Neil claims a large part of the victory was just luck. “Sometimes with doubles, one of you is doing well and the other one’s not doing so well. But we were both having a really good day,” he said. O’Neil is no stranger to lucky victories. In February 2014, he completed 12 strikes in a row to bowl a perfect game during a citywide tournament at Idle Time. This accomplishment, also called “bowling a 300,” was not what O’Neil set out to do that day, but it’s never far from any bowler’s mind. “Every time we bowl, we try to bowl a perfect game,” O’Neil said. He had been close to a perfect game many times in the past – coming in with streaks of nine or 10 strikes in a row – but had never completed 12. O’Neil said the trick is to keep yourself focused on each individual roll. “You have to take it shot by shot because thinking about bowling a perfect game will take you out of it mentally. Of course, when you get nine or 10 in a row, the thought starts to enter your mind,” he laughed. O’Neil said there is a strong internal component to the sport of bowling that is hard to see from the outside. “Bowling is a very mental game, just like golf,” he said.
O’Neil and McCord invite aspiring bowlers to join the Lake Martin Area league. The league accepts both male and female bowlers of all ages and, most importantly, all levels of skill. “A lot of people have a misconception that they have to already be good to join a league, but that’s absolutely not true. We welcome beginners as much as seasoned bowlers. If you don’t start somewhere, you’ll never start,” said O’Neil. Most of the area bowlers have played with other leagues in the past, even absolute beginners are welcomed to come out to Idle Time and hone their skills for tournaments. Those interested in learning more should contact Mike Jones at Idle Time. The Thursday Night Fellowship League meets on Thursday nights from September through April. Interested parties may leave their information with Idle Time, even during the offseason, to secure a spot in the upcoming season. “Leagues are competitive – I won’t say they’re not – but we’re there to have fun and fellowship,” O’Neil explained. Idle Time Fun Center is located at 693 Airport Dr., Alexander City. For more information about the Thursday Night Fellowship League, visit or call them at 256-329-8366.
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FABULOUS FINDS FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS
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South Ridge Harbor, Breakwater $1,575,000 Just completed by Newcastle Construction and designed by David Smelcer. This 3,825 sq. ft. five bedroom, four and one half bathroom plan has generous open living-diningkitchen with owner’s suite and guest suite on main level. Lake level offers three bedrooms, two baths, rec room, bunk room, and lake prep room. Covered porch and lake level patio provide lots of outdoor living space. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
216 Sturdivant Lane, Jacksons Gap • $385,000 SUPER PRIVATE Cedar 5BR w/LOTS of bells & whistles! Woodfloors, rock floor-to-ceiling fireplace in GR.2-car attached garage, GRANITE, full FINISHED basement w/2BRs, full bath, 2nd den, GAMEROOM. Just seconds to Hwy 280, about 35 mins to AUBURN! Main level has 2BRs, full bath, LARGE cathedral GR,Upper level is cozy 1BR, 1Bath w/private balcony. 2-slip covered boathouse, sundeck above, floating dock,stationary dock. Selling Lake Martin Amy Clark 256-749-3333 Todd Clark 256-749-2102 www.sellinglakemartin.com
209 Harrison Road, Dadeville • $549,900 Awesome 1-level on FLAT lot w/BIG sunset views.NEW PRIVACY FENCING! Family-friendly open floorplan has vault ceiling, 4BRs, 3.5Baths. Walnut floors, granite counters, FISH ceramic tiles in kitchen floors! Wood-burning STONE FP, stainless appl. Sleeping loft is grandkids delight! Long new dock, wetslip, covered deck. Lakeside covered patio dining IS FABULOUS,firepit, Outdoor shower, pet fencing. Selling Lake Martin Amy Clark 256-749-3333 Todd Clark 256-749-2102 www.sellinglakemartin.com
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Russell Medical unveils new logo
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fter 20 years, Russell Medical has rebranded its image to reflect the high quality of care provided. The new corporate brand depicts “Our corner of the world,” where world-class healthcare meets our community at a pivotal crossroads. A symbol that shows the ‘arms extended’ of a gentle embrace; a destination point where the continuum of care is neverending. A nod to a proud past, with the transformation of our “r” as we forge ahead to a healthier future. We are Russell Medical, and this is our corner of the world. In “our corner of the world,” we have recently enhanced our Seniority Program. We believe seniors deserve special treatment. That is why we from that vantage point. Seniority Program have worked diligently over the From left; Beverly Henry, Harold Henry, Come along and enjoy a funDiane Moore, Mary Lee Radney and past few months to improve filled day, sure to make your John Moore show off their Seniority our Seniority Program. The heart happy. cards along with the County Living Seniority Program at Russell Fair day trip packets. Day-trippers will depart Medical has been around for from Russell Medical on more than 16 years – almost as long Friday, Oct. 21, bright and early and will return that evening. The Jessica Sanford as our previous logo. The Seniority cost will be $68.00 per person, which includes bus fare, breakfast, Program reaches out to area seniors tickets to the fair and snacks to enjoy during the ride home. The through the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles. Members trip must have a minimum of 45 members registered by Sept. benefit from free health screenings, lunch-n-learns on various 15 in order for the trip to happen. Payment is due in full upon health and lifestyle topics and discounts at the fitness facility, registration. Total Fitness, at Doc’s Cafeteria and in the Auxiliary Gift Shop. This exciting trip is available for members only, but you can This year, the Seniority Program is excited to offer day trips! join the Seniority Program at Russell Medical today. Membership The very first trip is on the calendar. Members will be boarding is available for people 55 and older. The lifetime membership a luxury motor coach bound for Stone Mountain, Georgia, for fee is only $15.00. Please call Jessica Sanford in the community the Country Living Fair. This unique arts and crafts fair brings relations department at 256-329-7145 to sign up today. the pages of Country Living Magazine to life. More than 200 vendors travel from all over the U.S. to showcase their work. Our senior will meander along a shaded path nestled at the foot of Stone Mountain, taking in the sights of beautiful antiques, stunning art and handmade items. Gourmet food products will be available for testing and purchase as well, We’re Celebrating our 10th Anniversary, Thanks to our Great Customers. and no trip to Stone Mountain would be complete without a visit to the top of the mountain via the Summit Skylift. Serving Central Alabama Amazing views of the Atlanta skyline and the Appalachian Mountains can been seen 256.825.0430 9856 Hwy. 280, Jackson’s Gap 1.888.943.0353
Medical News
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Has your home been inspected lately?
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Who Needs a Home Inspection? Don’t skip this important and telling aspect of a home purchase
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MONEY MATTERS
uying a home is likely one of the largest – if not the largest – financial purchases you will make in your lifetime. You will need to budget cash for a down payment, closing costs, perhaps new furniture and more. With all these costs to plan for, you may be tempted to save money where you can. One part of the home buying process that Karen Jennings often falls by the wayside is the home inspection. Everyone can agree that it’s a good idea to have your new home inspected prior to finalizing the sale. But when you’ve found the home of your dreams and are eager to move your family in quickly and also to save money wherever you can, you might consider skipping the inspection. If everything in your new house looks fine, is a home inspection really important? And even if it is important, is it really necessary?
Who can perform a home inspection?
Home inspections are a routine and important part of the home buying process and are conducted by trained and licensed
professionals. In Alabama and most other states, home inspectors are required to pass a rigorous certification exam and to join either the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI). A home inspector will conduct an on-site visual inspection of your Kay Thomas prospective home and examine all the major systems, such as heating, plumbing and electrical wiring. Your local state law will likely require the inspector to give you a written copy of his/her final report, and your mortgage documents and mortgage contract may also require the inspector to give you a copy of the final report.
What does a home inspection cover?
A home inspector is likely to inspect and evaluate for you the following items in a home, at a minimum: the roof and roofing systems, the foundation and other structural components of the home, siding, porches, balconies, driveways, the electrical system, the heating and cooling systems, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors and doorframes, insulation and ventilation. If the home has a fireplace, they will also check the chimney and vents. The number of items they will evaluate and check is quite extensive.
Can I skip an inspection?
Even if you might legally be able to skip or opt out of a home inspection, you absolutely shouldn’t. A home inspection is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your future purchase and your financial future. What if you opted out of a home inspection and bought a home, only to find out after moving in that it had major structural issues that would require extensive and expensive repairs? Spending a little money and time now on a home inspection can give you peace of mind and protection for years to come. ~ Contact Karen Jennings and Kay Thomas at Thomas Mortgage, 124 Calhoun Street, Alexander City, AL 35010, or call 256-329-0003.
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5% Sales Tax
Everything for your tailgating needs!
We Believe in Quality Products & Service Mon. - Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 9-4 • Sun. 1-5 7995 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 • 334.857.3900 www.LakeMartinMiniMall.com Lake Martin Living
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Arsenic and Old Lace July 14, 15 & 17, 2016 Benjamin Russell High School, Alexander City 1. Season Speaks, Jessica Morgan, Aly Henderson and Tamra Harrell 2. Jocelyn and Tim Fuller 3. Mark Shafer and Mia Osborn 4. Cathy Higgins and Hallie Holloway 5. Libby Glass, Rob Iler and Angela Mullins 6. Kathy Railey and Willette Martin 7. John Bowden, Patti Smith and Bobby Boone 42 Lake Martin Living
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Boys & Girls Club Rodeo July 22-23, 2016 8
Charles E. Bailey Sportplex, Alexander City 1. Erica Avant, Drago and Ashley Hannah 2. Wesley Jones, Naz Pearson and Claude Willis 3. Josh Machen 4. Eddie Adams 5. Rimme Rivers and Hannah Barker 6. James Orr, Jeff Williams and Marcie Jones 7. Mary Battistella 8. Riley Mann, Tiffeny and Lilly Ayers, Rachael Simpson and Brandon Ayers
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Sun Festival: Wind Creek Block Party July 24, 2016 Wind Creek State Park 1. Maria Zaccaro, Dayla Zolet, Jovania Zolet and Ligia Zaccaro 2. Jamie, Jabari and Camille Anderson 3. Beau, Crystal and Jackson Adams 4. Andres Morgado and Pedro Pageliosa 5. Matthew and Jennifer Bennett 6. Iris Pimeda and Wilfredo Morales 7. Harsh and Neel Patel 8. Kristen Barnett and Davis, Dawson and Madison Cromer
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Sun Festival: Celebrate Heroes July 28, 2016 Nichols Veterans’ Home, Alexander City 1. Michelle West and David Lee 2. Harold Barnes 3. Thomas Davis 4. Alaina Young, Paris Morgan and Aly Greer 5. Cami Waters, Jasmine Blackburn, Sarah Thomas and Pam Wright with Kizzy, Kip and Nikita 6. Chuck and Sandra Fuller 7. James Neale and Lanicka, Dontaye, Trevon and Antrevious Gilder
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John Conlee Concert July 29, 2016 The Rodeo Club, Dadeville 1. Jessica Daniel and Chastity Scruggs 2. Nicole Moore and Lisa Griffith 3. Gail Parnis and John Guy 4. Brandon Bence and Autumn Smith 5. Kim Fuller, Lisa McKelvey and Larcus Fuller 6. Stacey Bradford, Nikki Traylor and Jonathon and Amber Beckman
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Story Time August 3, 2016 Mamie’s Place Children’s Library, Alexander City 1. Che Harris 2. Megan and Lizzie Hafele 3. Jamie Foshee and Hannah Hafele 4. Glenda Abbett, Ava Riddle and William Klaudi 5. Cathy Hughes and Riley Dunham
Lake Martin Living 47
Calendar
THE LAKE REGION
FEATURED EVENT
Thirsting for Knowledge
A
STORY & PHOTO BY MIA OSBORN
n interactive computer kiosk set up at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City is poised to teach kids what lies beneath our area’s natural bodies of water. The kiosk was put in place by the Alabama Clean Water Partnership, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about the quality of water in our state. It features a variety of touch screen games to teach young library visitors about the water cycle, watersheds, storm water pollution and other important elements of water quality. As rainwater runs across the ground, it picks up all sorts of pollutants, such as pet waste, motor oil and pesticides. These pollutants get washed into the nearest ditch or stream; from there, they flow into the rivers and reservoirs where people swim and fish. The games at the Clean Water kiosk show kids how this process gets started and how they can do their part around their homes to cut down on storm water pollution. Little steps can make a big difference in water quality around the state. Sabrina Clark Wood, Tallapoosa River Basin facilitator for the Alabama Clean Water Partnership, said she is excited to be partnering with Mamie’s Place on the kiosk project. “This is another great opportunity for the Clean Water Partnership to be involved with local youth to help share the importance of water quality and specifically pollutants that can be harmful,” Wood said. “Drop by the library, bring your children or grandchildren and visit the kiosk soon.” Dive In
Riley Dunham plays with the Clean Water Kiosk at Mamie's Place Children's Library.
48 Lake Martin Living
LAKE REGION EVENTS Aug. 18-21
ACT II Auditions
Alexander City Theatre II will hold auditions for a fall production of What is Susan's Secret? from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 2p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. This American farce will be directed by ACT II veteran Mac Tyson and tells the tale of an elderly couple who con handymen into working on their rundown country inn by advertising huge discounts for plumbers, carpenters and others. Scripts are available for review at the media center at Central Alabama Community College, The Coffee Corner and the Dadeville and Alexander City public libraries. For questions, call 334-401-8259.
Aug. 19
Friday On The Green
This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature shadowood from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.
Aug. 27
Night Hike
Russell Lands naturalist Marianne Hudson will lead a night hike from the Wilson Road Trailhead to explore the nightlife of Russell Forest. Insect repellent will be provided. Bring drinking water and comfortable shoes. Cost to participate is $10. Call 256-496-2710 to reserve a place on the hike.
Sept. 2
Friday On The Green
This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature The Bank Walkers from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.
Sept. 3
Russell Crossroads Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast
The Community Garden Club members will be up early cooking pancakes for all to enjoy from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. on holiday weekend Saturdays. Come by the Artist’s Cabin and feed the family and help out the garden club.
Sept. 4
Labor Day Weekend Concert at The AMP
The summer concert series at The AMP comes to a dramatic close as concert goers of all ages gather for the final event of the year. The AMP has hosted quality entertainers like Blue’s Traveler, Sister Hazel, Trotline, Shooter Jennings, Corey Smith and others for the unofficial end to the summer.
This year will be no exception. Keep an eye on The AMP on Lake Martin on Facebook, www.theamponlakemartin. com or call 256-397-1019 for details to come on this year’s concert event.
Sept. 12
Horizons Unlimited
Storyteller Dolores Hydock will be the featured guest for this Monday’s Horizons Unlimited meeting. Join Hydock for “It’s the Little Things,” a journey from the Artic Sea to Singapore for the story of five tiny things that changed history in unexpected ways. This event will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Alexander City Board of Education building at 375 Lee St. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple and grants entrance to every event in the semester.
Sept. 19
Horizons Unlimited
Join Dr. Mark Conversino for a discussion of the “Hot Topic of the Day” as part of Horizons Unlimited’s fall schedule. Dr. Conversino has served on the faculty of the Air War College since 2002, following his retirement from the Air Force. This event will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Alexander City Board of Education building at 375 Lee St. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple and grants entrance to every event in the semester.
Sept. 22
Soldiers in Greasepaint
Dolores Hydock, actress and storyteller, will present 'Soldiers in Greasepaint: USO Camp Show Entertainers from World War II' at Red Ridge Methodist Church (corner of Hwy 49 and 34) at 11:30 a.m. Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host this fun presentation. USO camps were part of an inspiring story of volunteerism, patriotism and service. Hydock shares with us her stories, pictures and video excerpts of some of the 7000 camp performers who brought music and laughs to U.S. servicemen far from home during WWII. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.
Sept. 26
Horizons Unlimited
Join Mollie Smith Waters, professor at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, for a presentation on “Disobedient Women: Angelina Grimke, Virginia Foster Durr and the Pursuit of Equality.” This event will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Alexander City Board of Education building at 375 Lee St. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple and grants entrance to every event in the semester.
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Season-Long Events
Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours
Bowling Pin Shoot
Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. Your children will love every minute. Check the calendar at Calendar.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.
Library Storytimes
With The Stables as a back-drop, the Town Green is the perfect place to discover your inner being through yoga at 7 a.m. every Saturday through Oct. 1. Great for beginners and the experienced; just bring your mat and water bottle.
Movie Days at Mamie’s Place
Wind your busy week down on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads with live music, lawn games and time with the family and friends through Sept. 23. Bring your coolers, blankets and chairs, kids and pets and enjoy the music free of charge from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
The Alexander City Shooting Club holds competitive bowling pin matches on the third Sunday of each month from April through October. Everyone is welcome to the range at Coley Creek Road to watch for free. Cost to participate is $10 per shooter per gun. Matches begin at 2 p.m. Upcoming dates are May 15, June 12, Aug. 14, Sept. 18 and Oct. 16. For more information, call Woody Baird at 256-329-0080 or visit www. alexandercityshootingclub.com. Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and at Mamie's Place Children’s Library in Alexander City every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Watch a kid-friendly movie at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.
Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store
Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children's Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.
Memory Makers Quilt Guild
Meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Jr. Sportplex campus. Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by show-and-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.
Antique Car Cruise-in
On the first Saturday of each month, car enthusiasts cruise into Arby’s parking lot on Highway 280 in Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join the fun and enjoy an era of classic cars and classic music.
Charity Bingo
Play charity bingo at Jake's Restaurant at 16 Broad St., Alexander City at 6 p.m. every Thursday night. Cards are $1 and proceeds benefit local charities.
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Yoga On The Green
Friday On The Green
Wine Tastings
Come by Catherine’s Market at Russell Crossroads for wine tastings on Fridays through Sept. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sample a variety of wines for $5, and then apply that $5 to your purchase of a bottle of your favorite flavor from the night’s sampling.
Santuck Flea Market
The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month except January and February. The Santuck Flea Market is located at 7300 Central Plank Road, Highway 9 in Wetumpka.
Church of the Living Waters
Everyone is invited to attend services by guest pastors all summer long at Church of the Living Waters at Stillwaters. All services begin at 9 a.m. and are casual in attire. Communion will be served Jul. 17 and Sep. 4. Come by boat, car or bicycle and worship on the water! For details, call 256825-9808. Aug. 21: Dr. Roy Hornsby Aug. 28: Dr. Joel Richardson Sep. 4: Rev. Carment Falcione
Church in the Pines
Services are held at 9 a.m. each Sunday at the outdoor chapel at Kowaliga, across State Route 63 from Children’s
Harbor. Lake services are casual. Come by car or boat to worship and fellowship on the beautiful shores of Lake Martin. Aug. 21: Robert Smith Aug. 28: Mark Jackson, Mulder Memorial United Methodist, Wetumpka Sept. 4: Mickey Morgan, United Methodist, Birmingham Sept. 11: John Coleman, Church of the Ascension, Montgomery Sept. 18: John Mann, United Methodist, Dadeville Sept. 25: Mike Holy, Bluff Park United Methodist, Birmingham
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9
Goldville 280
Goodwater To Sylacauga
Legend
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
63
Public Boat Ramps
New Site
34 22
280
Churches
39
Camps & Parks
Timbergut Landing
9
32
Power lines
280
27
U.S. Highways County Roads
20
Alexander City
6
22
Flint Hill Church
18 38
Rockford
Camp ASCCA
Alex City Boat Ramp
3
36
49
128
22
Piney Woods Landing
Wind Creek 63 State Park
COOSA COUNTY
Horsesh Nation
Jaybird Landing
37
28
Jacksons Gap
Pleasant Grove Church
11
9
Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church Friendship Church New Hope Church
259
Bethel Church
D.A.R.E. Park Landing
57
5
Smith Landing Willow Point
Seman
4 Camp Kiwanis
9
17 1 Children’s Harbor
Trillium
The Amp
29 35 44
80
16
Church of the Living Waters
The Ridge
Church in The Pines
22
14
Camp Alamisco
Kowaliga Boat Landing 55
Pleasant Ridge Church
34
10 63 26 11
9
Equality
231
25 31 33 12
Liberty Church
20
24
Dadev
280
Ko w
ali
ga
13
2
Union Landing
Ba
y
Lake Martin 23 Baptist Church 24
15
Stillwaters
30 8
7
42
Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church
40 41
Walnut Hill
Union
90
50
Central
Red Hill
21
63
Union Church
Refuge Church 229
49
Eclectic Santuck Kent
Reeltown
231
14
ELMORE COUNTY
120
14
43 14
Lake Martin Region Wetumpka
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Tallassee 229
MACO COUNT
Marinas
Daviston
1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
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33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 5 Smith Marina Home of Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt 256-444-8793
hoe Bend nal Park
6 Alex City Marine Sales and Service 256-215-3474 2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 7 Chuck's Marina 256-825-6871 237 Marina Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853 8 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
CHAMBERS COUNTY
Restaurants
ville
ON TY
9 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 10 SpringHouse 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
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Camp Hill
11 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 12 Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583 191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853 13 Harbor Docks Restaurant at Anchor Bay Marina 334-639-4723 2001 Castaway Island Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024
280
Waverly
14 Poplar Dawg's 256-825-9288 10277 County Rd. 34 Dadeville, AL 36853 15 Oskar's Cafe 6684 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
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16 Truman's Seafood & Catfish 334-567-3156 8185 Central Plank, Santuck, AL
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17 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
LEE COUNTY
Business & Shopping
Loachapoka
81
27 Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 28 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583 1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010 29 Kowaliga Whole Health & Pet Care Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Road, Eclectic, AL 36024 30 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133 6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853 31 Centry 21 Lake Area Realty 256-825-4800 440 N Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853 32 A & E Metal Roofing 256-329-0034 239 McClellan Industrial Dr., Kellyton, AL 35089 33 Payne Brother's Furniture 256-825-7727 140 N Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853 34 Ballard Truss INC 256-234-4511 915 Pankersley Rd., Kellyton, AL 35089 35 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 36 TowBoatU.S. 256-307-1313 138 Eiland Dr., Alex City, AL 35010 37 Hilltop Landscaping 256-329-1901 1516 Tallapoosa St., Alex City, AL 35010 38 Foshee What's, LLC 256-234-3298 2802 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Hotels & Lodges 39 Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast 877-760-7854 5833 Hwy 22 E, Alex City, AL 35010
19 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036 230 Lee Road 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850
41 Creekside Event Center 256-307-1441 7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
22 Lake Martin Mini Mall 334-857-3900 7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 85
26 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 111 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
40 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440 6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
21 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Notasulga
25 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853
18 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010
20 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010
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24 EastLake Coffee @ Lakesdie Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853
23 Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853
Churches 42 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820 8091 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 43 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618 2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078
Dock Builders 44 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Road, Eclectic, AL 36024
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Make your life ahead a life to look forward to.
We
b e l i e v e e v e ry day s h ou l d h av e a
mom e n t o f p u r e joy . At Summer Village,
our Associates, Residents and Families live with purpose, which makes those moments happen naturally. Here, Residents enjoy a carefully kept community, delicious full-service dining and an inspirational health and wellness program. Join us, and get excited about the life ahead of you.
Learn more about what makes Summer Village special. Visit MySummerVillage.com to schedule a personal visit today.
INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE
8 6 6 . 9 9 6 .7 1 3 0
54 Lake Martin Living
•
M y S u m m e r Vi l l a g e.co m
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
Serving all your favorite Seafood... Come taste our Snow Crab!
THURS - SAT 5 - 9pm 334.567.3156 Richard Thorton, Owner 8185 Central Plank, Santuck, AL
“HWY. 9 SINCE ‘89”
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
To Advertise in the Business Directory section of Lake Martin Living please contact one of our Sales Representatives @ 256-234-4281 Lake Martin Living 55
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ALEXANDER CITY
Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store Little Black Dress
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Longleaf Antiques Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon
DADEVILLE
American Watersports Bay Pine Marina
City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank
ECLECTIC
Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina
Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Peoples Bank
EQUALITY
Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star
KELLYTON
Five Star Plantation
RED HILL Citgo
TALLASSEE
Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune
WALNUT HILL
Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery
WETUMPKA
The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are available at these locations. To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-2344281 to start your subscription.
AD INDEX A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 7
Lakeside Marina................................................................................. 5 6
Alabama Power................................................................................... 5
Mark King's Furniture........................................................................ 1 5
Bob Alexander Landscaping............................................................... 1 1
Millstone Nursery................................................................................. 7
Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 7
OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery.................................................. 5 7
C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 5 1
Offshore Marine & Outdoors............................................................. 1 0
DAVCO Development........................................................................ 5 5
Prime Management........................................................................... 2 1
Designs by Trish................................................................................... 7
Red Flag Pest Control........................................................................ 3 9
Four Seasons Irrigation....................................................................... 5 5
Russell Lands..................................................................................... 2 3
George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 7
Russell Medical Center....................................................................... 6 0
Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 7 1
Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 8
Hinson Galleries........................................................................................ 3 0
Seibels............................................................................................... 3 3
Jackson Thornton............................................................................. 3 7
Selling Lake Martin............................................................................ 1 1
Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art......................................................... 2
Southern Sash................................................................................... 1 1
Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance.................................................................5 5
Summer Village................................................................................. 5 4
Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 5 5
Tallassee Community Hospital............................................................ 5 1
Lagasse Construction Inc..................................................................... 5
Truman's Seafood & Catfish............................................................... 5 5
Lake Martin Community Hospital......................................................... 3
Troy Cable........................................................................................... 8
Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 17, 55
Ware Jewelers.................................................................................... 5 9
Lake Martin Mini Mall........................................................................ 4 1
Wedowee Marine.............................................................................. 1 4
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525 Ho spital Driv e, Suite B , We tu m p k a , A L 3 6 0 9 2 • 3 3 4 -2 7 9 -9 3 3 3 W W W . O B G Y N M O N T G O M E RY. C O M Lake Martin Living 57
Luke Hits the Gym
Y
Sweatin’ It The Last Word
ou guys work out, right? You sure of someone one-third that age, my musical taste look like you do. (Let it never be said runs the gamut from Jay-Z to Paul Simon. 99 that I don’t know how butter up my Problems might get me through three sets of audience). legs lifts, but Still Crazy After All These Years I work out. Some. Kind of. Let’s just say I only exercises my nostalgia and stymies my work at working out. physical output. Okay, I go to the gym and meander about the This last time I clicked on my playlist, facility just long enough for people to think I Erykah Badu’s Call Tyrone blared through work out! Is that what you want to hear?! my ear buds; quite ironic, considering that by Sadly, that is exactly what I do. I throw on bench press number seven, I wanted to call some old mesh basketball shorts and a T-shirt Tyrone myself. Or Steve, or Jack, or Frank or that has more stains than a wood decking anyone to get that damn heavy bar off of my Luke Robinson sample book from Russell Do It Center, just to chest! wander aimlessly about the fitness equipment See, my body betrays me even before I start area. working out. I have the arms and torso of a used Stretch The only crunches I do have the word “Nestlé” in front Armstrong and the legs of Tyrion Lannister from Game of them. I don’t ever work on my triceps; it’s more like I of Thrones, separated only by a surprisingly rotund belly. should ‘try, ‘cept’ I don’t want to. If Charles Atlas were alive When standing straight, I look like a salamander that is today, he’d kick sand in my face so fast. trying to digest an old word processor. It makes benchFor my so-called exercise routine, I just randomly pick pressing an issue. various machines that have interchangeable handles and My overall lack of strength factors in, too, but I would pulleys and straps. It’s like 50 Shades of Gray minus the rather blame it on something out of my control. smut meets My Big Fat Greek Wedding minus the Greek Anyway, here’s hoping I see you at the gym. Feel free to wedding. stop and talk; I won’t be doing anything. Occasionally, I will get cocky and amble towards the old fashioned bench press to give it a whirl. Of course, this ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also always happens after some BRHS senior linebacker just writes a weekly column for pumped 400 pounds of iron while leaving behind enough the Alexander City sweat to fill a Cherokee Road pothole. I have to use a wet/ Outlook. dry vacuum on the bench before I rent the backhoe to remove the weights he left behind. Watching me bench press must be a hoot for the folks who look at the security camera footage in the mornings at Anytime Fitness. Before I even fake lifting anything, it takes me a good 22 seconds to get situated on the mildly cushioned bench. Once I do get positioned correctly, I think, “Man, I could fall asleep right here.” That’s when I have to reach back into the bowels of my brain to find the motivation to make me lift that 45 pound bar with those two 45 pound discs on it (Okay, okay, they aren’t that heavy). Then I hit “play” on my iPhone’s music list and start pumping iron. Using my music collection to spark a fire under me is a hit-or-miss proposition. As a 43-year-old with the maturity 58 Lake Martin Living
AQUARACER WITH DIAMONDS
Maria Sharapova never stops challenging herself. Like TAG Heuer, she keeps pushing her limits and never cracks under pressure.
111 South College Street • Auburn, AL • 334.821.7375 The Shoppes at EastChase • Montgomery, AL • 334.386.9273 Eastern Shore Centre • Spanish Fort, AL • 251.338.9273 www.warejewelers.com
Lake Martin Living 59
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