FEBRUARY 2016
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“He has my whole heart! It’s up to me to keep it healthy.”
Vickie Lux with grandson, Jack
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FEBRUARY 2016
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Letter from the Editor
Staff
W
e love Lake Martin, and perhaps no other issue demonstrates the way we feel so well as this one – our annual bridal issue, which features beautiful weddings at the lake. As last summer’s bride, Hayden Gunn Eustis, told us, “All you need is the natural scenery. The décor speaks for itself.” This February issue of Lake reminds us, in the dead of winter, of just how spectacularly beautiful our “Treasured Alabama Lake” really is. Each featured wedding is a unique reflection of its bride and groom and their story of how the lake was the perfect setting for their special day. Lake Martin offered her best scenery for the Eustis wedding on the lawn at Children’s Harbor, and the groom’s cake that Hayden ordered for her favorite boat captain on page 32 was the perfect personal touch. Jamie Branch Gravlee on page 36 used her own wedding to introduce friends and family to the lake where she loved growing up. She made a weekend of the event, so her guests could fall in love with the area the way she did as a child. And it only took Nicole Moody LeMier one visit to SpringHouse to decide that was the perfect place for her May wedding to Brandon on page 44. “We weren’t even engaged then, but we … were like, ‘this looks like a really good place to have a wedding,” LeMier said. Sometimes, our columnists get into the spirit of the theme as well. My favorite this year is Henry Foy’s love affair with wine on page 44. But we also included in this issue some articles that have nothing to do with weddings but everything to do with loving the lake. For example, Kenneth Boone still hasn’t stopped raving about how much he loved the delicious meal he made from the very odd-looking specimen he found for this month’s “Nature of the Lake” article on page 18, and professional angler Greg Vinson on page 60 shares his love for finding fish when the weather patterns include cold nights but warming days. And on page 24, you’ll meet a StillWaters cottage couple whose love for the lake began with a day of fishing and grew into a home when they realized they would need someplace to keep the boat. Our love for Lake Martin is told in many different stories, and at Lake magazine, we enjoy bringing all of them to you.
Editor & Publisher KENNETH BOONE
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Managing Editor BETSY ILER
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Assistant Magazine Editor MIA OSBORN
mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com
Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER
tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com
Marketing Coordinators KIM MORSE
kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com
EMILY GUILL
emily.guill@alexcityoutlook.com
DEBBIE DeWILDT
debbie.dewildt@alexcityoutlook.com
Circulation Manager DAVID KENDRICK
david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com
Creative Services AUDRA SPEARS
audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com
DARLENE JOHNSON
darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com
HALLIE HOLLOWAY
hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com
Contributors KENNETH BOONE JOHN COLEY HENRY FOY JOHN THOMPSON JULIE HUDSON ROB MCDANIEL GREG VINSON
CLIFF WILLIAMS LEE WILLIAMS MITCH SNEED DAVID GRANGER SIMPLE-COLOR.COM KEVIN LANIER
MAGEN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY JE VOIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY GAMBLE All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of:
256-234-4281 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011
Betsy Iler, Managing Editor 4 LAKE
FEBRUARY 2016
On the Cover Cover: Hayden Gunn and Brittin Eustis chose Children's Harbor for their May Lake Martin wedding, which featured a nautical theme in Navy blue, white and gray. Having spent her childhood at the lake, Hayden said there was no other choice but the lake for her special day, and it couldn't have been more perfect. Photo by Je Vois Photography by Hillary Gamble
FEBRUARY 2016
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Contents 18. LION'S MANE A Lake Martin delicacy that's really good and good for you 24. COTTAGE LIVING AT THE LAKE When you need a place to keep the boat, move to Lake Martin! 31. THE BRIDAL ISSUE Saying "I do" Lake Martin-style 32. LAKE MARTIN WEDDING DECOR Hayden and Brittin Eustis 36. LOVE AT THE LAKE Jamie and Stevenson Gravlee 40. MAKING THE DREAM COME TRUE Planning tips from the pros 44. A TIME FOR A NEW BEGINNING Nicole and Brandon LeMier 48. PARTY PRESENTS Great gift ideas for wedding party members
44
50. LAKE Q&A: BUCK STEVENS Chairman of the Church of the Living Waters Board of Trustees
LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:
e
- edition
24
9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE
52. LMRA
TO THE LAKE
54. FAB FINDS
10. LAKE SCENES
55. LAKE PROPERTY
11. WHERE IS LAKE?
57. HEALTHY LIVING
12. LAKE EVENTS
58. CHEF'S TABLE
14. LAKE MARTIN NEWS
60. BIG CATCHES
42. FROM THE CELLAR
63. PRO TIPS & TEE TALK
Lake magazine also features an online, digital edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with friends and family and provides you complete access to stories, photos and advertisements from anywhere in the world with Internet access. View our digital edition today at www.issuu.com.
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364 Highway 280 Alexander City, AL 35010
(P) 256-329-1180 (F) 256-329-1173
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Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month
December 2015 December 2012 December 2009
Number of sales
Average selling price
Median selling price
Days on the market
Total houses for sale
Inventory/ sales ratio
24 16 8
$567,981 $398,377 $614,094
$417,500 $336,500 $442,500
250 202 217
200 299 400
6.78 15.40 23.53
The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS.The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy Lake Martin Realty, LLC. (A Russell Lands, Inc. affiliated company.)
February's Fishing Forecast This month, fishing should be great on Lake Martin, said Randy Baker at Fish Tales Bait & Tackle in Alexander City, especially for bass, which will be feeding heavily in preparation for their bedding season. Baker recommended concentrating on four lures: crawfish-colored crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs and Shakey heads. Fishing should be good for stripers, as well, Baker said, as by late-January they were already moving toward more shallow water. Use topwater lures and deer hair jigs, along with side planer boards, which will move the bait away from the boat, Baker said. “Go up the river toward Jaybird Creek, but you’ll have to be there early, before daylight, about 4 a.m.,” Baker said. Crappie also will be moving into shallow water in February and can be caught on live or artificial bait. “February is just an especially good month for Lake Martin. The fish are more accessible,” Baker said.
Relicensing Fast Facts The first operational license for Martin Dam was issued in the 1920s for a term of 50 years. In 1978, the new license was issued for a 35-year term, and last year, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) stipulated a 30-year term for the new license to Alabama Power Company. According to Article 221 of the license issued Dec. 17, 2015, FERC the effective period depends on the status of the project when the license is issued. Those projects with little or no redevelopment, new construction, new capacity or environmental mitigation and enhancement measures generally are licensed for 30 years. Terms of 40 years are specified for projects with moderate amounts of these activities, and projects with extensive measures are licensed for 50-year terms. The new Martin Dam project license does not authorize any new construction or operational capacity, and only a minor amount of new environmental mitigation measures are expected; therefore, the new license will expire 30 years from the first day of the month in which the order for the license was issued - on Dec. 1, 2045.
Lake levels during the last month Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 488.60 Lowest: 480.27 Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and water-related equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions. For up-to-date lake levels, log on to https://lakes.alabamapower.com.
Lake Martin's weather outlook for February Year to Date
Precipitation: 1.17 inches Avg. high temp.: 52.7 Avg. low temp.: 30.8 Average temp.: 41.7
Our Normal February Precipitation: 4.98 inches Avg. high temp.: 74 Avg. low temp.: 21 Average temp.: 46 FEBRUARY 2016
January 2016 Forecast
Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the low 70s with lows below freezing and nearly 5 inches of precipitation in the month of February. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will remain slightly below normal and rainfall will be at average or slightly above average levels this month. Information from the National Weather Service.
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LAKE SCENE
Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
PEOPLE AND PLACES
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Reader Submissions (1) Clouds are mirrored in the crystal-clear water in this photo by Rhett Farrior. (2) William McClendon, 6, is already learning how to kayak. (3) CaraMilyn Channell and Brannon Wall play with shadows on a beautiful winter day. (4) The Children's Harbor lighthouse watches over a winter sunset. (5) Bill Towney took this photo of Martin Dam's open spillway gates on New Year's Day.
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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LAKE?
Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
PEOPLE AND PLACES
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Reader Submissions (1) Todd Sassano took Lake to Niagra Falls while touring with country artist Austin Moody. (2) Bubba Bear took Lake magazine to Murphy, North Carolina, with Diana and David French. (3) Debie Sergeant took Lake to Poland on a discipleship training trip with her husband, Curtis. (4) Matthew Stivers took Lake magazine to Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station where he works as a firefighter for the National Science Foundation-managed U.S. Antarctic Program.
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Feb. 6 PATH Trash Walk
February 22 Horizons Unlimited
Feb. 20 Pancake Breakfast
Feb. 29 Horizons Unlimited
Meet at Dirt Road Gourmet on Alabama Highway 229 Julie Williams will be the speaker for Horizons at 9 a.m. To help clean trash from the roadside between Unlimited Feb. 22 at the Alexander City Board of state routes 63 and 50. Show up at 7:45 a.m. For an early Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. start with coffee and grits and stay after bags are collected at Feb. 25 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 11 a.m. For a cookout for the Watermelon Wine: volunteers. For information, The Poetry of call Ruebin Thornton at 334WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN Southern Music 857-3521 or John Frye Gilliard and Thompson at 256Anne E. DeChant 392-4334. will host this evening of poetry and Feb. 8 music at 7 p.m. at Horizons Emporium Wine, 128 Calhoun Street, Unlimited Alexander City. Troy Jones will be the speaker for this session of Horizons Feb. 27 Unlimited at the 7th Annual Alexander City Russell Forest Board of Education Run Building at 375 Lee Register at www. Street from 1:30 active.com or www. p.m. to 3 p.m. russellforestrun. com for the 5K or Feb. 16 10K race option Art that benefits the Association Alexander City Artists gather monthly at the Lake Schools Education of Central Martin Area United Way office for lesFoundation. The Alabama sons in projects and techniques 10K race starts at Meet at 10:30 7:45 a.m. with the a.m. at the offices 5K at 7:55 a.m. of Lake Martin Area Registration for the 5K is $20; 10K is $40. Pick up race United Way at 21 Main Street in Alexander City. Artistic packets Feb. 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the day of the technique in painting, drawing and other arts taught at each race between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. at the Discovery Center at meeting. For information, call Martha McKnight 256-825Russell Crossroads. Call 256-397-1019 for information. 6503 or Jerri Hallmark 256-825-0595.
The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual pancake breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School lunchroom. The breakfast is all you can eat and will feature Conecuh Sausage. Tickets are $6 each and are available at the door.
Jerry Armor will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited at the Alexander City Board of Education, 375 Lee Street, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Feb. 19-20 Alabama Bass Trail Fishing Tournament
Susan Webb will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited at the Alexander City Board of Education, 375 Lee Street, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Get hooked with the first stop of the Alabama Bass Trail 2016 Southern Division Tournament Series. Pre-registration and the mandatory tournament meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 19, at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center at Central Alabama Community Collelge. Contestants will launch at safe daylight from Wind Creek State Park, where the weigh-in also will take place. Visit www.alabamabasstrail. org or www.alexandercitychamber.com for details. 12 LAKE
March 7 Horizons Unlimited
March 8 Camp 1921 String Band Live Music of the Old South
Preserving the rich history of Southern Appalachian music and cultural history of the Deep South, the Sons of
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Confederate Veterans Camp 1921 of Tallassee will perform at 7 p.m. at the Tallassee High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for students. For information, call Mona Mills at 334-201-4892.
March 11 Lead Forward
Sister Schubert Barnes will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Lead Forward luncheon and business expo at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center at Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City. The expo will be on display in the building lobby from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the ballroom. Tickets are $20 each and are available at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. Call 256- 234-4361 for details.
Season-Long Events Library Storytime
Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Electronics Recycling
The city of Alexander City Public Works Department will host an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in conjunction with the Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership. Items accepted include desktop or laptop computers, computer mouse, keyboards, modems or routers, CDs and DVDs, power supplies, PC mix systems, home or cell phones, printers or copiers, mainframe servers, TVs, audio/video adapters, laptop chargers, cable boxes and nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries. There is a $10 fee per television. For more information, call Sabrina Wood at 334-429-8832 or Amanda Thomas at 256-409-2020.
Children’s Harbor Thrift Store
Located at Children’s Harbor at Lake Martin on Highway 63, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 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.
Real Island Supper
The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Road, Equality. We have a lot of fun, and everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are “themed,” so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.
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. FEBRUARY 2016
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Lake Martin News Water flows from open spillway gates at Martin Dam
Christmas rains open spillway gates Christmas weather systems soaked the lake area with nearly 8 inches of rain and rose lake levels to summer pool but caused no major flooding, according to emergency management authorities. Alabama Power Company opened spillway gates at its Coosa and Tallapoosa river dams to help manage rising lake levels. Two storage reservoirs on the Coosa – Weiss Lake and Lake Logan Martin – and two storage reservoirs on the Tallapoosa – Harris Lake and Lake Martin – were well above normal seasonal levels. Alabama Power reported spillway gates operating locally at Yates and Thurlow dams on the Tallapoosa on Christmas Day. The same was true at Neely Henry, Logan Martin, Lay, Mitchell and Jordan dams on the Coosa. Continued rain across the Lake Martin watershed in January kept water levels above the new winter pool level of 484 feet (mean sea level) even after the new levels went into effect on Jan. 20, but levels were expected to recede to the 484 level by Jan. 31. Due to changing weather patterns, which bring more frequent precipitation to the area during the winter and spring months, the power company reminded anyone fishing, boating or engaging in other recreational activities on the lake that water elevations can change quickly 14 LAKE
at this time of year. Anyone on the lake should stay alert to changing conditions and be prepared to take necessary steps to protect property and remain safe. Current lake level information is available at apcshorelines.com/our-lakes/ martin/. ~ David Granger
50 swimmers take the Polar Plunge More than 50 brave souls took the Polar Plunge at Kowaliga Beach Jan. 23 to raise over $3,200 for Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA). Another 250 spectators turned out to watch the antics in the inaugural Plunge, which was sponsored by the Lake Martin Young Professionals. “It was awesome,” Lake Martin Young Professionals’ Jacob Meacham said. “We are looking at doing it again next year. It blew away our expectations. “Every dollar we collected at the door is going to LMRA,” Meacham said. “If you paid to watch, to jump or get a T-shirt it is all going to LMRA.” The below freezing temperatures did not scare away the jumpers who dove or jumped from the pier or ran into the chilly waters of Lake Martin as temperatures hovered near 20 degrees Fahrenheit and winds gusted over 20 mph at noon when the Plunge took place. The cold did not slow down fundraising efforts either, as spectators paid from FEBRUARY 2016
$10 to $30 each to avoid the plunge while participants paid $20 to be counted among the charter Plunge members. The event began at 11 a.m. With live music, fire pits, food specials and games for the whole family, along with a warmup tent for swimmers. “We had over 250 people there just to watch,” Meacham said. “It was great for us. It was great for LMRA, and it was great for Kowaliga. The place was packed.” With a successful inaugural polar plunge this year the Young Professionals are already looking to improve it for next year. “We had a lot of fun,” Meacham said. “We are already talking about ways of doing things better next year.” Lake Martin Resource Association is a non-profit organization that works for the betterment of Lake Martin. LMRA volunteers maintain hazard buoys on the lake under the direction of law enforcement. And LMRA president John Thompson coordinates the annual efforts of some 300 volunteers who clean up trash and litter during the annual "Renew Our Rivers" campaign and periodic trash walks in conjunction with Prosperity Again Thru Health. ~ Cliff Williams
Scott Hardy, John Thompson and George Hardy take the plunge to benefit LMRA
New lake levels take effect Alabama Power Company began operating under the new 30-year license for Martin Dam Jan. 20, according to a statement released by the power company. Rehearing requests filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission prior to the effective date will not affect implementation of the new license issued in December, said the power company’s Hydro Services Manager Jim Crew. Alabama Rivers Alliance (ARA) and American Rivers, Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the Atlanta Regional Commission filed rehearing requests for reconsideration of certain provisions in the new license, but Crew said the filings, which pertain to endangered species studies and the ongoing global Water Wars, were not a surprise. “These really are issues between the filers and FERC,” Crew explained. “We are confident that we did everything we needed to do regarding those issues. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has given us a water quality certificate, and FERC has confirmed that.”
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FEBRUARY 2016
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The Lion's Mane mushroom grows on hardwood trees in North America, Europe and Asia
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Lion’s Mane
A Lake Martin delicacy that’s really good and good for you
F
NATURE OF THE LAKE BY KENNETH BOONE
rom a distance, it looks like a white ball in a tree. Up close, it actually looks a lot like its common name: Lion’s Mane. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are roundish white mushrooms covered with thick “hairs,” which are called “teeth” or “spines” by people in the know about mushrooms. The spines are where the Lion’s Mane manufactures and releases spores. They are comparable to the “gills” under the caps of traditionallooking mushrooms, except in a Lion’s Mane, there’s no cap. The Lion’s Mane mushroom is certainly native to the Lake Martin area, but it is also native to a large part of the world, including the rest of North America, Europe and Asia. These mushrooms are edible – delicious in fact, with a taste and texture often described as lobster, shrimp or scallop – and current research shows it may be medically beneficial in the treatment of dementia. Lion’s Mane mushrooms grow on hardwood trees, often trees that are dying or distressed, or on recently fallen logs. They are most commonly found on American beech, maple, oak and walnut trees. This fungus functions as a parasite that feeds on a living tree or as a saprotroph that feeds on dead and decaying material, such as a fallen log. Lion’s Mane mushrooms can be large, up to the size of a soccer ball or even larger. They are very dense, water-absorbent and are surprisingly heavy for their size. Although most reports say Lion’s
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Mane mushrooms are found in late summer and fall, the mushroom photographed for this story was spotted on an oak trunk, about 30 feet above ground, in late December. It was harvested in prime condition on Dec. 27. Given the extremely warm weather this fall and winter in Lake Martin, that may not be true in a normal year (the temperature was above 75 degrees on harvest day). Hericium erinaceus is the scientific name for this member of the tooth fungus group of mushrooms. In Latin, the name erinaceus means hedgehog, and you don’t even have to squint to see how the species got that name. It also has a number of very appropriate common names, including pom pom mushroom (it looks more like a cheerleader’s shaker than a hedgehog, since it doesn’t have a little snout and four legs) and bearded tooth mushroom, Satyr’s beard, The edible mushroom makes an bearded hedgeexcellent and delicious substitute hog mushroom. for seafood in recipes Three closely related mushrooms in North America all have similar white teeth and can be hard to tell apart, depending on their ages: H. americanun, which forms interconnected clumps, H. abietis and H. caralloides, which have more branched spines, and H. erinaceus, the Lion’s Mane, which is a singular globular shape; however, for mushroom foragers, it doesn’t really matter because all four species are tasty and safe to eat, and there are no poisonous look-alikes found here. For the dinner table, a ripe Lion’s Mane is snowy white and has a fresh smell. As it matures, the mushroom yellows or turns brown, which makes it look even more like a lion’s mane. The inside of this mushroom is dense, clean, fresh smelling and bright white, with the texture of a scallop. When growing outside, parts of the Lion’s Mane will be clean while the top of the mushroom and the parts that touch the tree may be dirty. To wash the mushroom, rinse it in water and use a small brush, like a toothbrush, to remove particles of dirt. This is a very absorbent mushroom, and it’s surprisingly resilient. You can squeeze it out like you would a sponge, and it will slowly return to its original shape. The mushroom may be cooked in many ways, and it can stand in for seafood in many recipes, such as crab cakes or seafood stir-fry recipes. 20 LAKE
The flavor is very good – a sublime, scallop-like taste. Because it is so absorbent, this mushroom can be flavored with sauces. It’s easy to see why this wild mushroom commands high prices among gourmet chefs. A good, basic recipe is to cut the mushroom into quarter-inch slices parallel with the teeth and sauté the slices in a combination of butter and oil until the mushroom is golden and the teeth are browned and crispy. Set aside the mushrooms, and in the same pan, sauté a clove or two of chopped garlic and cook until softened; then, add a half cup of cream, a half cup of chicken stock and a good splash of dry white wine. Cook down to make a pan sauce. Make a bed of rice or pasta and place the mushroom slices on top; pour the sauce over all and garnish with chopped parsley. Or just enjoy the sauced mushrooms alone. Lion’s Mane has been documented as both a food item and a medicine in Asia for 2,000 years. Vegetarians have used it to replace pork or lamb in Chinese recipes for centuries. In Asia, and recently in other parts of the world, this mushroom is grown commercially for sale as a food item and medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is said to produce “nerves of steel” and be a useful treatment for stomach problems and cancer of the digestive organs. In recent years, scientists have been studying the mushroom’s apparent ability to regenerate nerves, stimulate the growth of nerves in laboratory animals, and to help treat dementia patients. The mushroom contains both hericenones and erinacines, which are thought to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein necessary for proper brain function. It also contains other compounds, such as threitol, D-arabinitol and palmitic acid, which could reduce glucose levels, help control blood lipid levels and hold antioxidant characteristics. Scientists are researching Lion’s Mane in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, Muscular Dystrophy and other brain disorders. Although Lion’s Mane has not yet been adopted by the medical community as a brain disorder treatment, capsules containing Lion’s Mane mushroom are available for sale at drug and supplement stores.
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Cottage Living at the Lake
I
STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
t didn’t take long for StillWaters couple Gene and Suzie Akers to recognize a good thing and settle in at Lake Martin. Gene retired from teaching computer science at Auburn University at Montgomery two years ago and looked forward to the couples’ permanent move to the condominium they had purchased at the lake after Suzie and he had made a fishing trip here. Gene, a Sylacauga native, and Suzie, who was originally from the Ft. Myers/Graceville are of Florida, had visited Wind Creek State Park and fell in love with fishing in the area. But they realized they would need a boat to really make the most of their time at the lake. And since they needed a place to keep the boat, well, one thing lead to another, so they bought the condo. But the plan didn’t work exactly as they had envisioned. In fact, it turned out much better. “We have a daughter who lives overseas, and she comes to the States for about a month every year. So she would be at the condo and bring our grandson,” Gene explained. “It was a little hectic,” Suzie laughed. Gene and Suzie, married 44 years, started looking for a lot. They wanted to be close to fishing and have lake access, but they also wanted to be in the woods. And they didn’t want yardwork to cut into their leisure time. They originally found a house on an interior lot in The Cottages at StillWaters, but luckily for them, when the deal fell through the lot at the front of the slough had just become available. So they bought the lake lot and built a 2,500-square-foot craftsman style home that met everything on their wish list. There’s space for Gene’s woodworking hobby in a garage woodshop and under the screened porch on which Suzie loves 24 LAKE
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The screened porch is the Akers' favorite place to relax
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A living room entry table holds accent pieces
The Akers love wood and art that honors it
Two-tone Shaker cabinets and granite counters bring the open concept kitchen into the home's living spaces
Gene often fnds himself admiring the view instead of working in his second floor office
Rocking chairs on the front porch are a great place from which to watch lake activities
The home is situated at the front of the slough beside the woods Suzie loves
Bathroom cabinets and trims mirror those throughout the house
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The living room fireplace warms the room and the atmosphere on a winter afternoon
to paint. The beach common area and their pontoon boat in its private slip are just steps away, and someone else – the homeowners association – does all of the yard work. And with five bedrooms, there’s plenty of room for guests. Builders Mike Keel and Steve Teal added windows to the lake side of the two-story craftsman to make the most of the views from the open concept first floor living space. The cozy seating area in front of the stacked stone fireplace and the open, airy dining space afford different views of the lake, though both are parts of the same room. They tied the spaces together with accent walls in reclaimed wood and transoms over the doors and windows that even the natural light and let the outside in. A reclaimed wood wall in the dining area complements a reclaimed wood kick panel under the island breakfast bar, and the decorative addition repeats on a wall in the half bath. The result is a charming cottage, warm and inviting, with lovely views from
every window. Then, the Akers converted the downstairs master into a den, which offers visiting family another venue for relaxation when the house is full. The den can be used as a bedroom whenever it’s needed without crowding the first floor living spaces, as Suzie and Gene added doors from the den to the porch to facilitate traffic patterns to the lake. Upstairs, the Akers had their builders add a bathroom and closet to the bonus room to create a second-floor master with a view of the lake from the front of the home. Gene focused his woodworking skills on a door he found at Lakeside Mercantile, creating a headboard that consists of several pieces capped with crown molding. Suzie painted the headboard. In a reading corner, Gene made a lamp from a piece of driftwood he found one day when he was driving through the woods. “I just saw it there on the ground, and I thought, ‘you know, I could make something out of that,’ so I picked it up,” Gene said.
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The cottage includes five bedrooms
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Several other furnishings in the home are family pieces that once filled the historic Cloverdale house where they lived when Gene taught at AUM, including an antique post office desk that once belonged to Gene’s grandfather. “It just folded open, and it was ready for business,” Gene said. Today, Gene does his woodworking in the garage and in a finished space under the lakeside screened porch at The Cottage, but he keeps an office in an upstairs bedroom, as he still does some consulting work. To open the lake view to the office space, the couple added a large window to the room. “Sometimes, I just look at the view and don’t get much work done,” Gene admitted with a smile. Most days, the Akers like to go fishing. “We like to fish. We’re retired, so we’re lazy fishermen. We fish off the pontoon boat and put four rigs out for trolling,” Gene said. But they don’t have to be on the boat to enjoy the lake. As their house is on the end lot, the Akers are close to the community beach where they can relax with friends. They keep beach chairs – and their grandchild’s lake toys – in a beachside storage building. And along with their neighbors, they have access to the development’s lakefront park area. Off the screened porch, they also have a two-tiered deck that is great for entertaining. They use one as a grilling deck and the other as an outdoor dining area. While the screened porch is one of the Akers’ favorite places to enjoy the view, they also like to drive the golf cart around the neighborhood when Gene isn’t using it to play the game at the StillWaters course. With golf, fishing, woodworking and painting so close to the lake house, the couple sold their condominium – to their son. “Now, our grandson will come and stay with us, and our daughter can stay at the condo and have a little more privacy there,” Suzie said. Settling in turned out to be a very good thing for the Akers.
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The Bridal Issue
Saying "I do" Lake Martin Style
Jamie and Stevenson Gravlee begin their married life together with a wedding at Lake Martin (photo by Magen Davis Photography)
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Lake Martin Wedding Décor A wedding on the lawn at Children’s Harbor couldn’t have been more perfect for a New Orleans bride who grew up at the lake STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY JE VOIS PHOTOGRPAHY BY HILLARY GAMBLE
The natural setting of the lake at sunset was all the decoration Brittin Eustis and Hayden Gunn needed for their Children's Harbor nuptials
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hen Hayden Gunn Eustis married Brittin Eustis and the groomsmen wore gray,” she said. “I thought that went well with the whole lake theme.” on May 9, 2015, Lake Martin was the obvious And it all came together when the bride and her mothdestination, but the actual venue at the lake er, Linda, engaged Jeff Long of Jeffery Long Designs in took some working out. Alexander City to style the stage with vintage furniture, “I knew I wanted a beautiful rustic lake wedding decorations and arrangements. because my whole upbringing was at the lake. I spent “He made it come to life. He knocked it out of the my whole life there until I went to college,” Hayden park,” Eustis said. Eustis said. “Originally, I thought we would be married at Church in the Pines. I have been to so many weddings at Church in the Pines, and it’s beautiful there. But when we became engaged in October, Church in the Pines was already booked for May, so we opted for Children’s Harbor. “It was better than I could have hoped for. Getting married on the lakefront is breathtaking.” With the lawn at Children’s Harbor as a ceremony setting, Eustis said, the fading light of day on the island just off the bank provided a beautiful backdrop. “All you need is the natural scenery. The décor speaks for itself,” she said. Because her groom is a fishing Wearing her mother's veil, Haydencharter captain in New Orleans, Gunn walks across the Children's Eustis chose nautical colors for the Harbor with her father, Robert Gunn 6 p.m. event. “My colors were navy and white, The bride ordered a groom's cake replica of her husband's charter fishing boat
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Mr. and Mrs. Eustis slip away in an antique automobile
Though she found her wedding dress in New Orleans, Eustis wore her mother’s veil, and she is the fourth generation bride to wear the engagement ring with which her groom proposed. The October proposal was a clever collaboration of friends, Eustis said. “He cannot ever pretend that he’s not a planner because he had to do a lot to set it up,” she said. Brittin had called his future wife to tell her he had taken the dog to the veterinarian – who just happened to be a good friend. It seemed the dog had swallowed something. In a panic, the bride ran to the vet’s Office. "It was only a block away, so I literally ran," she said. "I just thought, 'oh, no, what's happened to my dog?'" She was horrified when stepped into the examination room. Under the light board was an X-ray of a dog's ribs and stomach, and in it, she saw what she thought could only be the ring of some former guest in her house. “He’d swallowed somebody’s ring!” she said. When she turned to Brittin to lament the situation, she found her fiancé on bended knee with ring box in hand. “But I surprised him with the groom’s cake,” she said. Eustis wanted a cake that truly reflected her new husband’s passion, so she ordered a replica of his fishing boat. “He didn’t know anything about it, didn’t even set eyes on it until the reception,” she said. The reception at Kowaliga Restaurant was the perfect gathering of friends and family, she added. “At the end of the day, it was pretty simple. At 10 p.m., I changed out of the wedding dress and into a romper, and we had a huge dance party. It was the best day of my life.” FEBRUARY 2016
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Love at the Lake An Atlanta bride introduces her friends to Lake Martin with a weekend wedding at Russell Crossroads STORY BY MIA OSBORN & PHOTOS BY MAGEN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY
Russell Crossroads was the perfect intimate space for Jamie and Stevenson's June wedding
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amily and friendship have always been the most important parts of Jamie Gravlee’s life. She passed her childhood in Lake Martin’s Raintree community, and the times spent with loved ones along the shores of the lake made a lasting impression on her. “I grew up on Lake Martin. It was wonderful,” said Gravlee. When she left home to attend the University of Georgia, Gravlee found herself wishing she could share the peaceful quality of her lake childhood with her college friends. She met her future husband, Stevenson Gravlee, at the engagement party of a mutual friend. When she and Stevenson got engaged two years later, Jamie knew she wanted a low-key wedding that would bring together their friends and family from all over Alabama and Georgia. “I wanted it to be a relaxing, whole weekend event,” said Gravlee. The couple first considered venues in Atlanta, but the bustle and distraction of the city wasn’t right for the
effect they wanted to achieve. “In Atlanta, people can go off and do something else. I wanted everyone to be together the whole weekend, to create a small family feeling,” Gravlee explained. Lake Martin had the answer. When Gravlee attended a wedding at The Stables at Russell Crossroads, she knew she had found the perfect intimate space for her own special day. She and Stevenson wasted no time booking The Grand Oak for their ceremony and The Stables for their reception. The guest accommodations were a bit more challenging. The Villas at Willow Point were completely booked for the June 20 wedding weekend. The couple was at a loss as to where their friends would stay. Gravlee’s father, Joseph Branch, came up with a novel solution. “My dad went online and mapped out every available rental house less than 5 miles away from the wedding site,” said Gravlee. “He made a map, and we sent it out to my friends.”
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More than half of Gravlee’s guests rented lake houses for the entire weekend of the wedding, creating the sense of togetherness she had dreamed of. With their guests taken care of, Gravlee turned to local Lake Martin businesses to help her design and craft the perfect wedding day. She called on Vickie Lux and Robin Holcombe of Madison House Restorations in Alexander City for decorations and floral arrangements, as well as overall styling. “I really cannot say enough about Vickie and Robin,” said Gravlee. “The amount of work they put into every detail was unbelievable!” The women of Madison House are experienced in furniture restoration, and that expertise helped them add some truly unique elements to Gravlee’s wedding décor. They hand painted signs with Stevenson and Jamie’s initials and built lanterns from reclaimed wood, filling them with fresh flowers to hang from The Grand Oak during the ceremony, just to name two projects. “I thought they took our budget and gave us a wedding that looks like they spent double,” said Gravlee. The rest of the event was made possible by other vendors from the Lake Martin area. The food was catered by SpringHouse, with alcohol provided by Emporium Wine in Alexander City. The bride’s and groom’s cakes were both made by Peggy McKinney of Montgomery. For hair and makeup, the bride turned to Kristen West and Spa
180, both of Opelika. With guests relaxed from a weekend on the lake and every detail planned to perfection, the wedding party was all smiles on the big day. Even the happy couple’s dog, Brooks, got into the spirit of the day and donned a bow tie to pose for some photos. For the ceremony, The Grand Oak was accented with a spiraling garland of greenery, baby’s breath and roses. Garlands of grapevine woven with twinkling lights decorated the reception dining area at The Stables. More tables and seating were set up outside, including a mix of hand-restored, vintage style couches, chairs and tables from Madison House. During the reception, guests moved from the seated dining area to the outdoor dance floor. Jamie and Stevenson celebrated with family and friends until it was time for their big finale: Running down a tunnel of sparklers to their getaway car, their big weekend completed and the stage set for a happy life together. Now, Jamie says she has even more joyful memories connected to Lake Martin. “I haven’t lived on the lake in 12 years, but it’s still my favorite place,” she said. She and Stevenson live in Atlanta, but they still make it back to Raintree to visit her parents as often as they can. “We will definitely be back,” she said.
The ceremony took place beneath The Grand Oak
The reception was held at The Stables and the surrounding lawn Peggy McKinney made the couples' cakes
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The bride and groom even included their dog in the festivities
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25,000 acres
of unspoiled forest
Unique Venues Extraordinary Service Southern Hospitality
40,000 acres
of pristine lake
To see and hear more, call 256.794.1397 or visit www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com or www.RussellCrossroads.com FEBRUARY 2016 LAKE 39
Making the dream come true
Photography captures the 'feel' of the day (Photo by simple-color.com)
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STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY SIMPLE-COLOR.COM, KEVIN LANIER & JE VOIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY GAMBLE
enue. Dates. Guest Lists. Colors. Flowers. Attire. Stationery. Food. Decorations. Planning a Lake Martin wedding might seem a daunting task, especially when the wedding is a destination – more than 100 miles from where the bride lives – but the lake offers so many options, from opulence to downhome, that creating a dream wedding at the lake is easy and fun once the initial questions are answered. “The place to start is a conversation with the bride and groom,” said Curtia Moon of MXK Events, a party planning company in Alexander City. “How do they 40 LAKE
want the day to flow?” Flow of the day may depend on the number of guests and the venues for ceremony and reception, so those are the first questions to answer when planning a Lake Martin wedding, said Jeff Long of Jeffery Long Designs. “The most important question is the venue, mainly because that sets the whole theme for style. At Lake Martin, we have so many options, so the first question I ask is ‘where are you getting married?’” Emily Spink, Manager of Special Events and Catering Services at Russell Lands, said one of her first questions
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Colors tie all of the elements together (Photo by Kevin Lanier)
Guests take cues from the stationery (Photo by simplecolor.com)
From elegant garden parties to rustic barn receptions, Lake Martin venues allow brides a variety of choices (Photo by Magen Davis Photography)
to a bride touring lake venues pertains to the date. “The date is crucial, along with whether or not they can be flexible about the date. If there are circumstances that lock them into a particular date, some venues may not be available at that time,” Spink explained. Not only the date but the season also is an important factor, Spink added. The Grand Oak or Church in the Pines may not be the best choice for a winter wedding, but The Stables or the Children’s Harbor Chapel could be very comfortable, as well as attractive. Often, she said, a bride falls in love with a particular venue, and that may set the date for the event, as well as the tone. The number of guests also is important in choosing a venue, Long said. Choose a venue that offers guests room to mingle and comfortably take part in planned activities, whether those dancing under the stars or lawn games on the Town Green. With date and venue decided, brides can turn their attention to the tone of the festivities. “I ask what style of wedding they are looking for,” Spink said. “Rustic? Elegant? Do they want a casual beach feel?” From that point on, Moon said, every decision relates to the couples’ vision for their special day, so she starts talking about invitations and colors. “The invitation sets the tone for the wedding day,” Moon explained. “It is an indication of the wedding style, and guests will take their cues for dress from it.” Color plays an important role in wedding décor, as it
unites all of the activities in theme and style, from the rehearsal to the couples’ departure from the reception, she said. “Color is the essence of the décor. It’s the second piece of the puzzle,” Long said. “The color palette is how we make all of the elements – bridesmaids, flowers, time of year, groomsmen’s tuxes – link up to create a beautiful wedding.” The style and flow of the day also dictates the menu and serving style. An elegant invitation would set the tone for a sit-down dinner; more informal stationery indicates a buffet. While online sites may be treasure troves of style and decorating ideas, Long said, he advises brides to express their own thoughts about the day’s décor as well. “I hear so much Pinterest-this and Pinterest-that, and there are some great ideas there, but sometimes, that’s not the best thing to do. Everything about the day should be centered on the wishes of the bride and groom, not just pretty things they found online,” he said. The one wedding choice that shouldn’t be influenced by the flow or style of the day or even the budget, Moon said, is the photographer. “Choose a really great photographer because when the day is over, the pictures are all that is left,” she said. And pictures spark the memories of a lifetime of happiness for the bride and groom, their families and friends. When the venue, date, style and flow of the day set the tone for everything else in the Lake Martin wedding plan, the setting will make beautiful pictures.
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Red wine & chocolate together at last!
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Finally, we love chocolate because it literf February is the month for lovers I have ally melts in our mouths, creating a luscious a confession to make: I’ve been having sensation. an affair. It’s really no secret that I am Now let’s pick some wine for this event. in love – not a giddy, head-over-heels teenThere are two ways to choose wine for crush love but a deep, abiding love – with Valentine’s Day, and the first is pretty easy blue cheese and red wine. I should also admit and apparently popular; buy the most sugthat I’ve been known to cheat when there is gestive label you can find. Online “experts” a white wine that I am attracted to. Love can seem to think that any number of Rosés fit be complicated. Throw in some roses (anyone the bill, along with a California red called who has tried will agree that growing roses is Flirt, a Flowers Chardonnay, Foreplay Rosso a true labor of love) and chocolates, and we’ve from Italy and a bunch of wines with hearts wrapped up Valentine’s in 100 words. and cherubs, etc., on the label. Cute. But now let’s get serious. Just so you know; FROM THE CELLAR A better way to select wine is to make an roses and chocolate might be a good idea. BY HENRY FOY informed choice based on knowledge and Roses and wine, also good. Chocolate and experience. Go to wine tastings or host one wine, despite popular belief, not such a good yourself. Try a variety of different wine and practice evaluidea. ating and enjoying the nuances that make wines different Pairing wine and chocolate is not as simple as we’ve or similar. been led to believe. I probably say that every year. Just As with chocolate, start with the wine’s appearance. remember: The wine has to be sweeter than the chocolate. Even a big, bold Cabernet will seem weak and bitter when Then consider the aromas before taking a small sip, just enough to coat the inside of your mouth. Make mental overpowered by the sweetness and complex flavors of notes or record your reactions on paper. A wine journal is chocolate. a good way to keep track of many wines over time. Almost everybody loves chocolate, but how many The line-up for our most recent tasting was made up of people really think about the quality of the indulgence? We four reds and one white wine with the intention of showspend so much time picking the right wine; what makes casing a variety of characteristics. The Conquista Malbec good chocolate? from Argentina was chosen to introduce participants to Good chocolate, like most things, starts with quality raw materials. For chocolate, that means cacao beans from something they may not have tried before. This is a good “starter” wine with berry and plum flavors and soft tanthe Theobroma Cacao tree, which only grows in a narrow nins. band roughly 15 degrees on either side of the equator. The Merlot is well known and the Chateau St. Michelle seedpods are harvested a couple of times a year. The seeds/ Merlot is a classic example with aromas of black cherry beans are scraped from the pod and set aside to ferment before being dried, crushed and cooked down. Bars, blocks and leather and a long, smooth finish. The 2007 Tangley Oaks Cabernet provided a rare opporor chips of the refined chocolate are sold to chocolatiers who craft the hearts, bunnies, corporate logos and such that tunity to experience the lush textures, velvety tannins and long finish of an 8-year-old wine. are the finished products for oogling and eating. With a nod to St. Valentine, the Terra d’Oro Zinfandel What makes us fall in love with chocolate, even infePort, rich and sweet with aromas of raisin, caramel and rior chocolate by some standards, is phenylethyamine, an organic compound found in mammals and other organisms orange peel, pairs perfectly with chocolate or blue cheese. The white offering was the highly rated Italian sparkling and foods, including chocolate. It is similar to amphetwine La Marca Prosecco. The fresh clean flavors of citrus, amine and is linked to feelings of happiness, well-being, green apple and toast with a light, refreshing finish conjoy and excitement. Because chocolate contains a large firmed that Valentine wines don’t have to be red. amount of phenylethyamine and eating chocolate is, uh, Of course, wine and cheese is always a good match. very satisfying, shall we say, phenylethyamine has become Port and a wedge of Castello Danish Blue; that’s what I’m known as the “love drug.” taking home for Valentine’s in hope of a little ménage à Suffice to say that may be why we like chocolate in trois. general, but good quality chocolate is more than a drugLater in February, the 18th, we’ll try to make things induced addiction. The cocoa solids and cocoa butter conuncomplicated with a wine tasting to compare three Old tent in quality chocolates are higher. You can often see the World wines – white Burgundy, Burgundy and Bordeaux – difference. to their New World counterparts – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir High quality chocolate is shiny brown, smooth with no and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mark your calendar. bubbles, and it breaks cleanly. Quality chocolate is tastier. With less that 50 percent cocoa solids, the product will not Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine, Café 128, taste as chocolaty, so look for 70 percent or more cocoa Gallery 128 and the Cigar Shop located in downtown solids. Alexander City at 128 Calhoun Street. He can be reached And while you’re checking the label, make sure the at 256.212.WINE, on Instagram, Facebook and at empomanufacturer has not substituted vegetable oil for the rium128@bellsouth.net. cocoa butter.
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A time for new beginnings Rolling green hills create the canvas for a spring bride’s dream
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STORY BY MIA OSBORN & SIMPLE-COLOR.COM
hen Nicole LeMier began planning her May 16, 2015, wedding to now-husband Brandon, she was sure she had chosen the right groom. She was less certain about the other details. “I am not that girl that has dreamed about her wedding forever,” said LeMier. There was just one aspect that Nicole and Brandon already had their hearts set on: the venue. “The only thing we did know is that we really liked SpringHouse,” LeMier added. The rustic elegance of the restaurant at Russell Crossroads had made an impression on them years before.
“We had been there once before for Brandon’s birthday. We weren’t even engaged then, but we’d been together awhile. We were like, ‘this looks like a really good place to have a wedding.’” The LeMiers weren’t the first couple to think so. Since it opened in 2009, SpringHouse has quickly become a popular wedding spot for its sweeping green lawns, beautiful architecture, and of course, the food. Led by executive chef and manager Rob McDaniel, a three-time James Beard Foundation nominee, SpringHouse is known for simple Southern cooking prepared with a fine dining flair. The restaurant uses local farms to supply fresh, in-
An arrangement of boulders at Russell Crossroads provides a unique setting for a portrait of the groom, Brandon LeMier (center), and his groomsmen
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Long before the wedding, Nicole LeMier knew SpringHouse would make a beautiful place to be married
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The bride and groom offered their guests sunglasses for the outdoor ceremony
The SpringHouse hearth was perfect for the cake display
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Spring blooms and vintage lannters decorated the restaurant's interior
Guests signed the petals of an art piece that will hang in the newlyweds' home
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season ingredients. For LeMier, the food and atmosphere at SpringHouse fit perfectly with her growing vision for a beautiful wedding day. “It’s actually the only place that we went. We didn’t even look at any other venues,” she said. With the location decided, LeMier turned her attention to the other details of the wedding. But before she thought about flowers and dresses, the Haleyville native focused on how she wanted her guests to feel. “I come from a small town where people will have really small, informal ceremonies ... We really wanted people to have a good time and enjoy themselves. We wanted it to be as laid back as possible while still making it look nice.” To help her bring this relaxed yet elegant dream to life, LeMier worked with Candice Williams Henderson at M. Elizabeth Events. Henderson put the couple in touch with Hothouse Design Studio, a Birminghambased florist and rental company whose prop warehouse was literally bursting with goodies. “They’re wonderful. It looks like Pinterest blew up in their warehouse. It was a little overwhelming. But they really listened to what we wanted and brought in stuff they thought would fit,” said LeMier. The result was rustic and charming without being country. Ceremony and reception both took place under white canopy tents on the SpringHouse grounds. The guests were seated on rows of mismatched antique church pews bordered by lush bouquets of wildflowers. The LeMiers provided guests with sunglasses to combat the bright sun that shone over the ceremony. Nicole and Brandon said their I Do’s on the grass beneath an arbor of natural birch boughs woven with cascading greenery and summer blooms. At the reception, Nicole and Brandon fed their guests garden-fresh fare that included hors d’oeuvre skewers of fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella and comfort food main dishes of fried chicken and shrimp n’ grits. The food was served in an informal buffet style, so guests could mingle with their plates or relax on outdoor seating set up from HotHouse to admire the beautiful rolling view while they ate. For dessert, the cake table was set up in front of SpringHouse’s huge stone fireplace, laden with garland and fresh flowers for the occasion. As the sun set, guests moved to an outdoor dance floor lit with twinkling, vintage style strings of lights. Candles in antique glass lanterns were arranged on small tables around the area. There was also a photo booth, complete with moustaches and other props, so guests could play dress up and be rewarded with unique photo
souvenirs. LeMier’s quirky, classy style could be seen in every part of the design, from the adorable outfits of the flower girls and ring bearer (put together from several Etsy shops) to the food. But as beautiful as the decor was, for LeMier, the comfort of her guests was always at the forefront. She wanted both sides of the family to be well taken care of, not just at the wedding, but also before. “A lot of Brandon’s family is from Birmingham. Nobody from my family was from the area. Nobody was from Alexander City, so everybody was travelling a little ways.” With most of the roughly 175 guests arriving the day before the ceremony, finding the right accommodations was important. LeMier chose the Villas at Willow Point. “I had one villa for me and my girls; Brandon had one for him and his guys. We also had one for Brandon’s dad’s side of the family, one for his mom’s side of the family, and then my family had one as well. We basically rented out the whole Willow Point area,” LeMier laughed. Nicole and Brandon chose fresh, in-season fare for their guests
It was worth it to ensure that everybody was relaxed and looked back on the wedding with happy memories. For LeMier, the most memorable moment of the wedding didn’t have anything to do with food, wardrobe or venue. It came shortly before the ceremony, when she read a message from her soon-to-be husband, Brandon. “We didn’t do a first look, so the first time I saw him was coming down the aisle,” she explained. Instead, the couple wrote letters to each other. “They were only a few sentences. Reading that letter built up the excitement a little bit more.” Reading her soon-to-be husband’s words helped to get her in the right frame of mind for the ceremony. “I wasn’t nervous or anything before that,” LeMier said. As the perfect wedding day unfolded, she didn’t have anything to be nervous about.
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Party Presents Monogrammed jewelry, dressing gowns and golf accessories make thoughtful attendants’ gifts STORY BY MIA OSBORN & PHOTO BY MAGEN DAVIS
T
he custom of bridesmaids and groomsmen dates back to ancient Rome when 20 attendants escorted Roman brides and grooms to the temple on the wedding day. These early bridesmaids and groomsmen did more than just keep the couple calm before the ceremony; they were body doubles. Dressed exactly like the bride and groom, these early wedding parties escorted the couple to the ceremony to confuse any evil spirits that might try to curse them on their wedding day. Fortunately, today’s brides don’t have to pay for 11 identical wedding gowns. But the tradition of having friends close by to support the couple through the big day has remained unchanged. Throughout the years, another tradition has developed: Brides and grooms present gifts to members of the wedding party to thank them for their hard work and give them a remembrance of the event. The bride may get the ring, but shiny accessories make fashionable gifts for the women in the wedding
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party, as well. “For bridesmaids, popular gifts are jewelry, often pearl earrings and necklaces they can wear in the wedding,” said Sarah Neighbors of Cloud Nine in Alexander City. If the bride is looking for something more modern and casual than pearls, personalized metal jewelry might be the answer. “Monogrammed earrings, bracelets and other jewelry are always good choices,” said Lisa Champion of Carlisle Drug Company. Champion said that matching gifts stitched or printed with the initials of each bridesmaid have grown in popularity over the last year. Monogramming is an easy way to add interest to matching gifts, such as purses, photo frames with photographs of the attendants at the lake or coordinating robes for the bridal party to wear while they have their hair and makeup done for the ceremony. Monogramming services are available at many local boutiques, including Cloud Nine, Carlisle’s and
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Pearson’s Place in Dadeville. While brides often choose to monogram practical items that their bridesmaids can use for years to come, for a more elegant and formal souvenir, Champion recommended a monogrammed plate with a display stand, also available from Carlisle Drug Company. Monogrammed gifts are popular for groomsmen, too. Neighbors at Cloud Nine listed cufflinks and leather Dopp (shaving) bags as good choices for personalized gifts. Collectible glasses – and the liquids to fill them – are also common gifts for groomsmen. Nancy Lyles, manager of the Willow Point Golf Pro Shop, said they carry pilsner,
wine and shot glasses emblazoned with the Willow Point logo, a perfect choice for groomsmen staying at the Villas at Willow Point before the ceremony. The Golf Pro Shop also offers gift cards to take the guesswork out of choosing matching gifts for wedding parties with a range of tastes. Even though they no longer serve as bodyguards to keep away evil spirits, it’s important to thank bridesmaids and groomsmen for the support they provide. Whatever gifts brides and grooms choose, the most important thing is to make sure wedding parties feel appreciated for their help in relieving the couple of stress on their special day.
Experience the Wedding of Your Dreams! A wedding and event venue that is naturally rustic with a touch of elegance while offering a ceremony barn, reception barn, antique vehicles, covered bridges and picturesque surroundings for your special day.
Book Your Event Today, Debbie White (334) 221-2345 641 Ross Road, Camp Hill, Al 36850 www.whiteacresfarms.com
FEBRUARY 2016
WHITE ACRES
barn wedding & event venue
LAKE 49
Why did you choose to move to Lake Martin and now long have you been here? My wife and I both wanted to live somewhere on the water once I retired from my pilot career with Delta Air Lines. After multiple trips to Florida from the panhandle area to further down in the state on both coasts, we realized that wasn’t for us. So we decided to look at lakes near Atlanta, where we were living at the time. We quickly realized that the best lake by far was Lake Martin, which had the added advantage of being near Auburn where I went to school. What did you study at Auburn? What was your favorite class and why? I graduated from Auburn University, where I earned a B.S. Degree in Business Administration. My favorite classes were economics and accounting, which for some reason were easy for me. My military classes were also a favorite. At the time I attended Auburn, all male students had to take two years of physical education, as well as ROTC. I ended up taking two additional years of ROTC and received a commission in the Army upon graduating from Auburn. Twelve months of duty in a troop unit was required of all “Regular Army” commissioned officers before attending flight school. I served in the 101st Airborne Division for a year during this time and really enjoyed jumping out of airplanes. After leaving the 101st I attended flight school and then served the remainder of my seven years on active duty flying. How did you get involved with Church of the Living Waters? My wife and I began attending summer services at COLW during the summer of 1992, before I retired from Delta. We purchased a small condo on the water that year in StillWaters. We moved from Atlanta in 1994 even though I was still working at the time. Commuting to the Atlanta airport was just a two-hour drive, and I usually flew a three-day trip so I only had to make the trip once a week. We began serving on the Board of Trustees during this time. In 1996, we sold the condo and moved into a new home on the water in StillWaters that we built on a lot we owned. I continued to commute until September 1998 when I retired after a 28-year career with Delta. How long have you been married and how did you meet your wife? I have been married to my lovely wife Peggy for 57 wonderful years this past August. Oddly enough, I met my wife on a blind date. What makes COLW different from a typical church experience? It’s so many things that it is impossible to list all the reasons. We have a sunrise service on Easter at 50 LAKE
6:30 a.m. then regular summer services at 9 a.m. from Memorial Day weekend though Labor Day weekend. Our dress is casual and in the summer most everyone wears shorts. We have a different pastor each week, which adds variety to the lovely outdoor experience right on Lake Martin. We also are blessed to have a different special music person each Sunday. Many folks come by boat and tie up at our dock right in front of the church. They can also come by golf cart, bike and car, of course. God continues to bless COLW richly in so many ways, and this past season we had our largest attendance ever – for the year 2015 we had more than 3,500 attending. This exceeded all previous years attendance by a large margin. How do you like to spend your off time? By taking long walks with my golden retriever, attending all sorts of Auburn sporting events and keeping our granddaughter for a few days each month. If you had a superpower, what would it be? It might be cool to be able to fly without the aid of an aircraft. Name one thing that most people don’t know about you. During an off year when I had dropped out of Auburn before going back to finish, I worked for a CPA and thought that might be my life’s work. But when I got back in Auburn and took my additional two years of ROTC I had the opportunity through ROTC to take the Flight School program that Auburn offered. Flying got in my blood, and I realized that was what I really wanted to do for a living. What charity/community service in the Lake Martin area is close to your heart and why? That is an easy one. It is Adullam House in Wetumpka. They are a save (and safe) haven for children of incarcerated parents. Without intervention, many kids of incarcerated parents face the very real risk of repeating the terrible cycle and ending up as inmates themselves. Adullam House raises them up in the Gospel of Christ and the love of their Creator. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given and who was it from? Don’t be in a hurry for your kids to grow up (wish they could walk, talk, etc.) and to take all of their ages, as well as all of life in general, as it happens. In other words, don’t live in the future. We only have the now. Yesterday is gone forever, and we may never have another tomorrow. A captain I flew with when I was a young co-pilot gave this advice to me.
FEBRUARY 2016
Lake Q&A:
Buck Stevens
FEBRUARY 2016
LAKE 51
New Law of the Lake In addition to more water, the new license includes other enhancements to lake life
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P ace Point Ramp – 8.7-acre site with boat he year 2046 is a very important year. ramp, courtesy dock and parking That is the year that Alabama Power P aces Trail – 24.1-acre site with fishing Company will once again begin the pier and campground process of relicensing Martin Dam. The S mith Landing – 4.2-acre site with boat 30-year license the Federal Energy Regulatory ramp, courtesy dock and parking. Commission issued at the end of last year replaces the 35-year license that was issued Under the proposed plan, Alabama Power in 1978 and expired in 2013. Lake Martin would reserve for future development as Resource Association (LMRA) was involved project recreation the 36.4-acre Ponder Camp in this recent re-licensing process, which LMRA (Stillwaters area boat ramp). If developed, started in 2008. Representatives from LMRA BY JOHN THOMPSON Ponder Camp would provide public access attended every open meeting and spoke up at for day use and include a paved access road, a boat ramp, every opportunity to represent the Lake Martin commuparking and courtesy pier. nity. Raising the winter pool level and extending summer Alabama Power proposes to develop, operate and mainlevels into October were the primary goals, and we are tain the site in the future when needed. Two of the seven very happy with the final outcome. This was truly a team sites described above – Madwind Creek ramp and Smith effort that united the Lake Martin community. Landing – are not within the current project boundary, We are very excited about the water level changes, but as project recreation facilities, they would need to be which started January 20, as well as many of the other brought into the project boundary. very significant features of the new license. All of these In addition, the proposed recreation plan provides for combined represent huge benefits to all who love Lake Martin and want to ensure its protection for the enjoyment the following: I mprovements to an existing boat ramp, construction of future generations. of two bank-fishing sites, and construction of a parking The FERC license is not an easy read, but it is very area at Jaybird Landing; specific about requirements. Just a few that caught my E xpansion of the parking areas at Madwind Creek ramp attention and, when completed, will continue to enhance and Smith Landing, as needed based on a review of the Lake Martin experience for everyone include the folproject recreation use and needs lowing: C onsultation with the Alabama Department of E nhance wildlife habitat, including protection of endanConservation (ADEM) on additional bank/pier fishing gered species, such as the Red Cockaded Woodpecker, areas within the Martin Dam Project boundary and using best management practices to insure the con Annual review of project recreation signs tinued growth of the Bald Eagle population Annual consultation with ADEM to assess recreation Develop additional public hunting opportunities access needs at Lake Martin P rotect against spread of non-native invasive aquatic The filing of an annual recreation plan addendum to species describe consultation and any changes to project recre Take steps to protect shoreline from further erosion ation that occurred in the preceding year. Water quality testing An additional 600 acres of natural undeveloped land LMRA is very pleased with this license because it will be made available for public use. provides protection to Lake Martin while expanding the enjoyment opportunities to the public. It is now up to the According to the new license, Alabama Power is required to operate and maintain the following sites as rec- entire Lake Martin community to work together in supporting Alabama Power Company in the implementation reational lands for public access/day use: phase over the coming months/years. Bakers Bottom Landing – 1.9-acre site with boat ramp and parking John Thompson is president of Lake Martin Resource Jaybird Landing − 19.9-acre site with boat ramp Association, a nonprofit organization working for the bet Madwind Creek Ramp – 5.8-acre site with boat ramp, terment of Lake Martin. Find out more at www.lmra.info. courtesy dock and parking 52 LAKE
FEBRUARY 2016
LAKE MARTIN BUILDING SUPPLY
2695 Dadeville Road
256.234.5500
Alexander City, AL
FEBRUARY 2016
LAKE 53
FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS
136 Oaks Point in River Oaks • $959,000 Incredible custom lake home on large point lot with 424 FT WF near Hwy 280. 4 BR, 4 BA with four car garage. Solid oak flooring and cabinets, oak panel library, home theater. Call to see today! First Realty Call Bill Whatley 256-234-5163 • 1-800-471-LAKE www.LakeMartinHomes.net
FABULOUS FINDS
Wind Hollow • $889,000 Fully furnished and designed w/unique cottage decor. Abundance of room for family and guests, one-level living with two full suites upstairs! 5BD/4BA, almost 300 ft. of waterfront and an awesome, flat lot w/ its own sandy beach. Large, open den/dining w/vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace, Large kitchen w/granite countertops, SS appliances, double oven, heart pine floors, beautiful built-in cabinetry and crown molding. Huge master BD opens to covered porch on lakeside, which is length of house. New 8000 lb. remote controlled boat lift and two PWC floating docks. RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Amanda Scroggins 256-749-6634 www.amandascroggins.com
63 Wind Trace, Alexander City • $449,000 YOUR MONEY COULDN’T BUY MORE...in this 5Br/3.5Ba home located in the upscale neighborhood of Windermere West! Open Fam Rm w/18ft ceilings,FP, hardwood floors, lots of windows open to deck. Eat-in kit w/huge pantry, formal DR w/tray ceiling & crown molding. Master BR on main w/fp & lg bath w/ separate tub & shower. 3BR, 1BA upstairs, 2BR&/or study, 1BA & 2nd family rm downstairs. RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com
The Ridge Phase 2, Ella Belle WOW, what a view from this just completed beautiful lake home by Legacy New Homes! With a nice open floor plan, this home has 2 master Suites on the main level with a second family room And 2 guest suites on the lower level. Wonderful Outdoor space with a great big water view. Call Today to find out more about this house. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
South Ridge Harbor, The Spinnaker Breaking ground soon! Classic Homes will introduce a new house plan to South Ridge Harbor designed by Larry Furlong. The “Spinnaker” has 4 bedrooms and 5 full and one half bathrooms. Owner’s retreat and guest suite on main level. Lake Level has second living area with wonderful outdoor living and long water views. Call today for more details. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
The Ridge • $1,125,000 Great home for entertaining. Large kitchen with adjoining gathering room. A fully equipped media room for your enjoyment. Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
The Preserve • $949,000 Lot 14 Cedar Point Awesome home in gated community Proposed New Construction. The Mayfly plan designed by CMH Architects of Birmingham. situated in a quiet and peaceful cove. Deep water and incredible dock system. ProfesDesigned for easy living and entertaining with its spacious great room and open kitchen sional landscaping and lighting surrounding and dining area. Awesome views. the property. Lake Martin Realty Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com www.LakeMartinRealty.com
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150 Sixth Avenue, Eclectic • $599,000 Excellent opportunity to own a lake home in the Old Harmony slough on the Montgomery side of the lake. Built in 2014, this home offers a spacious living / kitchen / dining area which opens to a lakeside screened porch and deck. The Master bedroom is on the main level with 3 more bedrooms upstairs. The terrace level is the perfect place to enjoy a football game, card game, movie & easy access to the lake! Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
FEBRUARY 2016
87 Sunset Drive, Dadeville • $925,000 Architecturally designed by ''Mitch Ginn''! Large great room open to upscale kitchen with vaulted wood ceilings, granite, stainless appliances and rock backsplash. Master on the main floor with beautiful bath and big walk-in closet. The terrace level offers summer kitchen, 2nd family room, 4 BR, 2 BA. Outside enjoy beautiful BIG sunset views, covered deck and patio, great swimming area, awesome boat house with two slips and lifts, sea doo port and storage. Call today! Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye Gaston 256.749.8681 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
Lot 22 Cedar Point Beautiful new cottage living with awesome views of Kowaliga Bay. Others available. Just call me for info. Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
Big Year at Lake Martin
And more to come in 2016
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ake Martin had another outstanding year for waterfront real estate sales in 2015. Those readers who closely watch the numbers knew to expect great results this past year for home sales. In 2015, a record number of waterfront homes were sold, according to statistics from the Lake Martin Area Association LAKE PROPERTY of Realtors’ Multiple Listing BY JOHN COLEY Service (MLS). In 2015, 354 waterfront homes, condos and town homes were sold on Lake Martin. This represents an astounding 25 percent increase over the prior year of 2014. And, it wasn’t like 2014 was a down year. No. It was no slouch itself. This time last year, we were celebrating the fact that 2014 had beaten 2005 and was the new king of home sales. So for 2015 to wallop 2014 by 25 percent was quite a victory. There was really no one month or quarter that stood out as the haymaker. The year started off fast and just kept getting better. Lake home prices also rose in 2015. Take a look at the chart that shows the percentage of home sales in the various price segments. One can notice a distinct bulge ahead in 2015, especially in the $400,000 range and the $500,000 level. The line for 2015 seems to be rolling ahead like a wave coming in from the sea, suggesting the upward price pressure that many of us full-time agents have been witnessing every day. Another curious trend in prices is the surge of sales over $1 million. Note that in 2015, about 9.7 percent of sales were higher than $1 million. Compare that to the 5.3 percent and 6.3 percent in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Don’t be tempted to think, “An increase of 3 percent over the prior year. What’s the big deal?” Please realize that it actually means there were 54 percent more sales in this category than in the prior year. That is a huge jump. Waterfront lot sales were also a high point in 2015. Looking across the entire lake, area agents sold 82 Lake Martin lots. This total was about 11 percent better than the prior year of 2014; however, 2015 cannot claim the title of “Best Year for Lot Sales.” That still belongs to the 96 lots sold through the Lake Martin MLS in 2005. While I had hoped for a Triple Crown year (highest number of homes sold; increase in prices; and highest number of lots sold), I guess I can settle for two out of three! Honestly, the huge margin of victory that home sales had over 2014 still amazes me. I think it points to another big year in 2016 and a continuation of a seller’s market here at Lake Martin.
John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin Voice Realty. He is also the author of the blog Lake Martin Voice at LakeMartinVoice.com.
FEBRUARY 2016
LAKE 55
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56 LAKE
FEBRUARY 2016
Added sugar means added risk New guidelines recommend limiting added sugar to less than 10 percent
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your sodium intake to between 1,500 milligrams ebruary is national heart month. Heart and 2,400 milligrams per day. disease is the leading cause of death Drink alcohol in moderation. Limit yourself in Americans with more than 2,200 to one glass per day if you are a woman and two Americans dying of heart disease every day. glasses if you are a male. And do not smoke. Heart disease or cardiovascular disease encomI recently read some very alarming informapasses the heart and blood vessels. It includes sevtion that correlates sugar with heart disease. The eral problems that can relate to a condition called statistics demonstrate that people who consume atherosclerosis, which emerges from plaque build10 to 25 percent of their calories from sugar are up on the walls of the arteries. As this condition 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease worsens, blood vessels become narrow, making it than those who consume less than 10 percent. The difficult for blood to flow through them. average American consumes about 22 teaspoons This condition could lead to a blood clot, which HEALTHY LIVING of added sugar every day. That’s more than 88 will stop the flow of blood and result in a heart BY JULIE HUDSON grams of sugar or 352 calories. Half of this added attack or stroke. A heart attack occurs when the sugar comes from beverages, such as sports blood flow to the heart is blocked. A stroke occurs drinks, fruit drinks, tea, sodas and energy drinks. The 2015 if a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked. Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting added sugars to 10 perThe good news is that most of the risk factors for heart cent of our total calories. disease can be controlled and treated. Risk factors that we can For a 2,000-calorie diet, 10 percent would be 200 calories control are hypertension (high blood pressure), use of tobacco, a day, about 12 teaspoons or 50 grams of sugar. The Heart diabetes or high blood glucose, physical inactivity, unhealthy Association has been recommending that women consume only diet, uncontrolled cholesterol or lipids and obesity. Risk factors 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day and 9 teaspoons a day for that are out of our control are age, gender and family history. men since 2009. Following a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best way to fight The word “added” sugar refers to any calorie sweetener that this disease. is added to food in processing, cooking or at the table. It does Start with knowing how many calories you can consume not matter if the added sugar is natural or manufactured. All each day to maintain your ideal body weight. Regular physical added sugars could cause problems. activity could help you reach your goals. Aim for at least 150 It is okay to eat foods, fruits and vegetables that naturally minutes of moderate activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorcontain sugar. Research shows that high added sugar consumpous activity to help you burn the calories to reach your goal of tion results in higher triglycerides, cholesterol, blood pressure weight maintenance, weight loss or cardiovascular fitness. and inflammation, all of which are factors in development of If you have high blood pressure, the American Heart atherosclerosis. Association recommends 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous It might seem that it would be easy to reduce sugar conexercise three to four times per week. sumption; however, this could become a challenge in our Healthy eating habits include eating a variety of fruit and society of packaged foods. Sugar is added to packaged food to vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, skinless fish and poulmake it taste better and lengthen shelf life. One 12-ounce can try, nuts and legumes and non-tropical vegetable oils. of soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar. Cinnamon rolls contain Recommendations include limiting saturated fat, trans-fat, sodium, red meat and sweets and added sugar. As you are mak- 14 teaspoons; 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce hold 2-1/2 teaspoons of sugar. ing choices, eat fresh, frozen or canned fruit and vegetables It is exciting to hear that the Food and Drug Administration without added sauces, salt or sugar. Incorporate fruit and veghas proposed adding a “sugar” category to nutrition labels. This etables where you would eat high calorie foods. could take a lot of the guesswork out of trying figure out what Choose high fiber whole grains for most grain servings. is natural sugar and what is added sugar in our foods. Prepare poultry and fish without skin, added fat or salt, The statistics are alarming. For many years, it has been and choose the leanest cuts of red meat. Eat a variety of fish at preached to decrease sodium and saturated fat and increase least twice a week. Select fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Avoid convenience foods that contain partially hydrogenated the amount we exercise. Now, we are reminded to also watch vegetable oil to reduce trans-fat in your diet. Limit saturated fat added sugars. The bottom line is to stay proactive, move away from processed foods and focus on whole foods, emphasizing and trans-fat and replace them with monounsaturated or polyfruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, as recommendunsaturated fats. If cholesterol is a concern, reduce your saturated fat intake ed by the dietary guidelines and American Heart Association. to 6 percent of your diet (Example: 2,000-calorie diet equals 13 This, in turn, will cut down on added sugar and salt while grams saturated fat). Reduce intake of beverages and foods with increasing your overall nutrient intake. added sugar. The latest research indicates added sugar puts us at Julie Hudson is a dietician at the Lake Martin Wellness high risk for heart disease. Choose and prepare food with little or no sodium. Reduce Center in Dadeville. FEBRUARY 2016
LAKE 57
Duck Confit
with roasted beets and satsumas Ingredients
Duck confit 6 duck legs (leg and thigh) 1 cup Kosher salt 1/2 cup coarse cracked pepper 5 bay leaves 2 quarts duck fat
CHEF’S TABLE
BY ROB MCDANIEL
Rob McDaniel, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and is a graduate of the New England culinary Institute.
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Directions Mix salt, pepper and bay leaves together. Lay duck legs flat in a baking dish and coat with salt mixture, seems like a lot but you are going to wash it off after two hours. Once you have rinsed the legs dry them with paper towels; then, place in a deep Dutch oven with lid. Cover with warm duck fat or if you don’t have duck fat or don’t have enough, you can supplement with peanut oil. Place lid on as tightly as possible; then,
FEBRUARY 2016
cook in a 300-degree oven for three hours. Remove from oven and allow to cool on kitchen counter. Once cool, you can cook right away or place in refrigerator until ready to use. Don’t remove from fat until ready to use; this method has been used to preserve food for centuries, and you can reuse the fat for cooking or making more confit. When ready to enjoy a piece of duck, remove from fat and sear in a cast iron pan over medium high heat until golden brown; then, finish heating in a 350-degree oven for 5 minutes. The confit can be enjoyed alone, on a salad or, as in this case, with roasted beets and satsumas.
FEBRUARY 2016
LAKE 59
Fishing by Hypothesis
Professional bass fisherman Greg Vinson bases his educated guesses about where to find fish on water temperature more often than not 60 LAKE
FEBRUARY 2016
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er later in the day. ypothesis. It’s a word rarely used except Another variable that affects water temperature in the scientific world. I only remember it is the color of the water. Stained water will oftenfrom a few classes I had in college. I never times warm more quickly. On a highland lake like use it – except now – because to me, there is no Lake Martin, the effect is doubled because the better word that describes the decision-making stained water is usually going to be in the backs process of an angler. of creeks or up the river. These areas seem very “Hypothesis” has a fairly complicated definiquick to change. Stained water can be great on a tion. You might want to Google it for kicks. But, warming trend but is much less dependable if the the best definition and the one I remember the best weather turns cold. Cold, muddy water is by far is that it means an “educated guess.” Each and the worst-case scenario so avoid that situation if at every moment on the water, I – and anyone else all possible. that fishes – is making an educated guess about BIG CATCHES Personally, I look for areas that offer the most where the fish are and how we should try to catch BY GREG VINSON stability. I want areas that will warm up quickly them. with some stable weather. But, they should offer a There is no math formula to enter in fishing refuge to deeper water if things turn cold again. where the perfect answer is spit out for you. Some of the physical features around a lake can clue you in This is what makes fishing unique. A day on the water is just on what might be warmer. First and foremost, the sun is your like a fingerprint or a snowflake. No two are the same. There friend at this time of year. Look for areas that will get good will often be variables that are similar to what we have seen in the past, but there will certainly be variables that are new or dif- exposure to sunlight. Since the sun rises in the east, the areas that face east will get the most sun during the day. They are ferent on every given trip. also “protected” from a Northwest wind that’s associated with The experiences we have had in the past or the knowledge our cold fronts in the Southeast region of the country. In fishwe have gained from others are the “educated” part. The final ing, a one-degree difference in water temperature can make a decision we make on how to fish, though, is the “educated guess.” It’s our hypothesis. The validation comes when we get a big difference. A 3- to 5-degree difference in temperature is very significant, especially if you find it in a smaller area. bite or catch one. Another key to look for is bottom composition. A darker To me, fishing is both science and art. The art in fishing is bottom, like clay or dark rock, will hold more heat from the more intangible. It’s more unique to each angler and the indisun than sand or gravel. When the wind blows, it creates mud vidual’s instincts and fishing styles. The science portion is much easier to grasp because it’s more lines along the clay banks, as well. These mud lines will absorb tangible. Fish have to have things like food, suitable water con- more heat that the clearer water adjacent to them, making them a great choice for the fish in a clear-water scenario. ditions and habitat to thrive. Oftentimes, the preferences will Finally, when you find an area that’s warmer than the survary between species of fish. One of the most critical variables to locating and catching fish is water temperature. A fish’s body rounding areas, carry your search for warmer temperatures even further by looking for targets that retain heat. Some of the best temperature is dictated by the temperature of the water it is in. underwater heaters I’ve seen are stumps and rocks. Darker ones Fortunately, science helps us know that largemouth bass prefer warmer water during the colder periods and cooler water in the are good, and the larger the better. Laydowns are great because they offer a place for the fish to move up shallow during warm warmer periods. Strictly in my opinion, 70 degrees is a good conditions and move out when it’s colder. I imagine some of baseline water temperature. It just also happens to be the temperature when I see the heaviest spawning activity in the spring. the heat collected by the shallow part of the base of the tree is transmitted down the old trunk to the deeper part, making it a Here’s the point: Early in the year, until the spawn is comperfect hangout. plete, seek out the areas that are the warmest for the longest Docks are great retainers of heat, too. Docks with wooden periods of time. We are fortunate to have surface temperature gauges on our electronics, so we know what the water tempera- posts are good for the same reasons as stumps. Docks with dark floats will hold heat, as well. The fish will often suspend right ture is at any given moment – on the surface. What we oftenunderneath these types of docks adjacent to the floats, trying to times don’t know is the temperature of the deeper water. maximize their warmth and be hidden from potential prey. Think of it this way, shallow water is going to more closely This year, Lake Martin is hosting one of the biggest college reflect the recent weather patterns. If the weather is really warm one day, the shallow water will warm up more quickly than the fishing tournaments to date. These anglers are getting an education both on the water and off. Competitive fishing is a lot like deeper stuff. If the weather is very cold one night or for a few the game of life that these anglers will face in the coming years. nights, the temperature in the shallow water will drop much The best-educated ones (from a fishing perspective) will be able more quickly. to make the best guesses at how to attack this complicated fishMuch of your decision making comes from picturing what the fish are experiencing in their environment. Early in the year, ery. Ultimate validation of their “hypotheses” will come in the it’s about finding warmer water. As a general rule, if the weath- form of trophies, scholarships for their schools and opportunities to compete against the best professionals for the holy grail er is stable and warming, I put a lot of stock in what my water temperature gauge is telling me. I’m almost exclusively looking of bass fishing. for the warmest water I can find. Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the But, if it’s a cold front, I have to visualize where the fish Bassmaster Elite Series and PAA tours. He lives in Wetumpka were positioned before the front and how far they might move and grew up fishing on Lake Martin. to get comfortable. Or, I have to conclude whether or not the fish didn’t move because the temperature of the area will recovFEBRUARY 2016
LAKE 61
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Rotation
Pro Tips From Lee Williams
Prepre now for spring golf STORY BY BETSY ILER
Rotation is the name of the game. This is what gives you power and squares the club face at impact. As we age, it will get tougher to rotate our upper body; however, we should still have enough flexibility in our hips to keep our game up. The easiest way to achieve this is by trying to straighten your left leg (right handed golfers; right leg for lefty) at impact. This sounds relatively easy to do and for some it is. I have struggled with this my whole life. I constantly work toward a straight left leg at impact. By doing this I get more stability giving me more rotation, leading to more sufficiency in my swing. A great drill to do this is put something against your left leg at address, and as you swing, make sure your left leg doesn’t do anything more than bump it at impact. Be careful to not lean your upper body back at impact while doing this drill. The key is to make sure you have a straight left leg while keeping your upper body from tilting away from the target at impact. I always recommend making changes in slow motion. Your main concern should be positive reps. The only way to make positive reps while beginning to work on something new is to do it slowly. Keep your speed level at 30-40 percent and don’t go above a 7 iron. If you can improve your leg position at impact you will improve your consistency, and that is the name of the game!
Overall conditioning is helpful for any sport, but staying in shape for golf during a cold winter on the couch watching football holds challenges of its own. To avoid setbacks, Fitness Coordinator at Total Fitness at Russell Medical Center Cara Tidwell recommended three basic winter goals for golfers: Maintaining or improving cardio endurance; improving core strength; and improving flexibility. “The idea is to become a better golfer over the winter,” Tidwell said. “To do that, you need to look at your body mechanics and your swing. “Cardio endurance is important, because in the spring, you want to be able to walk 18 holes. You also want to look at grip strength, flexibility of the wrists, hamstrings, core strength and balance. Really, we’re talking about personal training for golfers.” Tight hamstrings can cause low back pain, Tidwell said, so building core strength over the winter is a must for golfers. Crunches and bridges could help to accomplish this goal. “Add saws to that routine to improve flexibility and rotation,” she suggested. “Trunk rotation in the water is extremely helpful, so we recommend working on your golf swing with the club in the pool. The buoyancy of the water slows down the swing and reduces pain,” she said. When the weather warms up, it’s also important to warm up the body before teeing up, Tidwell said. “You can go through your warm up routine at home before going to the course; and then, after your game, do the strengthening and flexibility exercises. And stay hydrated to avoid muscle cramps.”
Good Luck!
Build core strength and flexibility for spring golf
Lee Williams, a professional golfer on the PGA Tour, grew up playing golf at Willow Point Country Club. As an amateur, Williams was a member of the 2003 and 2005 Walker Cup teams, as well as the 2004 World Amateur Team. He is sponsored by Russell Lands, King Honda, Nowlin and Associates, P.F. Chang’s, Tempus Jet, Hyatt, Adams Golf, Russell Athletic, Titleist, Ameritas Financial Corp. and Southwest Airlines. FEBRUARY 2016
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Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing....................................................... 15
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