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Proudly Welcomes UAB MEDICINE BREAST SURGEONS TO THE RUSSELL MEDICAL STAFF
Helen Krontiras, M.D.
Surgical Oncology • Board Certified: American Board of Surgery • Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine • Internship & Residency: UAB Hospital • Fellowship: UAB, Birmingham; Northwestern University Medical School
Rachael Lancaster, M.D.
Surgical Oncology • Board Certified: American Board of Surgery • Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine • Residency: University of Alabama School of Medicine • Fellowship: University of California
Catherine Parker, M.D. Surgical Oncology • Board Certified: American Board of Surgery • Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport • Residency: Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans • Fellowship: The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
UAB Surgery Clinic at Russell Medical - Suite 207, 3368 Hwy 280 Alexander City, AL • 256-215-7479 www.russellcares.com
THE HEIGHT OF COMFORT MEETS THE HEIGHT OF PERFORMANCE.
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©2016 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ™, ®, and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP. †GTX is a registered trademark of Castrol Limited used under license. BRP reserves the right to discontinue or modify product models, features or price at anytime. *300-hp engine: Only available on GTX Limited 300. Performance number achieved under optimal testing conditions.**Ergolock seat: Only available on GTX models. Not all riding conditions are appropriate for inexperienced or beginner riders. Always ride safely and responsibly.
River North Marina 256.397.1500
Kowaliga Marina 334.857.2111
The Ridge Marina 2 5 6 . 3 9JULY 7 . 1 3 02017 0
Real Island Marina 334.857.2741
RussellMarine.net LAKE 3
Letter from the Editor Though it goes without saying, I just have to say it: Lake Martin is an amazing place. From summer concerts and fireworks to beautiful houses and crazy-fun skiing, wakesports and golf tournaments, a summer at Lake Martin is nothing less than spectacular. Music plays at Lake Martin all summer long, starting with Friday on the Green to long past the Labor Day concert at The AMP. Jazz Fest this year drew a record crowd, and more of the same is expected for the Fourth of July concert and fireworks at The AMP this weekend with the Sweet Tea Trio. Sun Festival will bring Moon Taxi to town July 22, and those weekly Friday on the Green events are a great way to unwind at the lake. Check out the stories on pages 36 and 6 for the Jazz Fest 2017 wrap-up and a preview of Fourth of July festivities; and turn to the calendar, starting on page 18, for details about Moon Taxi and other events in the area this month. We also feature one of the lake’s most jaw-dropping gorgeous homes in this issue of Lake magazine. This 6,000-plus square foot Parker Creek lake house enjoys front and back views, customized gaming areas, quiet corners, deckside swimming, elegant baths and a private pub. Take a tour on page 52. On page 64, we caught up with world champion slalom skier Nate Smith at a clinic in May. We also joined the spectators at Willow Point for the Southeast Golf Association Junior Championship last month for the article on page 44. While you are on the lake riding, skiing and sitting back with a cool refreshment to appreciate the South’s Best Fireworks Show at The AMP or the wide open views of Alabama’s only Treasured Lake, take a few photos for the Lake magazine picture pages (starting on page 10 in this issue). And when you venture away from the lake, take Lake magazine along, so you can send photos of the places you go and things you see for our ‘Where Is Lake?’ page (15 in this issue). Send your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. There’s just no place more fun than Lake Martin in the summertime!
Betsy Iler, Managing Editor
On the Cover Cover: The Russell Marine July 4 Boat Parade is a not-to-be-missed staple of the holiday weekend on Lake Martin. Donned with patriotic decorations and passengers, boats traverse the route from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor and back, to the delight of spectators on the water and on the banks, to win an assortment of coveted titles. Photo by Kenneth Boone
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Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Publisher STEVE BAKER
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Managing Editor BETSY ILER
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Assistant Magazine Editor AMY PASSARETTI
amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com
Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER
tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com
EMILY GREGG
emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com
TABBY EDWARDS
tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com
SCOTT HARDY
scott.hardy@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 ERIC REUTEBUCH JULIE HUDSON CLIFF WILLIAMS LEE WILLIAMS
MITCH SNEED GREG VINSON ROB MCDANIEL SAWYER DAVIS LIZI ARBOGAST HAROLD BANKS DONALD CAMPBELL
All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of:
256-234-4281 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011
6400 Highway 63 South, Alexander City, AL 35010 docksunlimitedllc.com (256) 203-8400 Check out our Facebook Page: Docks Unlimited
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Contents 32. PAINTING KOWALIGA BRIDGE Work crews are expected to spend a year on this routine maintenance project at Lake Martin 36. JAZZ FEST 2017 Record crowds turned out at Strand Park for the 27th annual concert series 44. SCENIC DRIVES Youth golfers from around the world compete for the junior championship at Lake Martin's Willow Point 52. SPACIOUS SANCTUARY A Parker Creek home designed for fun, relaxation and time with the family 64. ROUNDING THE BUOYS Number one slalom skier in the world coaches locals at clinic on the lake 68. FOURTH OF JULY ON THE LAKE The South's Best Fireworks Show is right here on our own Lake Martin
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70. ON TOP OF OLD STRONG ROCK Harold Banks shares the history of Lake Martin's very special Smith Mountain
LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:
e
- edition
9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE
76. LAKE PROPERTY
TO THE LAKE
79. BEHIND THE BOAT
10. LAKE SCENES
80. LAKE WATCH
15. WHERE IS LAKE?
82. HEALTHY LIVING
18. LAKE MARTIN EVENTS
84. BIG CATCHES
22. LAKE MARTIN NEWS
86. CHEF'S TABLE
24. GEO 101
88. FROM THE CELLAR
28. NATURE OF THE LAKE
91. PRO TIP
75. FAB FINDS
& 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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Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month
Number of sales
Average selling price
Median selling price
Days on the market
Total houses for sale
Inventory/ sales ratio
36 27 23
$575,848 $348,731 $453,758
$436,000 $340,000 $375,000
247 231 226
305 372 451
10.46 15.83 27.06
May 2017 May 2014 May 2011
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.)
Treasured Mile: Shoreline areas still available
The response to the Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA)/ Alabama Power Company’s Adopt An Island/Shoreline program has been phenomenal, said LMRA President John Thompson. Last month, Tallapoosa County 4H and Off the Beaten Path (a local kayak rental company) had the distinction of adopting the last islands available through the program. These are located in the uppermost reaches of Lake Martin. “That’s incredible progress for a program that launched only nine months ago,” Thompson said. Still available for adoption are 31 of the 78 shoreline segments designated in the program to keep Lake Martin clean and litter-free year round. To adopt a shoreline segment, visit lmra.info and click on the Projects tab.
Did You Know?
When Alabama Birding Trails released the list of Eight Places You Shouldn’t Miss in East Alabama last month, the Lake Martin area nabbed three of the top spots. The best places for recreation and bird watching around the lake include the following: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) took the number two spot, and editors cited good hiking with lots of views of Lake Martin and outstanding opportunities to watch soaring eagles. CRATA's footpath-only trails on the banks Wind Creek State Park was of Lake Martin are ideal for eagle watching number three on the list due to the easy access to public lands on the lake with lots of camping and water activities and the great location for seeing a variety of birds. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park just north of Lake Martin on the Tallapoosa River was number four. This park, which commemorates the battle in 1814 between Colonel Andrew Jackson and the Creek Indian nation, offers varied habitats for the observation of waterfowl, raptors and songbirds. Also on the list, Elmore County’s Fort Toulouse-Jackson Historic Park, at the fork of the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers, is another great venue for bird life observation.
Weather Outlook for July at Lake Martin July 2017 Forecast
Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the low 90s with average lows in the high 60s and 5 inches of precipitation in the month of July. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be above normal and rainfall will be normal this month.
Year to Date
Precipitation: 35.09 inches Avg. high temp.: 70.0 Avg. low temp.: 45.1 Average temp.: 57.5
Our Normal July Precipitation: 5.31 inches Avg. high temp.: 90.7 Information from Avg. low temp.: 69.5 the National Average temp.: 80.1 Weather Service. JULY 2017
Lake Levels During the Last month Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.69 Lowest: 490.49 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.
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Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
PEOPLE AND PLACES
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Reader Submissions (1) Dawn Thornton took a picture of this scenic full moon from Chuck's Marina the night before Lil' Calypso. (2) A butterfly rests on pink azaleas in the Gainers' yard. (3) Jaxon Boles holding his first fish and largest catch at North Lake Condos on Lake Martin. (4) Monique Hairston took this photo of 8-year-old Ben finding peace at Lake Martin. (5) Joni Mask took this photo of this Lake Martin baby taking a cruise on the water.
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LAKE SCENE
Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
PEOPLE AND PLACES
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Reader Submissions (1) Davis Fuller takes a leap off the dock as he catches a ball. (2) Caroline and Charlie Gaines, Charlie and Camryn Wright, Carson Schofill, Bowen Gaines, Saige Schofill and Payne, Parker and Paydee Pruitt visit with goats Trisket and Sweetheart at Lake Martin. (3) Cousins Bennett Robertson and Johnny Seale playing at sunset in Trillium. (4) Jeff Burns took this photo of his grill getting fired up to cook a Boston butt Memorial Day weekend. (5) Cynthia Culver Smith captures a beautiful sunset on Lake Martin during a warm May evening.
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Lake Martin’s Marine Construction Company 6732 Highway 63 South, Alexander Cit y, AL 35010 | (256) 392-5200 | www. sunrisedock sllc.com
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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LAKE? Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
PEOPLE AND PLACES
1
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Reader Submissions (1) Brandon and Melanie Foshee, Wendy and Mark Tate and Abby and Clayton Guy took Lake magazine on their trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. (2) Linda and Megan DuBose and Albert Bulls III took Lake magazine on their trip to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge. (3) Jeanna Brannon and Bob Nelson took Lake magazine with them to Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China. (4) Mona and Mattie Howard took Lake magazine with them on their trip to Cozumel, Mexico, in May. (5) Gary and Angela Hunt took Lake magazine to Washington D.C. for President Donald Trump's inauguration.
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Everybody thinks about IT, but not everyone plans for IT. Choose someone you can depend on. • Burial & Cremation Services • Prearrangement Planning • Caskets, Urns, Vaults & Monuments
Choose Radney Funeral Home PO Box 99 1326 Dadeville Road Alexander City, Alabama 35011 256-234-2511 www.radneyfuneralhome.com 16 LAKE
Langley Funeral Home
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PO Box 130 21837 U.S. Highway 280 Dadeville, AL 36853 256-896-2571 www.langleyfuneralhome.com
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June 26-July 9 Country Living Home Tour
July 4 Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade
Russell Lands’ Longleaf cabin, the 2017 Country Living Decorate your boat and join the patriotic crowd at Kowaliga magazine Lake House of the Year, will be open for tours from Marina as boats of all sizes, shapes and decoration will parade 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tour tickets are $15, and proceeds benfrom Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor, circling just efit Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, a camp for seriously past the lighthouse before making the return trip to Kowaliga ill children and their families. The 2,897-square foot home, Marina. Spectators line the shoreline along the parade route to designed by Nashville architect applaud their favorite boats and Jonathan Torode and located at contestants. Registered boats will CALENDAR OF EVENTS 321 Paddock Point at The Ridge, vie for top honors in the Largest is the first home to be awarded Flag, Tallest Flag, Most Patriotic WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN the Country Living and Most Creative distinction. contests. For inforMoon Taxi will headline the mation or registraSun Festival concert tion, call 334-857July 1 on July 22 2111.
Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina
July 4 Fourth of July Blast
Alabama Avenue will kick off the holiday weekend at 8 p.m. with song and dance under the stars at Chuck’s Marina on Lake Martin’s Blue Creek. Bring the family by boat or car!
July 1 Arti Gras
The Fourth of July weekend at Lake Martin includes an art market showcasing local and regional artisans at Russell Crossroads. Everything from handmade pottery, reclaimed wood decor, watercolor and oil paintings, candles, photography, handmade jewelry to soaps, jams, jellies and more will be on display and for sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
July 1 Annual Hackneyville Fireworks Bash
Hosted by the Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department to raise money, a fireworks display will be held at the Hackneyville baseball field. There will be live music, food and beverages and a raffle. This event is quickly becoming one of the go-to July 4th events.
July 2 Sunday Night Supper
Call 256-215-7080 to reserve space at a table for this special one-seating dinner service at SpringHouse Restaurant. Scott Burlingame will mix up a tasty seasonal cocktail mingling at 6 p.m., and Front of House Manager and Sommelier Daniel Goslin will plan a small selection of wines for dinner at 6:30 p.m. The dinner menu will include shareable dishes that have been hand-selected by Chef Rob. Cost is $40++ per person (does not include alcohol) and $15++ for children under 12.
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Find a spot on the soft grass at The AMP for this annual concert and the Southeast’s Largest Fireworks Show over Lake Martin. Gates open at 5 p.m. The Bank Walkers will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., and Sweet Tea Trio will play at 8 p.m. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. For information, call 256-397-1019.
July 5-Aug. 1 Artists Association of Central Alabama
The Sylacauga Museum features a month-long AACA membership exhibit with a reception July 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with food and live music and a “paint around” demonstration at 7 p.m. A painting auction will benefit the museum.
July 10-11 Throw Away Day
Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission have teamed up to place dumpsters at five locations for free use by residents. Large household items can be deposited in the dumpsters at the Courthouse Annex in Alexander City, Doubles Bridges on State Route 63, Jacksons Gap, Camp Hill Town Hall and Stillwaters. For details, contact Sabrina Wood at sabrinawood@live.com.
July 14 Sun Festival Kick-off at Friday on the Green
Russell Lands On Lake Martin will kick off the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Sun Festival with a special Friday
JULY 2017
on the Green. The Jonathan Bloom band will play at Russell Crossroads, so bring family, friends, cooler, picnic and your pup on a leash. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m.
July 14-23 Our Town
Alexander City Theatre II (ACT II) will present Thornton Wilder's class play, Our Town, at The Arbor on Green Street at 7 p.m. on July 14, 15 and 20 and at 2 p.m. on July 22 and 23. Tickets are $15 and are available at selected local downtown merchants, from ACT II board members or purchase tickets online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2988728.
July 21 Sun Festival Battle of the Bands
Russell Lands On Lake Martin will sponsor this annual favorite event at Sun Festival. Get ready for a fun night with family and friends at Strand Park in Alexander City, listening to bands as they compete for the prize – the opening spot on stage for headliner Moon Taxi on Saturday night.
July 21-23 Couples Retreat at New Water
Tom and JoAnn Doyle will lead a retreat for married and engaged couples at New Water in Dadeville. Cost is $300 per couple. Lodging is available at Creekside Lodge, or tent camping and bunk rooms are available on site at no charge. For information, visit newwater.com or email Micah Simpson at micah@newwater.com.
July 22 Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run
The 14th Annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run will benefit local charities as players begin at The Ridge Marina and travel to River North, Harbor Point, Real Island and Kowaliga marinas to collect the best hand of cards. Prizes for the winning hands and best costumes will be awarded at the after-party at Kowaliga Restaurant. For information and to register, call 256-212-1416 or visit russellmarine.net.
July 22 Moon Taxi Sun Festival Concert
American indie-progressive rock band Moon Taxi will headline the Fifth Annual Sun Festival concert at Strand Park in downtown Alexander City. Gates will open at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.alexandercitychamber.com or at the Chamber of Commerce office. Visit www.alexandercitychamber.com for more information and the complete schedule of Sun Festival events.
Aug. 13 Sunday Night Supper
Call 256-215-7080 to reserve space at a table for this special one-seating dinner service at SpringHouse Restaurant. Scott Burlingame will mix up a tasty seasonal cocktail mingling at 6 p.m., and Front of House Manager and Sommelier Daniel Goslin will plan a small selection of wines for dinner at 6:30 p.m. The dinner menu will include shareable dishes that have
been hand-selected by Chef Rob. Cost is $40++ per person (does not include alcohol) and $15++ for children under 12.
Aug. 19 Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s
Alabama Avenue will spend the night at Chuck’s Marina on Lake Martin to end the summer with singing and dancing. Music starts at 8 p.m.
Season-Long Events PATH Garden Harvest
Every Thursday at 8:30 a.m., volunteers and Lake Martin Area Boys and Girls Club members harvest vegetables at the PATH Community Garden on Green Street next to the Jacob’s Ladder playground. The harvest is donated to the Salvation Army for distribution. As the harvest increases, more helping hands are needed and welcome! For information, email Kim Fraher at kimfraher@yahoo.com.
Library Storytime in Dadeville
Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Children’s Library in Alexander City
Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and offers kid-friendly movies on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.
Electronics Recycling
The City of Alexander City Public Works Department hosts an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Items accepted include computers, computer mouse, keyboards, modems or routers, CD and DVD players, power supplies, PC mix systems, home or cell phones, printers or copiers, mainframe servers, audio/ video adapters, laptop chargers, cable boxes, nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries and flat screen monitors and televisions. CRT monitors and televisions are no longer accepted. For more information, call the Alexander City Public Works Department at 256-409-2020.
$20 on the 20th
The Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce is asking our community to “Spend $20 on the 20th” of each month to help our local economy.
Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store
Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store opens Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds fund Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for information.
Real Island Supper
The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer
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Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish. Call ahead to find out if costumes or certain foods are in order. Contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.
Amateur Radio Club
The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at the Alexander City Church of Christ with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Contact Club President Tim Mayfield at 256-329-1172 or Secretary John Philips at 256-212-4063.
Equality Performing Arts
The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts events on the second and fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on Alabama Highway 9 in Equality. Country/Western, bluegrass, Southern gospel and instrumental music featured. For more information, contact Wayne Glenn at 334-541-3302.
Strand Sessions
The Lake Martin Young Professionals are hosting live music at Strand Park the
first Thursday of each month through August from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring chairs and coolers.
Yoga on the Green
Discover your inner being with free yoga at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads at 7 a.m. Saturday mornings through Oct. 1. Great for beginners and experienced; just bring a mat and water bottle.
Friday on the Green
Wind down the busy work week at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads with live music, lawn games and time with family and friends. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Friday through Sept. 15, except July 21 (Sun Festival Battle of the Bands).
Catherine’s Market Wine Tastings
Come by Catherine’s Market for wine tastings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays through Sept. 15. It’s $5 to sample a variety of wines; and then, apply that $5 to your purchase of a wine bottle of your favorite from the night’s sampling.
The Crossroads Community Garden Club members will be up early cooking pancakes for all to enjoy at the Artists Cabin at Russell Crossroads. Help out the garden club and feed the family. Visit www.RussellCrossroads.com for details.
Live Music Sundays at Kowaliga
On the second and fourth Sundays in July and the first and third Sundays of August come enjoy live acoustic music on the deck of Kowaliga Restaurant from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Kowaliga will serve a full menu all day on Wednesdays through Sundays at the lake this summer.
First Sundays Crawfish
One of the best things about summer at Lake Martin is the tradition of the crawfish boil, and on the first Sunday of every month, Kowaliga Restaurant’s Chef Ban will be boiling this Southern favorite, along with all the usual fixin’s, in addition to the regular menu. The crawfish will be available only on the first Sunday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For information, call 256-215-7035.
Free Driving and Docking Clinics
256.215.FISH (3474)
2190 Cherokee Road , Alex City, AL
Crossroads Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast
www.alexcitymarine.com
Certified Outboard Dealer
Blue Creek Marina will host free clinics on Mondays this summer to teach driving and docking a boat. Registration is required, and clinics run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Snacks and bottled water are provided. Bring your own lunch. Space is limited, so call Jennifer or Nicole at 256-825-8888 to reserve your spot. Pontoon clinics will be held July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 11; towboat clinics are scheduled for July 17, Aug. 14 and Sept. 18; and sterndrive clinic dates are July 24, Aug. 21 and Sept. 25.
MainStreet Farmers Market Every Saturday through October, this event will offer fresh-picked local produce, along with homemade goods such as jams, soaps and honey. There will be roughly 20 vendors each week from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., located on Lee St. in Alexander City, next to the First Baptist Church Family Life Center.
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Spot Tail ill
May Fly y
Shell Cracker er
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COTTAGE LIVING ON LAKE MARTIN CEDAR POINT OFFERS NEW COTTAGE DESIGNS ON INCREDIBLE WATERFRONT LOTS WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF BEAUTIFUL LAKE MARTIN CONTACT DAMON STORY
205–789–9526 CEDARPOINTLAKEMARTIN.COM
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Lake Martin News Bassmaster Elite Tournament Set The city council for Alexander City last month approved funding for a Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament set for February 2018 on Lake Martin. The tournament is expected to draw more than 5,000 people to the area, including ESPN television crews, tournament officials, professional anglers and their sponsors and families and spectators. Economic impact from the tournament is expected to be between $1 million and $3.6 million, said Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ed Collari. ~ Staff Report
Martin either and booked their stay at Wind Creek weeks before arriving. However, the new reservation system did present a slight challenge. “We like to be water front,” Gene Hutto said. “Three weeks ago when we were here we pulled up what was available, and this was as close to the water as we could get.” The Huttos have three campsites for themselves and their children to share the weekend. The reservation system worked for them to get three sites together, and they offered a bit of advice that they have used when reserving at other parks. “You just have to get used to it and plan ahead,” said Teresa Hutto. To book a stay at Wind Creek State Park, go to alapark.com/online-reservations. ~ Cliff Williams
Black Bears Passing Through
Wind Creek State Park
Online Reservations a Hit at Park Everything is easier these days when done online, and Alabama State Parks seem to be picking up on the trend. Wind Creek State Park has been booked pretty solid for many summer weekends, and campers are adjusting to the new online reservation system. It has been a hit for those who frequent the park and in some cases saving campers money. “Before the system, we would have had to bring our camper down last weekend and paid for two weeks,” said Jason Ingram of Wilsonville. “So this saves us money.” Ingram and clan wasted no time in making other reservations too. “We got reservations early enough,” Ingram said. “We knew it was coming. We booked spring break, Memorial Day and Labor Day at the same time in December. It is different. It makes you commit early.” The Huttos of Eastaboga are no strangers to Lake 22 LAKE
Bears are on the move around Alabama, and there have been an increased number of sightings. During these summer months, most travel in search of mates or to find a new home, but they are most likely just passing through. However, if there is an accessible food source, they may linger longer than normal. Therefore, if a bear finds garbage, pet food, bird feeders or other household waste, they are more likely to make return visits. If one is sighted in your area, remain calm and do not approach it. This can also be avoided by purchasing bear-proof trash cans or keeping trash in a storage or garage area. Once there is no longer food available, the animal will continue to a new location. Report any bear sighting online at game.dcnr.alabama. gov/BlackBear. If a bear becomes a nuisance, contact your local Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District Office. ~ Staff Report
There are an increased number of black bear sightings during summer months
JULY 2017
New Marine Officers on the Lake More marine police can be expected on Lake Martin this fall, and plans are in the works to curtail violations developing at Big Beach, the commander of Alabama’s marine police told an overflow crowd last month at the Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA) annual meeting. “We’ve been promised 30 new officers later this year. I hope to get 20,” Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Police Commander Jon Archer told the standing-room-only crowd at Children’s Harbor’s Harbor House. “I plan to put five of them on Lake Martin.” Archer said he hopes to have the officers hired by this fall and trained in time for next summer’s season on the lake. “I hope this is the last summer that we are shorthanded on Lake Martin,” Archer said. Archer also told the LMRA membership that he is coordinating an activity cleanup in Lake Martin’s Big Beach area near Young’s and Woods islands. “We know there were several violations over that way on Memorial Day weekend – some underage drinking and boating under the influence. There were some fights that broke out, and we just want to tell you all that we are coming. I won’t say when – and I might only have four guys – but we’re coming,” he said. Memorial Day saw the boats parked three deep at Big Beach, and LMRA President John Thompson said the entire area was heavily littered after the holiday weekend. “There were some folks who went in there and cleaned it up. We’re not even sure who did the cleanup, but we’re grateful that they took that on themselves to do it,” Thompson said. In addition to Archer, LMRA hosted Russell Lands Head of Security Mack Daugherty, LMRA Legal Officer Steve Forehand and Alabama Power Company’s Hydro Services Manager Jim Crew at the meeting. Daugherty noted that last winter’s burglary rate around the lake was substantially lower than in years past, due to the cooperation of law enforcement and the precautions taken by part time owners. Forehand updated members on the status of the Water Wars with Georgia, explaining that the procedural case is now in the briefing phase with a ruling expected this fall. Crew reiterated that the success of the recent effort to raise Lake Martin’s winter pool level was due in great part to the grassroots participation of the lake’s homeowners and business owners. Utility companies across the country have contacted him for help in creating similar models, Crew said. The licensing process has begun for Lake Harris, he added, with the first public meeting scheduled for October. As Lake Harris is the next lake immediately upstream of Lake Martin on the Tallapoosa River, licensing decisions at Harris will affect Lake Martin. ~ Betsy Iler JULY 2017
LAKE 23
Irwin Shoals
24 LAKE
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63
Timbergut Landing
22
280
Horseshoe Bend National Park
Jaybird Landing
Alexander City
Irwin Shoals
Camp ASCCA
9 Flint Hill Church 280
49 22
Jacksons Gap Piney Woods Landing
Wind Creek State Park
280 Pleasant Grove Church
11
Alex City Boat Ramp
Mt. Zion Church
259 9
63
Dadeville
Bethel Church
128
Russell Farms Baptist Church
D.A.R.E. Park Landing
Friendship Church
57
280 New Hope Church
20
Liberty Church
Camp Hill
Smith Landing Willow Point
Pleasant Ridge Church
24
34
63 Camp Alamisco
Equality
Kowaliga Boat Landing
Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters
The Ridge
55
Seman
Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis
Trillium
Stillwaters
Union Landing
Children’s Harbor The Amp Ko
wa
lig
a Ba
y
Walnut Hill 50
80
9
90
Central
50
Union
Union Church
Red Hill 63
49 229
Eclectic
GEOGRAPHY 101 Tallassee
Kent
Reeltown
STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
L
ake Martin begins just downstream of Irwin Shoals on the Tallapoosa River. Upstream of this picturesque arrangement of rocks, the water is generally too shallow and obstructed for lake-going vessels. Adventures north of this boulder-strewn flat are reserved for kayaks or the occasional fishing skiff. Irwin Shoals is best known for its early summer show of the rare Cahaba lily, a white open-trumpet-shaped blossom with long, spikey petals behind the trumpet bell. The rocky shoals and swift-moving water create an ideal habitat for the spectacular water lilies. This section above Lake Martin is very scenic with rocky hillsides and very little development. When the release of water from Harris Dam upriver slows, the flat rocky shoals offer a number of pretty picnic spots and sunning rocks, especially for turtles. In addition, the area is popular for eagles, songbirds and other wildlife. Fishing below Irwin Shoals is excellent in mid-spring, especially for white bass and stripers. This bar across the river has an elevation of 149 meters and GPS coordinates of 32.96262 and -85.80552. It’s a lovely, scenic spot away from the thrill of Chimney Rock and the noise of Big Beach. JULY 2017
LAKE 25
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LAKE 27
Man
of the
Earth Native vine produces beautiful blossoms all summer NATURE OF THE LAKE BY KENNETH BOONE
28 LAKE
JULY 2017
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LAKE 29
M
Man of the earth likes dry, sandy soils
The blossoms close up mid-day when the sun is bright
Purple stems are a distinguishing characteristic
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an of the earth, morning glory, big-root morningglory, Indian potato, wild potato vine, wild sweet potato, wild rhubarb and manroot are all names for the same beautiful flowering vine that twists up the branches and twigs of shrubs and small trees to get its flowers up off the forest floor and into the sunlight. The vine, a perennial native in southern and eastern North America, is often found in newly disturbed ground, along highways, fencerows, forests bordering fields and prairies, as well as alongside agricultural fields, in thickets and along creeks. Man of the earth prefers moist to slightly dry, sandy soils. The scientific name for this vine is Impomoea pandurata, which means “resembling a worm” – a reference to the twisting, climbing vine – and “fiddlelike,” which refers to its leaf shape. It is a twining or trailing vine that is smooth or covered with very fine, soft, short hairs. The vines’ stems are often purple colored and climb dextrally, or with a right-handed twist. Its leaves are green, roughly heartshaped or oval and often cupped. They are about as wide as they are long and range up to 3 inches. The large white blossoms with purple, lavender or ruby throats open in the morning and close later in the day, hence the common name morning glory (a name used for scores of different species). On cloudy days, the flowers sometimes remain open much longer. The short-lived flowers are produced on stalks in clusters of one to five, and each flower can grow up to 3-4 inches wide. Blooms are found from May to September around Lake Martin. After flowering, the plant produces capsules that contain two to four flat, hairy seeds. Underground is a huge storage root or tuber, shaped like a tapered sweet potato. Each taproot produces four JULY 2017
to eight shoots. The storage root can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh up to 40 pounds. It is found deep in the ground, straight down from where the vine emerges from the earth. This starchy root is edible and was used by Native Americans as a food source. It is said to taste something like a somewhat bitter sweet potato. The taproot gets more bitter as it gets older, so smaller roots are preferred for the table. However, fresh roots have been used as a diuretic, a laxative and an expectorant … so if you try to eat one, it’s best to make sure it is well cooked by cutting it into cubes and boiling; then boiling again in fresh water; and then, roasting the cubes. Also, there are several other morning glories that have a similar look, and some are not edible, so carefully identify the plant before chowing down. The root has also been used to make a poultice that can be used to treat sore, Leaves are heart-shaped aching joints. The seeds and often cupped of this plant are poisonous if ingested. Man of the earth attracts a number of insects, including honeybees, native bumble bees and digger bees, as well as butterflies, moths and beetles. Because the foliage is somewhat toxic and bitter tasting, it is usually not eaten by mammals, such as deer or goats. Gardeners – especially those interested in native species – sometimes plant man of the earth seeds along fencerows to enjoy its white, purplethroated flowers all summer long. Man of the earth seeds can be gathered in the wild and are also available from some rare seed vendors. Some information for this article came from Eat the Weeds; emergencyoutdoors.com; Climbers, a project of Robyn J. Burnham at the University of Michigan; uswildflowers. com; Wildflowers of Alabama; and Wikipedia.org.
JULY 2017
LAKE 31
STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
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Painting Kowaliga Bridge
Chain link netting and tarps will line the undercarriage of Kowaliga Bridge for close to a year as the painting maintenance project continues
JULY 2017
LAKE 33
L
ane closings and delays on Lake Martin’s Kowaliga Bridge may look purposeless as traffic crosses, but that’s only because the work is being done under the bridge and not on top of it. Seminole Equipment, Inc., of Tarpon Springs, Florida, is painting the bridge’s undercarriage as part of the regular maintenance schedule. At 2,307 feet long, the bridge is designed with a twogirder and floor beam system consisting of 12 main steel spans and a concrete, cast-in-place deck. Owned by the Alabama State Highway Agency, the bridge’s deck is easily accessible for routine maintenance and repairs, but protecting the underside from corrosion requires specialty equipment and skills. Those are provided by an 8-9-man crew from the Florida company that started work on the project in early May. The crew ran a cable system on each side of the bridge and tied a netting system of chain link sections across the span. As their work progresses along the length of the bridge, they hang tarps on the sides and on the chain link floor of each section to prevent debris from falling into the lake and to prevent overspray during the paint application. The enclosure will remain in place and secured even when crews are not working, said Alabama Department of Transportation Public Information Officer Brantley Kirk. “The bridge is prepped and painted in total containment to catch and collect all residue to protect the water quality of the lake,” Kirk explained. The first step in the process is blast cleaning with metal shavings, which will remove the old paint down to the white metal, Kirk said. After sandblasting, the bridge will be primed with a zinc-based product and an intermediate coat will be applied; and then, the finish coat using about 4,000 gallons of green paint. “Green is the color for Alabama,” said a foreman on the bridge job. The crew accesses the underside of the bridge with a platform that is hung on cables. A ladder, including stabilizers, is unfolded from the bed of a specially equipped 34 LAKE
truck, and crewmembers go over the bridge’s concrete rails and down the ladder cage to the platform to perform their work on the 42-year-old bridge that carries State Route 63 over Big Kowaliga Creek near Children’s Harbor. The crew is likely to be on the site for about a year. The contract stipulates 175 working days, but Kirk noted that does not mean it is a six-month project. “That’s 175 working days, meaning actual days when the crews can work. Right now, it seems like the rain is nonstop, so there are fewer than 30 working days in a month,” she said. Wind, rain and, during the paint application process, temperature can affect the number of days when crews can actually work on the bridge site. The Greek work crew is based in Florida but stays in an Alexander City motel suite on a rotation basis, working several weeks in a row before taking a few days off to spend at home with family. The townspeople have been friendly and welcoming, they said, and they like the quiet, easy pace of life here. They also like the easy pace of the Kowaliga Bridge work, they The beauty of this Lake Martin said, as landmark will be restored when the painting project is finished many of the projects on which they work do not have the ready access or open conditions of the Lake Martin project. Alabama’s bridges are routinely painted every 30 to 50 years, Kirk said, and this is the first time the Kowaliga Bridge has been painted since its construction in 1975. The painting contract for the project is some $1.5 million, but total cost is estimated at more than $2.3 million, including signs and safety precautions at the bridge, as well as Alabama Department of Transportation inspectors and other personnel on the site. Flaggers will be present during lane closures on the bridge, and closures will be limited to Monday through Thursday, Kirk said. But crews can be expected to be working under the bridge even when lanes are not closed and throughout the weekends, so be prepared to slow down, proceed with caution and wait your turn to cross throughout the duration of the maintenance project.
JULY 2017
Life is Better at The
Ridge.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF
*Russell Cabins
Ridge Run
South Ridge Harbor
Homes & Homesites Available RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM |
256.215.7011
JULY 2017
| LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA
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Brittany HÜlljes brought vocals reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks to the downtown stage when Delta Rae headlined the Friday night concert; Clockwise from right: A record crowd of more than 4,000 turned out to enjoy the perfect weather and great music; chains added the unique sound of Friday's Delta Rae performance; Randall Bramblett was the second act at the 27th Annual Jazz Fest concert series at Strand Park Friday night
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Jazz Fest 2017 PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & CLIFF WILLIAMS
JULY 2017
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Clockwise from left: The Stooges Brass Band played multiple percussion sets, including bongos; shadowood opened Saturday night's concert at The AMP; The Sofia Goodman Group opened this year’s Jazz Fest at Strand Park; Children roll down the grassy hillside at Lake Martin Amphitheater during shadowood’s concert opener Saturday; The Stooges of New Orleans belted out a beat mid-stage on Saturday night; Closer Paul Thorn was a big draw for the 27th Annual Jazz Fest concert series; North Carolina’s Delta Rae, made up of three siblings and their friends, wowed the crowd Friday.
JULY 2017
LAKE 39
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JULY 2017
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LAKE 41
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42 LAKE
JULY 2017
The BEST in Home, Garden and Lake Essentials
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JULY 2017
LAKE 43
Ethan Hagood nails a putt in the final round of the junior championship at Willow Point
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Scenic Drives Birmingham youth wins SGA at Willow Point
STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS, AMY PASSARETTI
F
or three days in June, Lake Martin’s Willow Point Golf & Country Club became a melting pot of young athletes hailing from seven countries and 18 U.S. states, and the result was a competition of great skills, cultural interaction and beautiful scenery. The Southern Golf Association’s (SGA) 45th Annual Junior Championship is a 54-hole stroke play tournament open to male amateur golfers ages 14 to 18. Each player must have a USGA handicap index of 12.4 or less. Willow Point Golf Pro Matt Sheppard said he sought out the opportunity to be a host site for this tournament a few years back, and the site selection committee approved his request for 2018; however, another course had to withdraw, putting the Lake Martin course in the position to play host a year early. The rotating tournament had not been held in Alabama since 1992. “We would love to do it again, if not something larger. I don’t know exact numbers, but I guarantee about 80 percent of the field had never been here. Exposing Lake Martin and this area and the golf course to that number of people is great,” said Sheppard. The host provided more than 40 volunteers to help with scoring and pace of play reporting throughout
each day. Sheppard said the country club is fully employed for the summer anyway, so aside from the extra helping hands, the event didn’t put a strain on the staff. After the first two rounds of play, the final cut was at a plus-4 score, and 67 players vied for the winning title in the final round. Ethan Hagood of Birmingham, Alabama, finished in first place with nonlocal, Kyle Cox of Carrollton, Texas, finishing as a close second during a three-hole aggregate. “It’s been a good year, and I hope to keep it up. My driver’s been in a good spot all summer, so I want to keep it going and continue to play well,” said Hagood, who is undefeated in the tournaments he has played this season. The overwhelming opinion of both locals and first-timers to Alabama was that Willow Point was one of the most scenic, well kept courses they had ever played, and those new to the lake were utterly impressed with its beauty and immensity. “When walking from the tee to the ball and looking around, the view is just so nice. I am so impressed by how clear the water is. It looks like a good place to jump in and have fun,” said Natheethorn Teacharuangchit, a native of Bangkok, Thailand, who played through the first two days of the tournament.
JULY 2017
LAKE 45
Flags from around the world lined the practice field on the first day players arrived
Many international players had the opportunity to stay with local host families on the lake and take advantage of all the area has to offer. Sheppard said it also was a great opportunity for those families to experience a different culture and what it takes to travel around the world to play golf. Other families and players stayed at the country club’s 44 villa rooms that were booked up for the duration of the event or in other local hotels. “We had more than 340 vehicles Monday through Thursday every day. That’s a lot of folks coming in. The welcoming atmosphere that our staff and club provided for families was phenomenal,” said Sheppard. With 45 Alabama residents participating, six Willow Point members and a handful of other athletes with ties to Lake Martin, these locals had the home field knowledge of the course layout and tricks to help them effectively strategize their shots. “This is the best course compared to most that junior tour-
naments are played on. It’s never in bad shape,” said Wilson Andress, of Macon, Georgia, who also is a Willow Point member. Sheppard said the course was pretty much the same as it always is, except the grass was mowed after each round to ensure the players had the best experience, and he heard nothing but positive feedback and appreciative compliments. “Our golf course is worthy of championship competition,” said Sheppard. “Historically, this has been more of a regional event. In years past, we’ve really limited ourselves to state events, so we’re trying to branch out and get more people to the Lake Martin region.” The exposure of Willow Point and the Lake Martin area increase the chances of hosting even bigger events in the future, said Sheppard.
The course was filled with 168 youth golfers, along with many family and friend spectators
46 LAKE
JULY 2017
Winner Ethan Hagood hits his tee shot on Hole 18
Golfers faced many water obstacles since Lake Martin borders the course
Willow Point Golf & Country Club hosted the SGA 45th Annual Junior Championship
Ethan Hagood focuses on his putt during the three-hole aggregate round
Johnny Bai of China sank a hole-in-one on the par-4 No. 5 during the final round
JULY 2017
LAKE 47
How does Willow Dong Jin Park, 17, from Seoul, South Korea When Park was younger, he used to join his father at the driving range, which is what ignited his desire to play golf. Also, Tiger Woods inspired him to want to play and is part of the reason he started, he said. “My friend played well in this last year, and I want to do the same thing,” said Park, who has been playing for nearly seven years and is impressed by Willow Point's course. He is hoping to go fishing and get on the lake before heading back home to South Korea and said it is probably the biggest lake he has ever seen.
Wilson Andress, 17, from Macon, Georgia Though Wilson Andress has been coming to Lake Martin to visit his grandparents at their house at The Ridge since he was born, he’s only been a member of Willow Point Country Club for the last two months. Even that short amount of time was an advantage in the tournament, he said, as he played knowing where it was easiest to miss a shot, the trick of how the greens run and other nuances of the local course. “The greens for this tournament were pure, like always. They’re rolling the same way. This course is never in bad shape,” said Andress. Since he could walk, Andress has been playing golf with his father, who was an avid golfer, but he’s been actively competing for the last five years.
Keegan Vaugh, 15, from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Vaugh’s been playing golf for nearly five years, but this is his first time in Alabama, and the heat is more intense than his hometown, he said. “When I moved is when I started picking up the game because South Carolina is the golf capital of the world,” said Vaugh. He also said the greens are similar to courses back home, but Willow Point was in really great shape for the tournament.
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JULY 2017
Point stack up? Sebastian Pineres, 18, from Sherman, Texas Pineres has been playing golf for about six years and said he has never seen a course as nice or unique as Willow Point Golf Course. “The scenery is just different – different trees, a different set up. And we never see pine straw in Texas,” said Pineres. Being a first-timer to Alabama, he was looking forward to a tough week, but a fun one.
Connor Reid, 17, from Opelika Even though he may be biased being local, Connor Reid has played other courses around the country and still considers Willow Point to be one of his favorites. Reid and his family are from Opelika, Alabama, but they have a house on the lake near Pleasure Point. The course being on the lake reminds him how relaxing the scenery is. “As you play, you see people on boats and tubing. It’s perfect,” said Reid, who has been playing golf for about five years. Having played Willow Point quite a bit before the tournament, he felt the advantage was in his favor starting out compared to those who had never been here before.
Natheethorn Teacharuangchit, 17, and Sutthinun Sisuntites, 18, from Bangkok, Thailand Teacharuangchit and Sisuntites were excited to be at the tournament and were extremely impressed with Willow Point’s course and details, along with the scenery. They said the greens were more firm and quick; the sand more white and fine, which made it more fun to play; and the fairway was more wide open. Both athletes attributed their passion for the sport growing up watching their fathers or close family members play and wanted to mimic that. “I just tried it one day and hit the ball for the first time and really enjoyed it,” said Sisuntites. The Thailand natives were guests of Lake host family Tom and Beth Lambert and looked forward to boat rides after the competition. JULY 2017
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Arti Gras
6th
annual
a juried
art show
A makers market s h owca s i n g a r t i s a n s f ro m a ro u n d L a k e M a r t i n a n d a cro s s t h e s ta t e
h om e mad e pot t e ry and je w el ry, r eclaimed wo o d d ĂŠc o r, photo gr a p h y, paintings, a n d m o r e.
sa tur day 10 am- 5 pm
1ST
&
2ND
sunday 10 am-3 pm
Town Green at Russell Crossroads To par ticipat e in Ar ti Gr as, co ntact T y ler M itchell at 256.212.1443 o r tmitchell@ru sselllands.co m 50 LAKE
JULY 2017
of
10:00AM
Boat Parade
5:00PM Gates
The AMP gates open. Begin gathering on the lawn for the concert.
KOwALigA MARinA Decorate your boat and win prizes for Tallest Flag, Largest Flag, Most Creative Theme, Most Patriotic Crew, and Best Overall Boat and Crew. Register at any Russell Marine Marina or call 866-355-8050.
6:30PM Show
17th annual concert featuring Sweet Tea and The Bank Walkers
Show only
RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
JULY 2017 TheAMPonLakeMartin.com
9:00PM
Fireworks
The largest fireworks show in the Southeast
RussellMarine.net
LAKE 51
Spacious Sanctuary A Parker Creek home designed for fun, relaxation and time with the family
C
STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
hris and Phil Ramsey enjoy accommodating their family and many friends in their 6,800-square-foot Parker Creek home on Lake Martin with its views of the lake from both sides, a beachfront, a boat house and the ultimate hang out spot: an English Pub, complete with collectibles from Chris’ hometown in England. The Ramseys first heard about Lake Martin when they purchased a second-hand Sea Ray. Without lake access at their fulltime Birmingham residence, they spent two years testing out various bodies of water, but the final decision was easy to make. They quickly fell in love with Lake Martin and were surprised by how clean and peaceful it was. “In 2004, Phil started looking at houses here. We just love this area because of its fairly calm and deep water,” said Chris Ramsey, who is originally from Fleet, Hampshire, but met Phil in Germany. 52 LAKE
Their first home at Lake Martin, a small cabin, was located down the street. They purchased their current lot and built a small two-bedroom, one-bath cabin, which they rented out to another Birmingham family for eight years. After donating the second cabin to the volunteer fire department for practice, the Ramseys had TCC General Contractors build the five-bedroom, seven-bathroom house designed by architect Adams Gerndt Design Group and furnished by Defining Home. The exterior The Ramseys’ yard features a trellis resembles most with a swing, a fire pit, a boat house lake homes with and extensive water frontage its natural coloring, wooden shingle siding, stone accents and steep metal roof. The unique elements are the copper gutters and lighter wood corbels that add a decorative accent. With oak floors throughout the entire home and a neutral palette chosen with the help of interior designer Lisa Freeman, the main level is open and
JULY 2017
The second-floor balcony overlooks the great room with a long farmhouse table and lots of natural light
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The master suite is the Ramseys’ favorite room and features lake views on two sides
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The house includes a full English pub portraying England-themed dĂŠcor and collectibles
The screened-in porch comprises Brazilian Ipe flooring and fossil stone end tables
Ramsey's favorite piece of art, which hangs on the wall near the kitchen
The lower level features a built-in wooden bar with a copper sink and brass light fixtures
The house features a full exercise room, which includes a cedar sauna
56 LAKE
An original piece of artwork created by Ramsey using copper wiring and epoxy
JULY 2017
The living room features a stone fireplace and moderate rustic detailing
expansive. The placement of furniture divides the large room into several seating sections to accommodate various activities, including jigsaw puzzles, playing games, watching football and cozying up to the stacked stone wood-burning fireplace. The room is comfortable and airy, with 24-foot flat ceilings and a second-floor balcony that overlooks the great room. The large chandelier is the focal point of the room and hangs above a solid wood farmhouse table, which accommodates up to 10 people. The half bath on this floor reminds one of a tree house with its wood-textured wallpaper and metal countertop. The remainder of the bathrooms throughout the house feature hexagonal, marble tile flooring and Calcutta Gold marble countertops, and maintain the neutral-colored theme. Three 8-foot double doors in the open living room are inset with glass to the floor and decorative grilles. They have a row of transom windows above for extra lighting and views of the lake from the second floor. These lead to an open porch with stone floors, wire rails and Summer Classic furniture. The stacked stone porch is covered in the front by espalier apple trees that grow horizontally. The yard includes a trellis arbor with a swing seat surrounded by rose bushes, a fire pit and a beach area, where Ramsey enjoys reading a good book on the lounge chairs. To reduce sand runoff here, the couple built both a seawall and a ground gutter to
This elegant glass chandelier hangs over the tub in the master bathroom
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direct rainfall away, but they left a small open area where they can wade into the water. As avid bird lovers, the Ramseys have a martin house a few feet from the shoreline with four holes on each side so eight pairs can nest and feed on nearby bugs. They also keep a number of hummingbird feeders and matching bird décor by the interior corner window of the kitchen where bird watching often happens. “One of my favorite things to do is sit with a cup of tea and watch the hummingbirds,” said Ramsey. With leathered black pearl granite countertops and a wall of tile backsplash behind the double oven, the graytoned kitchen is home to traditional cabinetry, a large 8-foot by 4-foot white quartzite island, appliances that blend in and a kitchen table featuring a built-in bench. Located off this area, pocket doors lead to the screenedin porch with Brazilian Ipe floors, round columns of wood the size of tree trunks, fossil stone end tables and the favored Big Green Egg. On most summer days, the Ramseys enjoy leaving these doors open to allow the fresh lake air to waft through the house. Ramsey said the plan was to lay out the house in two figurative sections: a quiet sanctuary of bedrooms with a relaxing porch area on one end; and an active side, with the pub, boat house, beach and screened-in porch. Vintage WWI posters from Phil's parents hang on the walls in the pub
The kitchen features leather black pearl granite countertops and a white quartzite island
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The 6,800-square foot home creates the perfect family gathering spot for the Ramseys
“You can retire to the quiet, or you can be part of the party, too,” said Ramsey. “This is also the reason we placed the boat house where we did.” The all wood, two-tiered deck is home to the couple’s SeaDoos, pontoon boat, Sea Ray and rowing scull. The upper deck offers rest and relaxation in any number of lounge chairs with television viewing and is partially roofed, so there are areas for both shade and sunbathing. “The front gate opens up, so a lot of people like to jump right into the 15-foot water off the top deck,” said Ramsey. Coming in from the lake, there is a bathroom available downstairs with a shower, beach towels and even a swimsuit spinner for drying off. This level also features the couple’s very own English pub containing a built-in wooden bar with cabinets and copper sink, a counter with four barstools and a kegerator with a tap handle reading “Ramsey’s Pub est. 2014,” a gift from their son Michael. As a full working bar, this area includes a microwave, oven, dishwasher, icemaker and refrigerator and freezer. Being the favored spot for entertaining, the England-themed room invites guests to shoot billiards, throw darts, watch TV or project movies on the wall, play ping pong or ponder a game of chess on a board that used to belong to Phil’s grandparents. The walls are covered with vintage WWII posters that were found in Phil’s parents’ attic, and there is 60 LAKE
a sound system that broadcasts music throughout the entire house. The space features brass light fixtures complementary to its theme, and the décor is reminiscent to Ramsey, filled with collections she brings back from England when she visits about three times a year. Her souvenirs include horse brasses, Toby jugs, antique plates and delicate spoon and thimble collections. “I love collecting Royal memorabilia. I dig around little charity shops in England and find all sorts of interesting things,” said Ramsey, who also displays sentimental items, such as Phil’s grandmother’s marble collection, throughout the home. There is a wooden map of Lake Martin hanging near the front door, a gift from Ramsey to Phil when they moved into the home. Their house address is listed as a point on the map and the three-dimensional wood design depicts different depths of water. Ramsey also has crafted some of the artwork featured in their home, including an art piece created with copper wiring and epoxy, painted portraits of their dog, Emma, and a peaceful blue painting resembling the lake. “I saw a similar painting in a shop that I really liked, and I thought, ‘Well, I could do that myself!’” she said. One of the Ramseys’ favorite rooms is the master suite, which has windows and lake views on two sides, giving it a relaxing tone. One side opens to the
JULY 2017
stone porch and built-in infinity hot tub, where they enjoy stargazing at night. The master bathroom lends an elegant tone with a glass chandelier over the bathtub, electric blinds, heated floors and a shower with three heads, including a rain head. The suite also contains Phil’s office with another great view of the lake, one of Ramsey’s artwork pieces and photos of the Beechcraft Bonanza plane Phil owns and pilots. The upstairs is home to an exercise room, complete with yoga space, workout equipment, a steam room and a cedar sauna with a door trimmed in tile made to look like wood. This is one example of the tiny rustic detailing throughout the rooms, with the focus being on a more modern style.
On the upper level, there also are three guest rooms, two of which are bunkrooms to maximize space. One is a patriotic theme, with vintage Uncle Sam posters and American flag bed sets. The guest room has two double beds Espalier apple trees with fabric headgrow horizontally along boards featuring the stacked stone porch colorful owls, which Ramsey said would make a great nursery for grandchildren one day. With plenty of room for family, the Ramseys enjoy their home most when their children, Michael, Lizzy and James, and their spouses, Caroline and Evan, get the chance to visit. “We love getting together with family here, and being able to do that in this setting is amazing,” Ramsey said.
The great room is divided into multiple sitting sections
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(256) 234-6366
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We touch the lives of the people you love Assisted Living Short Term Rehab Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Long Term Care 62 LAKE
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Rounding the Buoys
Robert Bice, 13, is advised by Nate Smith as he completes the slalom course during June’s clinic
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Number one slalom skier in the world hosts clinic on the lake STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
JULY 2017
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A dozen local kids participated in the slalom clinic led by Smith who gave tips from the towing boat
Ryan Canepa
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rowing up on a private manmade ski lake in Indianapolis, Indiana, it’s no wonder Nate Smith has been on water skis since he was 2 years old, competing by age 8 and just broke a world record at the 58th annual Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament held at Callaway Gardens in May, making him the number one slalom skier in the world. In order to be one of the select few international athletes to qualify to compete in the tournament, a skier must consistently place in points from events around the world. Smith won with a score of 3 at 43 feet off the boat and 36 miles per hour. Ryan Canepa of Sacramento, California, won the junior masters slalom with a score of 6 at 38 off and 36 miles per hour. “It takes winning a lot and having the best scores to keep that rank,” said Smith. “You have to give 100 percent every time. You have to always be on your game. If you slip up, you get beat.” This virtue, along with practical skill lessons, is what Smith was teaching children at Lake Martin’s Slalom Clinic in June just a few days after winning the Masters. About 11 children attended the clinic, and each received two chances on the ski course.
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Smith watched each skier and gave pointers and encouragement to help them to stay strong. Most importantly, he emphasized never taking the fun out of skiing. “I enjoy every moment. You have to have fun while you’re doing it; otherwise, it just becomes a chore,” said Smith. Although he doesn’t get to do as many clinics as he would like, due to his busy schedule, Smith said sharing his love for water skiing with others and seeing them improve is something important to him, which is evident with his patience and diligence when speaking to students. However, he does teach a few clinics each month when he can and typically gets about 20 kids per session. “Anyone can water ski. It just takes balance and awareness, paired with quick reflexes. It doesn’t come overnight; it takes time and practice. Hard work and determination are key,” said Smith, who competes in about 10 professional events a year and about 30 tournaments total. Smith said he owes his success to his ability to remain calm before a competition. Being able to put aside his nerves and just focus on the task in front of him is a vital part of his training. “Your head has to always be in the right place. You have to be mentally strong and can’t let anything bother you. Be confident,” said Smith. There are just 13 homes on the manmade ski lake where he grew up, and Smith said the conditions there are nearly always perfect based on the depth, length and slope of the shorelines. In comparison, Lake Martin has some really great conditions for the sport and is pretty well protected from the wind, but the shorelines being flatter can have some adverse affects, he said. However, this was his first time on the Treasured Lake, and he was very impressed. “I think Lake Martin is awesome. I’m a big fan of public water. It’s a lot of fun. I love to see people hanging out and enjoying time on the lake. I love that there’s a ski course here as well,” said Smith, who said he is already planning to return as soon as possible. Canepa, who has been skiing since he was 6 years old, agreed and said he doesn’t get to spend much time on big lakes, but the size can also make things difficult, as there is a lot more traffic on the water. “There’s definitely some great talent I’ve seen out here though. I saw a few kids who looked like they’d been skiing forever,” said Canepa. Both athletes said the secret to maintaining a strong affinity for the sport is to train almost every day, and both said there isn’t a lot of additional
Nate Smith
exercise that needs to be done. The sport is a workout in itself. The water sport culture has seen some changes but also remains steady in many ways. Canepa said it’s a small-knit community, so they see a lot of the same faces at competitions, which is a cool thing to be a part of. Also, he said technology has led to a lot of progression within the industry. “There’s new technology in boats and the design of skis and equipment. It’s advancing at a rapid rate; and therefore, scores are skyrocketing all over because it’s just better and making it easier for the athletes to raise their games,” said Canepa. Smith doesn’t feel too much has changed in his time skiing, but the trend of what’s the “in” sport to try has morphed over the years. “Skiing and slalom were big for a while, and then wake boarding came about. Now it’s wake surfing that’s popular. But I think we’re seeing a trend back toward skiing. Ski and boat sales are way up this year,” said Smith.
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Rockin’ the Fourth!
Sweet Tea Trio returns to The AMP for this year's July 4th show and fireworks
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earing up for Fourth of July on Lake Martin means the annual Southeast’s largest fireworks show accompanied by live music and good times with friends and family. This year marks the 17th annual July 4th concert and fireworks show hosted by Russell Lands at the Lake Martin Amphitheater (The AMP) and features the same bands that performed last year, since turnout was great and the performance was such a success. “This is really the best spot to watch the fireworks. The AMP is the place to be,” said Robert Gunn, Russell Lands Director of Events and Social Media. Gunn said the typical turnout at the AMP is between 2,500 and 3,500 people, with at least 10,000 more on boats in the water, according to past Marine Police reports. Gates to the AMP open at 5 p.m. so come early, grab the best seat on the grass and remember to bring chairs and coolers, but please leave pets at home, said Gunn. There also will be a vendor or two serving food. The entertainment will kick off at 6:30 p.m. when The Bank Walkers take the stage, a local band loved and featured at many lake events throughout the year. Following these favorites, Alabama-based Sweet Tea Trio will perform the National Anthem in three-part harmony, said Gunn, and headline at 8 p.m. until the fireworks begin at 9 p.m. After the 30-minute pyrotechnics display overhead, the group will continue rocking its set list for another hour. Sweet Tea Trio is a country group comprised of Victoria Camp, Savannah Coker and Kate Falcon, who met four years ago in Birmingham at an artist development program and have harmonized together ever since. They have recently released their first EP with two original songs and six written by top Nashville writers. Their band consists of musicians playing electric guitar, bass, drums, violin and mandolin who have all performed with top-named country stars. The band has shared a stage with Lonestar, Scotty McCreery, Drake White, Diamond Rio and JULY 2017
others, and it opened for Bon Jovi in Birmingham. The trio also was named Alabama’s Country Female Artist of the Year for 2016, and they have been nominated again for 2017. Gunn said there was overwhelmingly positive feedback to bring the Sweet Tea Trio band back this year, and he said the girls also felt it was the coolest event they had ever done. “They are ready to hit it big. They’ve gained some good recognition in Nashville,” said Gunn. Admission to the concert is $10, and tickets can be purchased at The Company Store at Russell Crossroads, Nail’s Convenience Store and the Russell Lands Corporate Office at Willow Point. Tickets also can be purchased online at the ampatlakemartin.com or its Facebook page. The fireworks show can be seen by boat or other areas of the lake as well. Therefore, with a good spot on either water or land, the highly anticipated fireworks can be viewed at no cost. Earlier in the day, boaters and spectators can enjoy the Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade leaving from Kowaliga Marina. Vessels of various shape and size, along with their passengers, will be decorated in patriotic garb and décor to battle it out for one of many prizes. Spectators can line the shorelines along the route to Children’s Harbor and back to applaud and cheer on contestants. Weekend festivities also include a Saturday morning pancake breakfast at the Russell Crossroads’ Artists Cabin and the annual Arti Gras art show on the Town Green. The Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department is also hosting its annual fireworks display July 1. To help raise money for its services, there will be a large celebration at the Hackneyville baseball field, along with live music, food and a raffle. In Alexander City, the annual Celebrate Freedom event will take place on the practice field at Benjamin Russell High School on Monday, July 3. Music will start at 6 p.m. with 7eventh Time Down, and the fireworks will start at 9 p.m. LAKE 69
On Top of Old Strong Rock STORY BY HAROLD BANKS
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long with other members and volunteers of the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA), I am increasingly excited about the information to be showcased at the Smith Mountain Outdoor Environmental Education Center. Many of the graphic panels and kiosks will describe the nature around us, but CRATA also wants to dedicate space to the fascinating history of the Lake Martin area, including Smith Mountain and how the historic fire tower came to be. When viewed from Sandy Creek on Lake Martin, the jagged peak of Smith Mountain looks like an ancient volcano. In terms of feet above sea level, it hardly qualifies as a mountain, but it dominates the local landscape, is the tallest elevation on Lake Martin and would have looked even more impressive before Martin Dam backed up the water around it. Smith Mountain lies across the Tallapoosa River from the site of Okfuskee, an important Muscogee Creek town that once lent its name to the upper Tallapoosa River and was home to Menawa, the famous Redstick warrior chief at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. According to one local source claiming roots to Okfuskee, the Creeks knew Smith Mountain as cvto-yekce (pronounced chuto-yek-che). That literally means rock-strong, or as we would say, strong rock. The name Strong Rock is no mystery when viewing the
hard, strong quartzite outcroppings that form part of a geologic feature known as the Devil’s Backbone, which shows itself periodically from the northeast corner of Tallapoosa County all the way to Cherokee Bluffs at Martin Dam and beyond into Elmore County. When viewed from the restored fire tower atop Smith Mountain, it is not difficult to imagine the exposed, undulating rock outcroppings as the fossilized backbone of some horrific creature. Today, we give the mountain a less descriptive name for the family that once owned the property after the Creeks were removed. Before Martin Dam was completed in 1926, all the land within the future reservoir and most of the shoreline was completely cleared. Much of the surrounding land was heavily eroded from poor agricultural practices and the clearing of almost all merchantable timber. Viewing old aerial photos from that era, it is amazing to see just how little forestland was left. As soon as it was impounded, Lake Martin began filling up with eroded soil. In just two years, eroded soil from Sandy Creek created a deposit that measured 465 yards long, 65 yards wide and 45 feet deep. Similar deposits were dumped into the lake by every creek emptying into it. In the upper reaches of the lake, below Irwin Shoals, the siltation was even worse. Alabama Power Company officials became concerned that continued siltation could greatly shorten the usable life of its
Help tell our county's story CRATA is raising $50,000 to make Smith Mountain Park an educational center on the nature and history of Tallapoosa County
Contribution Form Name_____________________________________ Date_______ Address_______________________________________________ City_______________________ State_______ ZIP____________ Phone________________________________________________ Email_________________________________________________
Giving Levels
Tax deductible gifts to “CRATA-Smith Mountain Tower Restoration” are greatly appreciated! Please return this form and your gift to: Jimmy K. Lanier, CRATA, P.O. Box 240503, Eclectic, AL 36024 All donors will be recognized in print. All donors of $100 or more will be recognized on a permanent cast plaque. Anonymous gifts at all levels will be respected for confidentiality. Honorariums, memorials and appreciations will be acknowledged per donor direction.
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Teachers' Helper Trail Blazers Vista Viewers Summit Toppers Visionaries Legacy Sponsors
Up to $99 $100-$249 $250-499 $500-$999 $1,000 or more $5,000 or more
Amount enclosed $_____________________
JULY 2017
Our Thanks to Recent Donors Teachers’ Helper
PREVENT A TRAGEDY:
Inspect Your Docks and Boats Now
Kimberly Shelton
Trail Blazers
Stephanie Renuart James E. Gunter Cecil Duffee William Garnett Edward A. Brantley J. Ware & Agnes Tatum
Vista Viewers Wayne Carroll
Summit Toppers Robert W. Peavey
Across Alabama families are spending time at the lake or on the river without realizing they could be in danger. The recent deaths of two women in Lake Tuscaloosa are being called a case of electric shock drowning (ESD). It happened almost exactly one year after a 15-yearold girl died the same way on Smith Lake.
WHY ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING IS A HIDDEN DANGER: • No one really knows how many
hydroelectric plant. people die from ESD To counter this problem, Alabama Power Company joined • Many deaths are simply called a drowning the efforts of Alabama Extension, the Soil Conservation Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to restore the for• Even low-level current can paralyze ests and reclaim eroded land. Millions of trees were planted, as a swimmer who then drowns were countless sprigs of kudzu. We may curse kudzu today, but • The autopsy shows no sign of electrocution it covered steep, gullied slopes, stopping erosion where nothing else would grow and, along with pine trees, kudzu helped to save Lake Martin. For everything in With such a large investment of money and land in trees, a your home that fire could have been devastating; hence began the construction carries current, of a six-tower fire detection network, with Smith Mountain water or air, you being the location of the first tower and the district office of ANY ELECTRIC, PLUMBING know who to call. the Alabama Division of Forestry (later the Alabama Forestry OR AIR SERVICE* Commission). Boys from the Dadeville CCC camp built a ranger station, cistern, filling station/shop, map tables, picnic area and other amenities at Smith Mountain. The signature rockwork of the CCC is still evident on Smith Mountain today. The Smith Mountain tower officially opened April 10, 1939, in a grand ceremony that featured a fish fry by the Kiwanis Club. There are many interesting, sometimes bizarre stories surrounding the operation of the tower and ranger station, not all of which have to do with fire fighting. Stay tuned for more. When the Smith Mountain Environmental Education Center is completed, you will be glad that you donated. All those who contribute $100 or more will have their names memorialized on MONTGOMERY 262.2946 AUBURN 821.0740 a cast metal plaque. Your grandchildren will point to your name with pride. To donate, make your tax-deductible gift payable Promo 09866. Not valid with any other offers or on previous purchases. Some restrictions apply. See company representative for all details. *Offer to CRATA-Smith Mountain Restoration and send to Jimmy K. has no cash value. Valid on products or services of $200 or more. Cannot be applied to service agreements. Expires 9/30/17. AL #15033. Lanier, CRATA, P.O. Box 240503, Eclectic, AL 36024. JULY 2017 LAKE 71
$50 OFF
Call Dixie and it’s done
CALLDIXIE.COM
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“Find Your Own Slice of Paradise on Lake Martin” The bar will open until 11 pm once music starts on Friday and Sat. Music is played on Fri. and Sat. 7:30-10:30 and Sunday Holiday Nights 6pm-9pm
• Friday, June 30th: Sidney Phelps
(Starting July 4th Celebration of Music Weekend)
• Saturday, July 1st: Alabama Avenue • Sunday, July 2nd: River Dan 6-9pm • Monday, July 3rd: Michael De La Cruz Karaoke • Friday, July 7th: Russell Craig and Garrett Pittman • Saturday, July 8th: Shades of Gray • Friday, July 14th: Troi Atkinson • Saturday, July 15th: Rachel Wilson Band
• Friday, July 21st: Tony Brook • Saturday, July 22nd: Jordy Searcy (The Voice)
• Friday, July 28th: Chris Posey • Saturday, July 29th: Jonathan Bloom and Brian Hinton
Chuckwalla’s Pizza Open Thursday - Monday Ship Store Open 7 Days a Week Marina: 256.825.6871 • Chuckwalla’s Pizza: 256.825.7733 237 Marina Road • Dadeville, AL 36853
JULY 2017
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CUSTOM DOCKS
LET’S BUILD Office (256) 268-8309 | Visit us at customdocksllc.com
JOIN TODAY!
$25 Annual Membership
www.lmra.info
We are an all volunteer, member-funded organization serving Lake Martin since 1972. 74 LAKE
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FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS
FABULOUS FINDS
129 Jutewood Trace, Dadeville • $599,000 Spectacular lake views from your very own lake home! Located on point w/+- 381 ft. 3BD/2BA, no maintenance brick home w/open Kit./Din./FR surrounded by wall of windows. You'll live outside on the expansive covered decks and porches. Concrete walk around house, spacious covered boat dock, boat ramp w/boat house and winch. Has beach area and super deep year round water. Won't last long. Call today! RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Amanda Scroggins 256-749-6634 www.amandascroggins.com
53 Scenic Shores Way, Jacksons Gap • $625,000 Welcome to Lake Martin in the exquisite 5Br/5.5Ba home that has spared no expense on beauty & upgrades. Main level living w/ master br, kit w/ stainless steel appl & granite, liv rm w/ gorgeous stone fp, laundry rm &oversized covered porch for relaxing or entertaining. Upstairs has 2Br/2Ba w/ sitting area. Downstairs has 2Br/2ba, kit, den/ playroom area, lots of storage & covered patio. A must see! RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com
191 Hagan Road, Eclectic, AL • $495,000 Great location in Tallassee Slough. Nicely updated cabin on flat lot in quiet cove. Just around the corner from the big open water of Kowaliga Bay. Just what you're looking for in a weekend lake cabin. Updates include granite counter tops and tile baths. Close to everything on the lake. Minutes from Kowaliga restaurant and Harbor Docks. Come and enjoy the summer now! 3BR 2BA Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
138 Canoe Point, Equality • $839,000 Move in your new home this summer. Currently under construction, this 4 bedroom, 4 bath home is designed for lake living at its best. Upgrades include quartz counter tops, stone fireplace, tank-less water heaters, flagstone fire pit, additional stone accents, and more. Price includes the lot, home, dock and a seawall if needed. Also includes a floating dock and boat lift. Just move in and enjoy Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
30 Elysian Way, Equality • $995,000 Beautiful 4 bedroom 3.5 bath lake home on professionally landscaped flat lot with approximately 380 feet of waterfront. Reclaimed wood floors in living area. Drive-through garage with boat landing.Two docks, one with pontoon and PWCs lifts and a personal gas pump,the other with gazebo at beach area.Excellent fishing with lighted cleaning station on dock. Lots of room for entertaining Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
525 Nicholson Road, Alexander City • $995,000 Enjoy Lake Martin like it was meant to be enjoyed. Create memories in this ''Cabin'' style home. Located in the cabin community of Nichols Cove with wooded surroundings and nostalgic dirt roads.Convenient to everything. Very private with open views of Kowaliga Bay! If you are looking for a move-in ready home, great location and views, you have found it here! A must see. Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
Furnished Model
Willow Glynn, The Abby $1,250,000 Willow Glynn, Cove Cottage $1,197,000 South Ridge Estates, Y Knot $1,750,000 Just completed by RLH Construction. The Abby Bring the family to see this Henderson & Coker Looking for the perfect homesite and lake houseplan? is a 3,219 sq. ft. plan designed by Chuck Frusterio. furnished model home in Willow Glynn. This Mitch Take a look at this stunning design by Bill Farshee. Under Owner’s suite and guest suites on main level Ginn design is beautiful and move-in ready. It construction by Classic Homes, this plan is a unique with spacious living-dining-kitchen and large includes owner’s suite, guest bedroom, bunkroom, design that provides lake views from every room. The covered porch. Lake level offers two bedrooms, and bonus loft room on main level. Expansive open main living area is surrounded by covered lakeside two bathrooms, generous lake-prep room, family kitchen-dining-living area with access to large covered porches. Two owner’s suites on main level and rec room, room, wet bar, second laundry, and spacious porch. Lake level offers 2 guest suites, large family bunk loft and two guest suites on upper level. A detached covered patio for outdoor entertaining. room, covered patio and bar for plenty of lake fun. two-car garage with guest suite above completes this plan. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Russell Lands On Lake Martin Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 Call Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
JULY 2017
South Ridge Harbor, Diamond View $1,625,000 Classic Homes, a division of Russell Lands, has just broken ground on the "Diamond View" in The Ridge. This exciting new lake home design by Larry Furlong has it all: four bedrooms, four full baths, two powder rooms, PLUS two Great Rooms...one on each level. Claim your spot next to the stone fireplace and cozy up to spectacular views of Kowaliga Bay! The open kitchen overlooks the living and dining areas making this home perfect for entertaining family and friends. Call today for more details or to visit this new home project in person! Russell Lands On Lake Martin Contact Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
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Disappearing Lake Lots A
2017 trending higher than record 2015
ccountants don’t like surprises. snapshots, especially of inventory. But I In a former life, I worked as an use a monthly inventory amount because it accountant for a couple of different is one of the most commonly tracked stabusinesses. I enjoyed both companies, and tistics by the real estate industry. I learned a whole lot. One thing I learned is I must admit even I was shocked to that rare is the joyful surprise in the world see just how much waterfront lot invenof accounting. tory is down on Lake Martin. If we take a Even if you have a profit you didn’t look at May 2015, we see that about 161 expect, you chide yourself for not accruing lots were for sale here. That number has revenue properly or overestimating your steadily decreased over two years to about LAKE PROPERTY expenses. 114 lots for sale this year. BY JOHN COLEY Now that I have been selling real estate That is a decrease of almost 30 percent. for more than a decade, I find that the debitHuge! and-credit side of my brain has atrophied. ‘Sales’ is The lack of available waterfront lots for sale has a totally different world, and I find myself surprised definitely impacted the sales. Over the same fiveat least twice a day. In fact, I received two surprises month time period of May 2015 to May 2017, lot sales this month when I have decreased as cracked open the well. The number Lake Martin Area of lots sold by all Multiple Listing the agents in the Service (MLS) Lake Martin MLS to see how Lake dropped from 34 to Martin’s sales 26, or a decrease were going. of about 24 perThe first surcent. prise was that We can say that 2017 home sales sales did not drop are farther ahead in lockstep with than not only the the reduction in prior year but also inventory, which, the banner year of again, should spell 2015. Through the upward pressure first five months of on prices. 2017, 150 waterWhat other front homes have results might we been sold. That see if there is a counts every agent continued decrease in the MLS, all of waterfront lot over the lake, at all sales? price ranges. One possible The big news result I can think here is that the total of 150 represents a bruising 26 of would be a continued blossoming of fixer-uppers percent increase over 2015. Wow! I regard 2015 as around Lake Martin. Sometimes when buyers can’t the best year ever for the Lake Martin real estate find a vacant lot, they decide to buy an older home and market. So for this year to be trouncing the best year either fix it up or tear it down and start from scratch. ever is quite notable, especially considering that five Either way, if you are involved in the construction months is a pretty healthy sample size. industry, you have to like that news. The second, and larger, surprise was that waterfront lot sales inventory is down a significant amount when John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin we look at historical trends. Voice Realty. He is also the author of the blog Lake It is always a little dangerous to look at one-month Martin Voice at LakeMartinVoice.com. 76 LAKE
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Trick Tips F
Make these wakesurf and wakeskate adjustments to the shuv-it and 3-shuv tricks
rom what I’ve rider has to do them seen out on Lake completely differently Martin this year, as a wakesurfer than a there are more surfers wakeskater. than ever. With that The wakesurfer, not being said, a quick having the rope to pull reminder for all the and beginning the trick wakeboarder/wakeleading off the back BEHIND THE BOAT surfers: Watch your foot with an ollie, BY SAWYER DAVIS wake. has to gain momenYes, our boats do tum from the back of have hulls designed to create large the wave and start the bottom turn wakes, and wakesurfing is the fastest before he or she can kick the board growing wake sport and does require around. This is more of a skimboard a large wave to push the rider. But style trick. I have seen some surf please be sure you don’t ride close style guys throw them, but they were to others’ docks. The general rule of some of the best riders in the world. thumb is to stay at least a minimum It is way, way harder to do on a surf of 100 feet out. style board. I also will say that boats – whether A skim style board, usually with large or small, wakeboard style or not a single shallow fin, allows the rider – that are driven above idle and not to bottom turn with a little ollie planed off also create problems. They and shuv the board around, landing produce a huge wake in close proxim- on it at the top of the wave. If the ity to the docks. rider hits the wave face, most of the It is our responsibility, as drivers, time the wave will spit him out and to watch where these wakes go, and it shoot the board out from under him. is not OK to wakesurf or wakeboard A nice bit of speed is key here in small, tight sloughs that are lined coming into the bottom turn, with a with homes. Wakes/waves from surf little hip twist backside; starting up or wakeboard or a tourist looking at the wave, shuv it to the top, making houses at half-planed speed can do sure to separate the feet. Almost guara lot of damage to docks and to the anteed in learning this trick, notice boats tied to those docks. that the feet land together, about hip It’s almost hard to believe how big width apart, as if riding on the center the wake sport is getting and how fast of the board. it is growing – to the detriment of my Another way to practice is to favorite sport, wakeskating. It seems start with the board backward, fin in as though skating has just faded away, front. This is how the board will be most likely due to its sheer difficulty. ridden once the rider shuvs it, and he The two sports share a lot of simihas to learn how to shuv out at some larities, including not being strapped point. Now is as good a time as any. down as the most obvious, but quite a After all, it’s practice, right? few of the tricks are the same. So start backward. The bottom turn In wakeskating, the rider is not is less dramatic and slower with no pulled by the boat and doesn’t fin and shuvs out really quickly with have the leverage of the handle. This nothing holding it; plus, the fin is is a very big difference in the tricks going to hook back up on the landing. themselves. The shuv-it and the A rider doesn’t want to land up on the 3-shuv are the same tricks, but the wave face much, or it will shoot the JULY 2017
board out from under him. In doing the shuv, try to get back on the wave more and not throw it too close to the boat. I suggest getting someone to take a video, so a rider can see where he’s throwing the board and how he approaches the trick. It’s a fun trick to learn. The 3-shuv comes next or try doing the shuv while doing a 360, which is a backside big spin. Have fun practicing and see you on the water! Sawyer Davis is a wakesurfer for Victoria Skimboards and grew up on Lake Martin.
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Cry Fowl Canada geese are a growing threat to Lake Martin's water quality
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hether living on Lake Martin or why all lakeside dwellers should do their coming to the lake for a visit and best to maintain an Alabama Smart Yard (see some R&R, the waves lapping www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1359). against that old wooden dock is a big draw. Another significant contributor to conFolks plan on leaving their worries behind tamination of certain areas of Lake Martin and enjoying the cool refreshing waters is wildlife. One critter in particular is reguthrough boating, water skiing, tubing, fishing larly seen on the lake, sometimes in great or dangling toes off that old wooden dock. abundance – the Canada goose. Sometimes, Most visitors to the lake don’t even think flocks of 30-40 birds congregate in little about water quality, given that their bodies coves and backyards. Though they are quite and their brains are on vacation. Fortunately, picturesque gliding across the water, or flyLAKE WATCH when folks come to Lake Martin, they’re ing in formation across the setting sun, they BY ERIC REUTEBUCH visiting the cleanest lake in the state, also cause problems. Alabama’s one and only Treasured Alabama Lake Canada geese, being warm-blooded animals, harbor (TAL). fecal bacteria in their digestive tracts, including E. coli, Does that mean that we don’t need to worry about Salmonella, Enterococcus, Shigella, Vibrio and other contaminants in Lake Martin, and all of the Lake Watch nasty bacteria that are pathogenic to humans; therefore, of Lake Martin (LWLM) water monitors can also go on when they excrete feces into water or near water (and vacation? it is flushed into the water by rainfall/runoff), the water Not quite – though we do enjoy our lake’s TAL status, becomes contaminated with an array of bacteria, some contaminants still make their way into the lake. Water of which can cause serious human health problems. runs downhill, and during heavy rain events, it runs These health problems could include gastrointestinal pretty quickly into the Tallapoosa River and into the infection, bacteremia meningitis, typhoid, endocarditis, many creeks that empty into the lake, including Sandy, urinary tract infection, liver infection, renal infection Elkahatchee and Coley creeks, just to name a few. and bacillary dysentery. Yikes! These events inevitably introduce some amount of Thus, Canada geese on and around lake property pollutants into the water. These are called nonpoint means the probability of fecal contamination, and consource pollutants and include lawn fertilizers, pesticides, tamination with potentially pathogenic bacteria in the herbicides, pet waste, motor oil and antifreeze. That’s water adjoining that property increases significantly. 80 LAKE
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The larger the numbers of birds, the greater the risk. If a lakefront property owner feeds geese, the birds will tend to congregate in the vicinity of that property and feed and defecate in the adjacent waters. Therefore, to minimize the fecal contamination of waters, do not feed the geese. To verify whether or not the water adjoining a lakefront property is contaminated with feces from geese or from feces from any other warm-blooded animal, consider joining LWLM and taking the Alabama Water Watch (AWW) Bacteriological Monitoring training. A three-hour workshop certifies an AWW bacteriological monitor to conduct a very economical bacteriological test (under $10). Monitoring supplies are provided free for LWLM members who register as monitors and conduct regular testing. The testing determines if the water contains fecal contamination; the magnitude of the contamination; and whether or not it poses a threat to human health. To view availability and sign up for free AWW workshops, visit www.alabamawaterwatch.org and click the workshop registration button on the right side of the page. Taking part in lake stewardship and helping to watch the water will help to ensure many years of safely enjoying this treasured lake. Eric Reutebuch is president of Lake Watch Lake Martin. To become a Lake Watch member, email him at membership@lakewatch.org. Learn more and volunteer at www.lakewatch.org or email info@lakewatch.org.
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office 256.329.LAKE (5253) • 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
JULY 2017
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Embrace the Mediterranean way
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ather than a diet, a lifestyle of culinary soluble fiber source and lots of vitamins. Legumes tradition with a cultural approach makes have been shown to decrease the risk for heart disthe Mediterranean way worth exploring. ease, cancer and diabetes. Maintaining its credibility for promoting health The fish containing the highest amounts of and wellness, this method focuses on fresh ingreomega-3 fatty acids are salmon, albacore tuna, dients prepared simply. trout, flounder, Pollock, herring and sardines. This lifestyle evolved from the countries that Regular consumption of an oily fish provides a border the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, healthy effect on cholesterol and triglyceride levels Southern Spain, Southern Italy, France and and reduces the risk of heart attack. Morocco. Each region developed its own tradiAs many may know, olive oil is the heart and tions based on the availability of local produce and soul of the Mediterranean diet. Using monounfood, although there are considerable overlaps in saturated olive oil on a regular basis is associated HEALTHY LIVING with reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cuisine with similar nutritional benefits. BY JULIE HUDSON For centuries, preparation methods have cancer and inflammatory diseases, such as arthriremained the same – food is eaten fresh and tis and asthma, as well as positively impacting rarely fried. Hundreds of studies have linked the Mediterranean cholesterol ratio. Research has shown that moderate alcohol diet with multiple health benefits, such as increased life span; consumption, particularly red wine, will lower the risk for heart improved brain function; benefits in the areas of rheumatoid disease. Antioxidants are more abundant in red wine due to the arthritis, eye health and fertility; weight management; and dark color and serve to lower bad cholesterol, raise good choreduced risk of cancers, heart disease, high blood pressure, dia- lesterol and make a positive impact on blood clotting. Moderate betes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and depression. consumption of alcohol is defined as one to two 5-ounce The Mediterranean lifestyle is a straightforward way of eatglasses a day. ing that emphasizes plant-based foods. The focus is on eating Although diet is at the forefront of the Mediterranean way of less meat and more fish; cooking with olive oil; using herbs and living, exercise, relaxation to relieve stress and smoking cessaspices; eating a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables and legumes; incor- tion are important to round out the lifestyle. Sometimes referred porating unprocessed grains several times each day; eating a to as the silent killer, chronic stress can present very harmful serving of nuts each day; and consuming fewer dairy products. health risks to the body. Everyone experiences and handles The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fresh, non-processed stress on different levels; therefore, it is important to assess foods that are rich in health-promoting vitamins and minerwhat is causing the stress and have a realistic plan to make als, and research has proven that it is ideal for long-term heart positive changes. health and weight control. Numerous studies have demonstrated Steps to reduce stress in your life may include daily exercise, the benefits of the Mediterranean diet on heart health, including meditating, praying, embracing relationships with family and reduction of heart attacks and stroke. friends, setting realistic goals, living within your means, pracStudies have proven that following a Mediterranean lifestyle ticing yoga, enjoying hobbies and activities away from work, would reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 68 percent, and metahaving a positive outlook on life, never losing your sense of bolic studies have shown reductions in elevated blood sugar humor, laughing, smiling and enjoying life. In addition to servand blood pressure and improvements in abnormal cholesterol ing as stress relief, participating in regular exercise provides profiles and vascular inflammation. numerous health benefits, including promoting weight loss and The main components of the Mediterranean diet include weight maintenance, as well as increasing cardiovascular and whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, beans or legumes, bone health. fish, olive oil and red wine, that all play an integral part of this A quick fix is not always the correct answer, especially lifestyle. Kashi, quinoa, barley and oatmeal are the most comwhen it comes to weight loss and long-term health. The mon whole grains. A whole (not refined) grain is one that conMediterranean diet offers a delicious variety of plant-based tains the entire whole grain kernel consisting of the outer layer, foods that are readily available. Simple meals prepared with called the bran, which provides fiber, the inner layer, which minimally processed foods with the freshest ingredients are the provides complex carbohydrates and protein and an inner layer foundation of the Mediterranean lifestyle, as well as incorporatproviding vitamins, minerals and protein. ing meat and sweets in moderation. A diet rich in whole grains has been shown to reduce the risk The Mediterranean lifestyle provides a healthy way to lose of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Fresh fruit and vegetables weight, reduce stress and decrease the risk of heart disease, provide complex carbohydrates, fiber and a huge amount of diabetes and cancer. Embracing a lifestyle of healthy habits vitamins and minerals. Eating a variety of colors is most benefi- combined with eating quality food in controlled portions is the cial to reduce the risk for heart disease and cancer. Mediterranean way. Almonds and walnuts provide a huge source of monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber and vitamins. Julie Hudson is a dietician at the Lake Martin Wellness Nuts can serve as a good snack due to their high satiety value. Center in Dadeville. Legumes provide an excellent protein source, insoluble and 82 LAKE
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hat if there was just one fishing lure that we feeding on the bottom. It could be a lot of things, and needed to use any time we went fishing? A bait that’s the beauty of it. that would work even when the weather was Predatory fish usually have to make a quick decision extremely cold and still would work when it was extreme- when something potentially edible appears. I think the ly hot. Something that was dependable when it was rainy, key to whether or not they close the deal is what the but also just as good when it was sunny. How about a bait does when they are first aware of its presence. The bait that could catch fish as effectively in the Shaky Head pulls the worm down to the botwind as when the lake looked like glass? tom, often in a spiraling motion, which can Even better, the bait could be fished be good. The blunt head lands with a small around and through shallow cover. And what thud on the bottom, kicking up a little mud if it were just as good on offshore structure? “dust” cloud, and left in the center of it all is Wouldn’t it be nice to know that there was a worm tail sticking up. one bait that could give us a good chance of I’m convinced that the baits that stand the catching fish, no matter what? test of time, like the few I mentioned earlier, I think there may be just such a bait on the are able to do so because they trigger instincmarket already. tive reactions from the fish. Survival instincts In fact, I’ve been using it for more than 15 kick in, and fish react to certain movements years, and I was probably a little late to the and profiles because any hesitation could party after hearing other anglers talk. mean they would miss a meal. Too many This magical bait doesn’t get much attenmissed meals equals belly-up. BIG CATCHES tion. It’s not flashy; it doesn’t make a funny There are definitely times and places where BY GREG VINSON noise or dance across the water. It doesn’t other baits and techniques excel. At times, dive to pre-determined depths or even susthese may catch more fish and/or bigger fish pend, and it doesn’t even vibrate. It doesn’t look like a than a Shaky Head, but the power the Shaky Head has real ... well, anything to me. over these other choices is its versatility. But to the fish, it is something special. There are undoubtedly going to be times when the fish You won’t see many videos with amazing slow motion will not bite the big, the flashy, the noisy or the pretty blow-ups with this rig. It’s also easy to get. There’s no lures; however, there are few times when a Shaky Head need to search for old discontinued models or pay ridicurigged with a small straight tail worm will not catch lous prices on eBay. Just about everyone who fishes for something, especially in the Southeast. bass knows of it and still uses it ... some, anyway. In my opinion, the best setup to start is a 3/16-ounce I’m sure you have a bait in mind that fits this descriphead with a 7-inch straight tail worm like the Netbait tion. Maybe it’s a jig or a sinking worm, i.e. Senko. A T-Mac. Keep color simple as well. There are a lot that drop shot could even be considered. It’s not a Carolina will work, but green pumpkin is still hard to beat on any Rig, although we could do a similar article on that one. given day. It’s called a Shaky Head. Rigging it is simple. A small, straight-tail plastic worm The Shaky Head is essentially a jig head with no is as good as it gets. Texpose it by running the hook weedguard and no skirt. Someone, somewhere, decided through 1/2-inch of the worm’s head and then turning the that the skirt was not necessary. Maybe it added too hook point back into the worm, making it weedless. much bulk. Maybe it dry rotted, as rubber skirts often Cast it out – let it sink to the bottom – and move the did before silicone came along. Maybe a Texas Rig was rod tip gently as you work it back to the boat. This is too much trouble or someone ran out of Slider heads and where you can bring life to a seemingly nothing-looking decided to use a raw jig head in its place. head and worm and convince the fish it’s real. I doubt it was any of these, but someone, somewhere, It can be important to match the size of the head to the sometime, decided to put a little worm on the jig head depth and rate of fall you are looking for. Then pair up a and cast it out. The Shaky Head was born, and the rest is worm to match the fish you are targeting. I suggest starthistory. ing with 4- to 7-inch straight worms and increasing the Since it is not flashy and doesn’t suspend or make size when you feel like you can get away with it. This is noise or any of the other things I mentioned earlier, why usually in places with larger fish and larger forage. is it so good? In the earlier days, we always used spinning tackle It stands up. to throw Shaky heads. Now that better heads and hooks It can’t be that simple, can it? We spend countless dolare available, it’s easier to get away with baitcasting lars and hours trying to get baits to do certain things or gear. Usually the baitcasters come in handy when fishing look certain ways. Surely, it’s not that simple. around cover. Spinning tackle is still a better choice for I think it probably is. The simplicity of the rig is most light rigs and/or light line. likely what makes it so versatile. Regardless of the time of year or the conditions, have When rigged on a Shaky Head, the worm stands up on yourself a Shaky Head rigged up, and you’ll have a great the bottom. If we didn’t know better by now, we might chance of catching fish. not even give it the courtesy of saying, “that’s neat.” I can’t tell you for sure that it resembles a crawfish posturGreg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on ing up before its final hour in defeat to a hungry bass. I the Bassmaster Elite Series and PAA tours. He lives in don’t know for sure that it looks like a shad nose-down Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin. 84 LAKE
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THE MOST PRODUCTIVE BAIT ON LAKE MARTIN
Shaky Head rigs are affordable and work in all conditions
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Cantaloupe and Peach Salad Ingredients
1 ripe cantaloupe 2 ripe peaches 1 tablespoon chopped pecans 2 mint leaves sliced thin Drizzle of really good dark honey Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
CHEF’S TABLE BY ROB MCDANIEL
Peel, halve and remove seeds from cantaloupe; then, using a small meat slicer, mandoline or very thin, sharp knife, shave the melon into thin ribbons and set to the side. Wash peaches; then, cut away from the pit and slice about 1/8-inch thick. Arrange cantaloupe on a serving plate; then, place peach slices in and around cantaloupe. Season with salt and pepper; drizzle with honey, pecans and mint.
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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The Winemakers' Tales
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ine writers tend to have a tight focus on their and with the encouragement of wine icon Charlie Wagner of subject – wine – and we sometimes assume that Caymus Vineyards, Bruce became intensely involved in all readers are as driven as we are about aroma pro- aspects of the wine business. He formed BR Cohn in 1984. It files, flavors and color. We often spend too much time on the is a good story, and his wines are among the best. drink itself and not enough on the total experience – the wine Mac McDonald of Vision Cellars is not native Californian experience. Let’s have a pop quiz. either and did not grow up in the wine business, though there The best wines are those that A) cost the most; B) have were signs along the way that pointed him in this direction the highest score; C) come with screw caps; after putting in 35 years with Pacific Gas and D) none of the above. I should have announced Electric. (which I think I did eight or 10 years ago) that Mac is a storyteller, as well as a passionate there would be occasional pop quizzes, but the winemaker. It started in Texas, where his father answer is D) none of the above. was a moonshiner, finest in the state. Mac tells The best wines are those that are shared. The his listeners about the parallels of making moonbest wines are those with which we can conshine and wine starting with good ingredients. nect on some level through identifiable factors, He talks about patience and the challenges of including price, perceived quality, flavor, conworking with one of the most difficult of grapes, venience or whatever, usually in the company Pinot Noir. of others who are similarly absorbed. Absorbed Early on, an uncle introduced Mac to the may not be the best word; we can snicker and wines of Burgundy, where Pinot Noir is the prigo with it. The point being that when we are mary grape. Mac is Pinot Noir’s biggest fan but engaged, we are receptive and eager for more; because Ms. Lil, who he says is the boss, likes FROM THE CELLAR Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, he has dabbled more than just the beverage, we want to savor BY HENRY FOY the experience. with a “50/50” blend that he calls the marriage Writers can write about high-scoring reds or wine. summer whites that won’t blow the budget. We can tell you Whenever Mac is in the Lake Martin area, he tells the what we think about this wine or that one. We can delve into story of the first time he came to Alexander City some the realm of the winemakers and discover how this product 10 years ago. He engaged a group attending a specame to be. We can bring their passion and artistry to your cial Friday afternoon wine tasting at Cellar on Main with table. The color, aromas and flavors draw us to the wine. The down-to-earth friendliness and humor as he talked about his atmosphere and relationships complete the journey. wine, his life and his wife and partner, Ms. Lil. The big black Time and again, we hear winemakers say that their goal man in his trademark overalls and a straw hat had everyis to produce quality wine. Their stories, the how and why, one’s attention. It was a memorable wine experience, as all enthrall us. of his subsequent visits have been, for the audience and the Like many of his peers, Hunter Vogel at Kitfox Vineyards performer who now adds the story about having his picture grew up farming in California at just the right time. The tran- made with our mayor at the time, Barbara Young, to his diasition to grapes from other crops – almonds, prunes, table logue. grapes – was under way. Another interesting story comes from Witness Fred Peterson of Peterson Winery might have been a docTree winemaker Steven Westby who made a stop tor if he had applied himself academically. Taking time off to in Alexander City recently. Most people know that ‘witness find himself, a vineyard job thrust him onto a totally different tree’ is a surveyor’s term identifying a tree or other recognizpath. able landmark used to mark the location of a corner boundSusan Arbois was an archaeologist who never dreamed of ary of a piece of property. being in the wine business. She is now a vintner with husWhen I asked Steven about the namesake witness tree, his band, Bill, at Praxis Wines. face lit up as though no one had ever asked that before. There All of these were unsuspecting pioneers, and wine found is, of course, a story to that particular tree that goes back to them. the Donation Land Claim Act of the mid-1800s, which was One of my favorite stories is that of Bruce Cohn, founder intended to promote homestead settlements in the Pacific of BR Cohn Winery. Bruce did not grow up in the wine busi- Northwest. The act gave 640 acres of land to a married couness and is not a native Californian. Before moving to the ple with the husband and wife each owning half of the grant. Bay Area in 1956, his parents were singers, his mother havIt was one of the first laws that allowed married women to ing performed with Sinatra in the Chicago nightclub scene. hold property in their own names. His introduction to music came at an early age, and in colCan you imagine how exciting the tasting rooms of these lege, he studied broadcasting and communication, not wine. places are? Kinda’ makes you want to go there and drink By day, Bruce ran a music rehearsal studio and by night, he some wine. That’s the wine experience. worked as a television engineer. In 1970, he became the manOh – happy Fourth of July. Be responsible. Be safe. ager for the Doobie Brothers. There is a certain age group that loves that story. There’s more to tell. Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine and If you don’t know, the Doobie Brothers are rock and roll Spirits with the area’s only walk-in humidor, Café 128 and superstars. Seriously rock and heavy roll. To preserve sanGallery 128 in downtown Alexander City at 128 Calhoun ity and his family’s quality of life, Bruce purchased a Glen Street. He can be reached at 256.212.WINE, on Instagram, Ellen, California, dairy farm in ’74. It came with a vineyard, Facebook and at emporium128@bellsouth.net. JULY 2017
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Staying Connected
Pro Tips From Lee Williams There are many different ways to swing a golf club, putt and chip. I have always believed in playing golf by using your body and not your hands. This method of golf relies less on timing, leading to more consistency. In this article I’m going to talk about how to putt using your body. The purpose of your hands in putting and, generally speaking in golf, is to hold the club. There is really nothing else your hands do or need to do other than grip the club you are using. The rest is in how you move your body. In putting, I have always believed the best way to putt is by using your chest. Your legs only support you in putting and, therefore, should stay completely still. All the motion in the stroke is done by rotating the chest. My favorite drill for getting this feel, and one I have done for years, is placing a golf glove in between the ball of my left elbow and my left rib cage. This drill forces me to use my upper body – mainly the chest – to prevent the glove from falling to the ground. Another favorite drill is to fold a towel and place it under both your left and right armpits and practice putting. Both of these drills are geared toward keeping your hands out of the stroke and placing the movement in your upper body. Not only will this allow you to develop a more consistent stroke but also will tighten up your contact leading to a better roll. I hope you find these drills helpful, and good luck!!
Lee Williams, a professional golfer on the PGA Tour, grew up playing 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.
Previous play helps to make a champion STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI
Ethan Hagood's name will be engraved on the SGA Junior Championship trophy
Southern Golf Association Tournament champion Ethan Hagood of Birmingham said having previously played the Willow Point course on Lake Martion was definitely to his advantage. “I worked with my coach; we came out here to play a few times and came up with a good game plan. It was just about executing it, and it seemed to work,” said Hagood, who has been playing golf for about five years. He credited most of his success to maintaining his confidence and working hard, which has paid off this summer, as Hagood is currently undefeated in tournament play. He also said the course can be tricky, being bordered by water, since the winds can alter the ball movement. Hole 13 is his least favorite, he said, for that reason. Hagood’s advice to those coming to play the course is that hitting the fairways is a must because the rough is very thick and the fescue should be avoided at all costs. Having many friends that live at the lake, Hagood said he gets the opportunity to visit often, and Lake Martin is the one lake in this country where he would like to live.
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Legend
63
24
22
280
To Sylacauga
23
Public Boat Ramps
19
9 Churches
Alexander City
8
Camps & Parks
Camp ASCCA
Flint Hill Church
16
Power lines U.S. Highways
3
280
22
County Roads
Piney Woods Landing
Wind Creek State Park
Pleasant Grove Church
11
COOSA COUNTY
Alex City Boat Ramp
Mt. Zion Church
259 9
128
Russell Farms Baptist Church 63
13 20
D.A.R.E. Park Landing
Friendship Church New Hope Church
Liberty Church
7 17
Willow Point
24
6
9
Equality
63
10
Kowaliga Boat Landing
55
4
Seman
Trillium
22 The Ridge
2
The Amp Ko
wa
18
lig
aB
ay
80
9
Central
90
Union
ELMORE COUNTY Union Church
Red Hill 63
229
Eclectic
Tallassee
20 12
92 LAKE
Union Landing
Children’s Harbor
25
34
Camp Alamisco
1 11
Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis
Paces Point Boat Ramp
Kent
JULY 2017
Timbergut Landing
Lake Martin Alabama
Horseshoe Bend National Park
Jaybird Landing
Marinas 11. Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
49
42. Real Island Marina 334-857-2741 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026
Jacksons Gap
53. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
280
62. Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 Bethel Church
21
Dadeville
57
280
Camp Hill
Smith Landing Pleasant Ridge Church
82. Alex City Marine Sales and Service 256-215-3474 2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Restaurants 96. SpringHouse 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 6. Catherine’s Market 10 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
14 15
11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters
73. Smith Marina 256-444-8793
12 Bezlo's Cafe 334-639-0003 65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024
Stillwaters
16 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, AL 35010 17 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt @ Smith's Marina 256-444-8793 18 5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 334.857.3900 7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 19 4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 20 4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Building Supply 21 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 224. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010 234. Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 24. McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583 1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010 25. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Road, Eclectic, AL 36024
Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25. Contact us at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.
5
Business & Shopping 13 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010
Walnut Hill 50 50
14 Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 15 EastLake Coffee @ Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853
49
Reeltown
JULY 2017
LAKE 93
Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY
Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Q Campus of CACC Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club
Larry’s General Store Longleaf Antiques Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon
CHELSEA Winn-Dixie The Ditsy Daisy Boutique CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie DADEVILLE
American Motorsports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foshee's Boat Doc Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank
Renfroes Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank
ECLECTIC Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Peoples Bank
EQUALITY Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star INVERNESS Winn-Dixie Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Arena Tree Top Family Adventure
KELLYTON
Five Star Plantation MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market
RED HILL Citgo
SYLACAUGA Good Ole Boys BBQ
TALLASSEE Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune
WALNUT HILL Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery
WETUMPKA
The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are available at these locations. To start your subscription, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281.
Lake Martin Business and Service Directory
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
H
OLMAN
“WE’RE
F
LOOR
C
OMPANY
THE PROFESSIONALS”
Hardwood Floors Ceramic Tile Carpet & Vinyl
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700
Visit our showroom for samples and a free estimate!
haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
1945 Hwy 280 • Alexander City
94 LAKE
Locally Owned for Over 45 Years
256-234-6071
JULY 2017
Lake Martin Business and Service Directory Roofing Services By
Handrails • Guardrails Welded Fence • Custom Art Stairs • Gates Stainless Steel Cable Railing I-Beams • Steel Posts • Stairs On-Site Welding/Cutting Powder Coat • Sand Blasting
residential. commercial. interior. exterior.
993 Yeager Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 O: (205)685-0040 F: (205) 685-0049 www.ApexRoofs.com
334-651-0033AL/706-225-8070 GA
columbus-auburn.certapro.com Full Service Free Damage Inspection Licensed & Insured
1550OpelikaRoadSuite6Box294,Auburn,AL36830
334-332-3435 334-391-0759
COACH KRAFT
LAKE MARTIN AMY Call on
Amy Clark
UPHOLSTERY
Broker/Realtor/GRI/ ABR/RSPS
Complete Marine Upholstery!
256-749-3333 www.SellingLakeMartin.com
HOMES FOR SALE
™
Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers
Professional! Trey Callegan Area Manager Call TODAY for quick Pre-approval!
■
■
Patrick Mason 334-283-6759 676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com
A Division of Goldwater Bank, N.A.
248 Inverness Ctr Dr, Birmingham AL
205-995-7283
Call TODAY for quick Pre-approval NMLS #47862 Corporate NMLS #452955
Performance! Call me for your FREE home sellers kit.
Paige Patterson
205-616-8046
LAKE
www.paigepatterson.com
Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin. Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281
MAGAZINE
JULY 2017
LAKE 95
Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing....................................................... 79
First Baptist Church Alexander City.................. 8
Russell Lands............................................. 35, 50, 51
Advanced Heating & Air...................................... 62
Fresh Hot Pizza, LLC............................................ 94
Russell Marine.......................................................... 3
Alex City Guide Service...................................... 62
George Hardy D.M.D........................................... 62
Russell Medical........................................................ 2
Alex City Marine................................................... 20
Harbor Pointe Marina.......................................... 31
Satterfield.................................................................. 6
Amanda Scroggins, RE/MAX Around the Lake.........81
Hilltop Landscaping............................................... 96
Security Pest Control............................................ 8
Amy Clark, Selling Lake Martin ...................................95
Hinson Galleries.................................................... 81
Singleton Marine/Rambo Marine....................... 78
Apex Roofing....................................................................95
Holley’s Home Furnishings...............................100
Sparkle Window Cleaning................................... 17
Artic Heating & Air.................................................. 27, 28
Holman Floor......................................................... 94
SportzBlitz.............................................................. 90
Black Jack...........................................................................77
Home Place Mortgage......................................... 73
State Farm Insurance/ Harold Cochran..........94
Blue Creek Iron Works....................................... 95
Jackson Thornton.................................................. 77
State Farm Insurance/ Karen Channell..........95
Bone & Joint Specialists....................................... 72
Kowaliga Whole Health....................................... 95
St. James Episcopal Church................................. 20
Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation......................... 8
Lake Martin Community Hospital..................... 13
Suit Properties....................................................... 40
C&T Eclectric........................................................ 62
Lake Martin Dock................................................. 23
Sunrise Dock.......................................................... 14
Cahaba Glass............................................................ 6
Lake Martin Mini Mall.......................................... 43
Tallassee Community Hospital........................... 43
CertaPro Painters................................................. 95
Lake Martin Resource Association................... 74
Temple Medical Center......................................... 8
Chuck's Marina...................................................... 73
Lakeside Marina..................................................... 40
The Touchless Boat Cover.................................. 14
Coach Kraft Upholstery...................................... 95
Mark King's Furniture................................... 11, 83
TowBoatU.S.............................................................. 5
Crew Lending......................................................... 95
Montgomery/Yamaha........................................... 42
Troy Cable................................................................. 6
Custom Docks....................................................... 74
National Village...................................................... 41
Walmart.................................................................. 91
Damon Story, Cedar Point................................. 21
Noel Boone............................................................ 95
Wedowee Marine................................................. 97
DAVCO Development......................................... 95
Paige Patterson, Lake Martin Voice Realty......95
Williams Plumbing Heating & Air........................ 8
Designs by Trish....................................................... 8
Prime Management............................................... 62
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel...................99WSC
Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air............................ 71
Radney Funeral Home......................................... 16
Distinctive Builders, LLC..................................... 63
Docks Unlimited..................................................... 5
Renaissance Electronics......................................... 8
96 LAKE
JULY 2017
242X E-Series
EDGY. EPIC. ENERGETIC. AN ALL NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE WAKE BOAT BOASTING CUTTING-EDGE ENHANCEMENTS. STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE YAMAHA’S TRIPLE BALLAST SYSTEM, AWARD-WINNING CONNEXT™ INTERFACE FEATURING NEW DRIVE CONTROL AND A POWERFUL 1,000-WATT STEREO WITH SOUND BAR, SUBWOOFER AND 18 PREMIUM SPEAKERS.
FX Cruiser SHO®
ENGINEERED WITH SUPERCHARGED POWER, RIDE™ FOR PRECISE CONTROL, LUXURIOUS COMFORT AND SIGNATURE YAMAHA CRUISER® FEATURES DESIGNED TO DELIVER PURE RIDING ENJOYMENT
www.WedoweeMarine.com 256.357.2045 or 800.780.2045 JULY 2017 LAKE
97
Parting Shot
Ian Hölljes and Grant Emerson of Delta Rae play their hearts out at Jazz Fest
Photo by Kenneth Boone
“I have lived my whole life with high intensity.” ~ Rafael Nadal
98 LAKE
JULY 2017
JULY 2017
LAKE 99
INJURED BY YOUR OLD MATTRESS OR SOFA?
CALL ME ALABAMA! RALPH HOLLEY
I AM YOUR
FURNITURE STORE! Every representation is made that the products, prices and service provided by Holley’s Home Furnishings are greater than the products, prices and service provided by other furniture stores.
100 LAKE
256.234.4141 Alexander City
JULY 2017
334.279.3101 Montgomery