Lake magazine July 2023

JULY 4TH on the WATER

Songwriters Festival Preview

Camp ASCCA

Black Jacket Symphony

Letter from the Editor

Ihad Memorial Day weekend off and stole away to camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains for a few days, so it’s my turn to work on the Fourth of July. Hope I can keep up! There’s so much more to do at Lake Martin over the Independence Day holiday than when I moved to Alexander City more than 10 years ago. I’d love to do it all!

The fireworks have been my favorite since I was a child, and I thought the entire event was in celebration of my own July 4th birthday. Admittedly, I did not take the news well when I learned such was not the case. I seem to recall ordering a mean little girl off the merry-go-round while waiting for darkness to fall for the fireworks show because I had not invited her to my party. It was pretty disheartening to find out it wasn’t my party, after all. But even as a grownup, the lake area fireworks shows have never disappointed. Turn to page 28 for a rundown of the festivities and choose which ones you want to attend because, unfortunately, it’s impossible to see them all.

And then, get ready because lake life does not slow down after the big holiday. You’ll want to start working on your costumes and boat decorations for the 20th annual Lake Martin Lions Poker Run on July 15. It’s so much fun to see the entries as crews register for this event that has raised more than $100,000 for local charities during its tenure. I have attended about half of those runs, and it’s amazing to see the originality in the teams’ efforts. Find details on page 24.

Also this month, Black Jacket Symphony will play the entire Fleetwood Mac Rumors album in concert at Lake Martin Amphitheater. I have a short list of music favorites, but this album definitely is on it. Looking forward to being there. Learn more on page 20.

Read about a series of local concerts that makes a huge difference in some special lives, though you’re not allowed to attend them, on page 40. As music is important to the campers at Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults, some popular bands are treating the ASCCA folks to private concerts at the Lake Martin campus.

Your music card probably is full anyway, as this month also hosts the Third Annual Lake Martin Songwriters Festival. Tallapoosa County Tourism director Sandra Fuller has outdone herself spearheading the effort to bring more than 20 songwriters to 17 venues around the lake for five days of music. Check out Breanna Manley’s article on page 34 and make plans to be at the lake for this fabulous event.

Yes, I’ll be working during all of it, but honestly, it’s so much fun it hardly feels like work at all.

Happy July at Lake Martin, everybody!

Chairman

KENNETH BOONE editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

General Manager

TIPPY HUNTER editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Editor in Chief

BETSY ILER editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director

AUDRA SPEARS audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Business & Digital Development Director

ANGELA MULLINS angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com

Audience Development Director

ERIN BURTON erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing

RENEE TRICE renee.trice@alexcityoutlook.com

CRAIG HOWARD craig.howard@thewetumpkaherald.com

SHERYL JENNINGS sheryl.jennings@thewetumpkaherald.com

EMILY GREGG emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com

HIDEY ARRINGTON hidey.arrington@alexcityoutlook.com

Staff Contributors

KENNETH BOONE

BREANNA MANLEY

JULIE HUDSON

GREG VINSON

CLIFF WILLIAMS

PETE MCKENNY

WILLIAM MARLOW

LIZI GWIN

HENRY ZIMMER

ABIGAIL MURPHY

LONNA UPTON

MATT CAMPBELL

DAVE JENNINGS

Betsy Iler, Editor-in-Chief

Sally and Brooks Lamberth entered Sally's wooden ChrisCraft in Russell Marine's July 4 Boat Parade with daughters Rosie (back left) and Katie (back right) and Katie's husband, John McGoogan. The outing at Lake Martin offers a great opportunity to have fun with friends, family and the whole community that gathers here for the holiday weekend.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

Recruiting Top Quality Healthcare Professionals

RNs and LPNs

RN and LPN Management and Charge Nurse positions available, 100% pre-paid scholarships for aspiring nurses, tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, short-term contracts, and we consider buying out existing employment contracts

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Medication Assistant

Certified (MAC)

Tuition FREE, paid training classes, prepaid exam fees, signon bonuses, and we consider buying out existing employment contracts.

Dietary and Housekeeping Positions

Excellent Pay and Benefits

Low co-pay & deductible BCBS

Health/Dental/Vision/Prescription

Drug Insurance, paid vacation, 401K, company paid life insurance, Longevity Bonus up to $1000 a year, employees and their children receive priority for scholarship opportunities, shift differential, and additional weekend differential that starts on Friday

20. BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY

Sit back on the grassy hillside at The AMP for Fleetwood Mac's Rumors album.

24. BUILD YOUR BEST HAND

Raise money for local charities and have your best day on the lake.

28. COUNTDOWN TO THE FOURTH

There's more to see and do than ever before over the holiday weekend at the lake.

34. SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

A preview of who is invited to take part in this year's bigger and better five-day concert series.

40. FUN AT THE BCK4T

Camp ASCCA invites campers to an exclusive concert series with popular bands.

46. JAZZ FEST REVIEW

Relive the 33rd Alexander City Jazz Fest concert series in photos.

50. THE WILLOWS RETREAT

Now at home fulltime on Lake Martin, longtime weekenders at the lake create the perfect escape.

62. NEW BOATING LAWS

Get up-to-date on new and coming legislation that could affect your time at Lake Martin.

73. FAB FINDS 74. HEALTHY LIVING 76. CHEF'S TABLE 78. FROM THE CELLAR 80. BIG CATCHES 83. LOVE OF THE GAME 90. PARTING SHOT

Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake

Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators

Fireworks find a niche 2,300 years in the making

Fireworks may have originated in the second century B.C. in China, where bamboo stalks thrown in a fire exploded with a loud noise as the hollow air pockets in the bamboo overheated. About 1,000 years later, a Chinese alchemist mixed potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal to make a powder that was poured into bamboo tubes and ignited.

It wasn't until the 13th century that fireworks appeared in European entertainment and religious festivals.

They came to the U.S. with early settlers, and John Adams once wrote to his wife declaring that Independence Day ought to be solemnized with parades, games, sports, bonfires and illuminations.

Today, fireworks are available for purchase at numerous temporary outlets across the U.S. at New Year's and July 4. The global fireworks industry is valued at more than $2.5 billion.

Turn to the calendar pages in this issue of Lake magazine for a list of opportunities to celebrate Independence Day as our forefathers intended.

Weather Outlook for July

July 2023 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the lower 90s and average lows in the upper 70s with about 5 and one-quarter inches of precipitation in the month of July.The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures be above average and rainfall will be average this month.

Year-to-Date

Precipitation: 31.66

Avg. high temp.: 68.4

Avg. low temp.: 43.8

Avg. temp.: 56.1

Information from the National Weather Service.

Our Normal July

Precipitation: 5.21 inches

Avg. high temp.: 91.2

Avg. low temp.: 69.7

Avg. temp.: 80.5

Last Month's Lake Levels

Summer: 491 MSL

Winter: 481 MSL

Highest: 490.23

Lowest: 490.13

Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.

Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and waterrelated equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS. The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single-family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy of Lake Martin Realty, LLC (a Russell Lands, Inc., affiliated company).

Fireworks light up the night sky at Lake Martin Amphitheater, just one of the many activities to take in at the lake on July 4. Photo by Kenneth Boone

READER SUBMISSIONS

(1)Kids love to help with trash pick up around Lake Martin. (2) Debbie Jo Spivey and Joyce Reeves visited The Stables at Russell Crossroads on Derby Day. (3) New Water chapel graces Lake Martin on a lovely spring day in this photo by Tony Johnson. (4) This luna moth visited Charles Murrell's lake house on North Darby Drive. (5) Jessica Adair sent us this photo of best buds in the bow. (6) Sunrise on Lake Martin is every bit as beautiful as sunset, as Cheryl Gainer McCall's photo illustrates. (7) Even on a foggy winter day, Lake Martin shows off its serene beauty for Carmen Boshell's camera.

READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Alex Onushko teaches his son Bennett the fine art of spending an afternoon fishing at Lake Martin. (2) Cheryl Gainer McCall shared a quiet, peaceful morning at the lake with all of us. (3) Greer Bailey is tickled to be at Trillium on Lake Martin. (4) Finley Lawhorn is all set for a great Memorial Day weekend at Lake Martin. (5) The colors of mountain laurel range from dark pink to nearly white in this photo by Tony Johnson. (6) Hayes Herzog and Briley Kalen took a boat ride under the arch of a double rainbow on Lake Martin.

READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Bo and Bridget Lewis took Lake magazine to Grand Teton near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. (2) Lake joined Doug and Barbara Reid at Schollart Channel, Antarctica. (3) Barbara and Doug Reid also took Lake magazine to Quebec City in Quebec, Canada. (4) Julia and Steve Thomas visited Claude Monet’s garden home at Giverny, France with Lake Magazine. (5) Stephen and Katherine Denton took a magazine to Japan. (6) Donald and Christine Neese, Linda and Bob Carter, Jim and Fran Botkin, Linda Queen, Vivian Johnson, Ricky and Nancy Davis, Nannette Sheaffer, Melanie Haygood, Shannon Walden, Christopher Voelkel, Chris and Dale Harris, Laura and Keith Hawkins and Pat and Ronnie Sanford took Lake magazine to Ireland on a Valley Bank Prestige Group trip.

Now thru July 4

Crank 4 Bank

Registration is now open for this year’s tagged fishing tournament on Lake Martin, which includes the chance to win a $1 million cash prize, one of two new bass boats, a pontoon boat, a new truck, or $1,500 per tagged bass caught. This year’s tag color is hot pink, and every tagged fish caught by a registered angler is a winner. Registration is $110, which also includes entry into a virtual fishing event running concurrent with Crank 4 Bank. Visit crank4bank.com for details, rules and registration. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Wind Creek State Park Marina or from a member of your local high school fishing team to help them raise money for their clubs.

June 30 & July 1

VCCA Bazaar

Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama will hold its annual bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Find Christmas items, furniture, lamps, dishes, books, plants, baked goods and more. VCCA office is located in the back of Karen Channell’s StateFarm Insurance office on U.S. Route 280.

July 1-2

Arti Gras

July 4

July 4th Concert and Fireworks at The AMP

Bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers to the grassy hillside at The AMP from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for one of the South’s most spectacular fireworks displays and concerts. Gates open at 5 p.m. The Bank Walkers will start the show this year, and Andrew Jannakos will perform from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with fireworks between the sets. Admission is $10. Visit russelllands.com/blog/ events for details.

July 5, 19 & 26

Birdwatching

Join the Wind Creek State Park naturalist on a walk around the park looking for birds. Meet at the clubhouse at 10 a.m.

July 9

Pennington Park

Farmers Market

Visit Pennington Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to get freshly picked produce and home-baked goods at the farmers market.

July 9

State Park

Guided Hike

Join the Wind Creek State Park naturalist at the Reunion Trail head for a guided hike at 9 a.m. to see nature at work and play.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Artisans and patrons from across the Southeast will gather under the big tents on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. once again for this annual juried art show. You’ll find jewelry, soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork, lotions, furniture and more. For more information, call Sydnee Riley at 256-2121431 or email her at sriley@russelllands.com.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN

July 10-13

Summer Music & Related Arts Camp

July 4

4th of July Boat Parade

Don’t miss this tradition at Lake Martin. Spectators line the parade route from Kowaliga Marina to Children's Harbor to watch the boats idle by in patriotic regalia. Prizes are awarded for the tallest flag, largest flag, most creative theme, most patriotic crew and best overall boat and crew. Call Kowaliga Marina at 256-397-1210 for details.

Dadeville Performing Arts Center and associated organizations will offer a four-day integrated music/art/dance/ drama camp from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children in grades one through five in Tallapoosa County. This is a free program for local children. A limited number of spaces are available at $80 for children visiting the area. Program registration information will be available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/classes.

July 11

Gene Cordova

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library will host ventriloquist Gene Cordova at 10 a.m. at the library at 318 Church St. in Alexander City, continuing the summer reading program theme, All Together Now.

Visit the local farmers market every Saturday at 7 a.m. in downtown Alexander City and July 9 and 23 at 11 a.m. in Dadeville's Pennington Park.

July 12

Games & Puzzles

Bring the kids to Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City at 10 a.m. to make new friends, have fun and explore the wonderful world of books in this summer reading program on the theme of All Together Now. New games this year include Operation, Dancing Challenge and more.

July 13

Science Lady

Kids will love the Science Lady program at 10 a.m. at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City.

July 14

Day of Action

Join Lake Martin Area United Way to spruce up Central Elementary School in Coosa County before school starts in August. Volunteers will work from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visit unitedwaylakemartin.org/day-action-2023, call Courtney at 256-329-3600 to sign up or donate funds to purchase supplies. Or email her at courtney.layfield@unitedwaylakemartin.org.

July 15

20th Annual Lions Lake Martin Poker Run

This event might just be the most fun you have at the lake all summer. Gather friends, family and/or coworkers and pick a theme to decorate your boat. Then, start this day of boating fun at 8 a.m. at Kowaliga Marina to pick up your first card. Throughout the day, you’ll visit five marinas on the lake to draw your best poker hand and pick up T-shirts, koozies and other giveaways. The event ends with food and prizes at The Ridge Marina. Prizes total $5,800 for highest hand, worst hand and best dressed crew. Register your boat and crew for $175 at Kowaliga Marina from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Purchase an extra card at The Ridge Marina to better your hand. For more information, call 256-794-1397.

July 18

Zoo2Go

Montgomery Zoo will entertain children at 10 a.m. at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library for the summer reading program, All Together Now. Bring the kids to meet snakes, birds and cuddly animals and learn how animals live together every day.

July 19

Bright Star Touring Theatre

Bright Star Touring Theatre will present a children’s theatre production in keeping with the theme, All Together Now, at 10 a.m. at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City. The program is free.

July 20

Science Guys

The Science Guys promise a morning of fun at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library for this 10 a.m. summer reading program event. This year’s theme is All Together Now.

July 22

Black Jacket Symphony

Black Jacket Symphony will make its Lake Martin debut at The AMP on Lake Martin with a performance that will include the entire classic rock album, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors Reserved seat and general admission tickets, priced from $39.50 to $49.50, are available at ticketmaster.com.

July 23

Pennington Park Farmers Market

Visit Pennington Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to get freshly picked produce and home-baked goods at the farmers market.

July 23

Twitty & Lynn

Tayla Lynn and Tre Twitty have country music in their blood. The grandchildren of famed duo Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty have taken to the road to honor their grandparents in an intimate evening of music and storytelling as only they can tell. The duo will perform at Pursell Farms’ Hamilton Place. Tickets are $5 general admission (no dinner); $88 (dinner and the show); and $417 (premium overnight accommodations, dinner and show). Call 256-208-7600 to book a premium overnight package. Purchase general admission and dinner and show tickets at pursellfarms.com.

July 24-27

Summer Music & Related Arts Camp

Dadeville Performing Arts Center and associated organizations will offer a four-day integrated music/art/dance/ drama camp from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children in grades one through five in Tallapoosa County. This is a free program for local children. A limited number of spaces are available at $80 for children visiting the area. Program registration information will be available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/classes.

July 26-30

Lake Martin Songwriters Festival

More than 20 musicians will play 17 Lake Martin venues at this third annual event hosted by the Tallapoosa County Tourism Board. See the article on page 26 and visit lakemartinsongwritersfestival.com.

July 27

Reading Program Finale

Bill Packard Magic Man will entertain children for the finale event of the summer reading program at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library. Prizes will be awarded for reaching reading goals, and there will be snacks, games and lots of fun.

July 27-29

Princess Whatshername

Alexander City Theatre II will stage this delightful children’s play at 6 p.m. on July 27 and 28 and at 2 p.m. July 29 at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium in Alexander City. Performances are free and open to the public. Visit actheatre2.com or the Alexander City Theatre II Facebook page for details.

Aug. 5

Duck Norris Race

This annual fundraiser for Tallapoosa County Sheriffs’ Girls Ranch and Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center has raised more than $23,000 since the duck race began in 2018. Purchase individual rubber ducks for $5 each or increase your chance to win by buying in bulk. Purchase five ducks for $20. Ducks are now available for purchase at Chuck’s Marina. They will be released upstream and the first one to reach the finish line wins! Funds raised through this event help to provide therapy services and transportation. Visit the Chuck’s Marina Facebook page for more information.

Season-long Events

Friday On The Green

There’s free music on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads every Friday night this summer. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, pups on the leash and coolers. There will be food trucks and lawn games. Friday On The Green is a great way to kickstart your weekend at the lake. For the full schedule of artists, visit russelllands.com/blog/events.

LMYP Game Night

Every third Thursday of the month, grab your crew and meet at The Local at 41 Main in downtown Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for games, laughs and exclusive LMYP drink specials. It’s free to play the games, like trivia and bingo and more, and the grand prize is always $50. Visit the Lake Martin Young Professionals Facebook page for more information.

The Waverly Local Music

The Waverly Local features live music every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., as well as Saturday in the courtyard from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and for Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For details and lineup, visit The Waverly Local on Facebook.

Yoga on the Green

Russell Lands will host yoga on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads at 7 a.m. on Saturday mornings to the end of September. Bring a mat, water bottle and towel and start your weekend at Lake Martin with yoga in the open air.

Driving & Docking Clinics

Boost your confidence and learn to operate and dock your boat during these free clinics at Singleton Marine. Sessions are held at 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Call 256-825-8888 or email lnowling@singletonmarine.com to reserve your free spot.

n First Wednesday of each month through August – Pontoons

n Second Wednesday of each month through August –Sterndrives

n Third Wednesday of each month through August – Tow Boats

Strand Sessions

Lake Martin Young Professionals invite you to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, coolers and family and friends to Strand Park in downtown Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month through August for free music in the park. Visit the Strand Sessions Facebook page for details.

Lake Martin Civitan Club

The Lake Martin Civitan Club meets at noon in the private room at JR’s Grill, 145 Alabama St., Alexander City, on the second Thursday of each month. For more information, call Audrey Moore at 256-786-0465.

Alexander City Lions Club

Serving 27 local charities in Tallapoosa County, the Alexander City Lions Club meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month at Lake Martin Area United Way office on Main Street. A meal is provided at the second meeting of the month, which features an engaging speaker. For more information, contact Mae Lynn O’Neil at 256-750-7404.

Wellborn Musclecar Museum

Housed in a restored vintage auto dealership in downtown Alexander City, the Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open for public viewing Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This exemplary collection includes the famed K&K Dodge, the 1970 Grand National Champion, as well as Aero cars designed for NASCAR. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free. To arrange discounted group tours or private tours, email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail.com or call the museum at 256-329-8474.

Fiber Fridays

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

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

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

Tallassee Lions Club

The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant, across from the football stadium in Tallassee, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism. For more information, call Marilyn Speake at 334-283-6864 or email her at marilyn.speake@tcschools.com.

LEAN INTO THE LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER.

Do just a little less and make a difference.

When it comes to saving energy in the summertime, we’ve got one top tip: don’t underestimate the power of little changes. From turning off unnecessary lights to bumping your thermostat up just a degree or two, it’s the small things that can make a big difference. Find more energy-saving tips at alabamapower.com/lazysummer.

Lake Martin News

New technology and more officers announced at LMRA annual meeting

A new CRM system will help Lake Martin Resource Association’s Board of Directors better communicate with its 1,000-plus membership, LMRA President Jodie McGirt said at the nonprofit lake advocacy organization’s annual meeting on June 17.

The new system went online in May, McGirt explained, with the first communication being a mid-June announcement for the breakfast meeting held at Kowaliga Restaurant. In addition, IT volunteers have successfully mapped all 600 hazard, nowake, idle-speed and safety buoys on Lake Martin, and a volunteer buoy management system is being developed to report missing and damaged buoys to repair crews in a timely manner.

“But if you see a damaged buoy or see that one is missing, please take a picture and, if you can, pindrop it or get the GPS coordinates and report it at lmra.info,” McGirt told more than 120 LMRA members and friends in attendance.

Alabama State Law Enforcement Association troopers at the meeting urged parents and boat owners to make sure minors know the laws before handing them keys to a water vessel.

“If they're under 18, I can’t write a citation, so I have to cuff them and take them to Montgomery,” explained Marine Patrol Lt. John Walker. “I don’t want to do that.”

Reckless and careless boating are among the most frequently issued citations, Walker said.

“Jumping a wake behind a boat with a personal watercraft is reckless boating. Intentionally splashing other boaters is reckless boating,” he said.

By July 4, boaters can expect that four troopers will be assigned to Lake Martin, but all the troopers might not be on the water at the same time, he noted in a request that boaters be patient with officers on response times.

“I live 45 minutes from where my boat is docked, and then

the call might be another 30 minutes away from my boat. We’ll get there as quick as we can, but please be patient,” he said.

ALEA troopers have written seven BUI citations on Lake Martin since Memorial Day weekend. Walker also urged any boat operator who drinks more than the limit at a lakeside restaurant or friend’s lake house to call a towing service instead of driving the boat home.

“I guarantee the cost of the tow will be less than the cost of a BUI,” he said.

McGirt urged boat owners to be educated about the latest boating regulations and to take some accountability in making sure anyone to whom they hand their vessel keys also is educated.

LMRA legal counsel Steve Forehand told the membership there has been no action for more than six years on the Water Wars intervention in the Army Corps of Engineers water control manual for Lake Allatoona. The control manual has allowed the power plant at Allatoona to cease generation, putting the bulk of the flow requirement for the Alabama River on the Tallapoosa River.

And John Thompson told members that, though the COVID19 pandemic stymied some cleanup efforts in recent years, renewed efforts are being made to revive litter cleanups and recruit volunteers.

“That’s what makes it work,” Thompson said. “It’s not LMRA; it’s you.”

~ Betsy Iler

Membership key in HOBO advocacy

Lake Martin Homeowners and Boat Owners takes on the role of coordinator for lake neighborhoods that have no homeowners assciations, explained HOBO board member Matt Campbell when members and friends gathered June 10 in Dadeville for the annual meeting.

“If you and a group of neighbors want to implement enforcement of covenants in your deeds, HOBOs can coordinate the coalition, so neighbors can speak with a common voice,” Campbell explained. “A large percentage of residents at Lake Martin are not in a subdivision.”

Situations in which such coordination could be useful include pending undesireable construction and noise issues.

Outgoing HOBO President Harry DeNegre urged members to invite neighbors to join HOBOs to increase its influence.

Alabama State Rep. Ed Oliver (Dist. 81) urged lake residents and visitors to create emergency plans.

“If you’re out on the lake or at the lake house, it takes time for the ambulance to get to you. What are you going to do in the meantime? Think about that and make a plan,” he said.

Oliver also reviewed recent legislation pertaining to Lake Martin. See the article on page 62.

Addressing crime prevention, Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett credited former HOBO president Jesse Cunningham with driving the formation of 14 Neighborhood Watch organizations around Lake Martin.

“If you see something that doesn't look right, say something,” Abbett urged attendees.

~ Betsy Iler

LMRA President Jodie McGirt presented John Thompson with a plaque for his dedication to organizing cleanups at the lake.

Black Jacket Symphony

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

TThe Black Jacket Symphony will take to the Lake Martin Amphitheater stage on July 22 to perform Fleetwood Mac’s beloved 1977 Rumors album, providing yet another chance to listen to great music this summer.

According to Robert Gunn, director of events and marketing operations for Russell Lands, coordination between Black Jacket Symphony management and Russell Lands has been ongoing for a while. Fortunately, schedules worked out, and the performance will finally happen this summer. Both parties are excited to bring an unforgettable performance to Lake Martin residents.

“Jason Rogoff, their manager, and I have been talking about doing something together for a couple of years. We were finally able to come up with this year’s event,” Gunn explained.

Rogoff said the idea of the Black Jacket Symphony performing at The AMP was first examined around the time the pandemic hit.

“We were trying to do so many outdoor shows during the pandemic. I drove down and met with Robert, and we looked at The AMP and really wanted to try to get it done, but unfortunately, we ran out of time for the season. It’s such a cool venue, and we just knew we wanted to make a show happen there,” Rogoff explained.

Luckily for them, and for Lake Martin residents, schedules finally lined up and the show is happening.

Founded by J. Willoughby and Damon Johnson in 2009, Black Jacket Symphony was inspired by symphony

orchestras and the music they create. The group has been recreating classic rock albums, such as Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run and Elton John’s Madman Across the Water, note-for-note since their debut.

Over the years, several musicians have played with the Black Jacket Symphony, including both founders, Marc Phillips, Jay Johnson, Tim Kelly and more. With evergrowing popularity, the symphony has graced many stages across the South to perform sold-out shows inspired by some of the greatest rock bands in the industry.

The group has performed more than 40 classic rock albums. Depending on the album, different artists are brought in to perform vocals with the symphony.

“We’ve been fortunate over the years to have people reach out to us, whether it’s on Facebook or email. People seem to figure out how to get in touch with us, and we

Black Jacket Symphony will feature Wetumpka's Jess Meuse in the role of Stevie Nicks at The AMP.

also do a lot of talking throughout the music community. A lot of times, it’s just a friend of a friend, and that’s how we encountered Jess Meuse as a wonderful Stevie Nicks,” Rogoff explained.

Meuse, a Wetumpka native who has enjoyed her time with Black Jacket Symphony thus far, can’t wait to perform with the group once again, this time for Lake Martin residents who have watched her career blossom.

“Performing with them is awesome. They’re incredibly professional. The first thing that stood out to me is not only are they great musicians, but also they’re just great and fun people. The tour was very refreshing for me. I’ve made a lot of new friends,” Meuse said.

According to Meuse, performing with the Black Jacket Symphony is not the only good thing to come out of this experience for her. Connecting with Fleetwood Mac fans

through their timeless music has been a huge driving point for her.

“I mean you already have a connection with the audience because they love Fleetwood Mac, and they’re there because they love that band. I’ve always been told I sound a little bit like Stevie, so performing as her and already having that kind of excitement and anticipation is great,” Meuse explained.

Tickets can be purchased through the direct link on the Lake Martin Amphitheater website, ranging in price from $39 to $49. To learn more about the band and upcoming performance dates, visit their website blackjacketsymphony.com.

Build your best hand

STORY & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

RRegistration is open online for the 20th Annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run, a fun-filled day of boating with family and friends that has helped to raise more than $100,000 for local charities. Costumed players will visit five Lake Martin marinas throughout the day, collecting cards and giveaway items at each one as they build their five-card poker hands to compete for more than $5,000 in prizes at the end of the day.

The event launches at 8:30 a.m. at Kowaliga Marina, where teams confirm registration and are photographed for the costume competition. Also at Kowaliga Marina, teams will pick up their first cards, giveaway items and

a key to a treasure chest. The check-in cutoff time at Kowaliga Marina is 11 a.m. Between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., boaters will visit Real Island Marina to pick up another card and more giveaways; and then, make their way to Harbor Pointe Marina between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. River North Marina is next on the route from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the event wraps up with the final card and a catered awards ceremony at 4 p.m. at The Ridge Marina. Upon checking in at The Ridge Marina, players may purchase another card at $30 for a chance to

Participants end the event at The Ridge Marina; Bottom Right: Crews go all out with costumes and decorations.

better their hands. In addition, each team will try to open the treasure chest, which holds more prizes and giveaways, including skis, sunglasses, restaurant gift certificates and more.

The entry fee for each hand is $175 and includes an official Lake Martin Lions Charity Poker Run T-shirt, a Lake Martin summer T-shirt, a Russell Marine bag, koozies, a pirate flag and more giveaways, as well as the catered awards event with live music.

This annual event benefits the Alexander City Lions Club, which serves 27 local charities, including Children’s Harbor, SavA-Life, United Way, Alexander City libraries and more, said Lions Club President Mae Lynn O’Neil.

“We’re just happy to have done it so long and so consistently on beautiful Lake Martin to contribute to this community,” O’Neil said. “When COVID hit three years ago, we thought it was going to be a bust, but it’s sold out every year since then because that’s all people were doing was spending time on boats.”

Last year’s event hosted 210 hands, said Russell Marine Marketing Manager Emily Sprayberry, who helps to coordinate the event.

“Pre-registration online is very important. We need to know how many hands we need, so we have enough cards for everyone. If people just show up, we may not have enough cards to include them,” Sprayberry said.

This year’s event will be catered by Chick-fil-A. The first, second and third highest hands will each win part of a $3,750 total, with the first, second and third lowest hands splitting another $2,000. In addition to best and worst hand cash, $1,500 will be awarded in a competition for the best dressed crew, as teams decorate boats and wear costumes to up the ante for fun. Recent winners of the best dressed crew award have included themes of Vikings, pirates and Solo cups. Crew members are encouraged to be creative and go over the top if they want to win this category.

Swapping or trading cards among players is strictly forbidden, and violators will be disqualified. Players must be 18 years of age or older to enter, or if younger must enter with a parent or guardian. Players may register for more than one hand, but the entry fee for each hand is $175. The additional card purchase may be made at The Ridge Marina between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Register for what just might be the most fun you’ll have at Lake Martin all summer at russellmarine.net or call Sprayberry at 256-794-1397 with any questions about the event.

Accessories, like pearls, props and cigars lend a touch of authenticity to the Gangstas theme.

Countdown to the FOURTH

STORY BY BETSY ILER

PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & BETSY ILER

Lake Martin celebrates Independence Day with flare, from the Wilmarth Fireworks Show at Wilmarth Island in Blue Creek to the annual extravaganza at Lake Martin Amphitheater, but the festivities actually begin on Friday night, June 30.

Russell Lands will open the weekend with Jonathan Bloom at 6:30 p.m. at Friday On The Green, a free family-friendly concert at Russell Crossroads. The Friday night show at Russell Crossroads is a great place to meet up with friends and family. Bring lawn chairs, blankets for the grassy lawn, picnics and the pup on a leash to kick off the holiday weekend.

Return to the Town Green on Saturday morning for the 12th annual Arti Gras juried art show. Artisans from across the Southeast will display their handmade goods for sale, from jewelry to soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork and more. The show will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Venture into Alexander City Monday evening for the annual Celebrate Freedom event on the Benjamin Russell High School band practice field at 6 p.m. The program will include two-time Grammy winner, Jason Crabb, one of the biggest names in gospel music, followed by family-friendly comedian Mickey Bell. Colton Dixon will headline the event, which is hosted by Marshall Street Church. There will be food trucks on site. No smoking or alcohol is allowed, and no coolers. This event is free and open to the public.

Then, on Tuesday morning, jump in the boat and head to Kowaliga Marina for the Russell Marine July 4 Boat Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and makes a loop to the Children’s Harbor lighthouse and back as entrants vie for cash and prizes for the tallest flag, largest flag, most patriotic crew, most creative theme and best overall boat and crew.

In Dadeville, turn out on Olana Drive for the Blue Creek area golf cart parade at 11 a.m. Park anywhere along Ponder Camp Road to collect candy and trinkets thrown by parade entries. To join the fun, meet at 10 a.m. at the end of Olana Drive. For more information, contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.

As evening draws near, settle in at the back of Blue Creek for the Wilmarth Fireworks Show, hosted by Jonathan Wilmarth from the lake’s only inhabited island. Wilmarth started the show 15 years ago with a couple hundred dollars because he didn’t want to travel from the family lake place on Wilmarth Island to see a great fireworks show. For the first few years, neighbors came out on their docks to see it, and as word spread, boats began to gather in the area, with more boats showing up every year.

Passersby began to donate money for the show, and Wilmarth adds those amounts to what he spends

personally, so the spectacle has grown to one that now costs several thousand dollars, Wilmarth said, and the crew includes his brother-in-law, two cousins and some friends, who all keep safety in the forefront and work together like a well-oiled machine.

“I started it on my dock with my brother-in-law, Aaron Kovak. Then, we moved it to a neighbor’s dock; and then, a barge. Every year, it has been bigger than the year before. There are hundreds of boats that go out there and wait,” Wilmarth said.

The show starts as soon as it’s dark enough, usually sometime after 9 p.m., but the work goes on all day, as a crew of anywhere from six to 10 people prepare the set up. At showtime, they don helmets and fire suits to set off mortar boxes that fill the sky with color. The production goes on for 30 to 40 minutes. If boating is not an option, Wilmarth said, a table at Niffer’s at the Lake is a great landed viewing option. Donate to the Wilmarth Fireworks Show on Venmo @Allison-Kovak.

The weekend wraps up at Lake Martin Amphitheater with the annual concert and one of the Southeast’s largest fireworks displays. While patrons often park along the road outside the amphitheater or in boats offshore, the real show is on the ground at The AMP. Admission is a bargain at $10. Bring lawn chairs, blankets for the grassy hillside, coolers and picnics, but please leave the pup safely at home for this event.

Andrew Jannakos will headline the concert again this year, after his show was interrupted by a storm last year. He will follow local favorite, The Bank Walkers, who will open the show at 6:30 p.m. Jannakos will perform two sets – the first one at 8 p.m. before the spectacular fireworks show and the second at 9:30 p.m. after the fireworks.

A Georgia native, Jannakos has garnered a following in the many millions on streaming platforms. Three years ago, his popularity rose sharply after his wife posted a video of him cooking dinner while singing the breakout single, Gone Too Soon, which he co-wrote with Jason Afable and Josh Bricker. The clip went viral with more than 10 million views within just a few months and since then has hit 36 million views on Spotify.

Jannakos comes from music. His grandfather played in a bluegrass band, and in 2019, Jannakos built a global fan base on Season 16 of The Voice.

It’ll be a bright, colorful holiday weekend at Lake Martin. Don’t miss a minute of it.

Previous Pages: Boats gather below the hillside at Lake Martin Amphitheater for the Annual July 4 Concert and Fireworks; This Page: Clockwise from Top Left: Pull up the boat at Kowaliga at 10 a.m. July 4 for the Annual Russell Marine July 4 Boat Parade to Children's Harbor and back; Browse the tents on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads July 1 and 2 to find beautiful handmade treasures at the Arti Gras juried show; on July 3, gather on the band practice field at BRHS in Alexander City for the Annual Celebrate Freedom event hosted by Marshall Street Church; The AMP will host one of the South's most spectacular concerts and fireworks displays; Let the kids catch candy and trinkets thrown by entrants in the golf cart parade on Ponder Camp Road.

Songwriters Festival

More music, more venues at this year's event

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

SThe Third Annual Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival is right around the corner, and with 17 confirmed venues set for a myriad of songwriters, locals and visitors to the lake are in for a great time. This must-attend event is set for July 26 through 30 and will take place on some of the favorite stages around the area, including Chuck’s, Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters, The Local at 41 Main, Niffer’s at Lake Martin and more. With more venues added this year for stellar performances by big name songwriters, Tallapoosa County Tourism Director Sandra Fuller said this year’s festival will be the best one yet.

“The committee is working and meeting every day as the festival grows closer.

We’re working on host houses now and just prepping for the event,” Fuller explained.

According to Fuller, 35 percent of the artists performing have been featured at the festival in

previous years, but bringing in new songwriters each year is something the committee prioritizes. This go around, visitors will see familiar faces but also some new, talented artists that are excited to share their music.

One of the headliners for the four day event is Jeffrey Steele, who will take to the stage at Russell Crossroads on Friday, July 28. Steele is a five-time Grammy nominee and has been recognized by BMI for over 65 million airplays for hits he wrote for bigname artists, including Keith Urban, Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and more.

Along with writing several hits for well-known artists, Steele has been named to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and has won over 35 BMI country and pop awards. To hear some of his songs, such as Knee Deep, My Wish, and Something to be Proud Of, as well as songs from other gifted songwriters, visit the Town Green on July 28.

Taking to the stage at Copper’s on Saturday, July 29, is Adam Hood along with his band. Hood,

Clockwise from Left: Grace Harper; Songwriters Festival at Copper's Grill; Adam Hood and Dillon Dixon

an Opelika native, has used his natural talent and artistry to prepare songs for Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Travis Tritt and more throughout the country music industry. With relatable lyrics and his own unique countenance, Hood has connected with audiences through his music. To hear some recent songs from his album, Bad Days Better, head out to Copper’s for the Saturday show.

Another artist not to be missed on stage is William Michael Morgan, a true performer who built his songwriting career on his Southern vocals, honest lyrics and hard work. Following the release and success of his debut album, Vinyl, Morgan has performed over 50 times at the Grand Ole Opry and has been featured by the Country Music Hall of Fame as a highlighted artist. You won’t want to miss his performance, so keep an eye on the festival schedule to see when and where he’s playing.

To keep the good times rolling, Keith Stegall, Alan Jackson’s longtime producer, is joining songwriters for the festivities this year. Stegall is a Grammy award winning producer and writer of multiple hits, including I Hate Everything by George Strait, Don’t Rock the Jukebox by Alan Jackson and I Do (Cherish You) by 98 Degrees.

Bridgette Tatum came onto the scene in 2009 by cowriting She’s Country, recorded and released by Jason Aldean. This hit song reached over 1 million plays and held the No. 1 spot on the chart for two consecutive weeks. Tatum, a native of Florence, South Carolina, has been making her mark on the music industry ever since.

Also set to perform, Harper Grace, an American Idol alum, is gearing up to release new music this year and currently resides in Nashville. The Texas native is newly signed to Curb Records and Jones Entertainment Group.

Facing Page: Clockwise from

Top: Keith Stegal; 17 venues will feature songwriters this year; Karyn New, Jeffrey Steele; Left: Main Street in Alexander City was closed for a finale concert.

Dillon Dixon also will be in attendance this year, and he plans to perform some of the most iconic pieces he’s written for artists such as George Jones, Alabama, Rodney Atkins and more. You might have even heard a few of his songs for blockbuster films.

Karyn Williams, a Christian artist, will take to the stage during the festival, too. Married to songwriter Brian White, who will also be participating in the concert series this year, Williams is a highly soughtafter artist who has shared the stage with Third Day, Mandisa, Mark Shultz and more throughout her career. With a captivating voice and several hits under her belt, you won’t want to miss her performance.

White has made a name for himself alongside his wife. With a slew of CMA and Grammy nominations and two Dove Awards to point to, White has advanced his songwriting career seemingly overnight. Some of his songs have been recorded by Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Rodney Atkins and more. Catch his performance to hear some of your favorite tunes.

Catch all these songwriters and many more over the span of the festival. You won’t want to miss it. To learn more about the artists and the schedule, which had not yet released at Lake magazine’s presstime but is coming soon, head over to the Songwriters Festival website, lakemartinsongwritersfestival.com.

Fun at the Bck4T

STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAMP ASCCA

WWhen the Red Clay Strays left Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, after their June 24 performance and headed to another show five days later in Charleston, South Carolina, they stopped at Lake Martin to headline an exclusive, invitation-only event along the way. Their audience gathered in a renovated horse barn turned concert hall for – in many cases – the only real concert they’ve ever seen, an experience they never thought could be theirs. The band played for summer session guests at Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults, a 236-acre accessible camp built to accommodate guests with disabilities.

This born-in-Alabama band is just one of the five featured musicians that will perform at Camp ASCCA’s Bck4T concert hall this summer, said Elise Quinn, who is social media specialist at the camp where she started volunteering when she was 21.

“Our campers love music, but most of them don’t

get to go to concerts, so we try to bring that experience here for them,” Quinn explained.

“The Red Clay Strays love coming here,” Camp ASCCA’s program director, Amber Cotney, said. “They come so much, we refer to them as our house band,” she added with a chuckle.

Interspersed with the house favorite is an impressive series of performers, including Drake White, whose music bridges the gap between Nashville and Muscle Shoals.

“This year, Drake White will be the biggest show we’ve ever done,” Cotney said.

The annual concert series features one show for each weeklong camp session. This year’s performance roster also includes Happy Landing, The 502s and Langhorne Slim. In previous years, Brent Cobb, Band of Heathens, The Vegabonds, Grady Spencer & the Work and Sam Burchfield & the Scoundrels have

graced the Bck4T stage.

The building offers the sort of get-comfortableand-have-a-good-time attitude inherent in its name, the back 40 acreage being the most remote area of a farm; and therefore, the best place to make a little noise, said Camp ASCCA Director Matt Rickman.

“We have even found that campers with autism who have trouble with loud noises and lights – their parents will say they won’t like it, and then lo and behold, they’re the ones at the front of the stage,” said Rickman, who is serving his 25th year in the role of camp director.

“We wanted to provide an opportunity for our campers to experience a real concert, in addition to those friends of Camp who love to come and play. Many of our campers will never be able to go to music festivals. This may be their first and only real concert experience. Music plays such a huge role

in Camp. We have dances, prom, talent shows, so the concert takes that to the next level,” Rickman explained.

The concert hall walls are lined with couches, chairs and bean bag seating, along with more than a dozen arcade machines. There’s a lava lamp collection on one wall, and the center is open for dancing. A lobby area off the main hall is nicknamed the Pinwheel for the dozens of pinwheel wind toys that decorate its interior. There’s a counter where campers can order slushies, and at one end, a simulator game.

“Campers can play soccer, golf, archery, hunting, all kinds of game simulations,” Quinn said. “And there’s a sensory room, so campers who might feel anxious with the noise and lights and the crowd can go to a quieter space and hang out for a few minutes without having to leave the building.”

“We have agents from L.A. to Nashville reaching

Clockwise from Left: Campers rocked the front of the stage at an exclusive Brent Cobb concert; The ropes course helps campers build confidence; Counselors sit on each side of a camper during a thrilling tube ride.

This Page: (Clockwise from Above) A camper dances along with Slim Langhorne during a recent concert at Bck4T; An outdoor amphitheater also hosts music and activities during summer camps; Some campers return year after year; The Bck4T stage includes all the lights and show elements of a true concert; summer staff makes all the difference for Camp ASCCA's special guests; The Outpost is a small lakeside venue for parties and other gatherings; Facing Page: The Red Clay Strays is one of Camp ASCCA's favorite visiting bands.

out now because the artists want to come here,” said Cotney, who takes the lead in scheduling the bands and handling the contract details.

But the concert series also carries a cost, and these audience members don’t buy tickets.

“The program costs money. We have to pay these artists to come out here. The building itself – it takes money to build and maintain what we do out here,” Rickman said. “Donations are always appreciated, whether somebody hands us $10 or a $50,000 check. Every dollar, every amount, helps us, and we’re just so grateful.”

And while the concert series is a big part of the Camp ASCCA experience, it’s just one of many oncein-a-lifetime opportunities offered to special campers. In addition to music, they enjoy canoeing, fishing, swimming, tubing, wall climbing, three ziplines, a waterslide, a splashpad, disc golf, putt putt, boating, panning for gold, farm animals, tetherballs, swings, sling shots on the pond … and those are just some of the outside activities.

Campers take a break from meals served in the dining hall to sit lakeside at accessible picnic tables in an area called The Patio.

“We added The Patio after COVID hit,” Rickman explained. “It was an old amphitheater, and we thought we might have to be eating meals outside more. It’s a great addition, and there’s not a better breakfast view on the lake.”

The Patio was made possible by The Alabama Elks Association, a national service organization with which Camp ASCCA has a long-running relationship.

“The Elks do so much for us,” Quinn said. “We have a big pontoon boat, so we can take campers for boat rides, and the Elks gifted that to us.”

“We are blessed with great relationships with civic clubs – Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks, Pilots, Civitans and many more. They do so much for us,” Rickman said.

Still, with an annual operating budget of $1.5 million, the needs are many. The camper fee for a oneweek session is $1,200, but very few campers pay the full amount, Quinn said. Like scholarships, camperships reduce the fee by $400 or more for the vast majority of those who attend regular summer sessions. If campers cannot pay the balance, installment payments can be arranged, or other sources are sought to make attendance possible for every camper that wants to attend a session.

Rickman’s goal is to build something new every year to keep the activities fresh and surprise campers with more challenges.

“In most camps, the kids age out, but we have some campers who have come here for 40 years,” Rickman said.

“We put it out on social media, and email campers to let them know when registration is open for the next year, and within about 30 minutes of registration being open, all of the camps are full, and we have a long waiting list,” Quinn said.

The waiting list is even longer this year, as Rickman said it’s been hard to find staff members, so the number of campers per session had to be adjusted.

“COVID reduced our campers by about 40 percent, but that was planned. We knew we would have to

do that. In 2022, we brought the camper population up a little bit, but now, we’re dealing with staffing shortages, like everyone else is,” he said. “Hiring male counselors is especially challenging, and that’s across the country, not just here. I talk in social media groups with other camp directors, and that’s a common challenge for everyone. If we could have hired more staffers, we could have accommodated more campers.”

Still, Rickman said, the Camp ASCCA team, led by Administrator John Stephenson, has put together a solid staff this year, and it’s going to be an awesome summer. He brags on Stephenson and the 12 or so fulltime, year-round staff members, as well as the 45 to 50 summer camp session staff.

“Summer staff make the experience what it is for campers,” he said.

This quiet, special place in the upper reaches of Lake Martin just outside of Jacksons Gap has thrived primarily as a camp for children and adults with disabilities since 1976. But to supplement the budget and serve the community that supports it, Camp ASCCA also is available to the community-at-large as a retreat venue, meeting space, corporate team building venue and more.

Some of these user-groups serve individuals with disabilities. Others serve individuals with health issues. In addition, some groups are focused on developing leadership skills – like the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lake Martin classes. Such groups use the facilities during the fall, winter and spring, but in the summer, it’s all about campers and their opportunities for doing fun and exciting things, like dancing in front of the stage at a real concert.

For more information about Camp ASCCA, visit campascca.org. To volunteer or apply to serve on staff, email amber@campascca.org.

Alexander City

Jazz Fest

Alexander City Chamber of Commerce (center photo with Mayor Baird) hosted another great Jazz Fest weekend at Strand Park and Lake Martin Amphitheater June 9 and 10, featuring Big Something, Of Good Nature, Eddie 9V, Adam Ezra Group, The Blackbird Pickers and Certainly So. This was the 33rd annual concert series event, which began when the owners of a local store hosted a concert to celebrate 100 years in business. This signature concert series draws a crowd every year on the second weekend of June.

PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

has been building high-quality, American-made boats since 1874. The timeless design, trademark teak, custom upholstery and extensive selections of paints are just a few of the reasons Chris-Craft boats stand out in a sea of sameness.

On the water or at the dock, nothing else looks – or feels – like a Chris-Craft. Russell Marine and Chris-Craft strive for a total commitment to enhancing customers’ time on the water. Purchasing a Chris-Craft is more than buying a boat. It’s buying into a lifetime full of unmatched experiences and making lifelong memories. Visit Russell Marine and join the Chris-Craft lifestyle.

The Willows Retreat

STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

AAfter decades of weekend visits to Lake Martin, Sandy and Beth Pitman made the decision to move to the lake permanently when they began working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the last of four children graduated from high school. When the level lots on calmer water in The Willows became available, they bought one during the initial offering from Russell Lands and built their beautiful custom home.

“I’ve been on this lake all my life. I grew up coming to the block cabin my dad built in 1963 on the Dadeville side of the lake; then, brought my own family there. We moved to Willow Glynn in 2013, but with our children grown, we were really ready for fewer steps from the house to the lake,” Sandy Pitman said.

Jeremiah Wade, architect with Mulberry Studio in Decatur, designed the home for the Pitmans, and Mark Bell with Bell Contracting constructed the home. The exterior of the home is stone with HardiePlank siding painted Dragon’s Breath, with a cedar shake roof. The landscaping was designed and installed by Rob Garrard.

The front door opens into a foyer with a view of the living room and a full wall of windows that extend to ceiling height, offering a pristine water view while natural light floods the room. Wide shiplap on the walls and oak floors are found on the main level. The coffered ceiling, 30-feet high in the living room, as well as the

Previous Pages: Cooking, dining and gathering areas make the covered porch the perfect outdoor space for entertaining; This Page Top: The Pitmans chose a level lot on which to build their lake house; Bottom: A banquette bench was built to accommodate a table from their previous home; Facing Page: A solid wood sofa table and an iron chandelier are focal points under a 30-foot ceiling.

Clockwise from Above Left: Exposed beams in an upstairs hall add a charming architectural detail; The island base complements its marble countertop; Windows and a coffered ceiling lend light and space to the master.

kitchen ceiling and beams, are painted gray.

“Mark worked on the beams and ceilings with multiple layers of paint to get just the right color. Lisa Flake at Caldwell Flake Interiors in Birmingham provided the design services and seamlessly worked in furniture from our house in Birmingham and the Willow Glynn house with new furnishings, modern light fixtures and rugs,” Beth said.

The living room has a cream linen sofa, three chairs and a taupe leather recliner. A painting on un-stretched canvas, by Alabama artist Arthur Price, hangs above the stone fireplace. A solid wood sofa table with the appearance of stacked stone is a favorite

piece. A two-tiered iron chandelier from Brandino Brass hangs above the room. The Pitman family’s original block cabin was leveled in the 2011 tornado, but the couple miraculously found intact a hutch cabinet that now is a part of the living room décor.

The couple anchored the kitchen with a marble topped island measuring 11-feet-by4-feet. The countertops and backsplash over the stove are a matte black soapstone. The cabinet hardware is from Brandino Brass. The copper hood was fabricated by John Howell at Madwind Studio in Jacksons Gap. The 60-inch Five Star range with double ovens is a focal point just beyond the island.

The refrigerator, sink and large cabinets are on one side of the kitchen, while the other side was built specifically to accommodate a table moved from the couple’s previous home. A built-in banquette bench under the window and six chairs around the table provide seating for 10 or more.

Just behind the kitchen, a bar/butler’s pantry with glass cabinet doors, sink, ice maker, dishwasher and refrigerator are easily accessible from the kitchen and the covered porch. A hallway runs through the area with access to the covered porch on one end and the laundry and garage on the other. There is also

a back staircase leading to the bedrooms on the second floor.

A guestroom and bath are located behind the butler’s pantry. Among the unique light fixtures selected by Flake, a gold tube chandelier hangs in this room. Appointed with cream and gray colored solid linens and patterned Roman shades and shams, the room is a respite with a view of the Pitman’s raised gardens. This bathroom, as well as the other guest bathrooms, are finished in quartz and ceramic tile.

“Lisa Flake suggested indoor/outdoor rugs from Hiltz Lauber in Homewood for all the bedrooms. They are perfect for a lake house,”

Pitman said.

Also on the main level, Beth’s office is just outside the master suite. The couple’s retreat has a high ceiling and windows with a perfect lake view. On each side of the gray, upholstered bed, windows are covered with a blackout drape option, as do the windows and doors that lead onto the private screened porch. The Pitmans moved a swing bed from the Willow Glynn porch to the

Left: The bar and butler's pantry conveniently open to a covered porch; Below: The masterbath features marble surfaces and a large soaker tub under a stunning crystal chandelier.

Clockwise from Left: Two-story windows in the living space provide lake views from the hall upstairs; Calm colors and cozy linens appoint guestrooms with comfort and style; Twin beds placed toe-to-toe maximize space in an upstairs guestroom.

porch at their new home.

Separate his-and-her walk-in closets are custom designed with his containing a stacked washer/dryer. The bathroom includes a spectacular soaker tub and a shower room with an adjoining steam room. The double vanities and dressing table are marble. A chandelier hangs above the room, adding elegance to the space that is bathed in natural light from windows extending to ceiling height.

Upstairs, the floors are reclaimed pine. Pitman’s office occupies an open loft overlooking the living room and has a perfect view of the lake through the living room windows. A

leather ottoman, shaped like a turtle and one of the couple’s first gifts after they were married, stands vigil at the edge of the room.

Three upstairs bedrooms invite guests to relax. A Jack-and-Jill bath connects one bedroom with a king-sized bed to another bedroom with four twin beds. The twins are arranged foot-to-foot to best utilize the space. The third bedroom upstairs includes two queen beds with a bath nearby. Art upstairs includes folk art and a work by Lila Graves, purchased almost 20 years ago.

An area in a hall near the back staircase became a reading nook and doubles as extra

sleeping space with a twin-sized bed tucked beneath the window. The Pitmans have a multi-functional room for exercise equipment and a pool table upstairs, which has been a perfect room for inflatable mattresses when needed for overflow sleeping space. A full-sized bath adjoins the room.

Outside, the Pitmans have utilized space to entertain in multiple areas. The back porch has four chaise lounges overlooking the lawn and the dock. The lawn is level and perfect for cornhole, one of the activities they enjoy with friends and family. A covered porch near the kitchen is furnished with a large table in a dining area and comfortable seating near the stone fireplace. A television is mounted above the fireplace. A built-in Traeger and Big Green Egg are positioned under another Madwind Studio copper hood, which provides venting for cooking under the porch. Several raised beds, built by Bell, are filled with vegetables and herbs to be enjoyed this summer.

“My favorite part of the house? I love the kitchen. And I love the porch in the spring and fall. We bought the two rope swing chairs at an arts and craft show in Fairhope. That is our favorite place to sit and have a drink,” she said.

Spring on the porch was in full bloom, as the summer is already busy, but the couple finds time to enjoy moments of peace in swings at the water’s edge.

Top: A private covered porch off the master features an inviting swing bed; Above: An upstairs multi-purpose room, includes exercise equipment and a pool table.

New Boating Laws

GGood things are happening at Lake Martin, including new legislation that could improve lake life for residents and visitors, and according to State Rep. Ed Oliver (Dist. 81), more lake legislation could be just around the corner.

Last year, State Rep. Ginny Shaver (Dist. 39) introduced a comprehensive lake bill designed for the entire state of Alabama. Her bill included a plethora of material that could have realigned Alabama’s laws with those of the U.S. Coast Guard, a proximity bill for lakes and boats among them, Oliver explained.

“It covered 100 feet for any person or thing in the water, and it was also a safety bill. It did a whole bunch of things that were good for the lake. It addressed licensing for out-of-state boaters, and it was designed to make the lakes fairer for Alabama residents,” Oliver said.

Shaver’s bill did not pass both houses of legislation and was signed into law, for several reasons. According to Oliver, Shaver took those reasons into consideration and adjusted the bill for the most recent session.

“A key piece and reason it failed was it made BUI the same as DUI, and nobody liked that. On the lake, all tickets that are written are misdemeanors. People were all upset about that, so Ginny came back this year after that bill fell by three votes. In her new bill, she changed the law. She introduced different pieces of legislation. She split the legislation up into different pieces, so one thing would not kill the rest,” Oliver said.

Going forward, boaters will receive an infraction, much like a speeding ticket. Oliver said when it comes to the status of the BUI aspect, the representatives are still working on settling it.

Also during the session, the state representatives did align a few items, such as kill switches and boat lengths, with the Coast Guard. These changes in leg-

islation are not significant to the boaters/residents but help law enforcement in their relationship with boaters and the lake life.

But Shaver wasn’t the only one who had a bill regarding lakes. State Senator Garlan Gudger (Dist. 4) introduced a bill regarding wake boats.

“He had a bill that is a proximity bill for wake boats. It’s a 200-feet distance from shoreline, except at an idle, for actively wake surfing. We had people here who were against it because it targeted one kind of boat, and they wanted us to go back to doing all motorized vessels but only 100 feet from the shoreline. They wanted the thing about people in the water as well, that you had to be 100 feet away from other boats/people in the water,” Oliver explained.

After contemplating Gudger’s bill the entire session, it was decided the bill would not move forward.

“Ginny Shaver and I are left with Weiss Lake and Lake Martin, which have no proximity bill at this point, so we’ll have to come by next year to address it again. We tried to do an amendment in the Senate to move those distances from 200 feet to 100 feet and include all boats, but it didn’t happen,” Oliver said.

“My primary concern are my constituents in Tallapoosa County, and they feel like they’re being run over by out of towners. It’s just part of what living on the lake is for a few days every year. I live on the lake, so I understand it very well,” he said.

Communication and education on being out on the water is key to improving the quality of life on the lake, he added.

“I think there’s a communication gap that we have not figured out how to fill yet, and that’s something else we’re trying to work on. It’s not just one issue. There are several issues that we need to face, but one of the pieces is going to be communication and education. The objective is to keep the quality of life as best we can on the lake,” Oliver said.

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

Butterfly Milkweed

This slow-growing garden favorite is worth the wait

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

Butterfly Milkweed is outstanding in its field.

OK, that’s an old joke, but during the late spring and summer blooming season around Lake Martin, Butterfly Milkweed’s bright tangerine orange or yellow-orange flowers really do stand out in the fields and open forests where it grows. That’s because the flowers tend to grow in large, showy, flat-topped clusters that are 2 to 5 inches wide – big patches of orange in locations that are mostly green and brown.

The tiny individual flowers have five petals and five sepals, all brightly colored.

These plants typically grow in dry, rocky and sandy areas, like fields, roadsides, open woods and prairies.

Its leaves are deep green and shaped like long, stiff, pointed oblongs with smooth edges. Leaves are lighter green on the bottom, darker on top. Butterfly Milkweed leaves spiral alternately along a long, green, hairy stem that is 1 to 3 feet tall. A young Butterfly Milkweed plant may just have one cluster of flowers atop a single stem, but older plants will often branch out and produce multiple clusters.

During the fall, the flowers give way to long, pointed seed pods filled with brown oval seeds that have silky tails. When the pods dry and split open, the white, wispy tails catch the wind and help this plant spread its seeds across a large area.

Unlike most other milkweeds, this one does not produce milky white latex sap in its stem.

This perennial herb is a slow-growing plant that loses its leaves in winter.

It has more than a dozen common names, including Orange Milkweed, Butterfly Weed, Pleurisy Root, Chiggerflower, White-root, Butterfly Love, Orange Root, Indian Posy, Fluxroot, Orange Swallow-wort, Silky Swallow-root, Canada Root and more. Its scientific name is Asclepias tuberosa.

The word “butterfly” in several of its common names is a result of the flower’s nectar that attracts many species of butterflies, including Monarchs and Viceroys, as well as bees and hummingbirds.

This plant is native to the 48 contiguous U.S. states and Canada.

From the time a seed is planted, it takes this Butterfly Milkweed two or even three seasons to flower. But because it is so attractive, this Butterfly Milkweed is often used in gardens, especially those planted to attract butterflies.

Its root is long –

extending up to a foot deep – woody and brittle, which makes this plant hard to transplant once it is established, so it is best to leave wild plants where they are and collect seed or order seed from the dozens of outlets that sell Butterfly Milkweed seed for gardeners.

Butterfly Milkweed is easy to grow and does best in medium to dry, well-drained soil.

If you decide to plant Butterfly Milkweed, know that the seeds can parachute throughout your garden and reseed if you don’t clip off the seed pods before they split open. Another alternative is to clip the stem and use the dried, curled pods in flower arrangements.

The flowers themselves last a long time in bouquets and arrangements but for the long-term health of Butterfly Milkweed, its best to not pick all the blooms from one plant.

Native Americans chewed the root as a treatment for pleurisy and other lung ailments; however, the leaves and above-ground parts of milkweeds are toxic and have been known to kill sheep and harm other livestock.

Some information for this article came from the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Missouri Botanical Garden, North Carolina State Extension, the USDA Agricultural Research Service and the Virginia Native Plant Society.

Previous Pages: Butterfly Milkweed produces clusters of tangerine or yellow-orange blossoms that are popular with butterflies and bees; Left: A young Butterfly Milkweed plant may only produce one cluster of flowers atop a single stem but will likely have more flowers as the plant matures; Below: The flowers last a long time in arrangements, but for its long-term health, it's best to pick only a few blossoms from each plant.

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*Standard maximum of 10 acres; however parcels not exceeding 20 acres may be considered if typical for the area and supported by acceptable appraisal valuation. Lot loans are not intended for investment or speculation purposes. Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loans amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products

and services. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2019 U.S. Bank 257701c 10/19

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FYI from Lake Watch

Now that summer is in full swing, Lake Watch volunteers are back to work providing twice-a-month water quality testing at sites across Lake Martin. Results of our bacteriological testing are posted to the Lake Watch Swim Alert webpage at Lakewatch.org/swim-alert and to the Alabama Water Watch statewide database at aaes.auburn.edu/ alabamawaterwatch. Our testing this season confirms excellent water quality throughout Lake Martin; however, if our testing does identify areas on the lake that do not appear to meet ADEM safe swimming standards, that information can be used by persons recreating on the lake to make their safe swimming decisions.

Waterfowl at swimming areas may produce unsafe conditions

Lake Watch monitors water quality at numerous swimming beach sites across Lake Martin, including the beach at one popular restaurant in the lower lake where geese and ducks may often be present in significant numbers. Some patrons delight in feeding the waterfowl and turtles at this swim beach. At this site, Lake Watch monitors identified E. coli levels above the ADEM safe swimming limit on two occasions in the 2022 swim season and again in May 2023. Presence of waterfowl, particularly Canada geese in significant numbers, could be expected to produce fecal contamination at a swim beach, be it public or private. Also, be aware that E.coli would persist in the sediment for a fairly long time after the geese have left.

Canada geese are magnificent creatures. Most of us delight to see them on Lake Martin and believe that the resident population is at a healthy natural level. Lake Watch inquired at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. They referred us to a very thorough article on their website addressing the problem presented by Canada geese. On page one, this article offers a control measure, “Ban public feeding of geese,” as the first listed item under Habitat Modification. Read the article at outdooralabama.com/sites/default/files/ Wildlife/Nuisance/CanadaGeese_Final.pdf.

Oversight of upcoming industrial discharge from Alabama Graphite Products, LLC

LAKE WATCH

BY MATT CAMPBELL

Lake lovers need to make their own informed decisions about wildlife management and when and where to swim. Lake Watch recommends that lake lovers discourage the presence of geese at their swim areas. We all know that this is easier said than done. Geese are very persistent about getting to a food source, such as a nice green lawn or fruit trees near the water. Above all, feeding of food pellets and table scraps is discouraged.

It is understood that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management has issued a State Indirect Discharge Permit to Alabama Graphite Products, Inc., at Lake Martin Regional Industrial Park in Kellyton. AGP will produce a coated spherical graphite product to be used primarily in electric vehicle batteries. AGP is expected to go online as the first graphite processing plant of its kind in the U.S. The company has represented that it will use proprietary technology that is environmentally friendly and specifically will not use hydrofluoric acid in the processing. AGP is to receive fresh water from Alexander City and, after pre-processing the waste at the plant, return a stream of wastewater to the Alexander City Sugar Creek municipal wastewater treatment plant. The Sugar Creek plant effluent discharges into Lake Martin.

Lake Watch was delighted that ADEM Director Lance LeFleur provided representatives from Lake Watch and from Lake Martin Homeowners and Boat Owners Association a meeting at ADEM with himself and six ADEM program managers to discuss the AGP permit. This very thorough and informative meeting

lasted two hours. We learned that the AGP construction has not yet reached its final stage. No effluent is being discharged as yet.

The SID permit provides that the AGP plant must submit an updated comprehensive analysis of the plant’s actual wastewater within six months from initiation of discharge. Currently, there are no specific EPA federal effluent guidelines governing this categorical discharge. Until now, the industry hasn’t existed in the U.S. ADEM uses best professional judgement, evaluations of the municipal wastewater treatment plant and water quality standards in developing the permit. ADEM will review the permit to AGP after commencement of discharge. The Alexander City Sugar Creek WWTP also has a final say on the volume and composition of the wastewater that will be accepted into the plant. The ADEM permit issued to Alabama Graphite is subject to review by the EPA.

The permitted discharge volume is 400,000 gallons per day. The Sugar Creek WWTP has 8.5 million gallons per day capacity. Regarding the character of the discharge, we learned that the most significant regulated pollutant is expected to be a concentration of dissolved salts. Dissolved salts are mostly from calcium, magnesium and sulphur. It is represented that these salts are common components in soil and in seawater. ADEM stated that the volume of salts being added by the Alabama Graphite discharge is a small in relation to the design capacity of the WWTP.

ADEM said that heavy metals, if present in the graphite ore, precipitate out in the graphite purifica tion and pH adjustment processes. If metals are present in the waste, they will be at levels similar to those in domestic sewage, based on the data provided in the application. The SID permit estimates that the dis charge pH will be approximately 8.0. ADEM said the common range of allowable pH for the discharge for SID permits is 5.0 to 10.5. Regarding concern about “forever chemicals,” such as PFAS in the Alabama Graphite discharge, ADEM stated that there are no significant levels of forever chemicals expected in the discharge and that higher levels could likely be found in everyday residential wastewater.

ADEM said that they have no serious concerns about the pollutants listed in the Alabama Graphite wastewater as characterized in the Alabama Graphite permit application. The SID permit was developed to be protective of the receiving stream and protective of the municipal WWTP itself. ADEM is confident in the multiple layers of water quality protection for the lake, which include:

n wastewater pretreatment at the plant by Alabama Graphite as required by the ADEM permit;

n routine testing by AGP of their discharge as required by ADEM;

n unannounced testing of the Alabama Graphite discharge by ADEM;

n routine testing of discharge at the Sugar Creek WWTP;

n review of discharge monitoring reports submitted monthly by Alabama Graphite and the Sugar Creek WWTP to ADEM.

Lake Watch has conferred with Alexander City’s Mayor “Woody” Baird, who said that, at this time, the City has no issues or concerns with the effluent expected to be produced by AGP. Baird said the AGP effluent post processing through the Sugar Creek WWTP is expected to be drinkable by the time it goes into the lake. It has been calculated that Lake Martin has about a 190-day retention time, meaning the water in the lake is renewed every 190 days, primarily by incoming flow from the Tallapoosa River and outgoing flow through Martin Dam. At this point, Lake Watch is rather confident that we may expect Lake Martin will not be adversely impacted by the Alabama Graphite discharge and that ADEM and Alexander City are on top of the current situation.

To join Lake Watch or renew your membership, to get involved as a partner in the Tallapoosa Clean Water Priority, to get involved in Lake Watch as a member or monitor or sponsor, visit the Lake Watch website at lakewatch.org.

Matt Campbell is president of Lake Watch of Lake Martin, Inc. Learn more at info@lakewatch.org.

Everyday Grandeur

DISCOVER A LUXURIOUS GOLF

LIFESTYLE LIVING ALONG GRAND NATIONAL GOLF COURSE

Tucked away on the outskirts of Auburn University at the world-class Grand National Golf Course, the award winning National Village offers everything you’ll ever need for the way you want to live. The thoughtfully crafted master planned community features georgeous homes designed by national award winner Larry Garnett and built by Ab and Don Conner at Conner Bros. Construction Co., Inc., a local company with more than 100 years of experience. With the Marriott at Grand National on site, residents enjoy championship golf, miles of picturesque nature trails and lakes for fishing, spa and pool. National Village is truly an unbelievable place to live – inside or out. Plus, thanks to the high speed fiber optic network of Opelika (Alabama’s first Gig City), our homeowners enjoy some of the Nation’s fastest internet for any work- or learn-from-home requirements.

WATERACCESS

Russell Cabins at The Willows, Verandas II • $1,095,000

Builder: Classic Homes • Beds: 4 Baths: 4.5 • Sq Ft: 2,396

Russell Lands

Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks, Thomas Lamberth 256.215.7011 • RussellLands.com

1147 Willow Way N, Alexander City • $8,590,000

Beds: 11 • Baths: 12 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592

LakeMartinRealty.com

229 Magnolia Way, Dadeville • $599,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3 • Water-Access

Lake Martin Realty

Judith Jager 205.789.0698

LakeMartinRealty.com

215 Curry Point, Dadeville • $2,395,000

Beds: 5 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty

Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681

LakeMartinRealty.com

Ridge Run, Bywater • $1,700,000

Beds: 3 • Baths: 4.5 • Sq Ft: 2,612

Russell Lands

Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks, Thomas Lamberth 256.215.7011 • RussellLands.com

27 Sandy Shores Road, Dadeville • $1,899,000

Beds: 5 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty

Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099

LakeMartinRealty.com

1137 North Ridge, Alexander City • $5,950,000

Beds: 6 • Baths: 7 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jan Hall 256.329.6313

LakeMartinRealty.com

78 Old Tree Drive, Dadeville • $1,175,000

Beds: 4 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty

Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372

LakeMartinRealty.com

40 Windy Point, Alexander City • $1,990,000

Beds: 4 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928

LakeMartinRealty.com

162 Village Circle, Dadeville • $389,000

Beds: 2 • Baths: 2 • Water-Access

Lake Martin Realty

Amy Duncan 256.212.2222

LakeMartinRealty.com

994

Beds: 3 • Baths: 2 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty

David Mitchell 256.212.3511

LakeMartinRealty.com

1559

4 • Baths: 3 • Waterfront

Lake Martin Realty

Mimi Rush 334.399.7874

LakeMartinRealty.com

Arrowhead Road, Dadeville • $779,000

Sturdivant Road, Jackson’s Gap • $1,599,000 Beds:

Keep the Kitchen Cool A

An adage made popular by 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman advises, “If you can’t stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen,” meaning that if the pressure becomes too difficult, leave the task to someone else. I like the literal meaning for those hot summer days when heating up the kitchen seems so unappealing. Throw away the guilty feelings because cooking with your oven is not a requirement for preparing delicious healthy and light summer meals. Using other kitchen appliances or the outside grill or griddle could save time and keep the kitchen cool during these hot summer months.

There are basically three ways to keep your kitchen cool this summer. You could take the route of using a panini maker or sandwich press, rice cooker, microwave, slow cooker or air fryer, or you could utilize an outside grill or flat top griddle. Then again, no-cook meals are quick, easy and allow you to enjoy more summertime daylight.

Ingredients are the most important factor in creating healthy, delicious meals. Stock up on rotisserie chicken, canned beans, brown rice, quinoa, canned tuna or chicken and hummus. Consider freezing meat in single or double serving packages for easy thawing and cooking on the grill or flat top griddle. Fresh or canned vegetables might round out the meal and, of course, fresh salad greens. Choose different breads to change up the menu, perhaps flour or corn tortillas, wraps, crackers or Naan bread or experiment with fresh breads from the bakery section of the grocery store.

your meat or seafood. Don’t forget about fresh vegetables. Take it to the next level by grilling or griddling fresh pineapple or peaches. Pizza on the grill delivers fantastic flavor. Purchase pizza dough that can be rolled out or, to save time, purchase an unbaked whole wheat regular or thin pizza crust. Experiment with onions, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, eggplant, tomato, artichoke hearts, olives, herbs and seasonings. Cook the vegetables in a grill basket or use the flat top griddle. Pesto or marinara sauce could be used individually or together to establish a tasty base. Top the pizza with mozzarella cheese. Add any meat and vegetables together on the griddle to create a delicious wrap, bowl with rice or quinoa or in a sandwich (don’t forget to toast the bread).

No-cook meals are great options for keeping the kitchen cool and saving time. Canned tuna or chicken or rotisserie chicken is easily incorporated into salads or sandwiches. You could also utilize leftover grilled chicken, meat or seafood. Serve on top of a variety of greens or in a sandwich or wrap. Mix in beans or different seasonings to change the taste. Make chicken salad with rotisserie chicken by adding light mayonnaise, grapes, toasted chopped pecans or walnuts, tarragon, salt and pepper. Serve on whole-grain slider buns or in whole-grain pita pockets.

HEALTHY LIVING

BY JULIE HUDSON

Use the slow cooker for a hefty amount of your favorite chicken, beef or pork roast. Serve half for one meal and save the rest for shredded meat tacos, stuffed potatoes or sandwiches. Shredded pork tacos with homemade salsa using fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice could be easy and delicious. Mix shredded beef or pork with your favorite barbecue sauce and serve on a whole grain bun with fresh green salad or crunchy slaw. Stuff a potato with the shredded chicken, beef or pork, add vegetables and top with cheese.

Microwave your potato of choice. Prick a russet or sweet potato with a fork first; then, microwave on high for six-to-eight minutes. Split the potato open and add seasonings, guacamole, tomato, broccoli or reheated shredded meat. Add your favorite sauces for more flair. Put the air fryer to good use by cooking most anything from meat to seafood, vegetables and potatoes. Grilling or flat top griddle cooking ideas are endless. Choose

Crudité and dips could be considered dinner if the dip contains protein, healthy fat and fiber. Classic hummus or red pepper hummus, easy black bean dips or avocado dips pair well with fresh sliced vegetables, avocado, crackers, bread, fruit or nuts. Charcuterie boards should be considered on a hot summer night. Include cheese, meat, nuts, fruit, vegetables, crackers or fresh baguette for a balanced meal. Serve with your favorite mustards, jams, pepper jellies or condiments. Including produce, protein and healthy fats will help you feel satisfied. Use vegetables, proteins, hummus or dip left over from the week to create another meal on fresh bread or a wrap.

Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.

Grilling is a great cooking option that keeps the heat out of the kitchen

Grilled Eggplant Pesto Pizza

1 medium eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 3/4-inch thick slices

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 unbaked 12-inch whole wheat regular or thin pizza

crust

1/4 cup pesto

1 large tomato, sliced

1/2 small onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives

2 ounces (1/2 cup) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 ounce (1/4 cup) parmesan cheese, shredded; or feta

cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Brush eggplant with olive oil. Grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes until soft and cooked through, turning evenly brown. Cool slightly. Place pizza crust on a baking sheet. Spread pesto sauce evenly over crust. Arrange grilled eggplant, tomatoes, onions and olives on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Slide uncooked pizza onto the grill. Lower the lid. Grill over indirect heat until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese melts. Just before serving, cut basil leaves into strips. Top the pizza with basil.

Smash Burger Tacos

6-inch flour or corn tortillas

Ground chuck, venison, turkey or your choice of meat

Seasoning salt of your choice

Worcestershire sauce

Shredded cheese of choice

Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, pickles, tomato, lettuce, etc.

Optional special sauce: 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup chili sauce, 1 tablespoon siracha, juice from 1/2 of a lemon, 1 clove finely minced garlic

Bacon press or cast-iron skillet for smashing

In a large bowl, combine ground meat with season salt and Worcestershire sauce to your liking. Roll meat into golfball-sized servings. Place on a sheet pan. Preheat outdoor griddle to medium heat. Have tortillas, meat and cheese ready to go, as the griddle process goes quickly. Place as many golfball-sized servings on the griddle as you desire or can fit at one time. Place a tortilla on top of each ball of meat. Use the bacon press or cast-iron skillet to press the burger flat. Cook until the burger is finished cooking to desired doneness. Flip the burger and tortilla over and top with cheese. When the cheese is melted, move the smashed burger taco off the griddle to a sheet pan. Repeat the process if needed. Top with desired toppings.

Chipotle Honey Glazed Salmon with Roasted Corn Salsa

Use salmon filets your choice (We use Wester Ross salmon, but any wild-caught or farmed type will work).

Chipotle Glaze

Ingredients

1 7-ounce can of chipotle adobo

1 lime, zested and juiced

2 to 4 cloves of garlic

Cilantro, 3 to 4 stems picked (I use it to taste)

1 cup good quality honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Check for seasoning. If too spicy, add more honey and a splash of soy. Grill salmon on one side. When flipping over, brush with glaze and cook to desired temperature.

Roasted Corn Salsa

Ingredients

3 to 4 ears of corn, shucked and left whole

1 red bell pepper, small diced to the same size as corn kernels

1 green bell pepper, small diced

1 jalapeno, small diced

2 cloves garlic, finely diced

2 to 3 limes, juiced

1/2 cup white vinegar

Cilantro to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Grill or roast corn until lightly charred. Let corn cool before cutting the corn off the ear. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and adjust seasoning to taste.

Assembly

We shred Brussels sprouts and sauté them in butter as a bed for the salmon when plating.

TABLE

Pete McKenny, General Manager and Executive Chef at SpringHouse Restaurant, trained at four-star restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio,Washington, Arizona and Vermont before returning to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golf & Country Club 12 years ago.

CHEF'S

BY PETE MCKENNY

Summertime Red Wine

Don’t you just love summertime? I do. I love the sun and the heat, playing outdoors and relaxing in the shade. With a little wine, life couldn’t be much better.

Over the last 18 Julys, we have explored a lot of summer wines together, mostly whites but some reds. Beer was the focus one year, and just recently, the ready-to-drink category took the spotlight. A common denominator for hot weather beverages has been low alcohol and, in particular, light refreshing wines with high acidity. What immediately comes to mind are chilled white wines with screw-off caps, but let’s not neglect the reds.

Someone asked if it is okay to chill red wine. Absolutely; enjoy your reds as cold as you like and on the rocks, if that’s what floats your boat. In July, you may be inclined to do just that. As the ice melts, both the wine and the alcohol will be diluted, which may be another bonus. We usually drink our reds too warm anyway, so a few minutes in the fridge would bring them down to the correct temperature.

Conventional wisdom has stated that red wine should be served at room temperature, whatever that vague figure is. Experts contend that the most comfortable temperature for a house is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and the best temperature for sleeping is around 65 degrees. Our target, the average recommended serving temperature for red wines, is 60 degrees, considerably cooler than that of most homes.

and whites is the 55 degrees just mentioned. A little warmer or cooler won’t hurt the wine, as long as that temperature is relatively constant with minimal fluctuation from day to day. The wine will age a little faster at the higher level and slower at lower temperatures. A partially consumed bottle of wine, red or white, could also be stored in the food refrigerator where the cooler temperature will slow the deterioration that began when it was first opened. When you’re ready to finish it, a few minutes on the counter will take the chill off. Counter, yes; microwave, no.

With the air conditioner wide open and the wine at a comfortable 60-or-so degrees, there is no reason to avoid red wines in the summer. If you like it, drink it, which may or may not accompany a full meal. The options for light summer fare are endless, and the guidelines are the same as always; regional wines pair very well with the foods of that region or country. Rioja with Spanish tapas, Barolo with antipasto, Bordeaux with cheese – well, anything with cheese.

FROM THE CELLAR

BY HENRY FOY

Small wine refrigerators could hold your wine between 40 to 65 degrees, which is slightly cooler than the ideal average of 45 for whites, but a good range overall. Yes, we usually drink our whites too cold. White wines directly from the food refrigerator at 38 to 40 degrees taste better if allowed to warm just a little. If you don’t have a perfectly constant 55-degree wine cellar or a temperature-controlled wine refrigerator, the best alternative is 15 to 20 minutes in the food refrigerator. It will not hurt the wine.

I don’t fully understand the resistance to red wine just because it is hot. Granted, a big hearty red at 15 percent alcohol might not be refreshing for a boat ride in the hottest part of the day, but who does that anyway? What about dinner? Are you grilling? Are you grilling a big juicy chunk of beef? Are you going to sit outside balancing a Styrofoam plate on you knees with plastic utensils? No. A picnic table would be better than that, but most likely, you will go inside where the air conditioner is cranking down to that 65-degree level that’s just about perfect for the meal that wine was made for. Why? Because the tannins in red wine balance the fat of the meat; the fat softens the tannins. Food and wine magic.

For long-term storage, the ideal temperature for reds

Oooh, Napa Cab with a good cigar. The photo this month shows some of our current favorites, which with so many great wines available, can change in a flash. To be honest, deciding which wines to feature is the hardest part of writing this column. I’ve whittled it down to three.

La Marea is a California Central Coast Grenache, elegant and silky with red fruits on the nose, medium bodied with fresh and lively acidity on the palate. The Grenache grape originated in Spain and is one of the world’s most cultivated varieties. $31.

Zinio is 100 percent Tempranillo from the Rioja region of Spain, another variety native to that country. These are deeply colored wines with notes of strawberry, spice and tobacco with lower acidity and moderate alcohol. $25.

Jordan Cabernet from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley needs no introduction. The 2018 is drinkable now but also is capable of aging for 20 years. If you can, cellar this one for at least five years before enjoying the rich aromas of black cherry and dark chocolate with enticing flavors of vanilla and hazelnut on the velvety finish. $66.

Another thing that I love about summer, July in particular, is that we celebrate independence, freedom and democracy. Yes, more than wine, and if I had to choose, our precious freedom would come first. Happy Birthday USA!

Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine and Spirits at 128 Calhoun Street in downtown Alexander City. Contact him at 256-212-WINE(9463) or email emporiumwine128@gmail.com.

Little things make a BIG difference

Playing sports as a kid started as something fun, but it led to some valuable life lessons: hard work, accountability, how to win and how to deal with failure, just to name a few. One element etched in my memory is the constant focus on what my coaches called “the little things.”

“It’s the little things that make a difference,” they said.

The little things included stuff like finishing a block, even though it was to the weak side of the play; finishing out a play action even after the ball had been handed; using proper technique every time; running hard though the coach wasn’t looking; watching a little extra film; doing a few more reps in the weight room … it could go on and on.

The moral is that the little things often determine real success. Sure, you could sometimes beat lesser competition by just showing up, but to really experience success, doing the little things would help to get there.

In bass fishing, there are so many things that must go right to catch one: You have to find fish; use a good bait and present it correctly; hook the fish; and land the fish. From that perspective, it sounds simple, and in a lot of ways it is. It’s the small variables that make bass fishing more complex, as well as exciting. To experience real success on the water, those variables require attention to detail.

ing vegetation because it has very little stretch and low diameter.

CASTING

Casting accuracy and stealth can make a difference in whether a fish is interested in your bait or just runs for cover when something plops in. Before making a cast at an object, consider where the fish is most likely to be; how it might be facing (yes, this can matter); and how close you want the bait to fall to the fish. Ideally, in clear water, I want the bait to fall in front of the fish by a couple of feet. If you put the bait right on its head, it’s more likely to spook. If you drop the bait in behind where the fish is positioned it may not recognize your bait.

Also, consider how far away you need to be when you make a cast; close enough to keep your accuracy at a premium but far enough away that the fish doesn’t know you’re there.

LANDING FISH

BIG CATCHES

BY GREG VINSON

Here are just six little things that I think make a big difference.

HOOKS

I could probably write three more articles about hooks and what I think makes a difference. Most importantly, they need to be sharp. If they are trebles, the point of each and every hook needs to be sharp because you don’t know which one you will be depending on for the hook-up when a fish strikes. Consider whether the hook is big enough to handle the technique you are using it for but also small enough that it doesn’t overpower the action of the bait. Keep in mind a bigger hook takes more force to set. In open or deep water, a smaller hook sometimes is easier to set and less likely to get thrown when the fish jumps.

LINE

Fishing line is by far the weakest link in your connection to a fish. Having a high-quality line makes a difference in whether you can get the fish through cover without it breaking off. A good fluorocarbon like Seaguar is virtually invisible and will help get more bites. It’s also very strong and abrasion resistant. Just like hooks, consider whether the line is heavy enough for the technique you are using but small enough to let the bait do its work. Monofilament works well for topwaters because it doesn’t sink, and the added stretch could act as a cushion when a fish is hooked up on fragile treble hooks. Braid works good for fish-

This is one of the most overlooked topics in bass fishing, and I think it alltoo-often plays a critical role. No. 1 is the right hookset. That doesn’t always mean you have to swing like you’re in a home run contest. Consider how much force you need to get the hook to penetrate while maintaining control and fluidness as the rod loads up; then, you are more prepared to adjust tension on the fish according to how it’s fighting relative to what you hooked it on. The way I play a fish on a 5/0 flipping hook and 60-pound braid is different than the way I fight a fish on a topwater with No. 6 trebles.

One thing that has helped me land more fish is limiting how much I have to “roll” the fish over. By that, I mean I want to have my rod tip in front of the fish as long as possible during the fight, so I am able to lead it where I want. If I want the fish to change direction, I use a figure eight motion with my rod, rather than lifting and doubling the fish over. When the time is right, I can make a grab at the boat.

Experiment with your technique while fun fishing, and you’ll find what works best for you to keep them hooked up.

PRE-PLANNING

Being prepared could cover a lot of different topics, from equipment to weather, location, time of year and more. In the end, you could greatly improve your success by visualizing the possible scenarios you might encounter during the day; and then, preparing yourself for them ahead of time. For example, you might not be fishing a schooling fish pattern, but if you know the time is right and the potential is there, you could save the day by having a rod rigged and ready for schoolers. If you have to sit down and rig something up while fish are blowing up around the boat, you will undoubtedly miss out on some catches that day.

EYES AND EARS WIDE OPEN

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been keyed on a fish catch, pattern or area just because I caught something out of the corner of my eye or heard something unusual – a shad skipping out of the water or a bird diving in the distance. These simple incidences could put you on a whole school of fish. A splash underneath a dock or overhanging bush could give away the presence of active fish feeding. Fish spitting up a particular prey, like crawfish, bream or shad might tell you what they are really feeding on. These subtle clues could reveal some of the best fishing you might imagine. By covering the basics, you can catch a lot of fish and have some great days on the water. But, if you really want to catch the most and the biggest fish you can possibly catch, pay attention to the little things. Because the little things can make the biggest difference.

Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

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Golf News Worth Knowing I

about the playoff in the Canadian Open this year. The tournament ended with a four-hole sudden-death between Canadian Nick Taylor and England’s Tommy Fleetwood. Taylor had birdied the 17th and 18th holes to become the leader in the clubhouse while Fleetwood was still on the golf course. Fleetwood birdied holes 16 and 17 before making par on the par-5 18th hole to tie Taylor. On the final of four-hole playoff holes, Fleetwood was forced to lay up his second shot after playing from the left fairway bunker. Taylor, who had driven his ball into the first cut of rough on the right, was able to reach the front of the green with his second shot, leaving him a putt of over 70 feet to sink an eagle. Fleetwood managed to wedge his ball inside of 10 feet, leaving him a familiar putt for birdie.

No Canadian has won this national event since 1954. Fleetwood, who turned pro in 2010, had not won a PGA Tour event, so these two factors made for very interesting coverage. Taylor did the miraculous, putting his ball uphill with a tremendous left-to-right break, he managed to drain the eagle putt right into the center of the cup to defeat Fleetwood.

The Canadian spectators erupted with cheers. This was the longest recorded putt made by Taylor over his PGA Tour career. Personally, I haven’t seen a putt of that distance made for any major consequence since Alexander City’s own Lee Williams made a 50-plusfoot putt on his final hole a few years back.

On the global golf scene, the PGA, LIV and DP tours are all coming under one umbrella. Saudi’s Al-Rumayan will be financier and chairman while present PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan will be the CEO. This is sure to get more interesting as it develops.

For the past three years, I have had the pleasure of starting the Alabama State Girls Championship. I did so again this year. It was played at the Goosepond Colony Lake Course in Scottsboro. As I have mentioned in a number of past articles, I am so very impressed in the ability of these young lady golfers from Alabama. A

very talented 15-year-old from Birmingham, Scarlette Schremmer won this 54-hole event by six shots, shooting rounds of 66, 72, 66 for a total of 12 under par. She played beautiful golf and held off some very strong talent. Yvette Gordon of Pike Road shot an impressive six under par, and Mobile’s Frances Brown finished third, shooting five under par. This was so exciting to watch.

The following day, Goosepond hosted the U.S. Girls Amateur Qualifying. Schremmer showed up again and earned one of the two available spots. Molly Brown Davidson of Springville was medalist in this qualifier. Davidson, Schremmer and Grace Engle from Huntsville all shot four-under par, with Brown earning medalist honors with a birdie on the first playoff hole. Schremmer went three more holes before defeating Engle.

Before talking about the next big win, I must tell all of you dads with young daughters that each of the girls I met at the State Girls Championship who were 2023 or 2024 graduates had all accepted golf scholarships from colleges and universities. I must say, these girls played some impressive golf, but they work diligently on their game. See if your daughter might enjoy golf. This may save you or her thousands of dollars in student loans or savings when they are of age for college.

LOVE of the GAME

BY DAVE JENNINGS

The last bit of state-wide golf news was found at this year’s State Amateur Championship. This 72-hole championship tournament was played at Mobile Country Club. This year’s champion is Tyler Watts, who won wire-to-wire, meaning that he held the lead all four days. Watts is now the youngest Alabama State Champion in history. At 15 years old, he will not graduate high school until 2026. He won this event shooting 13 under par and by four strokes over college golfers Carter Goodwin of Hoover (UNA) and Ryley Heath of Decatur (JSU).

Keep it in the fairway.

Dave Jennings is the owner of Jennings Golfhelp LLC. Email him at djenn47495@gmail.com or visit Jenningsgolfhelp.com.

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Kowaliga Marina 334-397-1210

The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

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Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

Real Island Marina 256-397-1200

Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

Alex City Marine 256-215-FISH

Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's 256-444-8793

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Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337

The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887

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Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847

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NOTICE OF MARTIN DAM PROJECT SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLAN INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Alabama Power is preparing to begin the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission process to update its Shoreline Management Plan for the Martin Dam Project (FERC No. 349). This process involves an evaluation of the current Shoreline Management Plan to ensure that shoreline development is consistent with the protection and enhancement of environmental, scenic, cultural and recreational values, while ensuring the continued safe and reliable production of hydroelectric power at the Project.

On July 18, Alabama Power will host an Information Meeting at Central Alabama Community College (1675 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City, AL 35010), from 2-4 p.m. in the media room. The purpose of the meeting is to present the current Shoreline Management Plan and permitting program and to gain feedback regarding any modifications.

This meeting is free and open to the public. Snacks will be provided. If you plan to attend, please call Kristi Cheaney at 256-825-0053 on or before July 14.

SUMMERTIME IS A SPECIAL TIME, IS YOUR HEART HEALTHY?

Summertime means time on the water, time away from work, and more time with family and friends.

Make sure your heart is healthy and ready for the season with an appointment at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Russell Medical.

Kevin Sublett, MD, is board-certified in cardiovascular care and offers the latest in prevention, testing, and treatment for keeping your heart healthy.

Our clinic is backed by the knowledge and expertise of UAB Medicine, including:

• Advanced ultrasound testing

• Nuclear medicine imaging in fully accredited labs

• Management of cardiac rhythm disorders

• Interventional cardiology care

Our expanded clinical team is ready to serve you. Schedule a visit today by calling 256-234-2644.

PARTING SHOT

Photo by Kenneth Boone

"Surely no child, and few adults, have ever watched a bird in flight without envy."

~ Isaac Asimov

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THE HERITAGE FROM RUSSELL LANDS.

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Firepits and birthdays. Starry nights and laughter. There’s no life more wonderful than The Heritage on Lake Martin. Set among Lake Martin’s nearly 900 miles of shoreline surrounding over 40,000 acres of pristine water, The Heritage is a 1,500-acre waterfront development along 12 miles of sparkling shoreline—all from Russell Lands, one of the South’s most respected land companies. The stunning community features spectacular waterfront and luxury interior homesites, as well as a flagship resident-owned lake club and private Coore & Crenshaw golf course. Don’t miss your chance to start your own cherished traditions.

Opportunities to rewrite your Heritage are now open. Contact us today.