November 2021 Lake magazine

LAKE MARTIN ALABAMA EDITION

LAKE Volunteers wanted for annual lake cleanup

Wicker Point Golf Course It's crawfish season

NOVEMBER 2021

LAKEMAGAZINE.LIFE NOVEMBER 2021

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BEST BOATS | BEST SERVICE | BEST DEALS We are excited to announce our new Singleton Jackson’s Gap location on the North end of Lake Martin. Providing new and used boat sales and a full service center. With the largest selection of the industry’s top-selling brands and award winning customer service, no other dealer can upgrade your lifestyle like Singleton Marine.

Singleton Marine Blue Creek Marina 7280 Highway 49 South Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-8888

Singleton Marine Jackson’s Gap 124 Edgewater Drive Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 256-269-0088

SingletonMarine.com NOVEMBER 2021

Singleton Marine Parker Creek Marina 8300 Parker Creek Marina Dr. Equality, AL 36026 256-329-8550

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Letter from the Editor

Staff

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udra Spears captured the cover photograph for this month’s issue of Lake magazine. Taken from the cab of the Smith Mountain Fire Tower, the picture shows a bit of bright fall color along the Island Hop Trail, which could be traversed in full this year with the 10-foot drawdown of the winter water level on Lake Martin. The reds, yellows and oranges of autumn will paint the shoreline this month as nighttime temperatures continue to cool.

All of us who love Lake Martin have an opportunity to enhance her beauty even more by turning out for this year’s Renew Our Rivers cleanup Nov. 5 and 6. Check out John Thompson’s column on page 46 for logistics and details.

And be sure to send us photos of you with friends, family, co-workers and classmates picking up trash around the lake and on the roadways to be eligible to win the Golden Picker Prize Bag, send a photo to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. The bag is stuffed with goodies from merchants and individuals at Lake Martin. Last year’s prize bag was valued at more than $1,000.

I was surprised to learn that those gorgeous fall colors are not the result of summer rains, which I had always heard was the catalyst for a great fall. It turns out that cool temperatures and sunny days just as the leaves begin to turn are really the road to spectacular fall color. That goes hand in hand with the best time of the year to be at the lake anyway, and in this issue, we turned the spotlight on some of the ‘cool-er’ happenings.

Meteorologist Scott Martin, who keeps tabs and sends severe weather alerts to campers at Wind Creek State Park, was invited last month to forecast the racing weather at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His task was to predict the temperature of the track during the races, taking into account the air temperature, humidity and expected cloud cover vs. sunshine. It was a dream-cometrue adventure for Martin. Read all about it on page 40.

It’s been about eight months since Russell Lands announced that renowned golf course architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw would design and build a course on the shores of our beloved lake. We checked in with their progress last month as the course was officially named and its logo unveiled. Turn to page 22 for an update on the Wicker Point Golf Course at Lake Martin.

All of us at Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., are thankful for you, our readers, and wish you much for which to be grateful this Thanksgiving. Be safe as you travel to be with friends and family this holiday season, and please pack a copy of Lake magazine in your bags and send photos of your celebrations with Lake to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Magazine Department Manager BRITTANY SMITH editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Circulation ERIN BURTON

erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing RACHEL MCCOLLOUGH

rachel.mccollough@alexcityoutlook.com

MARILYN HAWKINS

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

CARSON WAGES

carson.wages@alexcityoutlook.com

BRITTANY HORNSBY

brittany.hornsby@alexcityoutlook.com

KERRIE THOMPSON

kerrie.thompson@alexcityoutlook.com

Digital Success Manager ELLE FULLER

elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE JULIE HUDSON GREG VINSON ROB WITHERINGTON CLIFF WILLIAMS SIRI HEDREEN JAKE ARTHUR

AUDRA SPEARS PETE MCKENNY ANDY ANDERS LONNA UPTON JOHN THOMPSON STEPHANIE COLEY MARK GILLILAND

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281

Betsy Iler, Editor

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NOVEMBER 2021

On the Cover

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The view of Lake Martin from the Smith Mountain Fire Tower is spectacular all year long, but it is especially so when cool temperatures and sunshine combine to bring out the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows of fall foliage around the lake. The water reflects blue skies and sunshine diamonds in this photo of the islands below the mountain on the lake's eastern shoreline.

Photo by Audra Spears

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Serving Lake Martin Since 1997 docksunlimitedllc.com | 256-203-8400

Stationary and Floating Docks | Pile Driving Seawalls | Boat Lifts | Boat Houses

NOVEMBER 2021

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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 NOVEMBER 2021 10/18/21 4:55 PM

Contents

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26 18. SWIM ALERT RAISES AWARENESS The detection of E. coli in the upper reaches of the lake calls for caution and action 22. WICKER POINT GOLF IS ON COURSE Progress continues as Russell Lands names the new Coore & Crenshaw golf course 26. TO MAKE MORE LAKE MARTIN MEMORIES Downsized condominium retains all the style and comfort of a lake home 40. NICE DAY FOR A RACE Lake Martin weatherman predicts track temperatures at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES: 9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 13. WHERE IS LAKE? 14. CALENDAR OF EVENTS 16. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 36. NATURE OF THE LAKE 44. LAKE PROPERTY

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46. LMRA 49. FAB FINDS 50. HEALTHY LIVING 52. CHEF'S TABLE 54. CHEERS! 56. BIG CATCHES 59. THE SCRAMBLE

40 Lake magazine also features an online, digital edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with friends and family and provides you complete access to stories, photos and advertisements from anywhere in the world with Internet access. View our digital edition today at www.lakemagazine.life.

NOVEMBER 2021

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A Place To Worship Lake Martin Area Churches

WATERFRONT Church of the Living Waters Inside StillWaters, Dadeville 256-825-2990 New Hope Baptist Church 529 Peppers Road, Alexander City 256-329-2510 Church in the Pines Kowaliga Road, Kowaliga 334-857-2133

OFF WATER Equality United Methodist Church 281 AL Hwy 259, Equality 334-541-4063

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OFF WATER

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OFF WATER

First Baptist Church Court Square, Alexander City 256-234-6351

Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa Street, Alexander City 256-234-6494

Hillabee Baptist Church Hillabee Road, Alexander City 256-234-6798

Red Ridge United Methodist Church 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL 36078 334-252-8618 (12 Miles South of Lake Martin)

First Baptist Church 178 South Tallassee Street, Dadeville 256-825-6232

St. James Episcopal Church South Central Avenue, Alexander City 256-234-4752

First United Methodist Church 310 Green Street, Alexander City 256-234-6322 First United Methodist Church West Lafayette Street, Dadeville 256-825-4404 First Presbyterian Church 371 Jefferson Street, Alexander City 256-329-0524

Lake Martin Baptist Church 9823 County Road 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist Church La 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293 Faith Temple Church 425 Franklin Street, Alexander City 256-234-6421

NOVEMBER 2021

St John The Apostle Catholic Church 454 North Central Avenue Alexander City, Al 35010 256-234-3631 Flint Hill United Methodist Church 2858 Flint Hill Road Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-5047 Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy 280 Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-2555

Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

32 29 37

$920,888 $568,807 $496,455

$791,250 $400,000 $390,000

116 133 153

60 240 309

September 2021 September 2018 September 2015

Inventory/ sales ratio 1.74 9.35 10.91

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).

Tourism superstar saves family's vacation at the lake Lake Martin Tourism Association congratulates the most recent winner of the Lake Martin Super Star award, Michael Carter with Southside Collision Center and Big Fish Realty. Carter’s nomination shows that the Southern hospitality we exhibit is felt from all in our area, not just those that we traditionally associate with the hospitality industry. Carter was nominated by visitors who arrived late one Friday and discovered that the wheel bearing on their pontoon boat trailer had failed.

The tire and wheel were about to fall

off. The visitors’ nomination said, “We happened to stop by a collision repair shop on 49, and that’s where we met

Weather Outlook for November November 2021 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid 60s with average lows in the lower 40s and nearly 4.5 inches of precipitation in the month of November.The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will lean above average and rainfall averages will be lower than normal this month.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 42.19 inches Avg. high temp.: 75.6 Avg. low temp.: 53.5 Avg. temp.: 64.5

a true angel. Michael was very sympathetic to our predicament and said ‘we are going to get you fixed up.’ After a few phone calls, he had someone patching our trailer, so we could launch the pontoon, and once we had it launched, he secured a permanent fix for our trailer. Michael saved my family’s vacation!’ Carter made a difference in this family’s visit to Lake Martin and was presented with a plaque of appreciation and a $100 check on Oct. 20.

Brandy Hastings

Brandy Hastings with Lake Martin Tourism (right) presents Michael Carter with the Tourism Superstar award

Our Normal November Precipitation: 4.40 inches Avg. high temp.: 66.4 Avg. low temp.: 40.3 Avg. temp.: 53.4

Information from the National Weather Service.

NOVEMBER 2021

Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.31 Lowest: 489.88 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.

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Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Martha Tucker spied this redshouldered hawk taking a long bath in a quiet slough. (2) Julia and Peyton King's 1-1/2-year-old double doodle, Oscar, turns heads and loves his time at Lake Martin. (3) Caroline Draney, Lia Kate Giffen and Caroline Covington enjoyed a ride to Goat Island before school started in the fall. (4) While filming Lake Martin in honor of her late father, Dana Lanier captured this breathtaking shot of the lake. (5) Fletcher, Watkins, Bubba, Halsey and Ford watch a beautiful sunset off their dock at Willow Point.

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NOVEMBER 2021

Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Mindy Pauly's Palmetto is dog tired at the end of a great Labor Day weekend at the lake. (2) Anna finds no greater joy in the present moment than jumping off the dock into Lake Martin on a hot summer day. (3) Bryce Glass said there's nothing better than a sunset on Lake Martin, Alabama. (4 and 5) Lake Martin exhibits weather extremes from sunny to stormy and everything in between, as shown in this pair of photos take by Lynn Vick in Parker Creek.

(6) Matt Hall had the lake to himself on a sunset paddleboard cruise in this photo taken by Debby Clayton.

NOVEMBER 2021

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Lake Martin’s Marine Construction Company 6732 Highway 63 South, Alexander Cit y, AL 35010 | (256) 392-5200 | www. sunrisedock sllc.com

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NOVEMBER 2021

Where is Lake n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Friends Taylor Collinsworth and Emily Jemison took Lake magazine along on a girls' trip to Palm Beach, Florida. (2) Kashton Elder took the September issue of Lake magazine along on a recent trip to Pensacola Beach, so he could study up on slalom skiing with championship skier Payton Miller. (3) Celebrating 50 years of friendship, Sheila Harris and Donna Nall took Lake magazine on a Texas road trip, making this stop in Waco. (4) Tony and Nina Johnson and Susan and John Prophitt took Lake magazine to Glacier National Park. (5) Vickie and Wayne Houser took Lake magazine to Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park.

NOVEMBER 2021

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Nov. 5 & 6 Annual Renew Our Rivers Cleanup at Lake Martin

Nov. 20 Catie Radney Reception at Red Hill

Join hundreds of volunteers in this annual effort to clean up the shorelines and roadways around Lake Martin. T-shirts are presented to volunteers that bring lake trash to dumpersters in various locations around the lake. Supplies are provided. Learn more in the article on page 46.

Nov. 6 St. James Pottery Sale St. James Episcopal Church will hold a pottery sale from 9 a.m. to noon in the parish hall at 347 S. Central Ave. in Alexander City. This event is in lieu of the annual bazaar, and only pottery and perhaps a few crafts will be available.

Nov. 6 AACA Workshop

Nov. 26 Christmas at Crossroads

Usher in the Christmas season from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Russell Crossroads. The Holiday Bazaar juried art show of handcrafted original jewelry, reclaimed wood decor, paintings, photography, candles, soaps CALENDAR OF EVENTS and more will be a great place to find gifts for family and friends. Santa will arrive by WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN carriage around 10 a.m. and will visit Alex City Arts will bring with children until the ultimate Eagles tribute 2 p.m. There will band to the area Nov. 18 be arts and crafts and games to play – a great way to ring in the holiday on Black Friday.

For information, call 256-212-1443.

Elaine Westen will lead an oils workshop for Tuscany, oils.

Fee is $75 for non-members and includes pallet, can- Photo by Julz Lynn Photography vas, paints, instructions and more.

Call June Dean at 334-313-7533 for more information.

Nov. 14 to Dec. 11 ’Tis the Season to Shop Local

Earn a stamp on your rewards card for every $10 you spend at participating Alexander City Chamber of Commerce member businesses. When you fill up a card with $50 in spending credits, write your name and phone number on it and turn it in for a chance to win one of three $250 grand prizes in which you can select gift cards from participating retailers. Enter as often as you wish. Visit alexcitychamber.com for details.

Nov. 18 7 Bridges Band The Ultimate Eagles Experience

Since their first appearance in Alexander City a few years ago, the community has eagerly awaited the return of 7 Bridges Band to the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. This group delivers a stunningly accurate tribute to the music of The Eagles using no backing tracks or harmonizers. Visit alexcityarts.org for details and tickets.

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Pick up a few gorgeous gifts and finish your holiday shopping at a 5 p.m. reception for Catie Radney at Red Hill Gallery in Tallassee. There will be food, fun and frivolity. Call the gallery at 334-918-0043 for details.

Dec. 2, 3 & 5 It’s a Wonderful Life Live Radio Play

Alexander City Theatre II, in partnership with Central Alabama Community College, will present three free performances of Joe Landry’s classic Christmas tale in 1940s radiostudio style on the Betty Carol Graham Center stage. Thursday and Friday performances will be at 7 p.m., and Sunday’s matinee will start at 2 p.m. Admission is free, but audience is limited to 300 per performance, so arrive early to get a seat.

Dec. 4 Breakfast with Santa

Bring the kids out to The Square in downtown Alexander City from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to have breakfast and photos with Santa. There will be downtown holiday decorations, gift shopping and making memories. For more information, visit the website at mainstreetalexandercity.org.

Dec. 5 Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade

Events begin on the Dadeville Square at 12 p.m., so stop by to browse the arts and crafts booths and food vendors and let the kids ride the train and play in the bounce house. The parade begins at 3 p.m. Registrations for vendor booths and parade entries are due by Nov. 28. For entry forms and rules, visit dadevillechamber.com or call 256-825-4019.

NOVEMBER 2021

Dec. 6 Hometown Christmas Parade

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will light up the night as the parade winds through the city streets on the first Monday of December, bringing Jolly Old St. Nick to town. The parade will line up on Comer Street before processing down Cherokee Road, turning up Church Street and through the round-about to Tallapoosa Street. For entry information, visit alexcitychamber.com/christmas-parade.

Season-long Events Bingo Wednesdays

Come out to the alley next door to Castelluccio on Wednesday nights for bingo. Order dinner and wine from Castelluccio or your favorite downtown restaurant and have it delivered to your table. The event is limited to six people per table, and the number of tables is limited to 20, due to social distancing. Reservations for this weekly event go quickly, so reserve your table by emailing Main Street Executive Director Stacey Jeffcoat at sjeffcoatmainstreetac@gmail.com.

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. You will see an example of each manufacturer’s highest horsepower cars of 1970, from Dodge, Plymouth, Chevrolet, Buick, Porsche and Oldsmobile. The inventory on display changes frequently, so every visit includes something new and exciting. 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 tour or private tours, email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail.com or call 256-329-8474.

Soup to Go

Drive through the parking lot at St. James Episcopal Church at 347 S. Central Ave. between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. every Tuesday and pick up a free brown bag dinner with soup, sandwich and more. COVID-19 precautions are taken by volunteers who prepare, pack and distribute the meal, which is open to the whole community.

Library Storytime

Storytime for children aged 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children. In addition, the children’s library hosts board games and puzzles every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information, call Melissa Finley at 256-234-4644.

The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin exhibit is on display all year long at the Alexander City Board of Education building, located at 375 Lee St.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Coffee & Connections

Every third Tuesday of the month, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking event at 8 a.m. open to any chamber member. Participants should meet at the TPI bullpen at the Lake Martin Innovation Center for coffee, a light breakfast and a chance to network with community members.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus.

Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by show-and-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. Contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724 for moree information.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. Check the calendar at RussellLands.com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Santuck Flea Market

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month, except for January and February, at 7300 Central Plank Rd., state Route 9 in Wetumpka.

NOVEMBER 2021

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Lake Martin News Lake Martin Tourism wins regional commendation

The Southeast Tourism Society last month awarded its Tourism Office of the Brandy Year award to Lake Hastings Martin Tourism at their brought Connections Conference the in Spartanburg, South Southeast Carolina. ThenTourism Executive Director Society Brandy Hastings acceptaward to ed the award.

Lake “Tourism marketing is Martin an important economic driver to our area, and we are very proud to accept this award that shows the success of Lake Martin Tourism Association,” said Ed Collari, president and CEO of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce and president of the Lake Martin Tourism Association.

Staff report

Boo Fest fills and thrills Wind Creek State Park

Princesses, clowns, soldiers, superheros, fishermen, cowboys and more once again filled the campground of Wind Creek State Park last month for the annual Halloween celebration.

The scares were so good, finding a camping spot was almost impossible. In fact next year’s Boo Fest has already filled Alabama State Parks’ reservation system for the park’s nearly 600 campsites. Veteran campers and scare enthusiasts know to plan early to keep a tradition of having fun in costume going.

Cliff Williams

BRHS anglers win second tournament of the season

fishing tournament for several years, Williams said.

Benjamin Russell had no experience on the body of water. In preparation for competition day, Davis and Smith fished the lake on multiple occasions on their own time, figuring out the best baits or lures to use, what spots got the best bites and overall how to approach the competition.

“That’s what people typically don’t see, the amount of time and money that they put into it to be able to secure that first-place win. I was really proud of them for doing that,” Williams said.

Previous practice runs had been taken on hot days, and the best fish were caught in shaded spots beneath vegetation and peers; however, the duo and the rest of the field were thrown a curveball on the day of the tournament.

Tournament day brought temperatures in the 60s and a drizzling rain.

ASABFA tournaments feature a limit of six fish per boat. Only nine of the 69 boats in the event hit this mark.

For Davis and Smith to finish as not only the top boat once again for Benjamin Russell this season but also to take home an individual title, Williams said, is a testament to their preparation, consistency and adaptability.

“They’ve been super consistent, which has been really good for us as a team, to know that we’ve got that consistency to rely on,” Williams said. “Honestly, one of our strengths the last few years has been that it’s been team wins. It’s not always the same people up there in the top three.”

Davis and Smith posted a total weight of 10.44 pounds, the only duo to clear double digits and one of just three to surpass nine pounds.

Davis Barnett and Jackson Fuller posted the next best finish for the Wildcats with a combined weight of 9.14 pounds to land in fifth.

Benjamin Russell’s 889-point total defeated Geneva by 19.

Andy Anders Stihl Smith and Slade Davis caught the best bag and helped put the BRHS team in a good position early in the season

Two tournaments into the fall trail, the Benjamin Russell High School anglers have turned in two team titles and haven’t been far behind in individual results. The Wildcats won the Logan Martin Lake tournament last month, with their top boat, featuring anglers Stihl Smith and Slade Davis, capturing first place individually.

“It’s a great feeling to start off the year with back-to-back wins,” BRHS fishing coach Josh Williams said. “It puts us in a really good position moving forward in the fall. We only have to count our four best tournaments out of the five for the trail championships, and we have two first places right now.”

Reeltown anglers Lane Burns and Hunter Simpson finished as runners up at the event. The Rebels placed ninth as a team.

Logan Martin Lake hasn’t played host to an ASABFA 16 LAKE

NOVEMBER 2021

lakemartindock.com

334.857.2443

NOVEMBER 2021

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Lake Watch water samples taken from the upper reaches of Lake Martin contained elevated levels of E. coli, raising concerns for our Treasured Lake

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Swim alert raises awareness

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PHOTO BY AUDRA SPEARS

A swim alert team and information dispersion procedure should be established at Lake Martin after elevated E. coli counts were discovered in early September in the upper lake, said Lake Watch Lake Martin president, Eric Reutebuch.

When water samples collected above Coley Creek measured more than 600 parts per 100 milliliters of water following heavy rains in September, Lake Watch partnered with Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners Association to alert boaters via a letter to membership and social media posts, Reutebuch said.

Notifications also were sent to Lake Martin Resource Association and to public authorities, including Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Tallapoosa County Department of Public Health and officials in Alexander City, Dadeville, New Site and Tallapoosa County, he added.

“We were grasping for what to do. There is no system in place to notify people. We didn’t feel like Lake Watch was authorized to release a public health announcement,” he explained. “We do testing and advise public agencies. We send them our data and our recommendations, but we don’t feel like we are in a position to release public announcements.”

The contaminated samples were collected north of Coley Creek, Reutebuch said. Samples collected below the creek – and below Alexander City’s wastewater treatment plant – were well within ADEM’s specified safe range, under 235 ppm, he explained.

Test results from the water samples were available two days after the water was drawn, he said.

“That was the first time we got high levels of E. coli in the upper lake. We have had it in the creeks before but never in the main stem of the reservoir,” Reutebuch said.

The bacteria likely washed into the lake and its tributary creeks and streams during a heavy rain event associated with Hurricane Ida, which dropped in excess of 3 inches of rain throughout the watershed, Reutebuch surmised.

Additional samples have not been drawn above Coley Creek since the discovery was made, but

samples collected below Coley Creek continue to test in the safe range, Reutebuch said.

“A couple of days after the high hit, we sampled again at Stow Ferry Road and did not get E. coli,” he said.

Stow Ferry Road is located about 2 miles south of Coley Creek.

Data compiled in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Literature Review of Contaminants in Livestock and Poultry Manure and Implications for Water Quality, published in 2013, indicates the contaminants could survive in the upper reaches of the lake for 35 to 300 days, depending on exposure to sunshine, temperatures and other environmental conditions.

Auburn University’s genetic testing of E. coli samples taken from Lake Martin indicate the bacteria originated from cattle, human and poultry sources, but additional testing is needed to identify the specific sources, Reutebuch explained.

If and when those sources are identified, ADEM could take action in the development of plans to prevent the pollution from entering the lake.

In the meantime, Lake Watch is working on action strategies to continue monitoring of the lake’s water and to develop an alert system for lake residents and visitors any time an area of the lake is contaminated with E. coli and unsafe for swimming. More than 20 area residents answered a recent appeal for water monitor volunteers.

Reutebuch would like for the swim alert plan to include a dozen testing sites at popular swimming locations around the lake, with results posted or reported regularly through a variety of outlets, including The Outlook, lake stakeholder websites and blogs and on the theswimguide.org app.

“The Coosa River has a very good program that we could look into,” he suggested.

“We don’t want to go around sending people into a panic, and we don’t want to shut down farming, but we don’t want to minimize the potential danger,” he said. “This is Alabama’s only Treasured Lake, and we don’t want to tarnish that designation.”

NOVEMBER 2021

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Wicker Point Golf is on course PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS ON LAKE MARTIN

Longleaf pine plantations are featured throughout the course

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Russell Lands last month unveiled the name and logo of its new Coore & Crenshaw golf course, which is under construction at Lake Martin just off state Route 63 between Ourtown and Russell Crossroads. Wicker Point Golf Club is the official name of the centerpiece of Russell Lands’ newest luxury residential development, The Heritage. The course is expected to redefine the Alabama golf experience with its distinctive setting, a variety of holes and unique amenities.

After breaking ground in March 2021, the golf course is expected to open in summer 2023.

“We’re getting a lot done,” said Russell Lands’ forester, Cary Whiteard, an integral member of

the golf course construction team. “The first thing we did was clear trees for the holes. That was finished in the spring, and we have focused mainly on five holes since July – numbers 16, 17, 18, 9 and 8. The goal is to get those sodded by Christmas, so the soil doesn’t move over the winter. Those holes are the ones most exposed to the weather and the lake.”

Whiteard walked the Wicker Point peninsula with renowned course architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw during the property selection phase of the project and has stayed on the team to support the architects’ vision of creating a course that

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To protect water quality and prevent erosion, five lakeside holes will be sodded by Christmas

Golf icons Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw envision a golf course that looks and plays like it has been here for many years

The natural terrain of the fairways will change very little

honors the existing terrain.

“There’s a crew of about 20 people working day by day, along with Coore and Crenshaw’s two design shapers,” said Russell Lands’ director of golf, Matt Sheppard. “Every week, you see something else happening, and the next thing you know, it starts looking like a golf hole.”

Since the first stages of development, the architects have made joint and individual visits to the area, depending on the expertise required for the scheduled work on the course, but their vision of the project is so strong that their narrative is the same, Sheppard said.

“You can hear similar talk and words about the shape of the golf course and the lay of the land. You hear the way they think about golf and why things should or shouldn’t be a certain way. It’s remarkable,” Sheppard said.

After a week of torrential downpours in the wake of Hurricane Ida in September, the design team fell behind schedule but is moving at a good pace and should be ready to plant grass before winter, said James Morgan, course superintendent for the project.

“This year with COVID-19, there have been 22 LAKE

manufacturing delays for pipe, irrigation and pump stations, but we’ve made scheduling adjustments here and there and haven’t really had any lost time,” Morgan said.

The course will feature Zeon Zoysia grass for the approaches, tees, fairways and rough and Tifeagle Bermudagrass on the greens, accentuated by bunkers with sand native to the area. The uniquely Alabama appearance of the course will include longleaf pine plantations on many holes, and nine holes will be bordered by the lake. In addition to the native forests, out-of-play areas will be plentiful with native grasses and wildflowers. To preserve and encourage the growth of these species, Russell Lands is working in conjunction with Alabama Wildlife Federation biologist Claude Jenkins, the most recent recipient of the National Wildlife Federation’s National Conservation Leadership Award.

Players will feel they are enveloped in the natural environment as they navigate through varying terrains and topographies, with each hole providing a unique challenge. Natural creeks and pine plantations on the starting holes will give way to the first look of picturesque Lake Martin on hole eight, the second par-3 on

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the course.

“As construction is well on its way, the unique qualities of Wicker Point are beginning to materialize,” said Tom Lamberth, president and CEO of Russell Lands. “We believe that players will remember every hole after their first trip around the course, a trait which all great courses have. Wicker Point will be one special place.”

Inspired by the unique location of the landmark peninsula, the new 18-hole course will be defined by its pine plantations, meandering creeks and lakefront holes that emphasize the land’s natural beauty – a signature of a Coore & Crenshaw design. To pay homage to the course’s natural features, the Wicker Point Golf Club logo combines a simple pinecone with the subtle waves of Lake Martin. True to the brand, the wicker theme will be woven throughout the course and will be featured in chairs, benches and through wicker-woven pinecones on the pins.

The clubhouse is being designed by Hank Long of Henry Sprott Long & Associates. The

The Wicker Point Golf Club logo combines a simple pinecone with subtle Lake Martin waves

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craftsman-style design will set the tone for classic golf and an authentic Lake Martin experience. The wraparound porch will provide views of multiple holes with Lake Martin vistas in the background – all with a lake-house ambiance providing an ideal setting for dining, events or simply relaxing after a round.

Accompanying the clubhouse, a standalone golf shop, complete with pro shop and men’s and women’s locker rooms, will also feature a “wind down” room, including a lounge area and adjacent bar. A large, undulating practice putting course will not only allow players the opportunity to sharpen their skills before their round but also will lend itself to continuing competition well into the evening.

Wicker Point Golf Club will be the defining element of Russell Lands’ newest residential development, a 1,500-acre neighborhood dubbed The Heritage, which was inspired by the memory of Mr. “Ben” Russell, founder of Russell Lands, Inc., and patriarch of the Russell family. The property includes 12 miles of Lake Martin shoreline and will include waterfront lots and luxury interior lots, as well as a lake club for residents, featuring a pool, boat dock, fitness facility, tennis and pickleball courts. The Heritage lakefront real estate is planned for market availability in 2022.

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Lake Martin's spectacular views will enhance play on the only Coore & Crenshaw course in Alabama

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To make more Lake Martin memories STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

An extension of the owner's suite allows office space with drapes for privacy

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When Alexander City native Sheila Brown decided to downsize from her lake house to a lakeside condominium, she contacted Lake Martin designer Phil Spraggins to help her. Spraggins was excited to design and orchestrate the renovation of the 2,632-square-foot space.

“Luckily, we didn’t have to gut the condo. We just needed to update and incorporate Sheila’s style with neutral, peaceful colors. We painted everything in the home – walls, ceiling, trim – the same color (Swiss Coffee by Sherwin Williams) to lighten and open the space. It was an amazing transformation to a much more modern look,” Spraggins said.

Brown knew she wanted her new home to be brighter and that the paint was the main focus, but the hardwood floors were another challenge.

Originally, she had envisioned a dark stain, but

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when she saw the old floors stripped and sanded, she and Spraggins decided to leave the natural color and add a clear water seal.

“I love the lighter floors now. It opened up the room from the front door back to the screened porch. New acid-washed Persian rugs were added to the hardwood and worked perfectly,” Brown said.

Just inside the front door, Spraggins placed a chest covered in shagreen, faux shark skin, adding understated texture at the entryway. Nearby, a Currey antiqued mirrored vanity, kept from before the renovation, anchors the powder room. A hammered pewter sink and new fixtures, as well as the metallic indigenous printed wallpaper, reflect the contemporary style of the room. A Thomas Moorehead 48-inch-by-48-inch painting of Children’s Island hangs just past the foyer.

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Outdoor furniture from local stores proved perfect for the deck

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Sliding doors provide a smooth transition from the living room to the screened porch

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A wall of windows, uncovered during renovation, pours natural light into the room

In the kitchen, cabinets were painted with the same Swiss Coffee color, and the Corian countertops were replaced with Cambria quartz in Britannica Gold. The two-level peninsula bar was taken down to counter height with the beautiful quartz surface and waterfall edge. The quartz was used as the backsplash, and Wellborn Industries integrated a small bar area with seeded glass doors into the existing cabinets.

Brown found barstools she loved in a store, but when they were not for sale, Spraggins found them online. He purchased cowhide at Scott’s Antiques to recover the stools to work with Brown’s neutral palette. Brown and Spraggins located the perfect plumbing fixtures at Ferguson’s. The pantry/laundry room combination just off the kitchen was reconfigured with new cabinets and additional shelving, including shelves with electrical outlets behind, designed specifically to get appliances off the countertop and out of sight.

An existing chandelier remains over the bar from pre-renovation, and a Catie Radney painting watches over the kitchen. Two tremendous matching chandeliers in the foyer and the living room remain from pre-renovation, as well. Sconces

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original to Brown’s previous home and the condo before renovation were utilized in other places in the new vision.

“Another big difference in the renovation was just changing the can lights to LED warm white bulbs. They changed everything. I am a big proponent of the LED lights and dimmer switches on every light,” Spraggins said.

In the dining area, Brown utilized a table and banquette from her previous home and recovered the chairs to work with her new colors. A Lila Graves portrait of Brown’s two children is the focal point over the table and a perfect visual from the kitchen.

As a lover of local art, Brown has used the works of Jeffrey Long and Annie Bartol, in addition to Moorehead, Radney, Graves, Whitney Clanton and her sister, Karen Sturkie.

Spraggins and Brown removed bookshelves that had previously covered floor-to-ceiling windows in the vaulted living room, adding natural light and an exquisite backdrop for the sectional, purchased at Urban Home Market in Birmingham. A round concrete-over-wood coffee table was purchased at Scott’s Antiques. Two Lee Industries mohair

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A Lila Graves portrait of Brown and her children hangs in the dining area A cushioned bench and a large mirror add to a perfect dressing area in the bathroom

The open front door offers a glimpse of the transformed space

An umbrella creates another living area on the deck

The powder room was updated with silver wallpaper and a hammered sink

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The upstairs landing is furnished with comfortable fabrics for a relaxing space

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Among the works of several local artists featured in the home is a Moorehead painting of an island near Children's Harbor

A beautiful chandelier hangs in the luxurious owner's suite

chairs and two leather chairs complete the spacious gathering area. Opposite the windows, more bookshelves were removed and built-ins were refreshed with paint and graced with a silver John Richard lamp from White House Interiors. A gas fireplace was updated with the Britannica Gold quartz on the exterior and fireplace glass on the interior.

Just off the living area, sliding doors open to a screened porch that adds outdoor living area and a breeze from the shady lakeside. Local woodcrafter Doug Roberts custom built a sofa to fit the space, and Spraggins added two wicker chairs and a poof coffee table. Clanton’s copper artwork worked perfectly on the new porch.

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“The porch is an extension of the house. I wanted the sofa to have lots of cushions and be very comfortable. The pillows in the chairs are from Lake Martin Mini Mall. The dragonfly pillow matches the prints over the door, and hummingbirds hold a special place in memories of my father, so the hummingbird pillow is a favorite,” Brown said.

The deck area has a large khaki-colored umbrella that stays open all the time, creating another outdoor living space. Little white lights underneath the umbrella add to the ambience. The deck furniture came from Lake Martin Mini Mall and King’s Furniture. Spraggins added lattice panels above the

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Stools recovered in cowhide are tucked under the bar

grill area for extra privacy.

The owner’s suite near the front of the home features a king-sized bed with a tufted upholstered headboard, bedding and a chandelier, all from White House Interiors, with additional linens from Pottery Barn. Currey antiqued mirrored side tables and a 5-foot-by-8-foot standing mirror are beautiful additions to the luxurious space.

Behind curtains that can be pulled for privacy, Brown’s office space includes a sofa and a desk with a selenite lamp, a gypsum crystal that is a work of art known for its energy and healing powers. Brown has framed botanicals throughout the home, and a gallery of botanicals adorns the office

wall over the sofa.

An open staircase in the foyer leads to a landing complete with a long sofa and chair, creating a peaceful sitting area. A 6-foot-by-10-foot mirror hangs above the sofa.

Two large bedrooms, one with a private balcony, have walk-in closets and private baths to finish the guest space on the second floor. The bedrooms have upholstered beds, fluffy comforters and lots of pillows.

With Spraggins and Brown working as a team, the newly renovated lakeside condominium is dressed and ready for family and friends to enjoy making more Lake Martin memories.

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Blue Mistflower

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

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hy pay for a garden plant that grows wild right outside the garden?

People do it all the time … two common examples in the Lake Martin area are blackberries and muscadines. Perfectly good, free plants could be procured from countless places.

But in the case of blackberries, modern cultivars can be thornless and the berries much bigger and sweeter than those in the brambles alongside almost every road in Alabama.

In the case of muscadines, different cultivars are bred for making wine or eating fresh, and the grapes are larger, sweeter and have thinner skins.

And domesticating those two wild plants provides other advantages: Grapes on a 6-foot arbor are much easier to pick than those 20 feet up in a tree. Also, it’s much less frustrating to pick blackberries on a trellis than in a bramble patch where the best berries always seem to be in the middle, out of reach.

Our native Blue Mistflower is another example for flower lovers.

It is common and abundant in the Lake Martin forests and fields, and those who are inclined to collect seeds or use shovels could have all they want for free.

Blue Mistflower looks so much like the popular garden flower, Ageratum, that it is often called Wild Ageratum, or Hardy Ageratum, but the two plants are different species and have different native ranges.

Ageratum is a native of Mexico and Central America. It is also

Though it resembles the garden favorite, Ageratum, Blue Mistflower is a completely different speices

This invasive native fall bloomer produces lots of seeds that float on the breeze

called Floss Flower, and its scientific name is Ageratum houstonianum. It was named after the botanist William Houston, not the city in Texas.

Blue Mistflower is native here in the Lake Martin area, as well as in most of the eastern U.S., from New Jersey to Kansas and south to Florida and Texas.

Blue Mistflower is also known as Blue Boneset, and its scientific name is Conoclinium coelestinum.

Both have beautiful flowers, but Ageratum may be more suited to your garden because Blue Mistflower can be invasive and take over your beds.

Blue Mistflower blossoms in late summer and autumn, about the same time as Goldenrod. These photographs were taken in early October, when some blooms were starting to fade but others were looking fresh and at their peak.

Blue Mistflower may not actually be blue; its color is variable, but it will range from blue to purple to pink to reddish-purple. The blossoms are small and shaggy, and they look like another fall wildflower found along the shores of Lake Martin, Blazing Star.

Flowering heads are relatively flat – many blossoms on a horizontal plane – and each head contains 30-70 flowers with long stamens, which give it that shaggy appearance.

The reason it is known as invasive is that Blue Mistflower produces lots of seeds that are light enough to be carried by a breeze. It also sends out creeping rhizomes, which make colonies of these plants likely.

When you find one in the woods, you’ll likely find

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many more nearby.

This flower has an upright growing habit and can be from 1-1/2 to 3 feet tall.

Its leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of a stem and are attached by a short petiole or stalk. Leaves are 1 to 3 inches long, shaped like triangles and are bluntly toothed on the edges.

Blue Mistflower can handle lots of different types of soil, from sand to clay, but it does best in moist, fertile and well-drained soils. You’re likely to find it along the shores of a lake, pond or creek or on roadsides, especially those with drainage ditches, or in moist fields and thin forests. It likes full to partial sun.

These flowers are often visited by fall butterflies, as well as bees, moths and beetles. Blue Mistflower leaves have a bitter taste that keeps most mammals from eating them, including deer.

They would make a good addition to a native wildflower bed.

However, if you have an open bed, you’d probably be wise to buy and plant the annual Ageratum each year. If you have an enclosed bed, Blue Mistflower will give you a very similar look in a plant-it-once, free flower that will keep its color well into the fall. But if you let the mistflower get out of its cage, plan on doing some weeding.

Some information for the writing of this article came from piedmontmastergardeners.org.

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Lake area forecaster Scott Martin's helpful gesture landed him a pitside seat at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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Nice Day for a Race Lake Martin weather man predicts track temperatures at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY JAKE ARTHUR & COURSTESY OF SCOTT MARTIN

The dream came true last month when Lake Martin meteorologist Scott Martin got to forecast track conditions for K-PAX Racing in the SRO Fanatec GT World Challenge America Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Martin helps to run the Alabama Weather Blog and keeps Wind Creek State Park campers alert to severe weather.

He weighs in on the Wind Creek State Park Camping Friends Facebook page when there is a threat of wind, tornadoes or lightning.

“Everybody out there is in campers and tents, and they needed somebody to give them a heads up and give them a forecast and let them know if bad weather is coming. It can be a dangerous situation for them if they’re not aware,” Martin said.

Julie Owens, anadministrator for the page, said she met Martin on social media, and he started posting on the page in 2019.

“He stayed right on top of the April wind storm with us and told us what it was,” Owens said.

The Indy trip came about when Martin was invited to the series’ biggest race of the year after offering assistance to the team’s race engineer.

“He reached out to me and told me that in one of the races earlier this year, they totally missed some rain coming toward the track. They were late changing tires to grooves from slicks and almost got beat,” Martin explained. “He said they almost got caught not knowing what they were doing, and they needed some help on this.”

Martin, a lifelong racing fan, turned the team

Martin's weather desk was set up at the pit where cars were close enough to touch

on to some apps that he uses in working with Birmingham meteorologist James Spann.

“Several emails went back and forth. I was just glad to help them out. It wasn’t for money. They wanted to see some of it in action and in person and asked if I would come up to a race and show them in person. I was thinking maybe this was going to be closer to home, maybe in Nashville. I got another email that said he was inviting me to attend the big race up in Indianapolis, the biggest race of the year – an eight-hour endurance race where they crown their champion,” he said.

A total of 41 teams were scheduled to compete, and K-PAX Racing asked Martin to do radar coverage, as well as a forecast for each day and each time their cars were out on the track. In addition to forecasting air temperatures and cloud cover, Martin

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Martin walked the speedway's famed brick yard

He used software models and apps to forecast weather conditions during races

Martin holds the pit flag

was asked to calculate the temperature of the track’s road surface.

“There’s no app or calculator for that. You have to use a scientific method to guess, but I did some research and came across several scientific papers on that subject and came up with a spreadsheet using expected air temperature, expected humidity, expected wind speed and sunshine to determine what the track temperature would be,” he said.

Martin flew out Thursday morning, Oct. 14, and met the racing team members that evening. He was in the pit the next morning for practice sessions.

“They set me up in a paddock area where I could talk with the crew. I was so close, I could just reach out and touch the cars,” he said. “They took me in and treated me like I was a member of the team. I got to open the tire warmers and get them out to go on the car.”

Using a headset, Martin was able to talk with the team strategist, race control, drivers and other specialists on the team. At the top of each hour, he reported on conditions.

“Saturday and Sunday started with temperatures in the low 40s, and track temperatures were similar.

I had to figure out how much sun and clouds and how hot the track temperature would get. It was a work in progress all weekend,” he said.

“The crews and drivers, they’re all just the nicest folks.A friend posted on Twitter that seven-time Trans Am Series champion Ernie Francis Jr. was at the track, and I responded by saying that I wanted to get a selfie with him; and then, he went out of his way to come to me. I was standing there, and I 42 LAKE

heard somebody behind me call my name, and when I turned around, there he was,” he said. “It was just a great experience.”

Martin, who has been a certified meteorologist since 2015, was working as a graphic designer when the April 2011 tornado outbreak occurred, with much of the destruction a mere half-mile away from his home.

“That was a very scary situation,” he said.

Following the weather had always been a hobby, and his wife encouraged him to go back to school to get his degree and become a meteorologist.

“I got the degree back in April and am looking for a full-time job, but I sure hope I have the opportunity to do more race track forecasting,” he said with a smile.

Visit him on Facebook at Meteorologist Scott Martin and follow him on Twitter @scottmartinwx.

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New Year, New Look I

t is hard to believe that we are on the verge of a new much of what will be affected or locked in the past as year. The exciting moment has come to make those possible, or don’t touch certain areas at all. annual plans for transforming your spaces. What For example, if you are changing the flooring in the will you do to make your home festive for main spaces or a specific area and you are the current season and the holidays? How thinking about some minor wall placement do you make it as fresh as the New Year adjustments, do all the work simultaneously. ahead?

But if the bathroom tub and tile bother you, Depending upon how you plan these don’t touch them unless you are able to end-of-year activities, they can be easy or update the bathroom elements that may be daunting decisions. If a new plan is made on directly affected by these changes. an annual basis, it will require more work to Here’s a special tip that often blows develop and maintain. A better strategy is to people away: If you change the type and/or establish a rotating or progressive plan that color of the lightbulbs in your home, it usuyou can build upon year after year. Let’s ally affects what you can see. It also changconsider some shortcuts and methodologies es the wall colors, improves task time and that could cut down on time, energy and reading and could even affect your mood. money.

Going from warm (soft and/or yellowy cast) LAKE PROPERTY Since refreshing a home is longer-ived lighting to neutral or cool lighting is quite

BY STEPHANIE COLEY than holiday planning, these tips should be dramatic in some homes. considered first: Moving on to seasonal and holiday conPaint, of course. There are so many surfaces and so siderations brings a recent trip to High Point to mind. many ideas before colors come into play – walls, ceilManufacturers and design professionals are collaborating ings, cabinets, furniture, etc. And when was the last time more and more on design and wear layer applications. your front door was painted, refinished or stained? Or These practical collaborative solutions will trickle down maybe your home is screaming for a new door. to consumers at a rapid pace. One of the most ideal soluSoft surfaces are usually the easy targets for replacetions has to do with pillows. Better pillow fillers are on ment or moves within the home, such as rugs, pillows, the rise – down and down alternatives could be the best linens and window coverings. options – with improved pricing models. The reason for Furniture shopping in your own home could net offering better fillers is that pillow slipcovers are on the you some great finds – repurposed, reupholstered or rise as alternatives to storing seasonal pillows. Natural refreshed with paint or stain. fibers in rugs are mixed with Viscose to cut down on Moving little items also could change the dynamics of losses caused by stains. Long story short, you can alter a space, such as lamps, photos, artwork, wall art, sculpyour interiors with simple changes, and big-ticket items tures, baskets, containers and decorative accessories. last longer without having to hide imperfections.

Ridding a space of redundant or outdated items could Here are a few tips for seasonal and holiday updates: be a super-quick refresher,while carefully purchased n Purchase pillow slipcovers and other items that are investment pieces help retain the feeling of stability and simple to store. If slipcovers are not attractive to you, hominess. consider vacuum bags to compress down pillows (reguIf a more extensive rework is planned, try to touch as lar fill pillows are not as forgiving) and other items to 44 LAKE

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increase storage space. Be sure to clean and/or vacuum each item before storing it. n A good reversible table runner can do double or triple duty during the holiday season. n Find a good wreath and/or garland base that could be redecorated and fluffed up every few weeks. n Avoid being too dedicated to the trends, specific themes or color preferences by using fillers instead of the main color. n Buy some seasonal décor in a paintable and flexible use category, so you can repaint or bedazzle it as needed. n Add planted elements from your yard or a garden center.

The end of the year is always such an exhilarating and exhausting time for the mind and the body. One could say just let everything be; but then, where would the twinkle-eyed anticipation come from? New and fresh takes time and effort to move from hope in the seeds you plant to a beautiful feast for the eyes. All in all, the process of changing an environment takes more than an artistic eye; it needs a strategy to achieve an outcome that you could love in the moment, as well as in the years to come.

Stephanie Coley is a certified design and construction professional with more than 22 years of multidisciplinary experience. She can be contacted by email at ssimon@scenarchdesign.com. Follow her on Instagram @scenariodesigninc.

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Renew our Rivers Volunteers are needed for the annual Lake Martin cleanup on Nov. 5 and 6

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opefully, you will see this article in time to participate in the 17th Annual Lake Martin Resource Association “Renew our Rivers” Lake Martin Community cleanup. Alabama Power actually started ROR in 2000, but it was a few years later when LMRA became the official coordinator for this very successful program at Alabama’s only Treasured Lake. It has been my pleasure to play a part in organizing the event held annually each fall.

As we all know, Lake Martin is a big body of water with more than 40,000 acres and 800-plus miles of shoreline.

For a short time, this was the largest man-made lake in the world. I would imagine very few could say they have seen every bit of the beautiful shoreline surrounding the clean, clear water we are so blessed to enjoy.

To date, we have removed more than 160 tons of trash The artwork on this year's and more than Renew Our Rivers Lake 1,000 tires from the Martin T-shirts was designed shoreline of Lake

by Lauren Edwards Martin. Thanks to Tallapoosa County Commissioner Steve Robinson, the tires were recycled.

When LMRA became involved, Alabama Power had just recently banned the use of beaded Styrofoam and asked everyone to replace it with the sealed variety, which is much friendlier to our fragile environment.

There were numerous individuals who took the easy way out by building new docks using the required product and towing the old docks to undeveloped areas for 46 LAKE

others to deal with. We are still finding blocks of beaded Styrofoam on the shorelines at Lake Martin and in ditches on lightly traveled roads around the lake. It does not decompose, and we find some with small trees growing through it.

The horrendous tornado that struck Lake Martin in April 2011 left a path of destruction and littered our Treasured Lake with an unbelievable amount of broken and splintered wood and household items.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spent many days filling barges and removing sunken household debris.

Try as they might, they could not get all of the broken pieces of shattered docks and other items that washed up on the sandy beaches of the undeveloped areas.

The cleanup LMRA put together after the Corps had finished was, by far, one of Lake Martin’s finest hours.

Volunteers came from throughout the surrounding area to assist with the cleanup. Dumpsters were placed at the Kowaliga public ramp, The Ridge Marina and other boat ramps near the storm path. I have a vivid memory of seeing late LMRA board member Dr. Larry Tuggle dragging a mattress out of the woods on one of the islands in the storm’s path. More than 12 tons of debris was removed during the two-day cleanup.

Cleaning undeveloped shoreline requires that trash be bagged, and tires, along with other large items, must be

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pulled out of the mud, loaded onto boats and transported to dumpsters.

Most volunteers are very reluctant to load this kind of trash onto their family boats.

We are so very fortunate LMRA to have dedicatBY JOHN THOMPSON ed partners like TowBoatU.S. Lake Martin, Lake Martin Dock and Alabama Power available to haul bagged trash and large items to Wind Creek Park Marina, where Park Superintendent Bruce Adams has a front-end loader waiting to offload trash into a dumpster.

We will be using the same game plan with the same partners again this year, but we need assistance locating the trash. We need more volunteers to take active parts in reporting littered areas to LMRA@lmra.info with location and pictures, if possible.

We will have dumpsters and supplies available at Wind Creek State Park Marina, Kowaliga Boat Ramp, Union Boat Ramp, Real Island Marina and Big Fish Real Estate on county Road 34.

Supplies and custom-designed T-shirts will be available for volunteers at each of these locations, as well as at Segars Crossroads on Young’s Ferry Road on Friday, Nov. 5, and Saturday, Nov. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. In the Real Island area, contact Linda Reynolds at reynoldsln@yahoo.com.

Select an area of shoreline or roadside to clean and help keep the Lake Martin community pristine for all to enjoy.

Email 1942jthompson420@gmail.com for more information.

John Thompson is president of Lake Martin Resource Association. Visit lmra@lmra.info for more information.

Ten years of T-shirts Stephens Elementary students play active role in annual cleanup

For more than 10 years, fourth-grade students at Stephens Elementary School in Alexander City have played an important role in the annual Renew Our Rivers Lake Martin cleanup. As they have learned about the environment and how to care for the Earth in school, the students have created artwork to promote the yearly effort to clean trash and litter from the lake's shorelines.

Every year, judges have the arduous task of choosing one of the students' paintings for the T-shirts that volunteers are given when they deposit bags of collected trash at dumpsters around the lake.

Cleanup coordinator and president of Lake Martin Resource Association, John Thompson commissioned Memory Makers quilter Sally Mason to create a quilt in honor of the students, using the T-shirt designs over the years. Thompson presented the quilt to art teacher Debra Griffith and Principal Clifton Pace last month.

NOVEMBER 2021

LAKE 47

Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417

Allison Ladson 256.750.0711

Damon Story 205.789.9526

Mike Davis 256.226.1238

Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792

Amy Duncan 256.212.2222

Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071

India Davis 256.749.7592

Judy Voss 256.794.0779

Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681

John McInnish 334.415.2149

Michelle Brooks-Slayman 256.749.1031

Jan Hall 256.329.6313

Sawyer Davis 205.965.7940

Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220

Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017

Becky Haynie 334.312.0928

Adam Yager 205.914.0830

Mimi Rush 334.399.7874

Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099

Judith Jager 205.789.0698

Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372

David Mitchell 256.212.3511

Howard Haynie 334.312.0693

Haley Fuller 256.750.2411

Randall Rogers 334.707.5804

Denise Cochran 256.786.2484

John Shelton 404.858.9198

WE’RE THE MARKET LEADER Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share

DADEVILLE

256.825.9092

OURTOWN

256.212.1498

WILLOW POINT

256.212.1498

OTHER COMPETITORS

46.4% 48 LAKE

OUR CLOSEST COMPETITOR

LAKE MARTIN REALTY/ RUSSELL LANDS ON LAKE MARTIN

*LMAAR/MLS Member Firms Sales Volume Data October 2020 – September 2021

NOVEMBER 2021

L a k e M a r t i n R e a l t y. c o m

FABULOUS FINDS

FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

PENDING

South Ridge Harbor, Breakwater • $2,095,000 Builder: Legacy New Homes Beds: 5 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 3,825 Russell Lands Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com

Russell Cabins at The Willows, Portico • $910,000 Builder: Classic Homes Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,396 Water-Access w/ dedicated boat slip Anna Speaks, Rhonda Watson 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com

Ridge Run, Southern Comfort • $1,450,000 Builder: Lake Martin Signature Construction Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,906 Russell Lands Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com

1147 Willow Way North, Alexander City • $8,995,000 Beds: 11 • Baths: 9 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com

540 Windy Wood, Alexander City • $2,200,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com

160 Ridge Crest, Alexander City • $2,750,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty David Mitchell 256.212.3511 LakeMartinRealty.com

865 Holiday Drive, Dadeville • $899,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Michelle Brooks-Slayman 256.749.1031 LakeMartinRealty.com

1470 Willows End, Alexander City • $7,900,000 Beds: 10 • Baths: 10 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com

120 Old Harmony Circle, Eclectic • $3,395,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 10 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com

208 Wind Crest Road, Alexander City • $2,990,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 7.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com

473 Auburn Drive, Alexander City • $399,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3.5 • SQFT: 3,576 Lake Martin Realty Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220 LakeMartinRealty.com

8164 Deer Trail, Equality • $1,650,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017 LakeMartinRealty.com

95 Ashley Lane, Tallassee • $330,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 2 • SQFT: 2,559 Lake Martin Realty John McInnish 334.415.2149 LakeMartinRealty.com

496 North Ridge, Alexander City • $480,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3 • Lake Access Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681 LakeMartinRealty.com

48 Pinecrest Cove, Jacksons Gap • $475,000 Beds: 2 • Baths:2.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681 LakeMartinRealty.com

NOVEMBER 2021

DID YOU KNOW? When Realtors advertise in Lake magazine they recieve FREE fab finds.

Call 256-234-4281 to find out how.

LAKEMAGAZINE.LIFE

LAKE 49

The Power of Cranberries

Y

ear after year, vibrantly colored, tasty, nutritious in their lives, accounting for $8.3 million in office visits and cranberries make such an impact. Although their more than 1 million hospitalizations at a cost of more than most significant role is centered mostly during fall $1 billion. and winter, we should learn to enjoy them year round. As Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria in the gastrothe holidays quickly approach, there are very good reasons intestinal tract works their way into the bladder through the to celebrate with one of the most nutritious fruits of the urethra and penetrate the urinary tract. Bacteria can affect season. several parts of the urinary tract. The most common type of Whether canned as jelly, dried, frozen or juiced, cranberinfection occurs in the bladder and is called cystitis. E. coli ries are available all year. Fresh berries are in season only is the most common bacterium known to cause 80 percent September through November, but they can be of outpatient UTIs. Staphylococcus saprokept in the refrigerator for up to four weeks or phyticus contributes 5 percent to 15 percent of frozen for use all year long. There are several UTIs, and Enterococcus and Klebsiella pneubenefits to keeping cranberries on hand, not moniae can also be accountable for UTIs. only for the holidays but also for health reaSymptoms of urinary tract infections may sons. include pain or a burning sensation while uriCranberries are very low in sugar and calonating, difficulty with urinating, bloody or foul ries. Their biggest asset is antioxidant power. odor urine and pressure or cramping in the One cup of cranberries contains 5.1 grams of groin or lower abdomen. fiber, 94 milligrams of potassium, 20 percent Treatment for a bacterial UTI includes a low of the daily recommended Vitamin C and dose of antibiotics. Treatment can be frustratmanganese, all for the cost of 46 calories. ing because statistics show that for 25 percent Cranberries are known for promoting urinary to 30 percent of women who have had treatHEALTHY LIVING ment for a UTI, the infection usually returns and gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular and

BY JULIE HUDSON metabolic health and for reducing the risk of within six months. Continual use of low dose cancer and promoting glycemic control. antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.

It was not long ago that the FDA announced its approval Research continues to look for antibiotic-free strategies to of qualified health claims of cranberries. This came about prevent and treat recurring urinary tract infections. after the company, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., sent out In 2019, the American Urological Association urged a a petition asking for the FDA to authorize a health claim recommendation to use cranberry products as an antibioticregarding the reduced risk of urinary tract infections with free way to prevent recurrent UTIs. Since this declaration, cranberry consumption. There have been years of research the FDA has made a qualified health claim to approve from clinical trials demonstrating the association between cranberries as a part of the regimen to help reduce the chalthe consumption of cranberries and UTIs in women. lenges faced by UTI patients.

Urinary tract infections are very Cranberries are scientifically known for their potent common and costly, accordsource of unique antioxidants that have anti-adhesion proping to the World Health erties. The antioxidant in cranberries is different from that in Organization. Statistics other fruits or vegetables. Cranberries have been used as a show that 50 percent natural treatment of urinary tract infections for a long time. of women have a Research shows that the antioxidants in cranberries assist UTI at some point in preventing bacteria from sticking to the lining of the ure50 LAKE

NOVEMBER 2021

thra, which prevents the bacteria from infecting the tissue and, thus, preventing a UTI. Research continues to look into understanding the mechanism behind the protective effects of cranberries, as well as prebiotic advantages. One study demonstrated that consuming cranberry chews in the morning and at night resulted in greater urinary anti-adhesion, suggesting the consumption of cranberry with cranberry chews promotes urinary tract health.

The first suggestion for someone who suffers from recurrent urinary tract infections is to stay hydrated.

Consumption of water dilutes urine, encourages frequent urination and allows bacteria to be flushed from the urinary tract before an infection can set in.

Cranberry products can be used to reduce the risk of UTIs; however, it is recommended to look for cranberry juice containing at least 27 percent cranberry juice or cranberry supplements that offer at least 500 milligrams of 100 percent cranberry powder. Cranberry products are generally safe; however, if consumed in huge amounts, they can cause upset stomach or diarrhea. Also, there is not enough evidence to know if cranberry use is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. A very important reminder is that cranberries are for prevention of urinary tract infections and not for treatment. If a urinary tract infection is suspected, contact a health care provider.

Cranberries are the most commonly used non-antibiotic preventive treatment for recurrent UTIs in women. Utilizing cranberries as a source of prevention for reducing the risk in UTI-prone women could result in using fewer antibiotics.

During this season when fresh cranberries are prevalent; it could be beneficial to stock up on these powerful berries. Enjoy them in bread, muffins, relish, quinoa or wild rice dishes, stirred into oatmeal or baked with beef and chicken.

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

NOVEMBER 2021

LAKE 51

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Olive Tapenade Hummus Ingredients

1 quart Sea Island Rice Peas, cooked till tender 1 red bell pepper, roasted and peeled 5 cloves garlic, roasted 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh 1 cup extra virgin olive oil Salt to taste

Hummus Directions

Add peas, roasted garlic, roasted peppers and lemon juice to a food processor and purée until smooth texture.

Slowly add the extra virgin olive oil to the puréed peas.

Season to taste.

Tapenade Ingredients 1 1 1 2

cup Kalamata olives, pitted tablespoon capers tablespoon lemon Juice tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Tapenade Directions

Chop the capers and olives to a fine dice. Add the lemon juice and the oil and mix until combined.

Serve with lightly toasted baguette.

CHEF'S TABLE

BY PETE MCKENNY

52 LAKE

Pete McKenny, 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.

NOVEMBER 2021

NOVEMBER 2021

LAKE 53

Top Choice

54 LAKE

NOVEMBER 2021

A

warded gold medals at ISC and IWSC in 2020, the Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 is a single malt whisky that has been matured in traditional oak whisky casks for 14 years. It was then finished in rum barrels that were created by Malt Master David C. Stewart’s own blends of select West Indian rums, giving this speyside single malt tasting notes of caramel, vanilla and tropical fruit. On the nose, you will find CHEERS! hints of rich, sweet and

BY MARK GILLILAND creamy toffee and fresh fruit notes. With an ABV at 43 percent, the finish is warm and lingering.

This is a great single malt for a first timer and a satisfying one for a scotch enthusiast.

When paired with a Montecristo Classic Churchill cigar, the total experience is relaxing and tasteful. With a Connecticut Shade wrapper and Dominican Republic binder and filler, this Montecristo is very mellow. A modern classic with a heritage that dates back to the

1930s in Havana, Cuba, this cigar sets the bar for all Dominican cigars. With a nice balance of smooth, coffee, nut and warm spice flavors, it has been a top choice for enthusiasts for many years.

Available at Grain & Leaf, 6068 Highway 63 South, Suite No. 1, Alexander City.

Mark Gilliland is the owner of Grain & Leaf located at 6068 state Route 63, Suite 1, in Alexander City.

NOVEMBER 2021

LAKE 55

The Crawfish Bite L

et me begin by saying I love me some crawfish. I once stayed with a family in Louisiana while practicing for the Bassmaster Classic. While I was there, I was treated to some of the best homemade crawfish etouffee ever. Ever since, I look for it on the menus at certain restaurants. On other occasions, I’ve had the pleasure of attending some massive crawfish boils hosted by the owners of Tony Chachere’s. They literally filled up a small wooden canoe (called a pirogue) with the finest boiled crawfish. One of my former baseball teammates and his family joined me since Steph and Gaige couldn’t make the trip. His wife is a Cajun girl who must have felt sorry for me, watching me struggle to peel them, and offered to help. I reluctantly agreed, and in what seemed like less than a minute, I had a pile of freshly peeled crawfish tails on my plate ready to eat. She was like a magician.

Since my first taste of crawfish, I understood the affinity bass have for them. Many anglers, in their quest to target bass, realize the importance crawfish play in the diets of nearly all species of black bass. Even stripers will feed on them from time to time. I imagine catfish and panfish enjoy them as well, when the opportunity presents itself.

I can’t pretend to know everything about the different species of craws and their habits. There are 97 species of crawfish documented in Alabama alone – more than any other state.

I have researched them from time to time over the years, but good old time on the water has been the best reference so far when applied to angling. On Lake Martin, I start catching fish that have been feeding on craws in October, and the bite picks up as the water continues to cool into fall and winter. It’s hard to deny when you catch a fish, and as you remove the hook, there are two pinchers sticking up from the most recent meal.

Often, I have caught fish on shad imitating baits and noticed the bass is spitting up pieces of crawfish. A quick adjustment in color or bait altogether put me on a much stronger bite and bigger fish.

So over time, I’ve noticed a few things that seem to accelerate the crawfish bite. I assume they become more active, feeding along the bottom or whatever crawfish do in their spare time. Here’s a list of some conditions that might help to predict when the bass could be looking harder for crawfish than other forage: n Low Light – I think the crawfish are more active early in the morning, late in the evening and under cloudy skies. Perhaps they are sneaky, for lack of a better term, as they move around and feed while concealed by darkness. That doesn’t mean a crawfish bait isn’t productive at other times, even on bright bluebird days, but it does seem to be a time when the fish are more dialed in on the craws. n Post Rain – I know from experience with my previous occupation that any small creek in Alabama is full of crawfish. A good rain can create some heavy runoff and must wash some craws into the lake. More importantly, crawfish are scavengers, and the rain probably washes into the lake all kinds of good56 LAKE

BIG CATCHES

BY GREG VINSON

ies on which the resident lake crawfish like to feed. n Mild Water Temps – I assume that since many crawfish burrow or hide under rocks, they use these places for refuge when the water is very cold or very hot. It seems that some crawfish live in very deep water during the summer as well.

In the winter, they are likely to be shallow but underneath rocks that have absorbed heat from the sun during the day. When the water temperatures range from 75 degrees to 55 degrees, the craws seem more active in the shallows and mid-depths because that’s the range where I realized the bass were feeding on them more. n Dirty Water – The anglers’ term, ‘dirty water,’ means water that is heavily stained from runoff. This is more common in late fall to early spring. Lake drawdown allows falling rain to land directly on the exposed lake bottom and wash sediment into the shallows. Also, there is less greenery on the surrounding terrain to prevent sediment from washing into the lake.

The result is a staining of the water in areas of heaviest flow, like the backs of larger creek arms and, especially, the upper portions of reservoirs. Visibility is low in these areas that get heavy stains, which could actually lead to good fishing.

Crawfish seem to like the low-vis situation, and the bass also see it as an opportunity to conceal their presence. n Full Moon – This is a tricky one. Many species of fish are known by anglers to be more active at full moons. It definitely has something to do with their spawning process. It seems that the crawfish bite picks up on full moons in the fall and winter, as does the bream bite in summer months. This may be related

NOVEMBER 2021

A few adjustments in color or bait to imitate a crawfish could land more bass in the boat

to reproduction or feeding, but whatever the case, watch the moon phase and know that the craw bite could pick up in the days surrounding the full moon.

Next, consider the best baits and presentations to catch the crawfish. The first choice would be a crankbait. In the fall and winter, the best crawfish crankbaits run anywhere from 2 feet to 10 feet deep. The idea is to bump the bait into any kind of hard cover. Rocks are the most obvious choice, as many of the lake’s resident craws hide underneath them. As the bait deflects through and off of these rocks, it mimics a crawfish making an escape effort and could trigger a bite. The best colors have combinations of green, brown, orange, black, red, gold and even blue. Since Alabama has so many species of craws, it’s hard to mimic just one, but most all of them have some combination of these colors.

The second choice would be jigs and trailers. Jigs are great at mimicking all sorts of forage, but they best resemble crawfish. Picture the skirt of the jig looking like the tucked tail and legs of a fleeing crawfish. The soft plastic trailer looks like claws waving as a craw glides through the water and

then sticking up in an upright defense posture. The bass know this game well, and that’s why the bite often occurs as the jig lands. The bass pins the bait to the bottom as if it were an unlucky craw.

Two finesse options that work are either a shaky head worm or a Ned rig. Although both are essentially worm rigs, the action of the baits must say ‘craw!’ to the bass. With each rig, the small straight worm stands up as the jig head lands on the bottom. That action triggers a lot of bites with a shaky head, and it’s even more pronounced with the newer Ned rig.

This fall and winter, know that crawfish season is on under the water, and you’re likely to catch a big one.

Some information for this article came from OutdoorAlabama.com.

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

NOVEMBER 2021

LAKE 57

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58 LAKE

NOVEMBER 2021

Winterize your game H

ello Lake Martin!

Fall is here, and we embrace all that it delivers to every one of us. The leaves flash their brilliant colors briefly before their short gravity ride to the forest floor below. The gradual change in temperature toward cooler surroundings is a welcomed relief from the summer heat. Fall brings football as fans cheer on college and professional teams each weekend. The child in each of us anticipates the THE SCRAMBLE holiday season that soon will bring

BY ROB WITHERINGTON cherished family experiences, creating lovely lifetime memories.

Fall gives us much, but it also delivers other changes. The drop in the lake level means far less boating activity on Lake Martin. Daylight savings’ arrival on Nov. 7 means the days grow dark well before dinnertime. The outdoor live music and event offerings slowly fade away until next spring. Life is an endless supply of changes and trade-offs that we must accept.

As we enter the Thanksgiving holiday season, I believe we should all focus on the blessings in our lives. The pandemic continues to make normal living a challenging trial for every resident in our earthbound community. Those who know me personally might tell you I am one of the most positive people they know, but these daily challenges have forced me to focus on remaining upbeat as I work through each day. Normal life is not that normal right now, and it can bring us down if we allow it. Beware.

As we move forward, take a moment to count your blessings. Family, friends, employment, food, shelter and health are all blessings that we should not assume would always be there for us. Give thanks and count the blessings of each day.

Many of us prepare for winter by winterizing some of our personal items. Second homes or lake homes, cars, boats, golf carts, ATVs, mowers and power tools are among them. If you are a golfer, try winterizing your golf game this year. This Southern climate will allow for comfortable golfing conditions for most of the calendar year. Rain, cold and freezing condi-

tions do come on occasion, which forces us indoors for periods of time. n Perhaps we can use the indoor time to our benefit. Here are a few ideas for winterizing your golf game: n Review your golf clubs and research the possibility of updating the technology in your golf bag. n If you love your current set of clubs, see about investing in new grips for the New Year. n You could hit the web and search for golfing exercises that you can add to your current exercise program. Keep those golf muscle groups from showing any signs of winter atrophy. n Perhaps you could bring golf indoors with a golf simulator or netting in the basement to go along with the putting machine in your den or home office. n Keeping a club in your hand often as possible is always good for your game. n Online lessons are available for review or maybe ask Santa to bring you the “gift of golf” with a gift certificate for lessons with your local golf professional.

Enjoy your family and friends this holiday season, but don’t forget your golf.

Rob "Gabby" Witherington is the PGA professional at Stillwaters Golf in Dadeville. Email him at robwitherington@ gmail.com.

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing Candi Tate, Clinical Liaison

2334 Washington Street, Alexander City | 256-329-9061 | www.crownehealthcare.com

NOVEMBER 2021

LAKE 59

Legend

63

22

280

To Sylacauga

23

Alexander City

Public Boat Ramps 19

9

Churches

4

Camp ASCCA

11 Flint Hill Church

Camps & Parks 280

Power lines U.S. Highways

3

22

County Roads Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

Pleasant Grove Church

11

COOSA COUNTY

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

10

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

18 20

New Hope Church

Liberty Church

12 Willow Point

24

7

13

Equality

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

Camp Alamisco

14

Kowaliga Boat Landing

22 The Ridge

55

5

Seman

1 15

Church in The Pines

Camp Kiwanis

24

2

The Amp Ko w

ali

19 80

9

Central

ga

Ba

y

27 90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

20 Kent

60 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

34

NOVEMBER 2021

Timbergut Landing

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Marinas

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

11. Kowaliga Marina 256-397-1210

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

Jacksons Gap 280

Bethel Church

21

Dadeville

57

280

25 Camp Hill

Smith Landing

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49

8 6

4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 20 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

42. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

4. Russell Building Supply 21 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

52. Real Island Marina 256-397-1200

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 22 256-794-1333

288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010

63. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

234. Dark Insurance 256-234-5026

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

2. Parker Creek Marina 7 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 83. Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853 www.harborpointe.net

12 Smith Marina - Shipwreck Sam's Froyo 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

9

Walnut Hill

26

50

6. SpringHouse 13 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 146. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 15 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

24. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 25 . Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 21322 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 26 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders 27 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Restaurants & Venues

17 50

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

2. Alex City Marine 11 256-215-FISH(3474)

2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Stillwaters

18 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010 19 4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

10 2. Lakeside Marina at Bay Pines 256-825-0999

3455 Bay Pine Rd., Jackson's Gap, AL 36861

16

Business & Shopping

22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

2. Lakeside Marina 9 256-825-9286

7361 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Pleasant Ridge Church

Church of the Living Waters

Lake Martin Alabama

Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25.

Contact our Marketing Department at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

16 Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337

5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853 17 The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887 8605 AL HWY 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Reeltown

NOVEMBER 2021

LAKE 61

Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine Downtown Girl Shay Aesthetics JR'S Hillabee Towers Senior Nutrition Center Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Dark Insurance Warren Appliance MainStreet Family Care Grace's Flowers Koon's Korner Larry's General Merchandise Daylight Donuts Alfa Valley Bank - 280 Pricare Temple Medical AllState BB&T Bank Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance North Lake Condo River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro

62 LAKE

Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall A&E Metal Regions Bank Marathon - 280 Renfroe's Market Russell Medical Center Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors Koon's II Tallapoosa Ford Dylan Johnson - Country Financial Holley's Home Furniture Jackson's Drugs Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark The Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que Russell Do It Center Russell Home Decor Holman Floor Satterfield Inc. Grain & Leaf, Bottles & Cigars Tippy Canoe Love Lake Martin Real Estate Office Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina on Lake Martin Nails Kowaliga Marina Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office

Russell Lands Real Estate Sales Center Springhouse Restaurant Ridge Club Ridge Marina HACKNEYVILLE Hackneyville Water Authority NEW SITE Piggly Wiggly - New Site Foodland DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Ellaby Boutique, LLC Alabama Power Siggers Siggers Barbershop Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library At the Beauty Shop Dadeville Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's Tallapoosa Nutrition Sweet Pickins Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters Country Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Aronov Realty Lake Martin

NOVEMBER 2021

Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks Lake Martin Pizza CAMP HILL Link Gas Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina Charles Borden ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Offshore Marina Lake Martin Mini Mall Corner Stone Coffee Co. Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Catering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Anchor Bay Marina Wetumpka Wetumpka Herald Office Tallassee Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber Parris Mullins Jr. O.D. Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $50 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

We’re Live! www.lakemagazine.life

KOWALIGA WHOLE HEALTH PET CARE

Mary S. Battistella, DVM

e November Special e 20%f Of

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COACH KRAFT

UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery!

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IF YOUR ADVERTISING HAS NO AUDIENCE, IS IT REALLY ADVERTISING? IT’S ALL ABOUT THE AUDIENCE.

ALEXCITYOUTLOOK.COM | 256-234-4281

LAKE

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MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2021

LAKE 63

Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing.............................................................24

Insight Dock Company..............................................45

Precise Pressure Washing..........................................63

Alex City Guide Service.............................................. 8

Insurance Solutions....................................................12

Prime Management....................................................... 6

Alex City Marine.........................................................62

Kowaliga Whole Health.............................................63

Renaissance Electronics............................................... 5

Blue Creek Iron Works.............................................63

Lake Martin Dock.......................................................17

Rhonda Jaye, Lake Martin Realty.............................58

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation....................................... 59

Lake Martin Mortgage................................................49

Russell Lands On Lake Martin.................... 34-35, 68

Childersburg Primary Care......................................24

Lake Martin Pecan Company..................................... 8

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Coach Kraft Upholstery............................................65

Lake Martin Realty......................................................48

Satterfield........................................................................ 5

Comfort Home Services...........................................51

Lake Martin Signature Construction......................65

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Custom Docks.............................................................43

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Security Pest Control.............................................. 6, 8

Davco.............................................................................63

Larson & McGowin Properties, LLC......................55

Singleton Marine............................................................ 3

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Mark King's Furniture................................................39

Temple Medical Center............................................... 8

Electronic Technology Group...................................63

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George Hardy D.M.D................................................... 8

National Village............................................................25

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Gilbert Welding & Design.........................................58

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LAKE MARTIN'S PROFESSIONAL TOWING AND SALVAGE COMPANY We refloat sunken boats.

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LAKE 65

Parting Shot Photo by Kenneth Boone

"While some men see ordinary happenings, others see divine light and guidance." ~ Thomas Merton

66 LAKE

NOVEMBER 2021

Lake traditions begin at The Heritage. Build yours.

Russell Lands extraordinary lakefront homesites and Coore & Crenshaw golf

O

ne of the South’s most distinguished companies, Russell Lands, has unveiled plans for Lake Martin’s newest luxury residential development, The Heritage. With stunning

lakeside living, here, families will build memories, season after season. The centerpiece of the neighborhood will be Wicker Point Golf Club, a signature Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw private golf course, with 18-holes in an extraordinary natural setting of pine plantations, meandering creeks and lakefront holes. A flagship lake club for residents will offer fun, family recreation.

Don’t miss the life that will rewrite your heritage for generations. Opportunities coming in 2022.

RussellLands.com | 256.215.7011 | realestate@russelllands.com 68 LAKE NOVEMBER 2021