Lake Martin Living magazine September 2015

Lake Martin Living 1

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3

From the Editor

A

utumn is a welcome change. I hear “This is my favorite time of year” from more people in the fall than at any other time. People look forward to cooler temperatures and a return to the normal routines that regulate the hours for most of the year without the stress of the holidays or the cold winter winds just yet.

I am right in there, as well. When I folded my white go-to office jacket (my desk is under the air conditioning vent) into the drawer last week and retrieved a fall cardigan from the closet, I did so with a smile on my face in cheerful anticipation of the season ahead.

There is a lot to look forward to as summer fun fades into fall’s festivities.

Among those is dove season, which opens annually in an atmosphere akin to a good old-fashioned summertime barn raising. As John Ballard tells us in the article on page 34, the opening day dove hunt is as much about food, friends and family as it is about the birds. It’s the best of dove season, he says.

But our guest writer this month, Dr. John Blythe, will regale you with his recollection of dove season’s worst day ever on page 36. It was the day he got caught hunting a baited field. Along with several other prominent citizens, Blythe was appropriately chastised for his error. After all, the rules are the rules.

Then we’ll shift into a situation in which the rules have obviously changed. No longer members of the class, three local students returned to their alma maters this year at the head of the class; they are now teachers in the schools they once attended. Find out how that role change affects the way they teach on page 26.

You’ll also want to find out what is new this year at Alexander City’s Fall Festival, coming up next month. Turn to page 40 for the lowdown on Rally in the Alley, the pumpkin roll, Chair-ish Alexander City and more.

And be sure to take one last look at summer’s flowers and butterflies in Fred Muenzmay’s and Fletcher Scott’s columns on pages 14 and 18, respectively.

So join me in unpacking that favorite fall sweater and sit for a spell with this issue of Lake Martin Living magazine to welcome what many of us know as this favorite time of year.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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Lake Martin Living Editor & Publisher Kenneth Boone Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Mia Osborn Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Fletcher Scott Susan Foy Fred Muenzmay Cliff Williams Mitch Sneed Robert Hudson David Granger John Blythe Heather Glenn David Willis Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Missy Fonte Kim Morse Emily Guill Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com Reader Advisory Board W.L. “Buddy” King Fred Dobbs Ann Goree Donna Burkett Reggie Dean If you have any questions or comments about Lake Martin Living please feel free to contact members of our Reader Advisory Board.

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FEATURES 26. RETURNING STUDENTS H ighlighting three educators who now teach where they once were taught 34. DOVE HUNT O pening day traditions abound throughout the South for this annual hunt 36. HUNTING DOVES ON A BAITED FIELD D r. John Blythe quotes Richard Nixon, "I'm no crook!"

39. THE DOVE RECIPE T here's only one way to prepare dove, but it's delicious!

40. RALLY IN THE ALLEY N ew activities are planned for this year's Fall Festival in Alexander City

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS The Sure Shot 14. HAPPY GARDEN 16. FROM THE TEE

18 A pair of Tiger Swallowtail butterflies flit and dance among the blossoms at Jerry Brown's Hackneyville farm

18. OUTDOOR LIFE 32. FAB FINDS 43. MEDICAL NEWS 44. MONEY MATTERS 46. OH SNAP! 50. LAKE REGION EVENTS 58. THE LAST WORD

Lake Martin Living 6

ON THE COVER Dove season opened Sept. 12 with the traditional kick-off party at John Ballard's farm near Alexander City. The first day of the hunt is marked with great food, friends, family and fun across the South, and it has been celebrated this way for more than 150 years.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

7 Lake Martin Living

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AROUND THE AREA

New Site celebrates 50 years

Happy Birthday, New Site

The Town of New Site, established 50 years ago, celebrated with cake.

New Site last month celebrated its golden anniversary and commemorated the milestone with a reception at Town Hall.

It was 50 years ago that New Site was officially incorporated as a town.

What is now New Site began in 1849 as a place where families migrated by wagon to escape the gold rush excitement in nearby Goldville.

“They had found a ‘new site’ – legend has it – and they settled here,” New Site Town Clerk Shelia Fuller said. “From that beginning, the town evolved and survived over the years. Our community was incorporated in 1965 so our residents could establish a public water system.

“With the help of many dedicated

citizens our first mayor and council members were elected in August 1965.

Aug. 23 marked the date that the incorporation was complete.”

The town may have few in numbers – as the 2010 Census claimed just 773 residents – but New Site Public Safety Director and Tallapoosa County Commissioner John McKelvey said it is still a close-knit community where people help each other.

“It’s a place that’s not like any other town around here,” McKelvey said. “Just a bunch of good people who really love this little town and are glad to call it home.” ~ Mitch Sneed

Alexander City team wins AWF title Alexander City’s Chad Jones and the Smokin' and Jokin' barbecue team were named state champions at last month's annual Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-off.

Jones’ cook team bested 12 other entrants at the AWF state finals at Millbrook’s Lanark Pavilion with its recipe for Sinful Quail.

“It’s an apple stuffed with quail, pork sausage and apple, smoked and dressed with a sweet, gravy-like sauce,” Jones said.

The Smokin’ and Jokin’ team – Jones and his wife, Khara, and their 6-year-old son, Caleb, along with Blake and Smokin' and Jokin' Rachel Self and their 6-year-old Chad Jones' team was son, Eli – has been cooking in named state champs in the annual game cookoff. competitions together for four years.

“We’re all in this together,” Jones said. “It’s a good way to spend time together as families.” ~ David Granger

$17,372.17 Sets the Tone for 2015 LMAUW fundraiser

Designated pacesetters for this year's Lake Martin Area United Way campaign, Amtech and the Lake Martin Community Hospital jumpstarted the annual giving with more than $17,000 in pledges.

Mallory Padgett (above with employees Matt Bishop and Beverley Nickolson), director of human resources at Amtech, led the company's campaign and said Amtech has supported the United Way campaign for more than 10 years but has increased employee participation over the last three years.

The Lake Martin Area United Way needs your support to reach its campaign goal and help the 26 agencies it supports. You can send your donation to Lake Martin Area United Way, P.O. Box 876, Alexander City, AL 35011 or give at their office at 17-B Main Street in Alexander City. For more information, contact them at 256-329-3600. ~ David Granger

Lake Martin Living 9

BUSINESS MATTERS

The Sure Shot STORY BY & PHOTOS BY MIA OSBORN

I

t’s odd for a store that’s been in business 17 years to throw a grand opening party, but that’s exactly what The Sure Shot in Alexander City has done. On Aug. 2829, The Sure Shot celebrated its move to a new location on Highway 280 with two days of sales, food and fun.

The event was catered by Chonita’s Cookers, and the menu featured alligator, rattlesnake and shredded boar meat tacos. The Sure Shot’s owner, Woody Baird, grinned when he remembered the food. He was even happier about the turnout.

“On Saturday at 10, the parking lot filled up, and it stayed that way until four. At church on Sunday, I had about 20 people tell me they wanted to come by but couldn’t find a parking spot,” he said proudly.

The grand opening was the perfect chance for Baird and the rest of The Sure Shot’s crew to showcase the new location’s features. For those who visited the store at its old location on the outskirts of town, the first change they’ll

10 Lake Martin Living

notice is the amount of space in the new store.

“Up there at the other store, we had 3,000 square feet in one building. Here we’ve got 4,200 just in retail,” said Baird.

That’s not counting the 1,600 square foot archery range or the 6,000 square feet in warehouse and office space. This extra room has allowed Baird to increase the number and type of products The Sure Shot can offer, he said.

The store carries used and new firearms, bows and crossbows, as well as ammo. They also sell all manner of camouflage clothes and accessories, supplies for Sure as Shootin' target practice and anything Above: At its new location on U.S. Highway 280, The else a well-prepared hunter Sure Shot has nearly double could need. the space as their previous Baird and staff are as store outside of town; Right: Owner Woody Baird said important a resource as any the store will open a gun of the products on their range alongside the new shelves. They are always archery lanes.

ready with advice to help customers choose the right gun, bow or other supplies for their next hunt.

Bow hunting season starts Oct. 15, and Baird said he expects even more business as archery fans come to improve their aim at The Sure Shot’s new indoor archery range. The range is probably the biggest change for The Sure Shot’s new location. It features four 25-yard lanes. Guests who don’t have their own archery supplies can use the range to test shoot any of the store’s equipment.

In the years to come, Baird said, he hopes to expand The Sure Shot further. Mainly, he’d like to add an indoor gun range alongside the archery setup.

“There’s a portable range system that I’m looking at,” Baird said.

He added that the store’s new location needs at least a year to see if they will have enough business to justify a gun range. If so, he said, he thinks a portable range would be the best way to test the waters and see how popular the new addition would be.

“It’s only four lanes, but that would give us an idea. Then if we wanted to go from there, we could build a bigger, permanent facility.”

The Sure Shot is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the store’s website at www.thesureshot.us/.

Lake Martin Living 11

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Lake Martin Living 13

Planting for Pollinators

What gardeners can offer bees and insects

O

Happy Garden

available in many heights and colors to suit your ur pollinators are in trouble. In recent garden space. Choose yellow or orange over red, as years, it has become apparent that bees – the bees don’t like the red. Varieties exist now for the and not just the honeybees – are under allergic gardener, containing no pollen; obviously, threat, and some have already gone extinct. Without avoid these when wishing to attract bees. them, pollination of crops doesn’t occur, so our Calendulas or Marigolds: This is a hardy annual future may well depend on how we assist bees. These that is great for bees, especially the original single insects work tirelessly to provide us with our food, flower pot marigold. Deadhead regularly for a but they are struggling in the wild. longer flowering period.

Insects and plants must now be taken care of Primulas: The native primrose, (Primula by gardeners if they are to survive. Since much of vulgaris), primulas of all kinds, even the drumstick the agricultural land is now devoid of the diversity ones are great early food for bees. Cowslips (Primula of flowers that insects need, the private garden is a Fred Muenzmay veris) are also good members of this extensive family better place than the countryside for wildlife these of hardy perennial plants. days.

Rudbekia: These are an extensive group of Just as humans need a variety of food types for all the trace minerals and vitamins for healthy living, scientists now coneflowers from the aster family that offer a wide variety of heights. Mostly available in yellows and oranges, they are sure to think that insects also need their “five a day” to thrive. brighten your border and feed bees. It is best planted in bunches Fortunately, there are a number of flowers from which and is dry weather tolerant. gardeners can choose to offer pollinators. Here are a few: Scabiosa or Pincushion Flower: Bees adore the mostly blue Cosmos: This annual flower is easily raised from seed and flowers of this hardy annual. If you deadhead often, these will is available in a variety of colors to suit any garden scheme. It’s flower all summer long. also one of the very best for the bee. Grow it in groups, making Lavender: There are plenty of lavenders to choose from, all the collection of pollen easier for the bees; that way, they won’t needing plenty of sun and well drained soil, but they’ll reward have to fly as far to find their food. Cosmos grow 2-5 feet tall, you with fragrant flowers for cutting and drying. Just watch the majority reaching about 2 feet. This flower originally is them get smothered in bees when they come into flower. from Mexico, so it’s used to some harsh growing conditions Hellebores: The Christmas rose! A lovely flower to have and is hardy. Plant outside after all danger of frost has passed, in your garden from late winter to early spring, this plant will and deadhead the plants to keep them flowering continuously through the summer. These open, flat flowers will delight you, as tolerate some shade and moist conditions, though not wet.

When bees emerge from hibernation, they need food fast, and well as give the bees a feast. this perennial fits the proboscis.

Aster: These easy to grow, colorful Michaelmas daisies Clematis: The majority of perennial climbers will provide flower from late summer to autumn and provide food late in pollen. Always plant Clematis deeper than they were in the the season. Plant a composition. Many hybrids have little or no container, as this gives more protection against Clematis wilt. pollen, so be sure to choose a variety that will provide food for These plants are hungry and thirsty, so add good potting soil to the bees. the planting hole. They also like their roots in the cool and heads Sunflowers: These hardy annuals are a great choice and are 14 Lake Martin Living

in the sun, so once I’ve planted them, I place a thick mulch or a pile of stones or gravel around their roots, keeping them cool and conserving moisture.

Crocus: This early flowering bulb is planted in the autumn and flowers year after year, and there are plenty from which to choose. These are a great value and cheer me up as well as the bees!

Mint: Mint has a beautiful lavender flower that is shaped like a ball and is the size of a fingernail. Bees love it. It’s great in your cooking, too. It’s so easy to grow that it can become a problem, so either grow it in a container or prevent its escape around the garden by burying a container (with holes in the bottom for drainage) and plant your mint into that.

Rosemary: A Mediterranean herb, rosemary is a half-hardy shrub that likes well drained soil and full sun. It flowers around April or May. It is a great culinary herb, and bees will take advantage of the pollen as long as you prune it correctly. The best time is after flowering, as most of the flowers will appear on new wood. Don’t prune rosemary back to the old, bare wood, as these are not likely to come back.

Thyme: There are now quite a few varieties of this hardy to half-hardy shrub available, each tasting slightly different from the other e.g. lemon thyme, lime thyme. They are all worth growing.

Give them the same growing conditions as rosemary and lavender.

Hebe: This extensive group of shrubs has wonderful flowers for bees and produces plenty of pollen all on one flower with plenty of flowers on one shrub. They vary in height, are mostly blue or pink and tolerate most soils.

This plant is native to New Zealand. They dislike being over watered and enjoy well-drained soil, but water well until

established. The best way to start this plant is in a pot.

Borage: The “bee herb,” borage is blue flowered and simple to grow. Originally from Syria, it is prolific, and the bees love it.

Echinacea: Also known as “Coneflower,” this hardy perennial plant is in the daisy family. It now is available in a variety of colors, all of which will attract bees.

Please “bee” a friend to the bees.

I think I will just buzz off for now. ~ Fred Muenzmay of Eagles Roost Herb Farms is a Master Gardener and has been in the business of growing organic herbs, vegetables and blueberries for regional and local farmer's markets for 16 years. Contact him at fmuenzmay@earthlink.net.

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Tee off for college now

The tournaments and lessons they will need to make the team

I

n the elementary and middle school years, it’s great to see young people participate in every sporting activity they have time for and that you can comfortably afford.

Team sports are great for teaching young people to get along well with their peers, and also how to be competitive; however, as young people grow, they should be spending more time on the sport in which they perform best and have the most interest.

When I was young, I played a lot of baseball, along with golf. I loved baseball but hated losing games, especially if the loss came because of a bad pitcher’s outing or multiple critical errors by a short stop.

I decided if I was going to win or lose, I wanted that to be up to me, all on me. That’s what originally drove me to pick golf as my No. 1 sport.

Another reason for choosing golf had to do with a conversation between my Dad and me when I was 14. He asked me if I planned to play football or basketball when I was in my 40s or baseball in my 50s.

Of course, I said no.

16 Lake Martin Living

He then asked me if I College Track Tips Playing PGA Jr. tournaments planned to play golf in my is one way to give a young 40s, 50s and 60s. golfer like Will Cush an edge I immediately said, on the road to college play.

“Absolutely!”

Dad cleverly asked, “Do you want to do so without a limp?”

That hit home, as that year I had recovered from a broken nose and a broken thumb from baseball.

If college golf is a possibility for a young person in your life, there are a number of questions you might ask now, as the answers could help that youngster better prepare for a college career. How many and what type of tournaments should the child compete in during the summer? How often should a son or daughter take lessons and practice? And others.

Many people think playing on a high school team prepares a child for college golf, but that is not true at all. To catch the eye of a college golf coach, there is a host of junior golf tours that children need to play.

asking if the coach received the information sent. If no There are low, mid and high levels of competitive junior answer again, it may be time for a phone call. golf tours available. Some of the lower levels offer oneKeep in mind that coaches are very busy, and they do day tournaments and are a great place to get the feet wet receive dozens of resumes per week. The coach may be for competition. But coaches are looking at multiple-day, setting some time aside to make the call, and that time just bigger tournaments and college tournaments for recruits. has not arrived yet.

If my son were hoping to play college golf, I would sign Be sure to remind your child that grades in school are him up for at least five Southeastern Golf Tour events, the extremely important. Coaches would prefer to have low Future Masters and the State Junior Championship every maintenance student athletes. Kids that barely get by are year. initially considered high maintenance and also may be The first thing to address, and possibly the most difficult a scary candidate in keeping these students eligible, so for some, is finding the right instructor for your child. encourage your child to study and practice up on ACT and Many people choose to gravitate to the least expensive SAT exams, which can follow the student longer than one instructor or the first one they hear about, but it’s wise to may realize. do your homework on golf instructors.

As much as you may want your child to Does this pro communicate well? Does he succeed in the game, do not push too hard. If truly want to see your child succeed? A really they love it enough, they will be pushing you to good pro will not only teach the swing but get them to the course and into tournaments. also the game – two very different modes of Talk “with” them (not “at” them), making it a instruction. A good golf instructor will teach the two-way conversation about which tournaments short game at least as much as they do the full to enter. You are older, and you may be able swing. The golf pro should help you and your to shed light on why one tournament may be child with advice about how to manage practice, better than the next, but listen to what they playing, instruction and tournament play. think as well.

Now that you’ve spent your child’s inheritance Allow for them to have some down time in traveling to golf tournaments all over creation away from the game but not too long. If you’re (just kidding, but it can get pricey), you need Dave Jennings planning a two-week family vacation, take the to spread the word about your child’s hopes of clubs and let them either play or practice a few playing college golf. Introducing your child to times. college coaches is much like applying for a great job. Be And one last little hint for you when watching your professional. child play. Golfers play best when they are on an even keel.

Along with a nice resume, include an introduction When they make a birdie, eagle or a great par save, a clap letter (written by the child and proofread by the parents), of the hands is good, but don’t overdo it. When they hit a tournament scores, upcoming tournaments, academic poor shot, don’t make that facial expression similar to the standing and desires, references and a video. Makes for a one you make biting into a bitter lemon. Letting you down nice package. is the last thing they want to do. If they didn’t play well but Always address it using the coach’s name and state the stayed calm, collected and focused, praise them for the way name of the college. Never write simply, “Dear Coach, they handled adversity.

I have high hopes of playing golf for your college.” As a If they ever throw a club, holler after a bad shot or throw college golf coach, I always trash those letters, because I a fit on the golf course, let them know that this form of consider them to be from a mass-mailer. Instead, word it action is unacceptable to you and the game of golf. Make a more like this: “Dear Coach Smith, I have been following Sasquatch College’s success in golf, and I feel I could help to firm stand.

Playing college golf is a tremendous opportunity. There enhance your team’s winning record by becoming a student are all sorts of levels of golf within the NCAA, NAIA and athlete, playing golf at Sasquatch University.” In addition, the NJCAA. Don’t get super hung up on playing for the inform the coach that your child will be emailing scoring highest elite teams. updates to them immediately after each tournament.

Some great news is that women’s college golf is It is very important to have your child initiate the beginning to grow by leaps and bounds. This is a great communication with coaches. You will have your time, but game, so get your daughters involved. a coach will be much more impressed in a child speaking You will come to realize what a special child you truly up for himself than if you do it for him. have.

When reaching out to coaches, I suggest sending your child’s information to the coaches of choice via email along ~ Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central Alabama with post mail. If you haven’t gotten a response from the Community College. coach within two weeks, follow up with another email,

From the Tee

Lake Martin Living 17

Beauty begets Hackneyville’s Jerry Brown builds beds for butterflies STORY & PHOTOS BY FLETCHER SCOTT

18 Lake Martin Living

beauty

Lake Martin Living 19

T

his time of year, we delight in watching butterflies clumsily dance from flower to flower as they seek out nectar. These colorful insects flit from blossom to blossom, pausing briefly at some with an extended stay at others. Upon alighting, the butterfly unfurls a long proboscis (coiled feeding tube) and inserts it into the flower; and then, it sucks up the sugary liquid. This substance is formed in nectaries (nectar glands) usually found around the base of petals inside the flower. It is made up of glucose, fructose and sucrose, as well as proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, lipids, alkaloids and oils; perfect food for an organism with a high metabolism.

This nectar can be produced by flowers so specialized that only one type of insect can get to the substance.

Explorers returning from a collecting The Beauty of Butterflies

Previous pages: Hackneyville's Jerry Brown attracts butterflies with garden flowers; Below: The Monarch migrates to South America each fall.

20 Lake Martin Living

Outdoor Life

many ways to affect trip in Madagascar brought pollination, using nectar as an back a beautiful orchid enticement.

(Angraecum sesquipedale) Butterflies, like many with a long trailing spur. The other insects that go through flower caught the attention of complete metamorphosis, evolutionary biologist Charles perform a double role in the Darwin, who correctly community. The life cycle predicted in 1892 that the begins with eggs, usually pollinator of the orchid would deposited on a host plant have a proboscis measuring on which the newly hatched up to a foot long. larvae can feed.

Many said this was With many species of preposterous, as no insect butterflies, this host plant can could possess a proboscis be very specific. Milkweed that long. Twenty years after (Asclepias) has many varieties, Darwin’s death, a giant Congo but it is the host plant for the hawk moth with a proboscis Fletcher Scott Monarch butterfly (Danaus nearly 8 inches long was plexippus). Many native plants discovered in Madagascar. are hosts for some species Researchers in 1992 finally of butterfly. For example, the commonly observed the moth feeding on the nectar seen sulfurs, which include cloudless, of this highly specialized orchid. This clouded, spotted and dogface, lay eggs on remarkable example of coevolution common partridge-peas, crimson clover shows how specialized flowers and their and senna. pollinators can be.

In addition to food, many butterflies Pollination is essential to the survival get protection from the chemicals of plants. Flowering plants have devised

Day and Night

Right: A Common Buckeye visits Brown's gardens by day; Below right: A Tomato Hornworm Moth drinks nectar from a yellow Four O'Clock blossom in the late afternoon.

contained within host plants. The large, eye catching Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucaus) is an intriguing example of mimicry and chemical protection. According to Sara Albright and Paula Ogard, in their wonderful book Butterflies of Alabama, the mystery of the Tiger Swallowtail has been unraveled.

This butterfly is covered with black striping on a yellow background. Even its body has black stripes. Both sexes are yellow, except in Alabama where the female Tiger Swallowtail mimics another butterfly called the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), which is black with red spots and purple on its hindwings.

The host plant for this butterfly is the Pipevine, sometimes called Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia tomentosa). This plant contains aristocholic acids, cardiac glycosides and other phytochemicals.

The larvae assimilate these chemicals in their bodies and pass them on to the adult stage. The chemicals are highly toxic and distasteful to vertebrate predators.

To make matters even more confusing, both the Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilo troilus) and the Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilo palamedes) also mimic their toxic cousin, the Pipevine Swallowtail. For us humans, it makes distinguishing among these species particularly difficult.

Another Alabama stunner is the Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia). They are easiest to identify in their fall colors.

Buckeyes have large “eyespots” located on the upper surface of their forewings and hind wings. This is a visual defense found in adult and larval butterflies that makes their enemies believe they are being watched by another predator. The host plants of the Buckeyes are those in the Figwort and Acanthus family. This butterfly is a delight to watch, as it gently bounces from flower to flower searching for nectar.

You may be wondering how you can attract these pollinators, as well as the other myriad of insects to your garden.

Lake Martin Living 21

It is simpler than you think. With only a few species of flowers, you can create a garden that will be covered with hordes of butterflies, bees, moths and their predators. Jerry Brown of Hackneyville, Alabama, delights in planting butterfly gardens and offered these tips to others who share his interest.

“I start planning about six to eight weeks in advance, thinking about what and where to plant. This time, I wanted to plant a mix of flowers that would grow well in this area,” Brown explained.

“I chose a Zinnia and Dahlia flowered mix. From experience, they seem to grow well in my soil. I also planted a Yellow Cosmos-Klondyke mix. All of these plants are native to Mexico and the southwestern United States.”

Brown said he plants his seeds in succession, so he can have flowers blooming at slightly different times. This will provide nectar and pollen for the butterflies over a longer period. He used a seed planter for the zinnias, because he wanted rows that he could hoe between; but he cast the Cosmos seeds.

“The problem is that, without rows, it is difficult to control weeds. With space between rows, you can hoe the weeds.

Weed control is critical to having a healthy stand of flowers,” Brown said.

“I’ve always liked insects and their predators. They are good for my regular garden and for the ecosystem. One of the quickest ways to harm your garden is to start applying herbicides. This will kill as many good insects as bad,” he said.

For nocturnal pollinators, Brown planted a long row of Four O’clock. These flowers open up at dusk and remain open until daylight.

“I have really enjoyed watching the big hawk moths buzz around them at dark,” Brown said. “I have some Moon flower vines that attract nighttime pollinators, too.”

Brown planted four gardens in zinnias and cosmos flowers and separated them by several acres of woodlands.

“This year, I have planted more flowers than I ever have before,” Brown said.

So far this year, he has documented Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Gulf

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Fritillaries, Pearl Crescents, Buckeyes, Red Admirals, Monarchs, various sulfurs and too many skippers to count. The flowers also bring in many bees that gather pollen.

“We’ve seen Miner bees, Leaf cutter bees, Bumblebees, Sweat bees and Honey bees. All insects have predators that will come to the flowers, too. I’ve seen several European hornets cruising around looking for a meal. The other day I saw one attack a bald faced hornet, cut him into pieces and carry them off,” Brown said. “I always see hummingbirds in the flowers, too.”

Brown usually overwinters the dead flowers, leaving the seed heads for songbirds to feed on in the cold months.

“Right now one of my older stands of flowers is full of Goldfinches seeking out seeds,” Brown said.

It is difficult to put into words a simple explanation of the many roles butterflies play in our lives. Ecologically, they are an important part of the food chain.

Their larvae are preyed upon by insects, including parasitic wasps, birds and many beetles. As adults, they help to pollinate flowers when they take nectar.

Butterflies also represent a valuable scientific and educational resource.

The migratory Monarch’s path has been closely watched for years, and we are learning a great deal about all the environmental factors that affect its long journey. As ecological indicators, butterflies can be a warning system of imperiled plants in a fragile ecosystem.

But most of all, I like the aesthetic value of butterflies. It is mesmerizing to watch them flit about, landing on a flower as I wonder why they chose that particular one. Their colors seem to be applied with an artist’s touch. Little may change if butterflies disappeared, but I like to think our lives would be less interesting and more drab without the beauty of butterflies in the garden. ~ Fletcher Scott is a retired science teacher who enjoys nature photography.

22 Lake Martin Living

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7/30/15 2:13 PM Lake Martin Living 25

Returning Students Meet three local teachers who once were students at the schools where they now are instructors PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS & BETSY ILER

Lindsay Sanford this fall returned to kindergarten at Dadeville Elementary School after graduating Auburn University.

Not only is this daughter of educators now teaching at the school she attended, but she also is teaching at the school where her parents taught.

How has being a student in this school changed since you attended classes there?

Well, for one, when I was in kindergarten, it was located where the middle school is now. I was in a completely different environment.

The funny thing is they turned it into a middle school the year I was going into seventh grade, so I was there again for that year. We now live in a digital world, and Dadeville has done a great job incorporating technology into the classrooms. We had technology when I was a student, but of course, technology has come a long way in the last several years, and the students are getting the opportunity to use some of the most upto-date devices.

What is your best memory of your time there as a student?

My best memory is getting to play with my best friends. We met each other in kindergarten, and it continued all the way until 12th grade. When I think about each grade, there’s not one where they’re not a part of it. We are still great friends to this day.

26 Lake Martin Living

What was the biggest trouble you got into there as a student, and now that you are a teacher, how would you handle the situation?

I would definitely say I was an excessive talker at times. I loved to chat with my friends beside me, so that would get me in a little bit of trouble at times. Now, as a teacher, I do realize that students do need some time to talk and get time to be social with their peers; however, there are inappropriate and appropriate times for that.

Why did you want to go into education?

Why did you choose the subject(s) you did?

I wanted to go into education, because I watched my family of educators make a difference in children’s lives. I wanted to make that same difference. I truly love working with children, and I wanted to inspire and encourage students the way my teachers had me. I want to help students realize their full potential and guide them to success.

To me, a teacher does more than just teach

kids academic skills. Of course, it’s one of the main things we do, but it’s also about teaching them to become good citizens and how to positively contribute to our society.

What did you think it would be like to teach where you once were taught?

I dreamed of becoming a teacher

Lindsay Sanford

Dadeville Elementary School From the Beginning

Dadeville Elementary School kindergarten teacher Lindsay Sanford said she always knew she wanted to be a teacher and looked forward to teaching at the school where her parents taught.

since I was a little girl. My parents were educators at the elementary school when I was coming up, and I always thought it would be so neat to teach where they were. I was lucky enough to do my internship at Dadeville Elementary and knew that I would love to begin my career there.

Were any of your fellow teachers today teachers when you were in school there?

If so, what is it like for the relationship to transition from teacher/student to one of peers?

Yes, several of my fellow teachers were teachers when I was in school there.

It has been an easy transition. They are so welcoming and helpful, and it’s comforting to know that they are there to

support me. They have brought me in and look at me as a coworker and not the little girl they knew in elementary school.

What do you like most about your job?

I love working with children and helping them reach their full potential. It’s such a rewarding feeling when you see a child struggle with something; and then, it all of the sudden clicks, and they get it.

Seeing that excitement in them never gets old. It’s a feeling that’s difficult to describe.

What is the weirdest thing about teaching where you used to attend?

One thing I always do when walking down the hall is say, “Oh, that was my classroom in third grade, and that was my fifth grade classroom. Oh, and this is where I sat in the lunch room.” It’s weird sometimes to think that I am teaching where I grew up, but so great at the same time! I love being able to reminisce while helping students make their own memories.

What advice do you have for your students now?

I would just tell them to slow down.

Don’t try to grow up so fast, because your school years will fly by! Enjoy every moment and know that your teachers truly care for your well being.

What teacher(s) inspired you most as a student there? And how do you hope to inspire students now that you are the teacher?

I would have to say that every teacher inspired me in some way. Teachers have different personalities, and they touch you in many different ways. I only hope that my students will look back on me one day and say, “Wow, she really cared about me and did everything she could to make sure I succeeded.” I want them to admire me the way I admire my past teachers. I hope that I can help students develop and reach for their goals and instill in them the confidence they need to do so.

Lake Martin Living 27

Thomas Leonard

Alexander City Middle School An Alexander City Middle School student from 1998 to 2000, Thomas Leonard now teaches physical education and health at the school.

He also is the first male cheerleading coach and an assistant track team coach.

How long have you been teaching?

How long have you been teaching at this school?

I have been teaching for five years now, but I have been teaching in Alexander City schools for three years.

How has being a student in this school changed since you attended classes there?

Being a student in this school has changed tremendously since I attended as a student because of technology. Kids are able to have phones and other communication devices. When I was here, we couldn’t speak of having a cell phone.

What is your best memory of your time there as a student?

My best memory of ACMS would

28 Lake Martin Living

have to be the day that I shocked my classmates by showing them that I had the talent of tumbling.

What was the biggest trouble you got into there as a student, and now that you are a teacher, how would you handle the situation?

You know, throughout my educational career, I was never written up, sent to CDC, or anything of that nature. I was a “good little boy.”

Why did you want to go into education? Why did you choose the subject(s) you did?

I chose education because I felt like I had a natural gift and the patience needed for working with kids. I decided to choose physical education because that was the best field where I could still work with kids and continue to be physically active instead of being in a classroom all day long. No offense to classroom teachers.

Did you ever imagine that you would return to this school as a

teacher? What did you think it would be like to teach where you once were taught?

Actually, my goal was to come back here, but it was a struggle to get back here. I knew that once I got here, I would bring new ideas and broaden the horizons for kids to see what life has to offer outside of Alexander City.

Were any of your fellow teachers today teachers when you were in school there? If so, what is it like for the relationship to transition from teacher/student to one of peers?

Actually, one of my teachers that I had back in the day is my co-worker now. It’s a little different working with your teacher on the same level, but you get to see that they are human just like you.

Inspiring Students to Do Their Best

Thomas Leonard (right and below) coaches cheerleaders and teaches physical education at Alexander City Middle School, where he was a student 15 years ago.

What is the weirdest thing about teaching where you used to attend?

The weirdest thing about teaching where you used to attend is that you find out that you can make a big impact on someone’s life just by doing something that you love and loving what it is that you do. To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

What do you like most about your job?

What I like most about my job is that you build a special connection with people that will look up to you and try to make themselves better because you were able to give them that push that they needed because they put so much trust in you.

What advice do you have for your students now?

The advice that I have for students is to always think in terms of being a leader and not a follower: “Speak what you seek until you see what you said,” (Author unknown). Do not be afraid to be different!

What insights can you offer to your fellow teachers about student life in this particular school?

Teachers on this level of education should have multitudes of patience, because kids in this generation are totally different from how they were many years ago.

What teacher(s) inspired you most as a student there? And how do you hope to inspire students now that you are the teacher?

Two teachers that inspired me most when I was here were Coach Lewis Daniel and Mrs. Sherry Brown. I hope to inspire students now by being a role model with the notation that you can be “cool” by doing the right thing, making the right decisions and being yourself by being a leader and not a follower.

Lake Martin Living 29

Alexis Hines Central High School

30 Lake Martin Living

Alexis Hines, a science teacher at Central High School in Coosa County, graduated high school in 1993. A teacher for 16 years, she returned to her alma mater this year to teach anatomy, biology and environmental science.

Why did you want to go into education?

Central had some of the best teachers in the state of Alabama. Most of the teachers were willing to go the extra miles to make sure you were able to compete with other students in the state of Alabama.

How has being a student in this school changed since you Why did you choose the subject(s) you did? attended classes there?

Mrs. Woods was one of the best teachers at my high Students today do not have as much school pride as we school, and she was a science teacher. There are not did when I attended Central High School, maybe because many teachers in the science area. we had a new high school. When I was in high school, our

classmates were our family at school. Sometimes, we would What did you think it would be like to teach where you stay after school all day just to see our classmates play any once were taught? sports or after school clubs.

I was thinking everything would be the same when I

What is your best memory of your time there as a student? was attending high school.

We were playing a basketball game, and our coach called Were any of your fellow teachers today teachers when a timeout to tell us not to foul and to play good defense. The coach was over-excited about the game, so when he said just you were in school there?

No, all the teachers have changed. don’t foul, his fake teeth went across the The librarian and office clerk are the floor, and he yelled to the manager and Back in School only two still in place. told her to go get his teeth. The manager Central High School science teacher Alexis Hines assists 10th

got his teeth from across the floor. We grader William Lytle during a If so, what is it like for the relationship didn’t say a word until the game was over; class break. to transition from teacher/student to after the big win, we laughed in front of one of peers? the coach about his teeth falling out.

They like to tell about things that

happened when I was a student, and it is very easy to What was the biggest trouble you got into there as a work with them and all the other teachers. student, and now that you are a teacher, how would you

handle the situation?

What is the weirdest thing about teaching where you Talking to my classmate during class time and acting used to attend? crazy with my friend was the biggest trouble I got into. My They have moved all the departments around and teachers would put me out of their classrooms for talking. changed the biology lab into a classroom.

Now as a teacher, the first time it happened, I would call the

student out into the hall and ask the student to correct his talkative behavior. After that, I will call the student’s parents, What do you like most about your job?

I can walk into any of my colleagues’ classrooms and if needed. ask for assistance, and they are willing to help. The

people here will work together to help make this school a What advice do you have for your students now? better place.

Enjoy high school now, because when it’s over it’s over.

Lake Martin Living 31

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Lake Martin Living 33

Dove Hunt Opening day traditions abound throughout the South STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

O

pening day of dove season celebrates friends, family, food and fun with more than a century of Southern tradition. Most avid local hunters cut their teeth as youth on a dove hunt, and taking their place around a dove field holds as much ritual in the South as watching the Iron Bowl in Alabama.

Though there are places where hunters can pay to sit on a field, Alexander City’s John Ballard said hosting an opening day dove hunt is as much about spending time with friends and family as it is about shooting birds.

Ballard said he traveled to Mississippi for dove season every year until he started hosting an annual event at his farm outside of town.

“We have the habitat for dove hunting here at the farm, and it’s just a lot of fun to have everyone here,” he said.

The festivities usually begin the night before the hunt when the men gather to put about a dozen Boston butts in the smoker. They tell hunting tales or perhaps play a hand or two of cards between turning and tending the meat, which must be ready to serve at noon the next day.

Supplementing the pork on the menu are dishes brought by friends – coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, chicken, macaroni and cheese and lots of desserts.

These are traditional potluck offerings, sometimes served on the same platters from one

34 Lake Martin Living

generation to the next.

The safety instruction session prior to the hunt is an integral part of Ballard’s annual event and includes a review of etiquette as well as accident prevention such as not shooting at any birds flying below the treetops.

“The biggest thing is to know where everybody is at on the field and not to shoot them,” he said.

Shortly before noon, hunters take their positions above the fields, starting with the oldest members in the company.

“They get the best spots,” Ballard said. “We pull a hay wagon around the field and drop off the hunters, with the oldest ones first. Once they’ve all picked a spot, we’ll take another group around to pick their spots.”

The best vantage points are at the tops of rolling knolls, looking out over the pond and fields.

“There’s usually a game warden who comes out opening day to make sure we do it right.

He’ll come by and check fields a few days before to make sure they aren’t baited. That’s just fine.

We’re glad to have him, and he’s welcome,” Ballard said.

Dove season this year runs A Southern Tradition

A pair of mourning doves rest on a wire above John Ballard's field the week before hunting season opened; Ballard surveys the field for the best spot from which to shoot.

from Sept. 12 to Nov. 15, but preparations at Ballard Farm started back in June with the planting of wheat.

“You aren’t allowed to plant a field within 10 days of hunting without the intent to grow a crop, so you turn the fields over and put in seed wheat in the allowable time.

You have to be careful to do it right,” he said.

Doing it right includes holding a safe hunt, as well as following the social norms for a Southern tradition that is older than anyone present, Ballard said.

“The kids ride around on four-wheelers, bringing water out to the hunters and collecting birds. You’ve got hunters scattered all around the edges of the field. You just don’t want anyone to get hurt, and you want everyone to have a good time,” he said.

Both safety and having a good time also hinge on having the right equipment, said Woody Baird of Alexander City’s The Sure Shot hunting supply store. He said he advises hunters to make themselves comfortable in the field.

“Dove hunts are often all day events, so hunters should be ready for the long haul. I prefer a stool with a back on it, so I can lean back and relax,” Baird said.

A good hat, bug spray, sunscreen, hearing protection and wrap-around sunglasses are also important, as hunters spend a lot of time looking up into the sky and birdshot sometimes rains down from the other side of the field.

As September in the South is often very hot, opt for short sleeves and shorts or a least lightweight clothing in the appropriate camouflage patterns. A camo five-gallon bucket or a hunting vest with a game pouch is essential to keep the ants off downed birds.

Baird said he suggests small shot early in the season.

“This time of year, we have a lot of juvenile birds. The small doves don’t need much firepower to take them down, and larger size shot may damage the bird too much for it to be used for cooking,” he said, recommending 8-shot shells.

“It’s better to have too much than to run out of shot halfway through the hunt,” he added.

And bigger, Baird said, is not always better, as he recommends a smaller gauge shotgun for doves.

“If you can shoot a 20-gauge well, you can shoot as much with a 20 as you can with a 12-gauge,” he said.

And don’t forget to get to pay your dues to the state.

Buying a license might be a no-brainer for seasoned hunters, but those who don’t hunt the rest of the year might be apt to don camouflage for a dove season kickoff party and forget to follow legal procedure. Once-a-year dove hunters, he said, can get away with a small game license, which is less expensive.

No matter how often a person hunts, the safety instruction prior to start time is always recommended.

“All the reminders are helpful,” Ballard said. “Things like shoot between ‘10 and 2’ and don’t shoot your neighbor’s bird.”

Between ‘10 and 2’ refers to clock positions in the sky. By shooting only above the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions, hunters will avoid shooting at field level where other hunters may be stationed.

And look out for other wildlife throughout the hunt, Ballard noted.

“Rattlesnakes like doves, too.”

A dove hunt, Ballard said, was his first introduction to hunting, as it is for most youth.

“A dove hunt is real conducive to teaching hunting, because you can sit together and talk quietly. It’s easier to coach somebody on a dove hunt,” Ballard said.

“You can see the doves coming and have a little time to talk about it. You can teach somebody about leading their shot, as opposed to quail hunting when the bird flies up and startles the hunter who isn’t expecting it, and there’s just a very small shooting window,” he explained.

Even if you missed opening day this year, there’s still time to enjoy a dove hunt, but go early in the season, Baird advised.

“This year, dove season began Sept. 12. That’s more than a week later than last year’s opening, and those few days closer to winter can make a big difference,” he said. “If we get a cold front that comes through, our birds will leave.”

For more information about this year’s dove season and bag limits, visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website at www.outdooralabama.com.

Lake Martin Living 35

Hunting Doves on a Baited Field “I’m no crook!” Richard Nixon, November 17, 1973 STORY BY DR. JOHN BLYTHE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

I

After the initial gathering remarks and friendly t was 39 years ago, September 22, 1976, the second chatter, we took to the field and I soon found a place day of dove season. That day remains a day of in the shade of a large oak. infamy for me, but since The closest hunter to me was there are only a few of us Judge Barnes. I walked over left, now is a good time to to his stand and exchanged tell the story, a story that is pleasantries before settling in as fresh in my mind as if it at my stand, not expecting the had happened this morning. birds to fly the field for at least Actually, it is more like last another hour or more. night’s bad dream!

I was lost in daydreams It all began four days when I suddenly realized that earlier when Dadeville Mayor the Judge was gone. I figured Joe Smith invited me to a he moved to a spot he liked dove shoot he was hosting. better.

Joe was a patient of mine and A few minutes later a man though the invitation was approached me wearing a mostly small talk, I accepted water patrol uniform. He it with gusto. He said they asked to see my hunting had seen a lot of birds. The license but did not return shoot was set for Sunday and it to me, saying I could get he wanted everybody there at it at the truck. “What is the noon. water patrol doing on a dove As it happened, I was on field checking license?” I the ushering committee that asked. He said they were just Sunday, but I slipped out of “helping out.” I began to think church immediately after that something was not right. the offertory, feeling excited A few minutes later and a little guilty. I changed a local game warden, clothes at the gathering A Bad Dream Turns Into A Good Story Charles Reames, walked up place while we waited for Above: Dr. John Blythe, above with his quail dog accompanied by a federal all the shooters to arrive.

Sparky, turned an opening day dove hunt gone warden. “Doc,” he said, “this Almost everyone there was bad into an entertaining story; Right: These days, field has a bait on it. Meet us from Dadeville. Fire Chief Blythe is very careful to check the field for bait before the season starts. at the trucks.”

Marvin Still, Wayne Harris, Federal warden! Baited Herman Bates and I were Field! We were in big trouble and no one had even fired from Alexander City. Several of the Dadeville men a shot! were patients of mine, so all were not strangers to me.

When I arrived at the parking area, I noticed that I recognized and spoke to Tallapoosa County Probate there were 18 of us, not counting Judge Barnes, who Judge, Woodrow Barnes.

36 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 37

was conspicuously missing. After we got our tickets and had our hunting licenses returned, I moved about the group and spoke to everyone I knew. Joe Smith claimed he knew nothing about bait, said he thought the field was legal. Joe (Poppa Joe) Mullican declared that we had been “set up.” Another told me that Poppa Joe was the one who baited the field.

Local Game Warden Bryant Jackson told me that they had been checking the field and knew about the bait.

He said that he had even taken pictures, but because they had lost so many similar cases in the local court, they decided to ask the federal warden to be in charge and get the case to a federal court. That would eliminate the good old boy factor and undue leniency. Doves are migratory birds and are protected by federal as well as state law.

At that time, Alvin Benn was editor of The Alexander City Outlook. If memory serves me, it was published only once or twice a week then. The headline banner read, “County hunters ‘bagged.’ The lead story was accompanied by an editorial by Mr. Benn, raging about poor sportsmanship and the general evils of hunting wild game. He pressed hard about the mayor, the fire chief, the county agent, the National Park Service ranger, the corrections officer and the doctor. These “prominent citizens” had trampled the law and committed a “very serious violation.” He quoted Assistant U.S. Attorney Broward Segrest as saying that “it stretches the

38 Lake Martin Living

imagination” that persons arrested on a baited field are unaware that it is baited.

The story was front-page news for a month. Benn was a persuasive writer and each week he drove home his point about poor sportsmanship and outlaw hunters.

By the time he was done, I felt like a criminal! He even reported in detail about the hearing at the Federal Court House in Montgomery where we all pled guilty rather than taking the chance of the maximum fine, which was $500 or six months in jail or both.

After we all pled guilty and before the fine was imposed, the magistrate asked if anyone had anything to say. When no one else spoke up, I stood and said something to the effect, “Your Honor, I understand the law and that we are guilty of shooting over a baited field, but just for the record, I want you to know that I had absolutely no knowledge that the field was baited.”

The judge looked at me with no expression and said, “Son, ignorance of the law or the facts is no excuse. You should have made it your business to know.” I sat down contritely, nodding my understanding. It was not a good day.

I have continued to hunt doves over the ensuing years, but I am a lot more cautious now about where I hunt and with whom I hunt.

More information about hunting regulations and what constitutes a legally prepared dove field can be found at www.outdooralabama.com.

The Dove Recipe If you want to introduce wild game to people, this recipe is one of the best. The flavors of dove, jalapeno and bacon go together beautifully and the cream cheese adds moisture. Like fried chicken, this finger-lickin’ dish is traditionally eaten without a knife and fork. These dove poppers make great appetizers or serve 4-5 (or more) per person for a main course.

15 dove breasts 1 package cream cheese, 8 ounces 15 jalapeno slices, cut length-wise with seeds and white ribs removed 8 pieces of regular cut bacon, halved Marinade to cover dove breasts (vinaigrette dressing flavored with Teriyaki, Worcestershire or Dale’s Seasoning – note Dale’s includes MSG) 15 wooden toothpicks

Marinate dove breasts for at least an hour or up to overnight. Spread cream cheese inside dove breast, place a jalapeno slice on top of cream cheese, wrap with bacon and secure by pushing a toothpick through breast. Grill over medium heat on gas or charcoal grill until bacon is thoroughly cooked with crispy edges and grill marks are on all sides, roughly 3 minutes per side on all four sides, closing grill cover between turns. Dove breasts contain very little fat, so be careful to not overcook.

Serve hot off the grill. As an alternative, dove poppers may be cooked on the grill and refrigerated overnight.

To serve the following day, wrap poppers in aluminum foil and reheat in the oven.

Lake Martin Living 39

Rally in the Alley and more Fall Festival Fun New activities planned for this year’s event STORY BY MIA OSBORN

L

ike a prizewinning pumpkin, Alexander City’s annual Fall Festival continues to grow. This year’s Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, in Strand Park downtown. Attendees can enjoy the third annual Chair-ish Alexander City raffle, sidewalk sale and a variety of games for adults and children alike.

40 Lake Martin Living

The Fall Festival is organized by MainStreet Alexander City, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and improving Alexander City’s historic downtown through beautification projects and community events. These efforts are funded in part by raffle tickets sold in the weeks leading up to the Chair-

To donate a decorated chair or other piece of ish Alexander City event in which locals decorate furniture, contact janebhowell@bellsouth.net or ordinary furniture to make unique, functional pieces Richard Wagoner at 256-329-9227 or rwagoner@ of art to be raffled off during the Fall Festival. mainstreetac.org.

While the Chair-ish raffle began by asking artists While the Chair-ish raffle is the primary draw for to decorate a specific type of chair, this year the rules adults coming to the Fall Festival, MainStreet’s event have been expanded to include any kind of furniture, committee hopes that this year’s improved games and regardless of size or style. Jane Howell, a member prizes will encourage pint-sized participants to join in of MainStreet’s event planning committee, said the fun. participants should feel free to be as creative as they “Last year we had maybe 50 kids,” said Howell. want with their submissions.

This year, they hope to see many more. The annual “We’ve had everything from a toddler chair to pumpkin roll barstools to contest is upholstered expected to furniture. Some of be the most it is funky, some popular game, of it is artsy, and but participants some of it this last should be aware year was just plain that the event is beautiful,” Howell BYOP (bring your said. own pumpkin).

The deadline to Other submit furniture attractions for the raffle is include children’s Oct. 1, and on horse and Oct. 8, the pieces buggy rides will be displayed from 2 p.m. to 4 at Rally in the p.m., pumpkin Alley beside bowling, cornhole MainStreet’s office and a spoon from 5 p.m. to run in which 6:30 p.m. After participants Rally in the Alley, Fall Festival Kicks off Chair-ish Event on MainStreet would race to the furniture Opposite: The inaugural Rally in the Alley last year was such a popular event that MainStreet's Chair-ish committee next month will the finish line items will be put not only repeat it but also will add more activities; Above: Some 100 while keeping on display in chairs are decorated each year by business owners and individuals spooky “eyeballs” the windows of to show how much they "chair-ish" Alexander City and to raise funds for downtown projects. balanced on the United Way spoons. building on Main There will also Street until the be a family photo area where parents, grandparents, day of the Fall Festival. kids and friends could take fun pictures with a Raffle tickets are $5, and participants can buy as collection of scarecrows. many tickets as they want. Tickets can be purchased All games and events are free; costumes are welcome at Rally in the Alley, from MainStreet committee but not required. members or at the Farmer’s Market on the morning of This year’s Fall Festival will be bigger than ever Oct. 17, before the festival begins. Raffle winners will before, but Howell and other members of MainStreet be announced at 2 p.m.

Alexander City are already looking ahead in hopes Last year’s raffle sold 518 tickets. This year, the that the Chair-ish raffle, and the Festival itself, will event committee hopes to sell at least 100 more. expand even more in years to come. Possible future “Our goal for this year’s Chair-ish is to get more projects could include more and better decorations artists involved,” said Howell. and a haunted maze, in addition to the prizewinning But she hastened to add, “You don’t have to be an pumpkins, sales and games. artist. You just have to have a good idea.”

Lake Martin Living 41

42 Lake Martin Living

Return of the Tutu 2.2

M

Medical News

Pre-registration is now ark your calendars available at UAB Medicine for October’s – Cancer Center at RMC, breast cancer and The Women’s Center awareness events. (mammography services) First, back by popular Monday through Friday, 8:30 demand we’ll host Tutu #2! a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Race day Lace up those sneakers registration will be held onand join us at UAB Medicine site from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

– Cancer Center at RMC Due to the anticipated crowd, for the Tutu 2.2 Fun Run we encourage participants to Thursday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. register early.

That’s right – grab a tutu and Russell Medical Center jog/walk/stroll through an Susan Foy Foundation will host the easy 2.2 mile course around 12th annual Breast Cancer the RMC campus.

Awareness Luncheon, Tuesday, Oct. Dogs and strollers are welcome. A 13, in the Technology Center Ballroom registration fee of $15 goes to the Russell of Central Alabama Community Medical Center Foundation. Children College. Storyteller Dolores Hydock will ages 10 and younger participate for free. captivate the audience with her stories of Our friends and partners of friendship, support and self-motivation. the Alexander City police and fire Hydock is a storyteller and actress departments will be on hand to ensure from Birmingham, Alabama. She grew a safe and confetti-filled evening. up in Reading, Pennsylvania, home of Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses to support this community the Reading Railroad and Luden’s Cough Drops, and got her start in storytelling endeavor. at the age of five when she won a blue This event is all about honoring ribbon in a local storytelling contest. cancer survivors. Registered participants The real gold lettering on the ribbon will receive a postcard to be mailed to convinced her there must be a fortune in honorees of their choice proclaiming, “I the performing arts, and she continues to did 2.2 in a tutu for YOU!” Additional hope! postcards may be purchased for $5 each.

The Fight for the Cure

Above left: Last year's inaugural tutu run raised funds for treatment; Above right: Storyteller Dolores Hydock will be the keynote speaker at this year's breast cancer awareness luncheon.

Hydock has been a featured teller at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough and many other festivals and has served as teller-in-residence at the International Storytelling Center.

She also has won resource awards from Storytelling World Magazine for her 10 CDs of original stories.

Among the special treats of the day will be Kentucky Pie, the winning recipe from the Seniority’s Pie Fest. Regular attendees know to look forward to a special luncheon, party favors and warm fellowship. Join the fun as we honor breast cancer survivors and raise awareness for prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased by calling the Community Relations office at 256-3297145 or email Jessica Sanford at jsanford@ russellmedcenter.com. ~ Susan Foy is marketing director at Russell Medical Center.

Lake Martin Living 43

Save early, deliberately for that future college grad

F

Money Matters

foreign stocks and bonds. Many plans have all is in the air and college campuses established allocation models and age-based have roared back to life after a lazy models that become more conservative as the summer. I find myself in the position child edges closer to college age. many of you have already faced. My child A great feature of an individual 529 college just made the transition from high school to savings plan is that it offers the option to college. change the beneficiary. If, for some reason, the As exciting as it is, this chapter is not child does not need the funds for college, a without concerns regarding how to fund new beneficiary can be named. such a large expense. The College Board One last tip is to be familiar with the estimates that the current total cost for relationship between college savings and tuition, room, board and fees averages financial aid. Families are required to $19,000 a year for a public four-year David Willis complete the Free Application for Federal institution and $42,000 a year for private Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. institutions.

And for those of you looking down the road for your This determines qualifications for financial aid. Once complete, the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is children or grandchildren, you should be aware that calculated. Financial aid is reduced as the EFC increases. the inflation rate for college expenses has averaged Also, who owns the savings vehicle has an impact on the nearly 5 percent a year over the last decade, according to Savingforcollege.com. Inflation can rapidly cause the expected contribution. For example, a 529 plan owned by parents is considered assets of the parents. Given this, tab for college to rise to ever more eye-popping levels. the parents would be expected to use 5.6 percent of those With all this in mind, here are some tips to consider assets to pay for the child’s college education. On the as you plan to fund that future college graduate.

As with retirement savings, start saving early. Time other hand, if the child had a savings vehicle in their own can be a multiplier over the years. Starting early means name, the contribution rate for those assets rises to 20 percent. having to save less in the long run because earnings As with any investment, investors should consider the can replace some of the required contributions. risk of loss, risk of assets not performing as expected and Remember, the more money saved means the less you any tax consequences affecting the overall result. If you will have to borrow. Many recent college graduates have had great difficulty repaying student loans during or the designated beneficiary are not an Alabama resident, you may want to consider, the slack job market of late. before investing, whether your or the Set up a college savings plan. A popular one is designated beneficiary’s home state the 529 plan, a tax-advantaged savings plan designed offers its residents a plan to encourage saving for future college costs. 529 with alternate state tax plans, legally known as “qualified tuition plans,” are advantages or other sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational benefits. institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. Investments in these plans ~ David grow tax deferred and qualified distributions used to Willis, CFP®, pay college costs and are free from federal income tax. is a Senior The typical expenses covered include tuition, room, Financial board, fees and computer-related items. Some states even Consultant allow a state tax deduction for contributions. These plans with USAB are generally mutual-fund based. The investment options Financial Services. can include mutual funds investing in domestic stocks,

44 Lake Martin Living

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7:37 AM Lake Martin7/31/15 Living 45

OH SNAP! 1

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Walk the Bend August 15, 2015 Horseshoe Bend National Military Park 1. Shelby Still and Marie Grunhoefer 2. Patti Smith 3. Heather Tassin 4. Joanna and Chris Frickert 5. Robert Iler IV 6. Joanne Ninesling 7. Carol and Kevin Nolan 46 Lake Martin Living

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United Way Campaign Kickoff August 25, 2015 Betty Carol Graham Center 1. Stacy and Bailey DeLoach 2. Linda Boone and Amy and Todd Clark

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3. Willie Garrett, Gwen Rich, Kenan Strong and Renaya Farrow 4. Pat Tapley 5. Ben Wagoner and Garett Richardson 6. Raphelia Forbus and Teri Stephenson 7. John Searcy and Marcie Jones 8. Terry Rice 9. Nan Wilson and Mazelle Moon

Lake Martin Living 47

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Lila Graves Reception September 3, 2015 Gallery 128 1. Lila Graves 2. Scooter Copeland and Andrea Peacock 3. Lauren Graves, Charles Copeland and Rob Iler 4. Phil Spraggins and Lacey Howell 5. Kamala and Klenton McLemore 6. Celia Coley and Ann Neighbors 7. Wayne and Margaret Fuller and Gayle Spencer 48 Lake Martin Living

7

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THE LAKE REGION

Calendar FEATURED EVENT

Capt. Posey and the Quest for the Mystic Lamb Horizons Unlimited Oct. 12 will host a discussion of Capt. Robert K. Posey’s search for classical artworks in postWWII Europe, including his Quest for the Mystic Lamb.

Also known as the Ghent Altarpiece, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb or The Lamb of God, the 15th century Flemish painting measures 11 by 15 feet and is comprised of 12 panels.

The masterpiece is thought to have been started by Hubert van Eyck in the 50 Lake Martin Living

early 1400s but finished by his brother, Jan van Eyck, between 1430 and 1432.

Commandeered by Hitler in 1942, the painting was recovered in 1945 by Alabama native Capt. Robert K. Posey, a member of General George Patton's Third Army and a graduate of Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University). Posey was a monuments officer charged with protecting and recovering works of art from the Nazi regime.

Dr. Paul Harris, professor of political

science and Associate Director of the Auburn University Honors College, has documented the role of the monuments officers who were responsible for tracking down art that was looted by Hitler and the Nazis. He will present this Horizons Unlimited program at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street in Alexander City. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the fall quarter speaker session.

LAKE REGION EVENTS Sept. 17

Book Signing

The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library have invited Dana Gynther, author of The Woman in the Photograph, to discuss her book at 2 p.m. (205 N. West Street). Gynther grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and Auburn, Alabama, but now lives in Valencia, Spain, where she and her husband work as teachers and translators.

Her book is set in the 1920s in Paris and is a novel about a young woman who leaves New York for the excitement of Paris.

Books will be available for purchase. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.

Sept. 18

Fall Gardening Extravaganza

Join the Tallapoosa County Extension office for this year’s event from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Betty Carol Graham Techonology Center on the Central Alabama Community College campus in Alexander City. Speakers include Arlie Powell, P. Allen Smith, Walter Reeves and Nancy J. Lowenstein. Cost is $25 and includes lunch. Limited seating, so reservations are required. Call 256-8251050 to reserve a seat.

Sept. 19

Trash Walk

Meet at 9 a.m. at Strand Park in Alexander City for supplies and assignments for the first fall Trash Walk, sponsored by Prosperity Again Through Health and Clean Lake Martin Community. During the winter and spring Trash Walks earlier this year, 170 volunteers contributed more than 1,700 hours to remove more than 330 bags of trash from area roadways. For information, contact John Thompson at John.Thompson@hcsinc.net.

Sept. 21

Hot Topic of the Day

Dr. Mark Conversino of the Maxwell AFB Speakers Series will return to the Horizons Unlimited circuit to offer his perspective of the latest hot topic. Conversino, a faculty of the Air War College, holds interest and expertise in military history, logistics, Soviet and Eastern Bloc history and politics and airpower history, theory and doctrine. The meeting will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street in Alexander City. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the fall quarter speaker session.

Sept. 26

Drug Take Back Event

Lake Martin Clean Water Partnership and local law enforcement agencies will accept old, unwanted over-the-counter and prescription medications from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Walgreens in Alexander City. Law enforcement personnel will properly dispose of the medications to prevent contamination of the water system.

For information, call Sabrina Wood at 334429-8832.

Sept. 28

Best of Jazz and More

Retired Sylacauga Band Director, Buddy Simpkins, will lead an afternoon of music that will include jazz, rhythm and blues, pop and swing. The meeting will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street in Alexander City. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the fall quarter speaker session.

Oct. 2-7

Alabama Art Colony Workshop

Instructors for this year’s workshops are Julee Hutchison, Troy Crisswell and Patt Odom. For information and registration, visit www.artcolony.org.

Oct. 5

Alabama Treasures: A Century of Great Writers

Join Horizons Unlimited for this program

by Alabama Bicentennial Commission Jay Lamar. The meeting will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street in Alexander City. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the fall quarter speaker session.

Oct. 10

Fall Boogie No. 4

This year’s Fall Boogie at Standard Deluxe in Waverly will feature Jake Fussell, Tim Lee 3, Larry Mitchell Band, Maggie Koerner, Natural Child and The Pine Hill Haints. Music starts at 11 a.m. and plays until 8 p.m. Visit the Fall Boogie Facebook page for info.

Oct. 19

German POW Camp in Aliceville during WWar II

Author Ruth Beaumont Cook will present the final Horizons Unlimited program

of the fall semester at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street in Alexander City. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the fall quarter.

Oct. 20

Art Association of Central Alabama

Meet at 10:30 a.m. at The College Gallery.

Artistic technique in painting, drawing and other arts taught at each meeting. For information, call Martha McKnight 256825-6503 or Jerri Halmark 256-825-0595.

Season-Long Events MainStreet Farmers Market

Shop the produce of local growers every Saturday morning at the Broad Street Plaza in downtown Alexander City to pick up fresh, seasonal fruits, honey, jams, jellies and relishes, eggs, herb plants, lotions, creams, shampoo and conditioner, soaps made from goats’ milk and beeswax byproducts into October. Local growers will offer their products from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

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

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

Meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Jr. Sportplex campus. Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5, followed by showand-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 (2nd Friday in December) at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Road, Equality. We have a lot of fun, and everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are “themed,” so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

Lake Martin Living 51

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

21

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

18

280

17

8

U.S. Highways County Roads

13

Alexander City Flint Hill Church

22

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

9

Rockford

3

49

128

22

COOSA COUNTY

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

Piney Woods Landing

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

11

9

Mt. Zion Church

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church Liberty Church

20

Smith Landing Willow Point

24

Seman

4 Camp Kiwanis

Church in The Pines Trillium

1 Children’s Harbor Ko

wa

10 19 9

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

The Amp

2

lig

49 Stillwaters

20

Union Landing

aB

ay

Walnut Hill

24

80

22

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

5 63 16 6

Equality

231

15

8

57

New Hope Church

Dadev

280

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

14

Union Church

63 229

49

Eclectic

7

Santuck

Kent Reeltown

120

14

231

14

23

ELMORE COUNTY Wetumpka

52 Lake Martin Living

14

Tallassee 229

MACO COUNT

Lake Martin Region

Daviston 22

Marinas 11. Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

hoe Bend nal Park

42. Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

270 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Restaurants

CHAMBERS COUNTY

ville

ON TY

56. SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 66. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 76.Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583

191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853

50

Camp Hill

Business & Shopping

12

84 Tallapoosa Ford 256-234-3432

1551 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010 95. Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481

5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010

280

Waverly 50

10 4. Patterson Air 256-825-8600 334-850-3500

8400 Kowaliga Road, Lake Martin 11 4. Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Road 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

11

4. Artistic Teak Traders 12 256-896-1111 334-559-6625

1405 Old Hwy 280, Camp Hill, AL 36850

LEE COUNTY

4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 14 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Building Supply 15 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 16 256-794-1333

111 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 . Dark Insurance 17 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 18 . McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010 . Kowaliga Whole Health & Pet Care Resort 19 334-857-1816

8610 Kowaliga Road, Eclectic, AL 36024

Hotels & Lodges 20 34. Creekside Lodge & Conference and Event Center 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy. 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 21 34. Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast 877-760-7854

5833 Hwy 22 E, Alex City, AL 35010

Churches 34. Red Ridge United Methodist Church 22 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 23 34. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618

2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078

(12 miles South of Lake Martin)

Dock Builders 3. Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc 24 Marine Construction Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Road, Eclectic, AL 36024

4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 13 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka 14

Notasulga 85

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-234-4281.

81

Lake Martin Living 53

INVESTED in our

COMMUNITY.

NMLS 520213

Abby Guy has made the move to River Bank.

From her early days in grade school to her local leadership in board rooms, Abby has been a familiar face in Alex City her whole life. Now, she’s bringing her energy and knowledge to River Bank & Trust as Sr. Vice President. You can count on her to be a trusted relationship manager, truly invested in her clients’ financial needs and the community.

S E R V I C E

U N S

D E E P

R IV E R BA NK A ND T R US T . C O M

Now in Alexander City 1120 Airport Drive, Suite 201 256.329.0500

MONTGOMERY Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

54 Lake Martin Living

P R AT T V I L L E

WETUMPKA

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

As seen on HGTV’s Lakefront Bargain Hunt – “Home Sweet Home, Lake Martin, AL” Templeton Plantation Pet Hotel & Grooming Spa

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.

Where your pets have a room instead of a cage!

By Appointment Only: 256-794-0401

www.

Selling Lake Martin .com

ke Martin Experts” “The La

Amy Clark Estate, Inc Inc. Real Estate @ Lake Martin

256/749-3333 256/749-2102

To Advertise in the Business Directory section of Lake Martin Living please contact one of our Sales Representatives @ 256-234-4281 Lake Martin Living 55

ARE YOU AN ARTIST? Now accepting submissions through September 23, 2015 Enter the

2015 Annual Lake Martin Living Art and Photography Contest

Winners will be featured on the cover and inside pages of our October magazine edition, and this year entries again will be on exhibit at Alexander City’s Wine Emporium and Gallery 128. Submissions accepted in acrylics, oil, watercolor, pastels, pencil and photography. All entries must reflect life and scenes in Tallapoosa County. Each artist may submit up to three works of art. All entries must be framed, matted or mounted on boards and ready to hang. There is no fee to enter, and no prizes or monetary awards will be made. The contest is just for fun! A panel of local artists will judge the entries. Clearly mark each entry with the artist’s name, address and telephone number and deliver entries to the office of Lake Martin Living magazine on or before 5 pm September 23. The office is located at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, across from Benjamin Russell High School.

Please call magazine editor Betsy Iler at 256-234-4281 with questions or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF LAKE MARTIN LIVING! Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy.

ALEXANDER CITY

Alex City Marine Aliant Bank American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart El Rancho Grande Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store

56 Lake Martin Living

Little Black Dress Longleaf Antiques Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

DADEVILLE

American Motorsports Aliant Bank Bay Pine Marina City Hall

Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Furniture Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34

ECLECTIC

Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store

Peoples Bank

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

RED HILL Citgo

TALLASSEE

Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are available at these locations. To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-2344281 to start your subscription.

AD INDEX 1st Insurance................................................................... 8

Designs by Trish............................................................. 7

Music Depot..................................................................55

A&M Plumbing.............................................................25

East Alabama Medical Center.................................33

Nail's................................................................................... 7

Alex City Guide Service.............................................58

Four Seasons Irrigation.............................................55

Patterson Air..................................................................45

Alex City Taxi & Shuttle.............................................55

George Hardy, D.M.D.................................................22

Prime South Bank........................................................13

Amy Clark Real Estate................................................55

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance......................55

Radney Funeral Home...............................................28

Artistic Teak Traders....................................................33

Interscapes...........................................................................21

Red Flag Pest Control.................................................22

Auburn Dental Spa.....................................................31

Jan & David Hall, Lake Martin Realty............................ 5

River Bank & Trust........................................................54

Birchfield Farms...........................................................12

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art........................ 2

Russell Lands.................................................................59

Black Sheep...................................................................33

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance...............................55

Russell Medical Center..............................................60

Bob Alexander Landscaping...................................24

Kelly’s Heating & Air...................................................55

Satterfield, Inc............................................................... 5

Brown Nursing Home.................................................. 7

Lagasse Construction Inc.........................................12

Skier's Marine................................................................23

Cardiology of Central Alabama..............................25

Lake Martin Community Hospital........................... 3

Southern Sash..............................................................24

C&C Wood Products...................................................12

Lake Martin Dock...................................................5, 55

Special Arrangements................................................. 8

Com-Link, Inc.................................................................. 8

Lakeside Concierge....................................................55

Tallassee Community Hospital...............................57

Cutwater Marine..........................................................42

Lakeside Marina...........................................................13

Templeton Plantation................................................55

Damon Story, Cedar Point........................................49

Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy................................. 7

Thomas Self Storage..................................................24

DAVCO Development................................................55

Lex Wedgeworth.........................................................42

Deerfield Venue...........................................................24

Millstone Nursery.......................................................... 7

Lake Martin Living 57

Roadway Entertainment

I

Billboard irony explored The Last Word

or do I need to be a sometimes-ondo a lot of traveling hither and yon (mostly Wednesday-at-supper guy? I appreciate the yon, as hither can be a traffic nightmare at instructions, but I don’t want to make an rush hour). I am on the go for work or to eternal mistake based on a vague technicality. see my kids in Ohio, usually.

While not a billboard per se, there was a Sometimes, I drive just to play flag football sign for a restaurant on Highway 280 before in Birmingham or get a biscuit at Chic-Fil-A. getting into Alexander City that used to catch Because I burn up the road on the regular, I my eye (it’s gone now so don’t go looking for see many a billboard. Lots and lots and lots of it). The sign was the only surviving structure billboards. They are omnipresent and cannot from a billowing fire of destruction. The be escaped, like the signage equivalent of a ashy, black remnants remained piled and mother-in-law’s stare. According to legend, smoldering like a tire-fire for months. every billboard south of Kentucky and east of Luke Robinson The surprisingly unscathed sign for the Texas is rented by Alexander Shunnarah. That restaurant read, “Closed due to fire.” is only partially true though.

Uh … yeah. No kidding; however, the sign’s There are actually a multitude of different announcement of the obvious did make me wonder signs. So many billboards in fact that I now have a few about why it was put up. favorites. You want to hear about them?

I assume, since the owner actually took the time to Well, I am telling you anyway. put the letters on the sign, that at some point, postIn a literal “sign of the times,” there is the one incineration, a patron drove to the restaurant, got out of billboard for legal counsel on the way to Montgomery his car, waited for a table (despite the fact that there was that also appears on the way to Childersburg that reads, no building) and later complained to management that “Divorce $299 … Bankruptcy $599.” the place wasn’t open during normal operating hours; OK, so the time honored, treasured sanctity of thus, the need for a sign. marriage is worth approximately $300; yet, filing So here’s to you, billboards across this great state of bankruptcy because you have no money costs around ours! There’s really no reason to celebrate you ... I just $600? That seems a little backwards at best. It’s like had no other way to end this article. giving one point for a touchdown and six for the score after or paying $2.39 for the car and $14,500 at 4.9 ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also percent interest for the gas. writes a weekly sports column for The Alexander City Lord help you if you are getting divorced because you Outlook. are bankrupt, because you probably can’t afford either.

The “Don’t Drive While Distracted” anti-texting billboard is certainly preaching good advice; however, by its nature, isn’t a sign positioned on the road promoting focused driving oxymoronic?

I can just hear the post-accident interview now: “Well, officer, I was reading that billboard about not texting while behind the wheel and the next thing I knew my Yukon ramped right onto that truck full of live chickens ... Um … My bad.”

Then there’s the famous “Go to Church or the Devil Will Get You” billboard on I-65.

I always wanted that sign to be more specific. Which church, exactly? Give me a hint as to the denomination, if it isn’t too much trouble. What days? Is it Sunday only,

58 Lake Martin Living

PRESENTING THE NEWEST COLLECTION OF LAKE HOMESITES RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM | 256.215.7011 | LAKE MARTI N, ALABAMA Lake Martin Living 59

in recognition of

e r i p s in support

t c e n n co

inspire

connect

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

support

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e connect

si n p i rret inspire

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i60nLakesMartin p iLiving re

The Russell Medical Center Foundation cordially invites you to attend our 12th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon Featuring:

Delores Hydock Story Teller and Performer

Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Nooon - 1:00 pm Betty Carol Graham Technology Center Ballroom at CACC Tickets – $15 each Tickets are available in the Russell Medical Center Gift Shop or by calling the Community Relations office at 256-329-7145.