September 2016 lake magazine

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Letter from the Editor Every September, I catch my breath. After putting out 100page issues of Lake magazine month after month all summer, the pace slows down with this edition. It’s not that I mind filling these pages with the exciting happenings around Lake Martin from May to August – I absolutely love it – and there is so much to share with you! But with these so-called “off season” issues, I have a little more time to appreciate the stories and the people behind them before I rush into the next one. For example, this month, I got to drive out to Parker Creek to meet Milton Lovelady and his wife Wanda. The Loveladys keep a much-talked-about garden at their home on the lake – and that garden really is on the lake. About 10 years ago, when his pine trees grew so tall that they threw shade on his conventional in-ground garden, Milton planted vegetables on the dock. It’s a beautiful and bountiful space, and I spent such a delightful hour getting to know the gardeners. You can get to know them, too, on page 28 of this issue. It also was a wonderful treat to tour Jenny and Lee Edwards’ renovated home in Willow Point. What started as a rectangle with few windows and way too many walls was transformed into that light and airy outside-in look that so perfectly fits the lake, except that Jenny Edwards customized the design for the way her family lives. It’s refreshing and bold at the same time that it is calm and warm. What a marvelous space! Just turn to page 40, and you’ll see what I mean. And what a gift it was to spend one morning with Linda Ingram at The Stables at Russell Crossroads for the story on page 54. That gorgeous barn and carriage house surrounded by green pastures grew out of Linda and Stanley Ingram’s hobby. They used to hitch their Percherons to a carriage and give children rides at Christmas. Now, the carriage rides go on all through the year – for birthday parties, marriage proposals, holiday traditions and special occasion cookouts. There are four wagons parked at The Stables these days – two that are used for rides along a historic trail through Russell Forest. Come and ride along with us. You’ll find more in this issue, including an interview with New Water Farms’ Micah Simpson, tips on finding the right boat repair shop and our cover story about a family celebrating their fifth generation at Lake Martin. Take a few moments and catch your breath with me in this month’s issue of Lake magazine. It just couldn’t be more delightful.

Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Managing Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

EMILY GREGG

emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com

JAYLAN REYNOLDS

jaylan.reynolds@alexcityoutlook.com

Circulation Manager DAVID KENDRICK

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

DARLENE JOHNSON

darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com

HALLIE HOLLOWAY

hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE JOHN COLEY HENRY FOY DAVE HEINZEN JULIE HUDSON ROB MCDANIEL

CLIFF WILLIAMS LEE WILLIAMS MITCH SNEED DAVID GRANGER GREG VINSON MITCH EMMONS

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of:

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

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

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On the Cover Cover: Rhodes Michael Hand gives photographer Kenneth Boone a thumbs up on a wakesurf ride with his father Stephen Hand. Rhodes Michael is a fifth generation Lake Martin lover who visits his grandparents' Stillwaters home, just as his grandmother spent summers at her grandparents' Lake Martin cabin as a child. Photo by Kenneth Boone

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Contents 22. ART WALK SET FOR ART COLONY New opportunities to view art and meet the artists and instructors at this annual gathering

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26. DOCKSIDE GARDENING A Parker Creek gardener extends the season with beds on the pier

34. 75 YEARS ON LAKE MARTIN Raising the fifth generation behind the boat on the lake

42. WILLOW POINT RETREAT Birmingham decorator adds comfort and style to a home renovation at the lake

38 52. RUSSELL FOREST CARRIAGE RIDES Touring Russell Forest in a replica turn-of-thecentury wagon puts a new spin on time at the lake

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

e

- edition

9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE

62. FAB FINDS

TO THE LAKE

63. LAKE PROPERTY

10. LAKE SCENES

64. HOBO

14. WHERE IS LAKE?

66. HEALTHY LIVING

16. LAKE EVENTS

68. BIG CATCHES

18. LAKE MARTIN NEWS

71. CHEF'S TABLE

38. NATURE OF THE LAKE

72. FROM THE CELLAR

58. LAKE Q&A

75. PRO TIPS & TEE TALK

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

SEPTEMBER 2016

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LAKE MARTIN BUILDING SUPPLY

2695 Dadeville Road

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256.234.5500

Alexander City, AL


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

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

Inventory/ sales ratio

July 2016 July 2013 July 2010

33 27 27

$473,744 $466,889 $451,941

$427,000 $329,500 $415,000

198 186 248

318 401 471

11.53 20.83 27.04

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

This Month's Fishing Forecast

Relicensing Fast Facts

Fishing conditions won’t change much through the first part of September, but the second half of the month will see cooler temperatures and more accessible catches, said Randy Baker at Fish Tales Bait & Tackle in Alexander City. “Early in the month, you’ll still have to fish deep and mostly in the early morning or later afternoon for any species,” he said. “Stay on the main lake points in deep water. “But toward the middle of the month, the temperatures will cool down, and you’ll be able to fish not only the main lake points but also piers close to deeper water.” After the middle of September, bass and striper will start migrating towards creeks and streams and can be caught on topwaters. If there’s a wind, also throw crankbaits and jerkbaits. Perch will move up to shallower water toward the end of September as well, he said. Catfish are biting now and will continue to be catchable with live worms and stink baits through September. Striper will remain in deep water until about the middle of October, he said. “It’s that change to cooler weather that we’re looking for,” Baker said. “That’s what we need to get fish active again.”

As part of its recently issued new license for the operation of Martin Dam, Alabama Power Company was required to file a shoreline management plan. The power company's shoreline use is guided by a comprehensive rcreation plan and the shoreline permitting program. The management plan classifies project lands by use and includes lands classified as project operations, recreation, quasi-public, commercial recreation, natural/undeveloped, small game hunting area, and 30-foot control strip. Alabama Power also will develop a "sensitive resources designation layer" in the shoreline management plan. This classification would include lands or other resources that are important to the area or to the natural environment and could include historic or archaeological resources, wetlands, floodplains and habitat for federally listed species. The plan for this designation is required to be developed within one year of the issuance of the license and is due in December of this year.

Lake Levels During the Last month

Lake Martin's Weather Outlook for September

Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 489.28 Lowest: 488.96 Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and water-related equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

Year to Date

For up-to-date lake levels, log on to https://lakes.alabamapower.com.

Precipitation: 35.86 inches Avg. high temp.: 76.5 Avg. low temp.: 52.7 Average temp.: 64.5

Our Normal September Precipitation: 4.1 inches Avg. high temp.: 84.8 Avg. low temp.: 62 Average temp.: 73.4 SEPTEMBER 2016

September 2016 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid 80s with lows in the mid 60s and about 4 inches of precipitation in the month of September. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be remain above average this month and rainfall averages will remain below normal. Information from the National Weather Service.

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LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) Joy Vaught, Amy Vega, Whitney Eaton and Stephanie Vaught enjoyed a patriotic Fourth of July on Lake Martin. (2) Edward Powell photographed this breathtaking sunset from The Ridge. (3) Ansley Carpenter caught this photo of 10-year-old Brody taking a break. (4) Stephen McCall hit the lake early for fishing over July Fourth weekend. (5) Hannah Craddock doesn't seem to mind being thrown off her grandparents' Lake Martin dock. (6) Taking this photo of the moon rising over Cedar Point made Randy McClendon's Memorial Day weekend.

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LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) Malinda Rogers snapped this photo of her granddaughter Kelsi Rogers at Kowaliga Restaurant. (2) The Chandler and Comer kids take a ride to the July Fourth boat parade. (3) Mary Margaret Easterling and Bella love the lake life. (4) Michael Gallops, Cameron Doody and brothers Jake and Coleman Farrior caught these stripers over Memorial Day weekend at Lake Martin. (5) Cortlynn Fisher showed off her Sun Festival T-shirt. (6) Jimbo Turk and Camo had a great time paddleboarding on Lake Martin. 7) Marshall Wilensky captured this majestic Lake Martin resident while out on a jetski. (8) Kyle Thornton sent this photo of horses grazing in the summer sun at the Russell Lands stables.

SEPTEMBER 2016

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LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) Jeanette Wade captured this beautiful Lake Martin sunset. (2) Andie Attia's dog, Gracie, and Hannah Holladay's dog, Ellie, love to feel the wind in their ears on a Lake Martin boat ride. (3) Capt. Bella sits at the controls on an excursion through Kowaliga with Paul Hammond. (4) The setting sun turned Lake Martin vivid shades of pink and purple in this Lakeview Drive photo by Jamie Dark. (5) Reese, Reagan and Tristan Little enjoy some lake time.

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LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) Boykin Spaniel Buddy takes in one of Lake Martin's beautiful sunsets over July Fourth weekend. (2) The Maroney Grands had a great time at Lake Martin over the July Fourth weekend. (3) Mimi Amerson sent this photo of Nan Williams taking her 3-year-old Pomeranian, Buddy, for a paddleboard ride at Crowne Pointe. (4) This aerial photo was taken by a drone near Pleasure Point Marina. (5) Tripp Pawlik caught his first fish with a cricket on a Spiderman pole at Lake Martin.

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LAKE?

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) John and Marlea Foster took Lake on their 40th anniversary trip to the island of Anguilla in the British West Indies. (2) Lake went to Presque Island, Pennsylvania, with Sandee and Gary Grace. (3) Lake crossed the continental divide in Yellowstone National Park in May with Rap and Charlotte McBurney. (4) Nina and Tony Johnson celebrated Memorial Day with Lake at Fairfield Glade in Crossville, Tennessee. (5) Alan Thompson, son of Wanda and Heath Thompson, took Lake to Paris, France. (6) Lake vacationed at St. Maarten with Kerrie, Peyton, Scotty and Scottlyn Carr.

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Sept. 2 Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature The Bank Walkers from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

Sept. 3 Russell Crossroads Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

The Community Garden Club members will be up early cooking pancakes for all to enjoy from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. on holiday weekend Saturdays. Come by the Artist’s Cabin and feed the family and help out the garden club.

Storyteller Dolores Hydock will be the featured guest for this Monday’s Horizons Unlimited meeting. Join Hydock for “It’s the Little Things,” a journey from the Arctic Sea to Singapore for the story of five tiny things that changed history in unexpected ways. This event will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Alexander CALENDAR OF EVENTS City Board of Education building at 375 Lee St. Membership is $20 per WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN person or $30 per couple and grants entrance to every Horizons Richard Forehand Unlimited event in the of The Vegabonds semester. plays along with his father, Steve Forehand of The Bank Walkers

Sept. 4 Labor Day Weekend Concert at The AMP

The summer concert series at The AMP comes to a dramatic close with the final event of the year, featuring Rexton Lee, The Bank Walkers,The Alabama Gamblers and The Vegabonds. This annual concert is the unofficial end to the summer, and the tradition is to finish the season with a great time. This year will be no exception. Visit The AMP on Lake Martin on Facebook, www.theamponlakemartin.com or call 256-397-1019 for details on this year’s concert event.

Sept. 4 Church of the Living Waters

The Rev. Carment Falcione will conduct the last summer service for the year at Church of the Living Waters at Stillwaters. The service will begin at 9 a.m. and is casual in attire. Communion will be served. Come by boat, car or bicycle and worship on the water! For details, call 256-825-9808.

Sept. 7 Grandparents Day at the Library

Celebrate Grandparents Day at Adelia M. Russell Library. A special grandparent will read a story to the children, and there will be a photo booth where grandparents and kids can have their pictures taken. Refreshments will be served. This event is free, and the fun begins at 4 p.m. Call 256-234-4644 for details. 16 LAKE

Sept. 12 Horizons Unlimited

Sept. 19 Horizons Unlimited

Join Dr. Mark Conversino for a discussion of the “Hot Topic of the Day” as part of Horizons Unlimited’s fall schedule. Dr. Conversino has served on the faculty of the Air War College since 2002, following his retirement from the Air Force. This event will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Alexander City Board of Education building at 375 Lee St. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple and grants entrance to every Horizons Unlimited event in the semester.

Sept. 22 Soldiers in Greasepaint

Dolores Hydock, actress and storyteller, will present Soldiers in Greasepaint: USO Camp Show Entertainers from World War II at Red Ridge Methodist Church (corner of Hwy 49 and 34) at 11:30 a.m. Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host this fun presentation. USO camps were part of an inspiring story of volunteerism, patriotism and service. Hydock shares with us her stories, pictures and video excerpts of some of the 7,000 camp performers who brought music and laughs to U.S. servicemen far from home during WWII. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.

Sept. 26 Horizons Unlimited

Join Mollie Smith Waters, professor at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a presentation on Disobedient Women: Angelina Grimke, Virginia Foster Durr and the Pursuit of Equality at the Alexander City Board of Education building at 375 Lee St. Cost is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the fall semester.

SEPTEMBER 2016


Oct. 3 Horizons Unlimited

Dr. I. William Ferniany will be the guest speaker at this week’s Horizons Unlimited event. Dr. Ferniany is the CEO of the University of Alabama Birmingham Health System. He will speak on the history of the UAB Health System and its future. This event will run from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Alexander City Board of Education building at 375 Lee St. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple and grants entrance to every Horizons Unlimited event in the semester.

Oct. 7 Chairish Items Deadline

standarddeluxe.com/shop/fall-boogie-ticket-101516-limitedadvance and will be $25 at the gate on the day of the show. Coolers are welcome but will be checked at the gate. No glass allowed. Please leave pets at home and do not smoke on the lawn. For information about this year’s event, visit the website.

Season-Long Events Movie Days at Mamie’s Place

Watch a kid-friendly movie at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library on the first Tuesday of each month. The show starts at 10 a.m.

Show how much you ‘chairish’ Alexander City by decorating a chair, stool or other piece of furniture for the MainStreet Rally in the Alley raffle. Chairish pieces will be on display in the United Way building until Oct. 22. Purchase raffle tickets at the Oct. 20 Rally; winning raffle tickets will be drawn on Oct. 22. All monies raised will support MainStreet’s fun events downtown. Call 256-329-9227 for information.

Gamers Club

Oct. 8 36th Annual Oktoberfest

Ladies 18 and older are invited to participate in the club at Adelia M. Russell Library on the last Thursday of every month. Meet in the conference room at 4 p.m. Call the library at 256-234-4644 for each month’s book title. The September title is Murder in Greenwich: Who Killed Martha Moxley? by Mark Fuhrman.

This day-long celebration at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex features local arts and crafts, dining, entertainment kid-fest children’s activities and more. Also enjoy the antique car show. Call 256-329-6736 or visit www.alexandercityonline.com for more information.

Oct. 10 Horizons Unlimited Jazz Presentation

Singer Elnora Spencer will be the guest of honor at this week’s special Horizons Unlimited performance at Emporium Wine in downtown Alexander City. Spencer has been in the entertainment field for 37 years, singing jazz, blues, country, gospel and more. She was voted Best Female Vocalist in Birmingham for 2002. This event will run from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Emporium Wine. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple and grants entrance to every Horizons Unlimited event in the semester.

Oct. 11 Alabama Gold Book Signing

Author Peggy Jackson Walls will present a talk on her new book, Alabama Gold: A History of the South’s Last Motherlode, followed by a book signing, at the Dadeville Public Library from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. Copies of the book will be available for sale. Walls’ book covers gold mining in Tallapoosa County from the 1830s to the late 1930s. The Friends of the Library will sponsor this event in the basement of the library at 205 North West St. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.

Oct. 15 Fall Boogie

The lineup for the Fifth Annual Fall Boogie at Standard Deluxe in Waverly includes Corey Harris Band, Dylan LeBlanc, The Pollies, Vulture Whale, Kelsey Waldon, Soulco and Early James. Tickets are $20 online at

Adelia M. Russell Library hosts kids ages 12 to 17 in the conference room on Fridays after school until 4:30 p.m. Bring handheld games or games from home (no games rated M allowed). Participants should be picked up by 4:30 p.m. For information, call 256-329-6796.

Ladies Book Club

$20 on the 20th

The Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce is asking our community to “Spend $20 on the 20th” of each month to help our local economy.

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 p.m., followed by show-and-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. 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 Will or Charlotte Denton at 334-201-3610 or email them at cedenlake@comlinkinc.net.

Antique Car Cruise-in

On the first Saturday of each month, car enthusiasts cruise into Arby’s parking lot on Highway 280 in Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Charity Bingo

Play charity bingo at Jake’s Restaurant at 16 Broad St., Alexander City, at 6 p.m. every Thursday night. Cards are $1 and proceeds benefit local charities.

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Lake Martin News Lake area approves Sunday sales

Voters in Alexander City, Dadeville and New Site approved the sale of alcohol on Sundays at the municipal elections held late last month. In Alexander City, the measure passed by a very wide margin. Sixty-two percent of the voters voted yes, to 38 percent who voted no. Downtown businessman Henry Foy of the Wine Emporium said he had had a good feeling about the upcoming vote but was a little surprised by the margin. “That is good news,” Foy said. “I thought it would pass, but to see the totals was much more than I thought. It will mean a lot and force some people to make decisions in how to make that work for their businesses. It’s a good thing for Alexander City.” Dadeville voters also overwhelmingly voted for Sunday alcohol sales. The final count showed 532 voters cast ballots for the measure while 254 were against it. In a previous Dadeville City Council meeting, it was suggested that the city pass it so that people who only shop on Sunday might keep their purchases in town. Council members said they were glad to let the people decide the question. “We need to develop new revenues to keep providing the services that we provide,” Dadeville City Council member Randy Foster said when the resolution was put on the ballot. “But at the same time, I don’t want to ram it down someone’s throat. Letting the people decide is the right thing.” Sunday Sales also passed in New Site by a narrow margin. The vote was 183 yes to 172 no votes. County voters will get the chance to have their say in November’s General Election as the same question will be on the ballot at that time. The measure is effective immediately.

minimization of releases from hydroelectric dams, the occasional rainfall has prevented most lake levels from dropping significantly. Still, she said, Alabama Power hydrologists see nothing short of a significant rainfall event – something along the lines of a tropical storm – that would allow it to release more water from all of its dams. Westlake said Alabama Power will continue to closely monitor conditions on the lakes and manage the limited water resources carefully. Individuals with boats and other water-related equipment should always be alert to changing conditions on Alabama Power reservoirs and be prepared to take the necessary steps to protect their property. She said should conditions worsen and require additional measures rather than improve, Alabama Power Co. would issue an additional lake levels alert, like the one issued in June. ~ David Granger

Library taps into clean water kiosk

An interactive, educational kiosk has been added to the many educational tools at the Children’s Library in Alexander City. The touch screen allows children of all ages to navigate through multiple engaging activities related to water quality. The Alabama Clean Water Partnership, a statewide nonprofit organization focused on stormwater education, has teamed up with Mamie’s Place Children’s Library to place an educational computer kiosk programmed with fun, water-related educational games at the Library. The Water Cycle, Watersheds, Stormwater Pollution and Nutrient Enrichment are topics highlighted through kiosk games, meant to educate all ages.

~ Mitch Sneed

Minimum release plan still in place

Because of the dry, hot conditions that have been prevalent in Alabama, Alabama Power Co. continues to follow its drought plan calling for minimum releases from its hydroelectric dams, including Martin Dam at Lake Martin. The plan limits the flow of water into Lake Martin from upriver dams but also releases minimum amounts of water from the lake. Lake levels have dropped 2 feet from full pool since Alabama Power announced in June that its drought plan would go into effect in early July. Under the power company's license to operate the dam, summer pool levels could be extended if certain rainfall conditions are met, but those conditions do not exist this year. “We’ve had some rainfall throughout Alabama that has had an impact of river flows, but not enough that we have been able to do anything but continue the minimum releases from our power-generating dams,” said Westlake. Westlake said while the dry weather has caused the 18 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2016

~ Mitch Sneed


LAKE MARTIN’S FIRST MARINE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Established 1990

LICENSED MARINE CONTRACTOR AL License No. 49146

180 Birmingham Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 | Phone: 334.857.2443 | Email: sales@lakemartindock.com

Lake Martin Dock Company began building docks over 25 years ago and was the first company fully committed to dock and marine construction in the Lake Martin area. The company has evolved greatly since then. Today, we are a full service marine construction company that has the capability to build year round.We offer lift installation, dock construction, seawall construction and an array of other dock and marine related services. Our talented and creative staff can also assist you in designing your dream dock or boathouse. We take pride in coming up with working designs for any situation. In addition to our capabilities, Lake Martin Dock Company is in compliance with the State of Alabama, being fully insured, carrying both Workmen's Compensation and Liability Insurance. When you’re ready for one of our expert sales associates to come out and provide you with a free estimate for whatever size project you may be encountering, don’t hesitate to contact us and see first hand why Lake Martin Dock Company is Lake Martin’s Marine Construction leader.

DOCK ACCESSORIES

All lumber used by Lake Martin Dock Company is GROUND CONTACT TREATMENT per the industry recommendation for building around freshwater.

SEPTEMBER 2016

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Art Walk Set for Alabama Art Colony New opportunities to view the art STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

A

labama Art Colony returns to Lake Martin at the end of this month with new opportunities for the public to find inspiration and collectible works of art. The Colony begins Sept. 30, as artists from across the country converge for four days of instruction with accomplished teachers. By day, the artists will learn new techniques and experiment with tools and media. But a schedule of evening events adds a new dimension to what many conArt Colony participants sider the state’s will spend a week in best art colony workshops at Lake Martin and one of the most popular events for artists in the Southeast. An Art Walk will be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, at Children’s Harbor cabins 9, 10 and 11 near the conference center. The public is invited to stroll the displayed works of art with wine in hand and discuss the pieces with the artists, this year’s instructors and other strollers and even purchase their favorites among the exhibit. There is no charge for this event. 22 LAKE

Instructors for this year’s Art Colony, which will take place at Children’s Harbor Sept. 30 through Oct. 5, include Susan Diehl, Moe Brooker and Greg Skaggs. Specializing in still life and landscape motifs, Arizona’s Diehl will lead a class entitled “Painting Start to Finish.” Her work is shown in fine galleries throughout the Northwest and Midwest and are frequently included in shows at the prestigious Settlers West Gallery. Moe Brooker, a favorite at the Colony, will return this year to teach an oil pastels class in which he will employ bright colors that are feasts for the eyes. Influenced by graffiti art and music, Brooker is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the James Van Der Zee Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served on the faculty of several influential schools of art, and his works are included in a number of collections, including the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the General Motors Corporation executive offices in Detroit,

SEPTEMBER 2016


Michigan. Internationally recognized Greg Skaggs will lead the independent study workshop this year, assisting artists in a variety of mediums from drawing to multimedia. A professor of art at Troy University, Skaggs recently exhibited his works in a solo show at the Birgit Nilsson Galleri in Orebro, Sweden. Now in its 24th year, the Alabama Art Colony, also known as the Sarah Carlisle Towery Alabama Art Colony, began when the children of talented and well-known local artist Sarah Carlisle Towery invited some of her artist friends to the lake to paint as a birthday gift to their mother. In addition to the Sunday evening Art Walk, this year’s Colony also will move its festivities to Aliant Bank in Alexander City on Monday, Oct. 3, with a special gala reception for patron members of Alex City Arts (ACA) from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Champagne, heavy hors d’oeuvres and special desserts will be offered as ACA members browse the art and mingle with this year’s Alabama Colony artists and teachers. “This is a special event for Alex City Arts members. There is no additional ticket to purchase for this reception; it’s just the board’s way of celebrating the exciting things that there are to look forward to with the arts council,” said 2016-17 season chair Karen Jennings. “But you have to be an Alex City Arts member to get in.” Alex City Arts provides quality programs for the enrichment of area residents and visitors. The Alex City Arts patron drive is now underway with three membership tiers. Patron tickets are $75; Benefactor members pay $100; and Angel members pay $150. Each membership category includes one ticket to each production in the 2016-2017 season, which includes a variety of theatrical and musical entertainment in five productions. Visit the ACA website at alexcityarts.org for information about this year’s season and purchasing tickets. Or call Jennings at 256-496-2424. For additional information about the SCT Alabama Art Colony, visit the Facebook page or the website at www.alabamaartcolony.org.

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Rattlesnake green beans are ready for harvest on Milton Lovelady's trellis

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Dockside Gardening A Parker Creek gardener extends the season with beds on the pier STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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Milton Lovelady added 4x4 supports to his pier to carry the weight of the soil

I

t was the logical solution to Milton Lovelady’s gardening problem. When the trees on his Parker Creek lot grew tall enough to block the light for his plants, he extended the garden to his dock. He’d seen it work on Lake Martin several years ago. On an excursion to Martin Dam, he passed a dock garden that overflowed with vegetables, and that’s where he got the idea. He checked on that pier garden every year, and about 10 years ago, he built out a garden that attracts the admiring eyes of passing boaters all summer long. “I added sides to the pier and 4x4 supports underneath and brought dirt from the Bibb County farm where I grew up,” Lovelady said. “It just made sense.” Lovelady’s pier garden extends his 30-foot by 20-foot traditional inground garden space by 140 square feet. He grows heirloom tomatoes, peppers, yellow and zucchini squash, okra, eggplant, Silver Queen corn and Rattlesnake green beans in raised beds and containers. The containers, he said, make it easier to change the dirt in which his plants thrive. “My garden thinks it’s in Bibb County,” he said. “My mother, who taught me how to garden, is 91 years old, 28 LAKE

and she still lives on the farm where I grew up. We raised cattle there, and I go up and bring back dirt from the cattle yard and put it in containers for the vegetables.” He loves the heirloom varieties, which provide a link to previous generations of his farming family. “I just love the idea of the seed continuing year after year,” Lovelady said. “Some friends have asked for seed The first year's tomato crop to send their friends, as far was one of the best away as Hawaii. I grow so (Photo by Milton Lovelady) many tomato plants that each year several are given to friends to use in their gardens.” He starts the seed in a small greenhouse in January, often with the help of his nine grandchildren. When the greenhouse fills up, said his wife Wanda, he puts grow lights up in the sunroom to nurse the seedlings along until mid-March. “I put the plants in the ground pretty early – probably too early for most gardeners, but they get good sun here on the lake early in the season, so they grow fast. I just have to protect them from the late frost,” he said. He keeps starting new plants throughout the spring and summer for later planting and may put seedlings in the ground as late as August to get an early fall harvest, he

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said. Lovelady tends the garden “Boaters come by and give every day, picking produce us a thumbs up. We were for friends and family playing in the water with the grandchildren one weekend, and a couple came by on a pontoon. We waved, and they said ‘we’re just coming by to check on our garden.’” That happens most often in the springtime when the hydrangeas burst into spectacular early bloom, Lovelady said. The spring garden includes some 25 to 30 soft pastel hydrangeas that line the bank and edge the spacious lakeside deck of the ‘squirrel house’ Lovelady bought 20 years ago. “That’s what the neighbors called it – the squirrel house,” he laughed. “A tree had fallen on the house, and the previous owner left the eaves open to dry out when he replaced the roof, so there were all kinds of squirrels and wildlife in the attic space. It was a real fixer upper, and we’ve been fixing it up ever since.” When he bought the cabin in 1996, Lovelady was in data processing for a Montgomery law firm. He moved to the lake full time in 1998 and retired from the IT department for the City of Montgomery in 2013. When the couple married in 2005, Wanda joined him at the lake. A retired teacher and State employee, she does part-time work with the special education department for

the State of Alabama. Over time, the Loveladys have renovated the cabin, adding bedrooms, the deck and living space and expanding the kitchen to accommodate the garden harvest. In addition to freezing and putting up as much of the vegetable yield as they can, the couple delivers tomatoes and veggies to friends and neighbors up and down the lake. “We load bags of tomatoes and peppers in the boat and go for a ride. After we leave the veggies on their docks, we call our friends and tell them there’s been a delivery,” Wanda said. This year, the Cherokee Purple tomato has been the favorite of everyone. “We even had a tomato tasting one time,” Wanda said. “Our friends had a wine tasting, so we decided we could line up all the tomatoes for our friends to taste.” “We love to pick the corn and put it right in the microwave with the shucks still on,” Lovelady said. Unfortunately, the raccoons and squirrels love their vegetables as much as the gardeners and their friends do. Wanda has found half-eaten tomatoes on top of the green bean trellis, in the trees and on the potting shed roof, so this year, Lovelady installed a wildlife security system – His wife Wanda freezes the peppers for year-round use

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Planting throughout the season assures him of a late fall harvest

This year, he added the corrugated fence topped with hot wire to discourage the raccoons and squirrels

The heirloom plants thrive in the Bibb County soil he brings from the family farm

Yellow Eggplants peak through the leaves

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corrugated metal fencing topped with a hot wire. “It’s working pretty good. We’ve lost very few tomatoes this year,” he said. Other than the raccoons and squirrels and the deer that eat his hostas, Lovelady doesn’t have much trouble with pests. “I think it’s because I change the dirt out pretty regularly,” he explained. “I’m always changing something up and replacing the dirt in the containers. That helps to keep down the diseases and keep pests from getting established.” In addition, Lovelady monitors a number of online forums where he finds helpful information for gardening, farming and other outdoor interests. And the help of his grandchildren is enjoyable. “They love to bring their grubby work clothes to the lake and see how the plants they started are doing,” Lovelady said, “and they also like to find worms for fishing.” When the harvest is complete, Lovelady composts the spent leaves and stalks (except the tomato plants) and puts in a cover crop of turnip greens, collards or mustard greens, as much to see something green growing in winter as for the dinner plate. Early in the spring, he turns the greens into the soil, so it’s ready for the next year’s seedlings, which he tends daily to assure a plentiful harvest. “We enjoy the fruits of our labor,” Lovelady said. And the daily view of Lake Martin from the pier garden while he works is a great bonus. SEPTEMBER 2016


Lovelady's garden was inspired by a dock garden he saw on the lake years ago

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75 Years on Lake Martin

Raising the fifth generation behind the boat

I

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

t’s been more than 75 years now. The first generation of the family has passed, but 2-year-old cousins Rhodes Michael Hand and Kate Minix already are reaping the benefits of their greatgrandparents’ foresight in finding a foothold on the banks of Lake Martin back in 1941. “They have been on the lake since they were six weeks old,” said Vivian Autry, the cousins’ grandmother. “You’ve heard parents say they put the kids in the car to get them to take a nap; we put ours in the boat. “Sure enough, they fall asleep on the floor of the boat,” It was Autry’s grandparents, Jessie and Al Nation, who rented one of the first Russell cabins at Trillium in the early 40s. Her mother, Carole Nation, grew up on the lake, swimming, skiing, boating. When she married, she brought her family, including daughter Vivian, to the lake at every opportunity. After her grandparents left the cabin, Autry’s parents, Carole Nation Embry and Dr. Olice Embry, bought a cabin in Parker Creek, a close commute from their Birmingham home. After they sold that cabin in 1982, Autry and her husband continued to visit the lake with their children from their home in Columbus, Georgia. “We rented condominiums at StillWaters then

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because it was closer for us,” she said. The couple built their own home on the east side of Lake Martin 12 years ago, and in 2012, they sold their fulltime home in Atlanta and Vivian Autry (center) moved to with her daughters and Lake Martin. grandchildren at the lake Autry’s husband, Mike, opened Lake Martin Cabinetry in Dadeville, and Autry finds the lake a great place to come home to after her workday with Wells Fargo, which requires a great deal of travel. The location is perfect, Autry said. “It’s right in the middle of our daughters,” she explained. “One lives in Birmingham and one in Atlanta. “We tell them we’ve noticed that they come to the lake a lot in the summer and all through the Auburn football season but not quite so much in winter when there are projects going on.” In all those years of lake life – five generations now – the activities have changed, but the lure of the lake remains strong. “My mom remembers fishing with her dad under the old Kowaliga Bridge,” Autry said. “When I was growing up on the lake, it was a big deal to learn to ski. For my children, the big thing was knee boarding. Now, it’s surfing and wakeboarding, and the grandchildren love being behind the boat with their dads. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

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Kate Minix thrills to the wind in her face as she rides behind the boat with her father Jonathan

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M

ost folks don’t appreciate being called “bald.” But that name hasn’t harmed the reputation of Lake Martin’s most majestic bird – the Bald Eagle – or one of its most majestic trees, the Bald Cypress. The eagles get their bald name because of their white head, which looks bald from a distance. The cypress gets its bald name because it is an unusual conifer that loses its leaves during the winter. The Bald Cypress is native to the southeastern U.S., ranging from Delaware to southern Florida and west to central Texas. Bald Cypress lives in about half of Alabama, but that half isn’t equally divided north to south. It encompasses the entire southern edge of the state but it grows further north on the western side of the state, away from more mountainous eastern Alabama. The Appalachian Round green cones and Mountains actually end in feathery branchlets identify Tallapoosa County – around the Bald Cypress Smith Mountain and the Devil’s Backbone along the eastern shore of Lake Martin – and that’s about the northern limit of the Bald Cypress in this part of the state. The trees photographed for this article are growing wild in the Willow Point neighborhood on the western side of the lake and on the southwestern shore of the lake near Kowaliga Marina. Bald Cypress can are very large, very slow-growing trees that are found mainly along rivers and swamps that flood regularly. They grow well in acidic, moist, mucky, sandy or loamy soil as well as in well-drained soils and clay in areas that receive adequate rainfall. These trees are unusual because while they are most often associated with a very wet habitat, they have been known to thrive well away from water, even in the Texas Hill Country. These trees go by a number of different names including Southern Cypress, Swamp Cypress, Red Cypress, Gulf Cypress, Yellow Cypress and Tidewater Red Cypress. Its scientific name is Taxodium distichum. Bald Cypress is also called “the wood eternal” because its heartwood is very resistant to decay. Trees routinely reach a height of 70 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 3-6 feet. These trees grow 1-2 feet per year in 38 LAKE

full sunlight and at maturity have a 25-foot canopy. They regularly reach the age of 600. However, some Bald Cypress trees have lived much, much longer and grown much, much larger. In Longwood, Fla., located inside the Big Tree Park, is the site where The Senator, a Bald Cypress estimated to be 3,500 years old, lived until Feb. 28, 2012, when an arsonist destroyed it. The Senator was the largest and oldest Bald Cypress in the world, and the largest tree east of the Mississippi river. At one time it reached 165 feet tall and had a 17.5 foot diameter. Located 40 feet from The Senator – out of the range of the fire – the Lady Liberty Tree still stands 89 feet tall with a 10 feet diameter. She is estimated to be 2,000 years old. Bald Cypress are deciduous conifers, meaning they shed their leaves or “needles” each winter. The needles are short and are paired on either side of slender branchlets that have a flat, soft, feathery look. A closely related tree, the Pond Cypress, which is also native to Alabama, is generally smaller and has branchlets that look stiffer and turn upwards. Bald Cypress needles are green to yellow-green during the growing season and turn red or orange in the fall. This tree produces both male and female flowers and forms round, green cone fruit about an inch in diameter. Those cones are packed with seeds: a pound of cones have been found to contain about 5,200 cypress seeds. The cones have two methods of distributing seeds away from the base of the tree: they are prized as a food source by wildlife and they also float. Cypress knees can be Bald Cypress bark is thin, rounded like these or sharpe cone shapes fibrous and fissured, and ranges from brown to silvergray in color. One of the most unique characteristics of a Bald Cypress is its ability to grow knees, or woody protrusions from the top of its roots. Some cypress knees are tapered, like cones or stalagmites, while others are more rounded and knobby like those pictured here. Scientists don’t know why these trees grow knees, but the most accepted theory is that they help buttress the tree in muddy, soft soil. High winds – even hurricanes – rarely blow over a Bald Cypress. Another theo-

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Bald Cypress

NATURE OF THE LAKE BY KENNETH BOONE

Bald Cypress trees on a slough in Willow Point

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ry is that knees that thrust up above the water level help the tree take in oxygen when its roots are growing under low-oxygenated swamp water. For years, cypress knees have been harvested and used to make carved figurines and decorative souvenirs. Tom Gaskins of Palmdale, Fla., made a living from cypress knees and operated the much-loved tourist attraction called Cypress Kneeland Museum until his death around the turn of the century. The swamps of Louisiana are so filled with Bald Cypress that it is officially recognized as the state tree. The high-dollar textured paneling called “Pecky Cypress” is Bald or Pond Cypress that has been infected by a fungus, Stereum taxodii, that causes beautiful red-brown recesses in the tree’s heartwood. It is expensive because less than 10 percent of all cypress trees are “sculpted” internally by the fungus. The Bald Cypress is a very useful tree. Beautiful cypress wood is used in construction, especially in places where resistance to rot is valued such as shingles, doors, fence posts, boat planking, caskets and river pilings, as well as for interior cabinetry and paneling. The tree is valued for its

ability to trap sediment and reduce damage from floods, as well as its ability to improve water quality and treat sewage and rehab areas damaged by surface mining. It is also an important part of the swamp and shoreline ecosystem, and benefits many species from wood ducks that nest in hollow cypress trees, to frogs, salamanders and toads that use the swamps as breeding grounds, to turkey, squirrels, and other birds that eat cypress seeds and to that other Alabama baldy, the Bald Eagle, that often nests in Bald Cypress treetops. You might be interested to know that there’s another Lake Martin where Bald Cypress trees are much more abundant. The Cypress Island Preserve is a 9,500 acre cypress-tupelo swamp located near Lafayette, La., in the heart of Cajun Country. The focal point of the famous Louisiana bird and alligator preserve is the 800-acre body of water known as Lake Martin. Some material for this article came from the Arbor Day Foundation, the National Wildlife Federation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wikipedia.

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Willow Point

Oak skin ceilings and dark floors anchor the light, open game room where the family gathers

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Retreat Birmingham decorator adds comfort and style to a home renovation for family and friends at the lake

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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W

hen interior decorator Jenny Edwards and her husband Lee purchased a Willow Point rectangle much in need of renovation about six years ago, she saw beyond its small windows and boxy, outdated floor plan to what the home could mean to her Birmingham family. The Edwardses hired Birmingham architect Jeff Dungan to expand the home’s footprint and brought in WSC Distinctive Builders LLC to finish the interior and exterior according to Edwards’ uniquely classic style to create an upscale, in-the-woods retreat tailored to the life they wanted to live at Lake Martin. “We wanted to keep it very calming,” Edwards said, “with not a lot for the eye to take in, but at the same time, very livable. We wanted it light and airy, a place where everyone could just plop down.” To that end, Edwards used outdoor and washable fabrics with clean materials, such as acrylic and metals, mixing these with natural woods, beloved antiques and contemporary art. She took bold steps to make the space their own, including the addition of a 16-foot white sofa in the kitchen dining area and white suede chair covers with right-side seams matched with a cowhide rug in the adjacent den. “I like mixing the acrylics with antiques because that way it looks like the pieces were acquired over a lifetime, not just bought and put together. And in this case, they really were. Most everything came from the old house to the new one,” Edwards said. Married 21 years, Edwards and Lee first came to the lake with friends 10 years ago.

“We just fell in love with it,” she said. “We go to the lake to rest and spend time with family and friends.” The friends include classmates of their 18-year-old daughter, a freshman this year at University of Alabama, as well as their 16-year-old son, so the Edwardses finished their children’s bedrooms with wide bunks and spacious private baths, locating these rooms on the street side of the house, and they situated the best and busiest rooms on the lake views. They knew the kids would spend most of their time in the huge game room, with its high ceilings and plenty of room for billiards, table tennis and television viewing. Paned windows, doors and transoms bathe the space with light, and lake views look across the slough to the 10th green on the Willow Point golf course and south across Willow Slough into the Kowaliga Basin. Above the game room, they added a tower where Lee can indulge his own passion. He loves to watch the weather; he especially loves to see the storms rolling in across the water from Land Between the Lakes, and with three walls of windows overlooking Lake Martin, he hardly misses an opportunity. In the game room, tower and other rooms throughout the house, the builders coaxed reclaimed woods from Evolutia to fit. The oak skins that once were shipping crates for cast iron pipes had settled into their own unique personalities, and small adjustments had to be made to each piece to line several of the home’s ceilings. The hand hewn beams in the lounge area of the game room are nearly 200 years old, having been salvaged from

Architect Jeff Dungan enlarged the home to 5,175 square feet with kitchen, game room, master suite and tower additions

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There's plenty of room for the teenagers and their friends to play billiards and table tennis and watch their favorite television shows

The original metal roof was replaced with Shaker shingles, and stacked stone blends the home with the surrounding woods

Edwards contrasted dark, natural elements against lighter backgrounds

A wingback chair in stamped linen occupies the master bay window

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Hand hewn beams, reclaimed from barns and log cabins in Ohio, Georgia and Alabama, support the roof structure over the game room lounge

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Shades of white and creams contrast with the dark soapstone island

Lee Edwards can watch the storms roll across Lake Martin from a weather-watching tower

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barns and log cabins in Ohio, Georgia and Alabama. And heart pine beams from Spring Mills in South Carolina bear the second-floor weight between the kitchen and den where the load-bearing walls were removed to open the rooms to space and light. The old textile mill, which dated to the late 1800s, was dismantled piece by piece to reclaim the timbers that likely were saplings when the first English settlers disembarked four centuries ago. Dungan’s plan enlarged the kitchen by a third and added a row of paned windows above the farmhouse table where the Edwards’ guests congregate. The overflow can take up the four covered chairs at the soapstone island or two utility stools upholstered with coarse stamped burlap. Soft under-the-cabinet lighting supplements the natural light reflected in the white furnishings and cabinets that are accented with dark pulls and the stone island. With an eye toward durability, Edwards chose synthetic floors, which will bear the punishment of many less-thancareful high school and college kids running through the home. When the stampede ebbs, hardwood can replace the synthetic, but in the meantime, the flooring still adds warmth and continuity to the house. In the master bedroom, Edwards covered the floor in bleached jute to contrast the creamy tans, taupes and grays of the room’s accents. Stamped linen covers the wingback chairs that bank a round wooden table and barrel lamp in the bay window. The adjacent master bath was designed with luxuriant relaxation in mind. A white and gray marble backsplash sets off the room’s centerpiece, a porcelain-lined chrome and cast iron tub. This exceptional room, which includes double vanities separated by custom cabinetry, walk-in closets, large shower and a private water closet, was once little more than a storage space in the original metal-roofed rectangle that the Edwards family purchased. But it’s the master suite’s added living area that the Edwardses most appreciate. The screened porch is where they share coffee in the morning and an evening glass of wine. The double fireplace there shares a chimney with a fireplace on the covered grilling porch outside the kitchen and den. A long patio walk borders the south and west sides of the game room, and the Edwardses used the granite from the original kitchen to create an outdoor bar here that opens to the large polished wood bar inside. The level lawn includes two fire pit areas on opposite sides of the lot. The second of these was added during the renovation, Edwards said. “We want all of the kids’ friends to come to our house,” she explained, “but we don’t want to have to listen to their music all the time, and they don’t want to listen to ours. So we created an adult side and a kids’ side.” Upstairs, the home features additional bedrooms and a media room, throughout which Edwards mixed clean contemporary lines with warm woods and textured fabrics. “We think our architect did a great job of transforming the house to suit our family’s needs, and our builder finished the interiors to create a great palette for how we wanted to live in it,” she said.

The kitchen addition created the space for a farm table dining area and 16-foot sofa

Jenny Edwards mixed antiques and coarse textures with contemporary art

The couple loves to relax on the covered porch

A taupe spread lends cozy warmth to a guestroom

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The master bath was designed for luxurious relaxation

Jenny and Lee relish the quiet moments they can spend together on the master porch

Their daughter's room includes plenty of sleeping space for visiting friends

A fireplace in the screened porch off the master shares a chimney with the grilling porch off the kitchen

A heart pine beam replaced the load-bearing wall between the kitchen and the den

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A carriage ride below Springhouse Restaurant

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Russell Forest Carriage Rides STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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E

ven in summer, Lake Martin isn’t just about the water. In addition to hiking, climbing and horseback riding, wagon rides through historic Russell Forest are another offwater activity that recently has grown in popularity. Linda Ingram, manager of The Stables at Russell Crossroads, said birthday parties, proposals, family reunions and private events that include buggy rides on the wooded trails are now booked year-round. The rides, which can accommodate up to 12 adults or 16 children, carry passengers along the scenic Big Way trail, over a wooden bridge with pole rails that once supported piers at an old Kowaliga dock. Rock retaining walls shore up the creek bed there, and picnic tables beckon among the spring wildflowers or fall foliage. Ingram said the tour often leads to Beechtree Hollow, a picturesque picnic site that hosts birthday parties, proposals and cookouts. “The parents will come out and put up decorations for the birthday parties, and we’ll take the kids down there in the big white wagon, drop them off and come back later to pick them up,” Ingram said. She always encourages parents to pack towels for the kids. “The stream runs across the trail, and the kids always play in it,” she laughed.

Beechtree Hollow is popular for adult parties, as well. “We had someone win the silent auction bid for a private party with Chef Rob McDaniel, and we brought them to Beechtree Hollow for a picnic. There were lights in the trees and tablecloths and flowers on the picnic tables. We had a bar set up, and Rob cooked onsite. It was really beautiful,” she said. “We took a young man and his girlfriend in the carriage, and he had a picnic all set up. He was going to propose. We dropped them off, and it was very romantic. They were engaged when we picked them up an hour later.” The tour also includes stops at historic sites where William Benson established a sawmill in the late 1800s and where a charcoal kiln was built in the 1940s to supply a budding tourism population at the lake. An African American entrepreneur, Benson built an earthen dam at the sawmill site, parts of which are still visible more than 100 years later. He also enlisted the support of landowners along a route from the mill to Alexander City to build a railroad for the hauling of lumber and other products, and he established a school where he taught trades and life skills to a generation of young African Americans who found the world a different place than the one in which their parents Trail Boss Stanley Ingram

100 Year Creek flows next to the Beechtree Hollow picnic spot

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The "Visa Vis" Carriage is used for weddings because riders face each other

The farm wagon

Clydesdales Elvis and Abe

Riding past the Benson Sawmill site

An original Weber chuck wagon from 1904

Hitch wagon Replica 1856 Butterfield Stagecoach

Kennon Reese, Prather Blackmon and Emily Pemberton,

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Twin kilns were used to make charcoal in the 1940s

The Lakeview Loop

Heading home past the new carriage barn that was built this year

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had grown up. Proposals and weddings are popular gigs for the elegant white horse drawn carriage, Ingram said, and some families return year after year for a traditional holiday ride, but as the families grow, they often trade the carriage for the larger wagon. “A real perk of this job is that some families come back year after year, so I get to see the kids grow up. And I get to see the weddings for the carriage proposals. This place means a lot to people. They have grown up here, and it’s nice that we get to be a part of that,” she said. “In the summer, we decorate the wagon for the Fourth of July with red, white and blue, and in the fall, we put fall foliage on it. We have several families that come every year for Thanksgiving. At Christmas, we put greenery and wreaths on it, and they bundle up for the ride,” she said. The white wagon is a replica of a model used in the late 1800s and early 1900s to carry guests from train depots and ship docks to resort areas. The 45-minute round-trip ride costs $200 – no matter how many people climb on board. Children must be at least 6 years old to ride. The wagon is pulled by Percherons or Clydesdales, draft horses that originated in Europe and are known for their willingness to work. Along the route, passengers are treated to the beautiful scenery of the woods and the wildlife that populates Russell Forest. Deer cross the trail, and Canada geese sun themselves on the banks of the spring-fed Hundred Year Creek, which winds through the trees like a lovely ribbon. Mossy rocks and shady groves attract turtles, and warblers and nuthatches flit and fly in the canopy of leaves. Carriage rates vary according to its use, but the remaining two wagons are used for display only and are not safe for passenger rides, Ingram said. The stagecoach, built by Latham Coach Works in 2005, is an event display that is very similar to the original coaches used to transport passengers during the settlement of the country. “It has rubber on the original wheels for travel on asphalt and electrified lights,” Ingram explained. “The original stagecoaches didn’t have lights. They always tried to be at a safe haven by nightfall.” The 1904 Weber wagon is an original, but Ingram said it is not safe for passenger use, as it has wooden brakes while the replica models have hydraulic brakes. “The horses do most of the stopping, but you do need that extra safety measure, and the Weber wagon doesn’t have it,” she said. The wagons now are housed in a carriage house that was built earlier this year. “We were constantly moving them in and out of the main barn, so it’s nice to have this building now,” Ingram said. The carriage house was built with trees that were cut on Russell property, as well as features that were salvaged from the renovation at Willow Point’s Stone Grille. And the batten board decorative pattern in the gable was created with scrap pieces of the siding used on the exterior walls. But it adds to the beauty and ambience of The Stables, which sits at the bottom of a quiet hillside below SpringHouse Restaurant at Russell Crossroads. And it is a part of the growing number of off-the-water activities that enhance a stay at the lake at any time of year.

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Where did you move here from? And how did that area compare with Lake Martin? My wife and I have our permanent residence in Birmingham, but one of the major perks of my work with New Water is that we live on the property during the summer. During June and July, we live right off of Lake Martin on the 25 acres of New Water. It’s quite the fringe benefit! How did you first hear about Lake Martin? Everyone talks about Lake Martin! How could they not? It’s so spacious and beautiful. I moved to Birmingham in 2006 and was fortunate to have church members who opened their lake homes for different ministries in the church. Their generosity was my first exposure to the lake. What did you find of interest about the lake when you first heard of it? It’s huge! There is so much activity on the lake, but because it has so much shoreline and so many fingers, it does not feel too busy. When did you make your first visit here and what was your first impression of the lake? Was that different than what you expected? My first trip to Lake Martin was in 2007, and what I found amazing (and still do!) is how clean it is. I can’t recall ever being in a lake this clean. How long have you been here and what places have you visited at the lake so far? June 1st was my start date with New Water, so I am still getting acclimated to all the things going on. One great place I have visited is the Smith Mountain fire tower. I have to admit it was a bit intimidating climbing up the tower, but the view was worth it all. There is a nice little hike going up to the tower as well. What is your role at New Water, and what is your mission there? I serve as the director for the farm, so I have my hands in a little bit of everything. One thing that I do specifically on the farm is glassblowing. After earning an accounting degree, I went back for a degree in art with a concentration in glassblowing. Currently, I’m the only one that makes our glassware, but I hope to train some aspiring glass artists very soon through our glass classes. Our mission is to cultivate growth and renewal wherever it is needed. Before we got the land we have now, it was totally destroyed by the tornados in 2011. We got that land, cleaned it up, built it up and renewed it. What we did with the land, we are doing with people, too. We don’t see a sacred and secular divide, so we believe the work we do on the field is as meaningful and mission-filled as the work we do in our churches. We want people who come in contact with the farm to increasingly see the connection of God in their families, careers and every other facet of 58 LAKE

their lives. How have you been greeted and welcomed to the area? New Water Farms really desires to be a benefit to everyone around it, which is something I champion heavily. When people learn that you are here to help and not take, it opens up so many relationships. I have been blessed to get to know so many wonderful people around the lake, and I have felt very welcomed. There are some amazing and talented people that live here. It has been humbling to hear their stories. How can the surrounding communities be part of New Water’s success? New Water exists for everyone to enjoy, so the best way to be part of the success is to enjoy the events and activities we host throughout the year. We have a fun cycling event October 14-15. There will be an encouraging and practical Community Transformation Summit October 25-27. We also plan to open our first glass blowing class this fall. Signing up for our newsletter and participating in our events are great ways to get involved. Besides enjoying the things we do throughout the year, we always welcome volunteers. We have been humbled and blessed by so many who have taken a few hours on a weekend to help us in the garden and in the orchards. Our Farm Manager, Sidney Hancock, is always ready to put someone to work. You can email her at sidney@newwater.com. What are your hobbies or interests? I love working with molten glass, primarily through handcrafted blown glass. I enjoy reading and having discussions about theology. Sports are always a fun thing to play and watch. Building furniture, playing disc golf and playing with my son are favorite activities, too. If you could have dinner with any three people from any era, who would they be and why? I’m going with three people who are currently alive. I would have dinner with Tim Keller, Jimmy Fallon and Greg Maddux. Keller because he is one of the greatest Christian thinkers and pastors alive. Jimmy Fallon because he would keep us all laughing. And Greg Maddux because he was my favorite baseball player growing up. I think there are a lot of common interests there, and I think it would be a wellbalanced discussion of theology, sports and jokes. How long have you been married and how did you meet? I have been married to my wife, Heather, for eight glorious years. We met through a Christian community gathering on our college campus in Americus, Georgia.

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Lake Q&A

Micah Simpson

New Water Farms’ new director shares his impressions after his first summer at Lake Martin

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Do you have children? We have a son named Daniel who is 3 years old. The Lord has graciously given us another child who is due March 2017. Daniel is currently in awe of Thomas the Tank Engine and Paw Patrol. He loves to pray at dinner and evening devotion. We are proud and thankful parents for the Lord’s protection and guidance in his life. What valuable life lesson have you learned from a child? When I was 5 years old, I lived in an apartment after my family moved to New Orleans. There was another Micah that lived two doors down from me. We both believed we could fly like Superman, so naturally he encouraged me to fly from the third floor to the roof of the first floor pool shed. It didn’t seem right to me, so I told him I had flown too much and was tired. He “flew” down to the shed. His broken leg and arm taught me not to go with the flow but always to go with what is right. If you were going to write a book, what would it be about? I began a book last year called Producerism. The thesis is that we are created in the image of God and, as image bearers, we find life, fulfillment and joy when we orient our lives around creating and letting go, rather than taking and consuming. Unfortunately in our culture, it is easy to wade into the rhythm of consuming, and in my own experience, it leaves me unfulfilled and lacking. One reason we are thrilled to have volunteers come

to New Water is not only because the help is greatly appreciated, but also because we want people to experience co-creating with God. Watching soil go to harvest, and harvest go to jam on the shelf is far more than just making a profit. We are fulfilling the cultural mandate in Genesis, and we see the story go from a Garden to Revelation, where we find a cultivated, thriving city. That’s what my book would be about. What change for the better do you hope to be a part of bringing to fruition at Lake Martin? This is the best and most important question, and the honest answer is “I’m not sure.” I’m new to the area, and I have been learning a lot. New Water Farms is here to help, but it may turn out that the lake community has the biggest change on us. We invite people to offer up ways New Water can help. I would love for New Water to be a place where people find rest and good news. We welcome people to come grow in their faith, as well as people who want to know about the faith. We hope the farm adds a fresh perspective on how work and God belong together, how every part of our lives is infused with meaning and hope. We all struggle at times to see the full glory of that, so I would say that is very important to the mission of New Water Farms. We want anyone and everyone who steps foot on our property to leave renewed, refreshed and hopeful.

Looking for the perfect Lake Martin Area home?

Contact us today.

73 PINE POINT POINT, TRILLIUM

419 PINE POINT POINT, TRILLIUM 5 BR, 4.5 BA • $995,000

5 BR, 4 BA W/OFFICE • $969,900

375 WINDY WOOD

499 OLD STILL ROAD

1923 POINT WINDY DRIVE

1698 16 698 CAPSTONE CAPS STO ONE DRIVE

650 SHORELINE DRIVE

279 NORTH O HOLIDAY O DRIVE

5 BR, 4.5 BA • $1,699,000

5 BR, 5.5 BA • $715,000

5 BR, 4.5 BA • $679,000

4 BR, 4.5 BA • $549,000

AMANDA SCROGGINS amanda@amandascroggins.com www.amandascroggins.com 256-749-6634

4 BR, 3.5 BA • $840,000

SAMANTHA SPURLIN sam@samanthaspurlin.com www.samanthaspurlin.com 256-786-0650

office 256.329.LAKE (5253) • 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL

60 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2016

4 BR, 2 BA • $449,000


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FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

FABULOUS FINDS

136 Oaks Point • $929,000 Incredible custom lake home on large point lot with 424 Ft. wf. Near Hwy 280. 4 BR, 4 Bath with four car garage. Solid oak flooring and cabinets, oak panel library, home theather...Call to see today! Great Value! First Realty Call Bill Whatley 256-234-5163 www.lakemartinhomes.net

36 Village Court, Dadeville • $299,500 Easy Living in a Stylish Bungalow Lake Home! 3BD/3BA, FR opens to a screened porch w/stone FP, perfect for entertaining! Guest house includes a BD/BA and screened lake room w/ FP on second level. Lots of decks and outdoor shower for outdoor living. Lovely tongue and groove ceilings throughout, gorgeous stonework, private master suite, all Village amenities, including common docks for boating! RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Amanda Scroggins 256-749-6634 www.amandascroggins.com

2056, Alexander City• $229,000 Don't miss seeing this lovely, spacious, brick home, located in the sought after neighborhood of Parish Hills! 3BD/2BA, open Kit/DR/FR w/vaulted ceilings, FP & beautiful travertine tile flooring. Lots of kit cabinets, eatin bar, granite tile counter. Master suite features luxury BA. Great back yard w/2-tier yard & covered patio. Ample 3-car garage w/ plenty of workspace. Ready for family living! RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com

35 Canoe Point, Equality • $795,000 New Construction. The Shell Cracker XL is a great terrace level floor plan designed by Mitch Ginn. Home features two bedrooms and baths on both main and terrace levels. Terrace also has game room with summer kitchen. Located in the new development of Cedar Point with large lots and incredible views. This pre-sale package includes the lot, cottage, seawall, and dock. Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

139 Cedar Drive, Equality • $760,000 Proposed new construction. Plans by architect Mitch Ginn. The Spot Tail's design provides a great place to relax or entertain guests with its open living, dining and kitchen area. Located in the new development of Cedar Point. Large lots with incredible views. Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

396 Holley Mill Road, Eclectic • $395,000 Beautiful custom 4 BR, 4 BA home on 10 fenced acres with barn and pond. Located in the Eclectic school district just 5 minutes from Kowaliga on Lake Martin. Home has surround sound with custom built-in entertainment center. Bonus room could be 5th bedroom. Gated entrance. If you want room for horses yet convenience to Lake Martin, look no further. Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

441 Windy Wood, Alexander City • $850,000 226 Wood Sorrell Way, Jackson’s Gap • $599,000 South Ridge Harbor, Breakwater • $1,575,000 Long lot with 129 +/- ft of waterfront, great views, Lake living in an incredible custom home featuring Just completed by Newcastle Construction and trees, natural areas & yard which provide an excellent peaceful water views! Open floor plan, vaulted ceildesigned by David Smelcer. This 3,825 sq. ft. five setting to enjoy Lake Martin. Home offers plenty of ings, beautiful hardwood floors, custom cabinets, bedroom, four and one half bathroom plan has genroom with its open kitchen, family dining & family large master suite on main, stone fireplace, screened erous open living-dining-kitchen with owner’s suite room which open to a wide porch. There are 4 bedand open porch, dining and breakfast areas, laundry and guest suite on main level. Lake level offers rooms, 4 baths & 2 rooms that can be anything you on main and terrace level. 3 bedrooms and 3 baths on three bedrooms, two baths, rec room, bunk room, want! The terrace level den exits to a great porch & terrace level along with a den and workshop. Two car and lake prep room. Covered porch and lake level lawn on your way to the lake. Visit soon! garage and beautiful landscaping!! A MUST see!! patio provide lots of outdoor living space. Lake Martin Realty Lake Martin Realty Russell Lands On Lake Martin Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 Amy Duncan 256.212.2222 Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 www.LakeMartinRealty.com www.LakeMartinRealty.com www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

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SEPTEMBER 2016

Willow Glynn, Cove Cottage • $1,197,000 Ready To Move In! Henderson & Coker just completed this beauty in Willow Glynn. A Mitch Ginn design includes owner’s suite, guest bedroom, bunkroom, and bonus loft room on main level. Expansive open kitchen-dining-living area with access to large covered porch. Lake level offers 2 guest suites, large family room, covered patio and bar for plenty of lake fun. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com


S

First, focus on photos

eptember is a great time for taking to take the best pictures possible. shadows all over that outdoor kitchen? pictures around Lake Martin. Everybody knows this, but at the lake Not just morning or afternoon, but what I can think of so many great it means getting really nice shots of exact time of day? If you were really occasions – back to school, football the lake side of the house. For a waterdoing a good job, you would want to weekends, times when you want to say front home, the lake side is the main take pictures of every side of the house. “look at me, I’m still skiing side. Buyers come for the Do you need to come back another and you’re at work,” hiklake, so the lake is the most day at a different time and take more ing, fishing, hunting or just important thing. pictures or video of different sides of the plain ole hanging out. It sounds pretty elemenhouse to take advantage of differing light If you are like me, you tary, but time and time situations? Will it be cloudy the day you imagine these perfect photo again, I see pictures on the try? opportunities and how MLS or on other sites where How then, can you plan for shadows good they would look on it’s obvious that the agent or and the path of the sun? Does it require social media. Your subject owner did not take this into camping out and taking notes for an looks dazzling. The picture account. If I were a seller of entire day? is composed so well that a waterfront home on Lake Enter my not-so-secret-weapon-of-aKenneth Boone would nod Martin, I would insist on the website: suncalc.net. in artistic appreciation. best media possible – picI was tipped off to this website by Your “friends” on Facebook tures, video, aerial pictures, my friend and architect Bryan Jones. LAKE PROPERTY would seethe with envy, yet 3D tours, etc. The whole Architects are another group of profesBY JOHN COLEY comment something like nine yards. I would make sionals that really pay attention to the “so cute!” or “time, please slow down!” the main thing the main thing. Show me sun. If you are like me, you also mess up a great picture of the lakeside facade. This site will tell you the best time of just about 99 out of 100 shots you take. One of the steps in getting great picday at any place around the world. Just Everyone’s hair is combed; the dog is tures is having superb lighting. The best plug in an address, and you can see the looking directly in the camera; the kids possible. I am nowhere near a professun’s path at any given time on any given appear genuinely well adjusted, but sional photographer, but at least I try to day of the year. everyone is squinting like a gunfighter in get the best light. To do that, I have to Where should you take pictures on a spaghetti western. Ugh! figure out the time of day that is going Easter morning at Grandma’s house? The same goes for real estate photogto be most flattering for the outside of When’s the best time to photograph your raphy. the home. This differs for every home on dock at the lake? All of these questions Sure, I will grant you, no one is likely Lake Martin because the lake side of the can be answered at suncalc.net. to print out a picture of your home from home might be facing in any direction. Incidentally, if you want to shoot the MLS and hang it on their fridge. It If you have a west facing home and Acapulco Rock in the full sun in the probably will not go viral like the “Back take early morning pictures, your results middle of August, try 11:05 a.m. To School” shots of your kids, but that will be draped in shadow. You have to doesn’t mean it’s not important. Having plan around that. John Coley is a broker and owner of really good pictures of a home that is for Also, at Lake Martin, many waterfront Lake Martin Voice Realty. He is also the sale is still paramount in my business. I homes sit on wooded lots, so you have author of the blog Lake Martin Voice at really like all of the media that we have to take that into account. What sun angle LakeMartinVoice.com. these days – video, aerial footage and 3D would be best to avoid the trees casting walkthroughs – but that doesn’t mean we agents should forsake the humble photograph. 256.215.FISH (3474) 2190 Cherokee Road , Alex City, AL The most important picture is the first www.alexcitymarine.com one listed in the MLS or online. That’s because we know from the numbers that 90 percent of homebuyers use the web to Certified scout for homes. A great majority of peoOutboard Dealer ple’s first move is to look online, not call an agent. That lead picture is the home’s mug shot. It is the maker or breaker. If the first picture doesn’t look good, the ever-roving eye of the buyer will move on without a click. Call us today about our That is why it’s really important Winterization Specials SEPTEMBER 2016

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A Sense of Humor T

he past eight or nine the mail from Alabama months have been Power, etc., about the fall rather bizarre in extension of the summany ways. In December mer pool. As part of the of last year, God demrecent relicensing process, onstrated His/Her sense Alabama Power requested of humor regarding the and FERC approved a proFederal Energy Regulatory cess that could allow our Commission’s (FERC) lake to remain at higher lengthy delay in approving summer levels until Oct. HOBO higher winter water levels 15, instead of the traditional BY DAVID HEINZEN for Lake Martin. The skies Sept. 1 date to begin the fall opened up and heavy rains drawdown. came filling our lake to nearly full pool Complicated criteria was developed before 2016 arrived. Many lake property that has four very exact conditions that owners had their planned dock repairs must occur for the fall extension to occur. delayed or cancelled. As is so often the The power company admitted during case, the water level continued to rise for relicensing that if we were lucky, one days after our New Year’s celebration. year out of five or six would qualify for OK, so maybe it wasn’t directly God’s the fall extension, but don’t expect it this sense of humor, but it could be logically year – or very often. attributed to God’s direction to His/Her The HOBOs recommended to FERC El Niño creation. That long-standing that a simple policy of maintaining weather pattern brings ample rain to the minimum flows if the lake is below rule Southeast and tends to shred Atlantic hur- curve until Oct. 15 each year would ricanes before they can cause too much greatly simplify the process and provide damage to land and people. as much water as possible. Alabama Consider those December rain events Power opposed this recommendation. as El Niño’s curtain call because, other Neighborhood Watch than a couple of weeks of some wet During the past year, the HOBOs have weather at the end of July and early assisted in the organization of 11 separate August, La Niña has replaced her big Neighborhood Watch groups located brother and has caused the declining on the eastern side of Lake Martin. The Lake Martin water level. Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department La Niña will also encourage more has assisted in the formation of each and more dangerous hurricane activity group, and recently the Watch groups this year. The National Weather Service were introduced to the new Sheriff’s has already warned us that more named Alert email system that will allow law storms will be coming at us. enforcement to advise Watch members of Awful and seemingly continuous wild emergency conditions in the area, such as fires in California and incessant rain that tornados, fires and traffic problems. has brought record flooding to Louisiana One of the most important benefits has this HOBO thanking the Good Lord of the Sheriff’s Alert system will be for our good fortune in having Alabama communication directed to the specific as home. neighborhoods to be on the lookout for The stock market was set to crash possible criminal activity, certain vehicles before righting itself and gaining back or suspicious persons. The HOBOs more than it had lost. The politics of this and sheriff’s department will continue election year has been, at best, very ugly. organizing Neighborhood Watch groups It is sure to get worse with the electoraround the lake. If you are interested in ate being faced with a Hobson’s choice helping to organize your area, please conas to which of the major party nominees tact Jesse Cunningham at 256-825-0919. should be handed the reins of our great nation. Learn more about the Lake Martin Fall Lake Levels Home Owners and Boat Owners Lake Martin lovers have seen several Association at www.lakemartin.org. newspaper articles, confusing flyers in 64 LAKE

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I

Hail the Kale

have to admit that until recently I had been such as hair and skin. It also helps with immune timid about experimenting with kale, but if function and eyesight. you have not yet tried this superfood, now is Kale is available in several varieties, which the best time. You are missing out on a very tasty, can be curly, flat, or bluish in tint mixed in with healthy leafy green. the green color. It is best to try them all, as each This powerful green is a member of the crucifer variety tastes a little different. You can go to a family and has been around since 2000 B.C. It was farmers market and find several types of kale, first grown extensively in ancient Greece and Italy. and most grocery stores have at least one variety. Modern day kale is one of the few vegetables that You can also grow kale in your own garden or in meets or exceeds the nutritional value of its wild containers. counterpart. Kale is known as the king of the cruciWhether you buy kale or grow it yourself, fer family and is touted as a nutrition superfood. look for dark crisp leaves. It is best to store kale HEALTHY LIVING in the crisper drawer and use it within a day or Some say that kale has a very bitter taste, which BY JULIE HUDSON unfortunately gives it a bad reputation. Research so. Prepare the kale by plucking the leaves off has shown that on average, adults in the United the tough stalk and then tear the leaves into biteStates are only consuming about six ounces of this superfood size pieces. Kale can be added to eggs, soups, pasta sauces and per year. smoothies or mixed with other greens in salads. Incorporating kale into your diet can benefit your health in Sautéing kale is a great way to try it for the first time. Use a many ways. Kale is packed with a lot of nutrition; it is very small amount of olive oil, onion and garlic. It will cook in just inexpensive and is available year round. a few minutes. Keep in mind that the leaves are tougher than Just one cup of raw kale includes 3 grams of protein, 2.5 spinach leaves and therefore will not wilt immediately. grams of fiber and vitamins A, C and K. Kale is a good source Kale Caesar salad also is a very popular way to incorporate of Folate, Alpha-linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acid and this superfood into your diet. You can simply use raw kale, a Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which protects small amount of Caesar dressing and against macular degeneration and catagrated Parmesan cheese. racts. It is packed full of the minerals My favorite recipe for using kale is that we sometimes don’t eat enough of, to pull the leaves off the tough stalk. This often-overlooked including phosphorus, potassium, calTear the leaves into bite size pieces. green is a tasty treat cium and zinc. Place leaves on a sprayed or greased Kale benefits people with diabetes cookie sheet. Sprinkle a small amount by providing lots of fiber. Research has of Parmesan cheese over the leaves. shown that people with diabetes have Cook the kale in the oven on 350 better blood sugar control when eating a degrees until the leaves wilt and turn high fiber diet. The Dietary Guidelines a bit crispy. Place the leaves in a salad recommend 21-25 mg fiber per day for bowl. Toss with a very small amount women and 30-38 mg fiber a day for of Caesar dressing and top with roasted men. pumpkin seeds. I have found that by Another benefit that kale delivers is using a small amount of Parmesan the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. This cheese you do not need to add any extra has been shown to lower glucose levels salt. and increase insulin sensitivity and to decrease peripheral neuKale chips are easy to make. Follow this same recipe and ropathy, which can be a risk factor for diabetes. omit the dressing and pumpkin seeds. You can sprinkle the The fiber, potassium, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 in kale all leaves with your favorite combination of seasonings, such as contribute to a healthy heart. Potassium adds benefits, such cumin, curry powder, chili powder or garlic powder before as reducing your risk of stroke. Research indicates that kale baking. reduces blood pressure. It is important to decrease sodium You can’t go wrong with this dark, leafy green superfood intake, as well as increase potassium intake. Those with if you are looking for a powerful nutrition punch. It is packed impaired kidney function should be cautious about increasing full with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, protein and fiber. potassium intake. Always ask for medical advice before makKale is nutrient dense, low in calories and very inexpensive. I ing drastic changes. think you will be happy that you tried this superfood. Due to the high fiber and water content of kale, it promotes regularity and a healthy digestive tract. Lastly, kale is high in Julie Hudson is a dietician at the Lake Martin Wellness beta-carotene, which is essential for the growth of all tissues, Center in Dadeville. 66 LAKE

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Grind It Out ... or Run and Gun? I’

m back from my eighth Bassmaster Elite sibly gotten the bites. But that would have meant Series event of the season and the third I couldn’t look at other places that I suspected had that’s been held on a tidal fishery. If you’re potential as well. It came down to what areas I unfamiliar with how tidal fishing works, here it was most confident in. is in a nutshell: Each day, the water level, current I found a productive area in practice and direction and current speed fluctuate. Just like you made the cut there, but it was not the glory hole notice at the beach, the water will be much higher that Lucas had. I elected to stick with that spot or much lower than six hours prior, depending on throughout the tide swing and adjust how I fished the schedule of the tide. according to the water level, as opposed to trying Most of the time at tidal fisheries, we are using to run different spots and “chase” the tide. shallow water patterns. It’s not uncommon to be Basically, I had to “grind” it out, but it got me fishing an area that may have been nearly dry a a check. Had I chosen to run around trying to hit BIG CATCHES few hours earlier or where the current was flowing spots according to the tide, it’s very possible that I BY GREG VINSON in a completely different direction. would have had a terrible finish. I’ve struggled with tidal fisheries in the past Tidal fisheries are an extreme example of makbecause it really challenges how confident I am in a particular ing the decision to stick with one area and catch as much as you area. A major hurdle in tidal fishing is that I can be in a very can there – the grind – versus running multiple areas and hopgood area at the wrong time and not get a bite. I experienced ing to hit them at the right time – run and gun. that this time. There are plenty of variables that influence this decision, I fished an area in practice that by all indications definitely depending on the type of fishery you are on and the quality of should have had bass on it. I didn’t get a bite. To my dismay, fish that you think can be produced with each approach. Justin Lucas went on to completely obliterate the rest of the Personally, I prefer the run and gun approach most of the field on that same spot, with the same technique, later in the time. This is a way to maximize my efficiency by just focusing week. The only real difference was the tide. I practiced the spot on high percentage areas and targets. Most important to the run on high tide, probably one of the most difficult times to get and gun approach is the development of a pattern. bites on a tidal fishery. Lesson learned ... I hope. A pattern exists when you can duplicate elements – such as Had I believed strongly enough that the place had such your bait, preferred cover, type of area, depth, etc. By focusing potential, I could have practiced there on a better tide and poson areas that offer the right combination of elements, you can 68 LAKE

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keep yourself in high percentage situations. It’s also important to know your goal for the day. One pattern may be better for just catching numbers of fish, but you might find that another pattern produces the better quality fish. If you are a tournament angler, you’re most likely going to utilize the pattern for quality fish more often. In the case of my most recent tournament, I had very few bites in practice, even when I focused on what I thought were high percentage areas. Since I only had one area in which I had gotten multiple bites, I felt that it was best to hunker down and “grind” out as many fish from there as possible. This is a difficult way to fish. You are limited to a small area, looking at essentially the same cover and oftentimes making the same casts repeatedly all day in hopes of getting just enough bites to stay competitive. For someone with all the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder, this is real challenge. The upside is that you are not burning a lot of gas and time running around. In my case, the area also offered better-than-average quality fish, and that was important to me since we only count our five biggest bass. The big question is when do you grind it out and when do you run and gun? The answer is to determine which method has the most potential to meet your goals for the day. Again, success hangs on the thread of decisions. That’s the real challenge in fishing. Occasionally, it’s a combination of the two. A run and gun approach might be best when you feel like the fish are more active. Early morning just after sunrise is a good example. As the activity level slows, you

might find it’s more productive to slow down and work high percentage targets in a small area for a few extra big bites. Big fish are notoriously lazy so oftentimes the grind approach will help you put those larger fish in the boat. Some anglers are better at grinding; others are better at run and gun. Kevin Van Dam usually runs and guns, and his record proves that the approach works. Greg Hackney is a grinder, and his record proves that approach, as well. Although certain fisheries and certain conditions favor one approach or the other, it’s not unusual for anglers to do well using one approach or the other, depending on their styles. It may be as simple as identifying the style at which you are best and focusing on that approach. Or dedicate efforts to improving your game at the style with which you are not as proficient as you’d like to be. In my case, I’m working on being a better grinder. It’s interesting to note that I fished the same 100-yard area as Greg Hackney for three days. We both had to grind it out. I shouldn’t be surprised that his experience and success with that approach resulted in a stronger finish than mine in the end. But I was proud that I kept my head in the game and grinded it out enough to have a respectable event. The next time I have to grind it out in an event, I expect to do even better. Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series and PAA tours. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

SEPTEMBER 2016

LAKE 69


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We Touch the Lives of the People You Love SEPTEMBER 2016 PM16_DadeRehabHalfPg_Mag3.indd 1

8/12/16 3:14 PM

5/18/16 3:58 PM


Roasted Eggplant, Chickpea Salad and Greek Yogurt 6 1 1 1 1

small Fairy Tale eggplants cup rinsed chickpeas tablespoon chopped parsley tablespoon chopped mint clove garlic minced

Zest of 2 lemons 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup Greek yogurt Juice from 1 lemon

Toss eggplants in 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper and roast in a 400-degree oven for 20 minutes; cooking time may vary according to the size of eggplants. The eggplants should be slightly soft but not mushy. While eggplants are roasting, mix together the chickpeas, remainder of olive oil, parsley, mint, garlic and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, mix lemon juice with yogurt. Once you are ready to plate, arrange the eggplant on a serving plate, top with chickpea salad; then drizzle with yogurt. Enjoy!

SEPTEMBER 2016

CHEF’S TABLE

BY ROB MCDANIEL Rob McDaniel, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and is a graduate of the New England culinary Institute.

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Tailgate Time

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U

nless you’re not from around a sprinkle of poppy seeds. Underline here, like from another galaxy, in a pinch. Then add yellow mustard, you know that folks in these not Grey, stone ground or honey; yelparts take autumn pretty seriously. It’s low mustard. Top this with sweet pickle a festive time of year with huge crowds relish, a kosher dill spear (or cucumber of people decked out in the colors of the slices), slices or wedges of red, ripe season – yellows, red, crimson, white, tomatoes, diced white onion, one or two orange and blue – with a smattering of sport peppers and a generous dash of black and gold. Yep, college football celery salt. This salad on a bun is a hot will be the hot topic for the next three dog to cheer about, and if you didn’t months. The action on the field will be know, now you do. fierce. Wine for tailgating can also range As pregame parties have become from simple to gourmet, though I would FROM THE CELLAR avoid the extravagant. The top pick for more elaborate, the competition for the BY HENRY FOY best tailgate spread will also be spirited. a wine that will go well with most of the Some of these players strategize well in basic fare above is a big, red Zinfandel. advance while others have time-tested game plans Not the pink, not a white zin. A deep, rich and red that score big year after year. Though we generally sho’ nuf Zinfandel. I like a good zin like the three think of the tailgate party as happening in the parkpictured in the picnic basket, The Federalist, Frank ing lots or open fields near a stadium, it is a social Family and Lodi California OZV, which range in event that can take place anywhere you like and you price from $17 to $30. A Zinfandel will go very well don’t really need a tailgate. What you do need is a with the red meats, chili, grilled meats and cheesy few rabid fans of one team or another, not necesitems. sarily football, a little food and a wee dram of your Since it will still be pretty warm in September, favorite adult beverage – or more; a dram is about don’t hesitate to chill your reds for a bit. 1/8 fluid ounce. Wee, indeed. Considering that they would come out of the cellar Anyone could probably name the staples for most at 55 degrees, 80-plus is too warm. The “proper” tailgate parties. They are the quick and easy-toserving temperature for a Zinfandel is 57-67 degrees. make-and-serve favorite recipes that are sure to be With high outdoor temperatures. your inclination found in one variation or another at any gathering might be a cool white. To sooth some of the spiciwhere friends, family and fans huddle around a grill ness that could be prevalent in this menu, a Spatlese or TV. Hamburgers and hot dogs are high on the list. Riesling or the Austrian Am Berg Ott Gruner You might expect to see a plate of cheesy, meaty Veltliner ($21) would also be good choices. Right in nachos, award-winning chili, hot wings, pulled pork the middle, a chilled dry rosé would be a nice light, and anything that can be grilled – chicken, ribs or very light, red wine. I say red because it is not a steak. Pump it up with grilled veggies but don’t forwhite wine and in many cases is not even pink. The get old standards like potato salad and coleslaw. Bieler Rose from the Provence region of France is That’s just the basics. Think of all the things very popular ($14) and is a blend of Grenache, you can do with a hamburger, from innovative patSyrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault, all red ties to a shopping cart full of toppings with differwine grapes with a touch of the white grape called ent cheeses, yum. In the category with hot dogs, Rolle. including the chilidogs, slaw dogs and a fully Ask 10 sommeliers (certified high level wine dressed Chicago dog, don’t be afraid to branch experts) or 10 top chefs what wine to bring to a tailout to the sausages, such as Italian sausage and gate party, and you will get 10 different suggestions. Bratwurst. If it’s your party and you want to have some wine Anyone who cooks has a favorite rendition for on hand, I would limit the choices, a red, a white nachos and chili, and there are at least that many and maybe a sparkling, rather than trying to have a recipes for wings. Your spread can be simple or different wine for each item. It isn’t a case of “any gourmet. wine will do,” though most people aren’t that picky Before we get to the beverages, the wine, let’s and wine is amazingly versatile. And don’t forget the explore the Chicago dog, which in my book will beer. have its own chapter, but I’m sure most of my neighDare I end with “cheers!”? bors have never seen one. The true Chicago-style hot dog starts with an all beef, natural casing frankfurter Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine, that “snaps” in your mouth when you bite into it. Café 128, Gallery 128 and Lake Martin’s They can be grilled or boiled, but without this only walk-in cigar humidor located in downmain ingredient, the adventure is pointless. Next, town Alexander City at 128 Calhoun Street. He you really need steamed poppy seed buns, which in can be reached at 256.212.WINE, on Instagram, a pinch you could fabricate using regular buns and Facebook and at emporium128@bellsouth.net. SEPTEMBER 2016

LAKE 73


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The Grip

Pro Tips From Lee Williams Ben Hogan is known as the greatest ball striker of all time in the game of golf. There are many reasons for this, but one that cannot be overlooked was his obsession with the grip. Mr. Hogan fought a bad hook in the early part of his career, due in part to a faulty grip. He had what would be considered a strong grip. A strong grip is one where the V formed in between the left index finger and left thumb point at the right shoulder and the V in between your right index finger and right thumb point at your right shoulder (for left handed golfers, the V would be pointing at the left shoulder instead of right shoulder). Another way to identify a strong grip is by noting how many knuckles can be seen on the left hand at address. If more than two and a half knuckles are visible, the grip is on the strong side (seeing more than two and a half knuckles on the right hand for lefty). Once Mr. Hogan identified that he could weaken his grip to where he only saw a couple of knuckles at address or where the Vs in his thumb and index fingers on both hands pointed closer to his right ear, he quit fighting a hook, and the rest is history. I do not suggest weakening your grip more than where you can see fewer than two knuckles. Please understand this doesn't mean that if you don't have a technically perfect grip, you can't play good golf. All I'm saying is if you have what is considered a neutral grip, you will not have to work as hard to hit good golf shots. There are a lot of people with strong grips who play professional golf. If you are most comfortable with a stronger grip, realize you must turn your upper body harder through the shot to keep the face square through impact. If you have a weak grip, I suggest you try to get it to neutral. History is not on the side of people with weak grips. The best way to get comfortable with the grip is to practice holding a club at home while you watch television. After a couple weeks, you will adjust to the feel and will be more comfortable at the course.

Words of Wisdom to keep the game fun

Few hobbies can be as enjoyable one moment and as frustrating the next as golf. Golfers know a great putt can be quickly followed by a bad tee shot, and maintaining composure through the highs and lows of the game is a key to success on the links. Maintaining that composure isn’t always easy, even for the professionals. Golf can be quite demanding, and beginners and experienced players alike would be wise to heed a few tips to improve their games. Don’t commit to an expensive set of clubs right off the bat. Golf clubs can be very expensive, so buy an affordable secondhand set of clubs to get the hang of what Remembr, if golf you like before spendisn't fun, why play? ing a lot of money. Visit a pro shop for some valuable suggestions and try out a pair of clubs. Take lessons. Even the very best at self-teaching find it extremely difficult to become a self-taught golfer. Before hitting the course, learn the fundamentals by taking a few lessons at the driving range. Learn from a professional, who will offer sound advice on the game’s fundamentals. Take the game home with you. This doesn’t mean building a putting green in your backyard; rather, purchase some instructional DVDs to learn the game during down time throughout the week. These can help you master your grip and stance, which you can then take with you to the Good Luck! course over the weekend. Have fun. Golf is a fun game; it just takes time to hone Lee Williams, a professional golfer on the PGA Tour, your skills. But even if you aren’t ready for the professional grew up playing at Willow Point Country Club. As an tour after your first few rounds, you can still have fun. Don’t amateur, Williams was a member of the 2003 and 2005 let frustration, which every golfer experiences, ruin the fun Walker Cup teams, as well as the 2004 World Amateur of the game. Take note of your surroundings when you hit Team. He is sponsored by Russell Lands, King Honda, the links, and appreciate the time you’re spending with your Nowlin and Associates, P.F. Chang's, Tempus Jet, Hyatt, group. If the game becomes more a source of frustration Adams Golf, Russell Athletic, Titleist, Ameritas Financial than fun, take a break and put in some more work away from the course, be it at the driving range or studying at Corp. and Southwest Airlines. home. SEPTEMBER 2016 LAKE 75


Legend

63

21

22

280

23

To Sylacauga

20

Public Boat Ramps

Alexander City

16

Churches 9

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

Camps & Parks 280

Power lines U.S. Highways

3

22

County Roads

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

Pleasant Grove Church

11

COOSA COUNTY

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

11 20

Liberty Church

New Hope Church

14

Willow Point

24

34

5

7

Equality

Kowaliga Boat Landing

63 Camp Alamisco

8 19 The Ridge

55

4

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

1 9

Church in The Pines

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

22

2

The Amp Ko w

ali

15

ga

Ba

y

10 80

9

Central

90

Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

17 Kent

76 LAKE

Union

ELMORE COUNTY

SEPTEMBER 2016


Timbergut Landing

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Lake Martin Alabama Marinas 11. Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

42. Real Island Marina 334-857-2741 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Jacksons Gap

53. Singleton Marine & Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd, Equality, AL 36026

280

62. Singleton Marine @ Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Highway 49 South, Dadeville, AL 36853 Bethel Church

18

Dadeville

Restaurants

57

280

Camp Hill

Smith Landing

86. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 9 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Pleasant Ridge Church

10 Harbor Docks Restaurant at Anchor Bay Marina 334-639-4723 2001 Cataway Island Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024

12 13 Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

76. SpringHouse 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Business & Shopping 11 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010

Stillwaters

12 Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

6

14 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt @ Smith's Marina 256-444-8793 1590 Pine Point Road, Alex City, AL 35010 5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 15 334.857.3900 7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 16 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 17 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Building Supply 18 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 19 256-794-1333 111 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 4. Dark Insurance 20 256-234-5026 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 21 . McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583 1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010 22. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Road, Eclectic, AL 36024

Hotels & Lodging 23 2 Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast 877-760-7854 5833 Highway 22 East, Alex City 35010

Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25. Contact us at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

13 EastLake Coffee @ Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

Walnut Hill 50 50

49

Reeltown

SEPTEMBER 2016

LAKE 77


Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Q Campus of CACC Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart 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 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 USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

DADEVILLE American Motorsports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee's Boat Doc Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital

EQUALITY

Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

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

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

WETUMPKA The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are available at these locations. To start your subscription, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281.

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Handrails • Guardrails Welded Fence • Custom Art Stairs • Gates Stainless Steel Cable Railing I-Beams • Steel Posts • Stairs On-Site Welding/Cutting

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 334-332-3435

haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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residential. commercial. interior. exterior.

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78 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2016

Complete Marine Upholstery! ■

■ Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers

Patrick Mason 334-283-6759 676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com


Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

H

OLMAN

“WE’RE

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Professional! OMPANY

Trey Callegan

THE PROFESSIONALS”

Area Manager

Hardwood Floors Ceramic Tile Carpet & Vinyl

Call TODAY for quick Pre-approval!

Visit our showroom for samples and a free estimate!

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LAKE

www.paigepatterson.com

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin. Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2016

LAKE 79


Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing....................................................... 64

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

Renaissance Electronics......................................... 8

Advanced Cardiovascular.................................... 61

Harbor Pointe Marina.......................................... 65

Russell Lands.......................................................... 25

Advanced Heating & Air........................................ 8

Henderson and Coker......................................... 36

Russell Marine........................................................ 37

Alex City Guide Service...................................... 36

Hilltop Landscaping............................................... 33

Russell Medical Center.......................................... 2

Alex City Marine................................................... 63

Hinson Galleries.................................................... 20

Satterfield................................................................ 61

Amanda Scroggins, RE/MAX Around the Lake.........60

Holley’s Home Furnishings................................. 84

Security Pest Control............................................ 8

Atkinson Home..................................................... 79

Holman Floor......................................................... 79

Seibel's..................................................................... 57

Blue Creek Iron Works....................................... 78

Jackson Thornton.................................................. 41

Shorelock Storage Solutions.............................. 79

Bone & Joint Specialist......................................... 81

Kowaliga Whole Health....................................... 79

Singleton Marine.................................................... 80

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation....................... 36

Lake Martin Building Supply................................. 8

SportzBlitz.............................................................. 74

C&T Electric.......................................................... 61

Lake Martin Community Hospital..................... 21

State Farm Insurance/ Harold Cochran..........78

CertaPro Painters................................................. 78

Lake Martin Dock................................................. 19

State Farm Insurance/ Karen Channell..........79

Chuck's Marina...................................................... 24

Lake Martin Mini Mall............................................ 3

Tallassee Community Hospital........................... 41

Cloud Nine............................................................. 36

Lake Martin Underdecking System................... 78

Temple Medical Center....................................... 36

Coach Kraft Upholstery...................................... 78

Lakeside Marina..................................................... 20

TNT Stone............................................................. 64

Crew Lending......................................................... 79

Mitchell's Upholstery............................................. 6

TowBoatU.S.............................................................. 5

Custom Docks....................................................... 24

National Village...................................................... 15

Troy Cable................................................................. 6

Damon Story, Cedar Point................................. 67

OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery.............. 33

Walmart.................................................................. 79

DAVCO Development......................................... 79

Odd Jobs................................................................. 61

Ware Jewelers....................................................... 83

Designs by Trish....................................................... 5

Paige Patterson, Lake Martin Voice Realty......79

Wedowee Marine................................................. 32

Docks Unlimited..................................................... 5

Painting By Allen.................................................... 79

Williams Plumbing Heating & Air........................ 8

First Baptist Church Alexander City.................. 8

Prime Management............................................... 70

WSC Distinctive Builders, LLC......................... 51

First Realty............................................................... 6

Rambo Marine....................................................... 40

W O ! N PEN O

Used Boat Super Center Now Open! Singleton Marine has been serving Lake Martin families since 1988. We’re excited to announce that we’ve opened a dedicated Used Boat Super Center on Highway 49 South in Dadeville. Stop by and see our wide selection of tow boats, pontoons, sport boats, and more. Or, check out our entire New and Used inventory online at SingletonMarine.com. Singleton Marine Used Boat Super Center 5792 Highway 49 South Dadeville, AL 36853 888-606-3535

Selling Your Boat? We want it! Get a buy bid at SellUsYourBoat.com. 855-900-5964 SingletonMarine.com

80 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2016


SEPTEMBER 2016

LAKE 81


Parting Shot

A waterfall on Jaybird Creek last Autumn

Photo by Kenneth Boone

"To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring." ~ George Santayana

82 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2016


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SEPTEMBER 2016

LAKE 83


84 LAKE

256.234.4141 Alexander City

SEPTEMBER 2016

334.279.3101 Montgomery


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