Your 2012 Guide to Lake Wedowee April/May 2012 • www.LakeWedoweeLife.net • FREE
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Living the Lake Wedowee Life Model Search Winner Addison Wells
Guide to Lake Wedowee Special Features 12. News to Know: Native Son Returns for Lake Wedowee Summer Jam 16. News to Know: Visitors Flock to Regional Birding Trail 20. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Repurposed Christmas Trees Make Fish Habitat 22. Guide to Lake Wedowee: LWPOA Makes Navigation Easier 24. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Lake Wedowee Life Reader’s Survey 28. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Living the Lake Wedowee Life Model Search Winner 36. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Worship on the Water Returns Memorial Day Weekend 42. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Safety First 44. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Who You Gonna Call? 46. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Lakeside offers fun for all this season 51. News to Know: Have a Weather Plan Wherever You Are
In This Issue 8. Enjoy Life! - Letter from the Editor 10-11. Lake Wedowee At a Glance 14. Creative Crafting 26. Lake Map 40. Charley’s Treasures 48-49. Simply Fabulous 53. Hooked on Lake Wedowee 58. Where in the World? 60. Small Business Spotlight 62. Directory of Advertisers 66. Facebook Top 10
General Manager LEISEL CALDWELL info@lakewedoweelife.com
Editor KELLY CALDWELL news@lakewedoweelife.com (256) 276-7959 AMANDA CAUSEY leighcausey@hotmail.com
Advertising Sales LAVOY CALDWELL On the Cover Addison Wells enjoyed a warm spring day on Lake Wedowee for this cover shoot. In October, he won the first annual Living the Lake Wedowee Life cover model search. Go to pages ??-?? To see more of his photo shoot. The next model contest will begin in June.
contributing writers Darlene Bailey Shondae Brown Tim Brown Leisel Caldwell Reed Montgomery Brian Morris Charley Norton
ads@lakewedoweelife.com (334) 863-0737
Lake Wedowee Life
877.959.LAKE (5253) 18285 Highway 431 Wedowee, AL
www.LakeWedoweeLife.com Lake Wedowee Life magazine is published six times a year and available around the Lake Wedowee area which includes Randolph and Clay Counties in Alabama as well as parts of West Georgia. All content in this publication is protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise published without the prior written permission of Neighborhood Publishing. Š 2008 Neighborhood Publishing
Lake Wedowee Life 7
Good Tunes for a Good Cause! There is something about this time of year that really has me thinking about possibilities. Everything is new again, and the fun of the summer is just around the corner. We are already seeing activity increase on the lake and it will continue to grow as the weather gets warmer and the lake begins to fill. There are so many events being planned for this summer that I can’t wait to enjoy! Lake Wedowee Summer Jam is new for the area this year, and the organizers are hopeful it will be one of the best. Barry Waldrep, the artistic muse, of the event is returning to his roots to play a concert for the first time in 30 years. And for those that have never heard his sound, I promise you won’t be disappointed. I first met Barry in the late 90s when he was with the band Rolling in the Hay. We were in Troy, Alabama at the time and it didn’t take long to discover we were both from Randolph County. Years later when I interviewed him for this magazine, he still remembered me and even asked how a mutual friend was doing. That’s the cool thing about Barry, he not only pays attention to his music, but also his fans. He is also humble, despite his success and sharing the stage with some of great musicians. The other thing that is special about Lake Wedowee Summer Jam is that the proceeds are going to Brown Bag Buddies. A program started by a friend of mine that feeds less fortunate children over the weekend when they are not in school. She started the program with the help of Ava United Methodist Church because she wanted to give back after watching Oprah when she was recuperating from major surgery. The program relies on donations and kindness of others. I urge you to attend Lake Wedowee Summer Jam because you will have a good time and your attendance will help some of our county residents that need it most!
Enjoy Life! Kelly Caldwell
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The Real Estate Market Update by Leisel Caldwell The real estate market on Lake Wedowee is definitely on the road to recovery. As I have stated before real estate values have decreased and we are experiencing our share of foreclosures and distress sales. But on the plus side, this is what is bringing the buyers back to our market. We are now more affordable to more people looking for lake property. The other good news, sellers who are pricing accordingly to the current market conditions are also getting more showings and legitimate offers. Another change that will have an influence on the local market is several local real estate companies joining the Birmingham Multiple Listing Service "MLS". The Birmingham MLS covers a large area of North and Central Alabama. There are already several agents in neighboring counties, that belong to this MLS, listing and selling in Randolph and Clay Counties. Those of us joining from this area
feel we will get more exposure for our listings and better tools to help our buyers and sellers by becoming members of a formal MLS.
companies to send me their documented sold data so it can be used for future issues of the market update. At this time, I am happy to report REMAX Lakefront's sold data from January 1st, 2012 through Feb 29, 2012. Total of 10 closed transactions, includes closed sales in Randolph and Clay CounCompiling monthly sold statis- ties by REMAX Lakefront tics has always been challenging Total of five closed lake house for this market because the primary transactions, with a high sale of listing service used in this market $662,500 and a low of $152,500, two does not make it mandatory to re- of the closed lake house transacport the sold price or the sold date tions were foreclosed properties. when a listing has been sold. This Total of two closed lake lot listing site also allows expired list- transactions, price of $60,000, foreings to stay active on their website closed property. and allows more than one agent to The hot market is still under post the same property on the site $250,000 but we expect to start seeand this causes much confusion for ing a slight increase in values this agents and consumers. These acyear. tions are not allowed on a formal MLS such as the Birmingham MLS. The consumer side of the BirmingWith all that said, I will only be ham MLS can be found at reporting on the sales I can docuwww.LiveInAlabama.com. ment. I encourage any of the local
Fishing Advice By: Brian Morris Fishing Guide This time of the year expect the bass to be shallow!!! The bass are moving to their spawning areas to reproduce those wonderful creatures that we all like to chase around the lake. I recommend fishing shallow flats and pockets using a spinner bait or shallow diving crank bait matching the colors per water clarity. Also I recommend using top water baits like a walking or a popping bait. If that doesn't work, slow down and move out to the points and fish plastics, a Jig head supporting a finesse worm or a Carolina rig, it’s hard to go wrong with the color of green. The crappie should be finished spawning, so in early April focus on shallow timber pockets and any piece of wood lying in the water. It’s very common to catch 20 or so off one piece of wood in the matter of minutes. I use a 1/16 oz jig head, mostly with a 2 inch curly tail in various colors, but you can’t go wrong with black and chartreuse. Hope these tips will help you land the big one. God bless and good fishing!!
Diggin’ In The Dirt By: Tim Brown As the growing season nears once again, there are a few things to consider that might enhance growing conditions for the plants chosen for use in this year’s garden. In areas used for gardens previously, any winter growth or residue from last year’s crops can be tilled back into the soil or removed and carried off site if necessary. New garden sites may need attention to the loosening of the soil that has become compacted by sitting idle or due to some type of traffic over the years. Both locations could benefit now from soil tests to determine the pH level of the soil and also any nutrient deficiencies that might exist. Soil amendments can be used now to improve growing conditions for the lime and hydrated lime for pH correction. Also, products such as pelletized gypsum, soil conditioner, top soil, potting soil, and peat moss make good choices to bring some softer qualities to heavy clay soils if that should be a problem in your area. (If you are reading this article, there is a pretty good chance that includes you! Gotta love that Alabama Red Clay!) Also, it can be a good idea to develop a backup plan for watering the plants in case rainfall is too infrequent. Some possibilities include weeping hoses, drip irrigation, sprinklers, or simply access water nozzle for drenching the plants as needed. For more information please contact the Randolph County Farmer’s Co-Op.
Upcoming Events April 21st Heroes In Motion Mile Walk 9am Downtown Roanoke May 12th RCLC Bike Hike 7am Registration Rec Center in Roanoke May 12th RCAS Cardboard Boat Race 9am Chimney Cove May 19th Kid’s Fishing Derby 7am -12pm Rice Pavilion Wedowee May 25th Friday Night Bingo on the Lawn Lakeside Market & Grill Wedowee May 26th Lake Wedowee Summer Jam 7pm Chimney Cove Wedowee
Native Son Returns for Lake Wedowee Summer Jam It doesn't matter if your a little bit country or a little bit rock and roll, Lake Wedowee Summer Jam will have something for you. “The musicians we have lined up really are an eclectic mix.” Doug Williams, event organizer, said. “It's like bluegrass, southern rock, country and gospel all rolled into one.” Williams, owner of WM Grocery, had the idea of a concert on Lake Wedowee after talking to his good friend Barry Waldrep. “We have always wanted to do something to give back to the community,” Williams said. “It has kind of snowballed from a couple of conversations into what we hope to be a memorable event.” Waldrep, a 1982 graduate of Randolph County High School, has been playing music since his father James put a guitar in his hands at 6 years old. “My first influence was obviously my father, (James Waldrep)” Waldrep said in an earlier interview with Lake Wedowee Life. “When I got interested, my dad starting showing me chords and then I started picking up stuff on my own from watching other people play.” 12 Lake Wedowee Life
Brothers and Sisters will perform May 26th at Chimney Cove on Lake Wedowee. Tickets are $10 and will go on sale May 1. The Band of Brothers and Sisters features Sarah Peacock,Kurt Thomas, Scott Little, Kelsi and Charli Robertson (from Flatt Lonesome), The Church Sisters and SOL JUNKY. The group performed together at Eddie's Attic in Atlanta which resulted in the Live in Atlanta cd. “What is great is that not only am I returning home Since that day, Waldrep has alto play, but we are also able to help ways had an instrument near by. two great causes in the area,” Waldrep said. The proceeds of the concert will by Kelly Caldwell go to Brown Bag Buddies in Randolph County and The HEARTS Program in Cleburne County. Both organizations provide He has toured across the country with different bands like Rolling in food to the less fortunate. Sponsorships with different price the Hay, which he founded in 1993, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Zac levels are available. Sponsors will Brown Band, Widespread Panic and receive reserved seating and other the Allman Brothers to name a few. advertising incentives. Other than reserved seating, the “I'm really excited about playing concert layout is first come, first in Randolph County,” Waldrep serve and attendees are encouraged said. “It has been 30 years and I to bring their lawn chairs. never thought it would happen. For updated information, visit “But this is going to be a really www.facebook.com/lakewedowees great show for all ages.” Barry Waldrep and the Band of ummerjam.
News to Know
Creative Crafting By: Amanda Causey
Spring Wreath Alternative This spring wreath alternative is an easy and creative way to dress up your door or entryway. Tie off your umbrella two-thirds of the way down. Stuff plastic grocery bags into the folds to create the “full” look. Fill with leftover floral stems or with real flowers.
Spring Mantel Décor Framed Burlap Rosettes
I love springtime. The grass is so green and all the flowers start to bloom. This mantel has a rustic look for early spring. The materials I used to make this mantel focal piece were a thrift store frame painted (this one is a 16 x 20), burlap, faux robin eggs, brown craft paper, and a hot glue gun. I removed the glass and spray painted the frame. While the paint dried, I lined the frame back with the craft paper. The length of your burlap will depend on the size of the rosettes you’d like to make. For this particular size I cut my strips close to two inches wide and six inches in length. Measurements do not have to be exact. To create the rosettes simply twist the burlap into a loose coil, and start rolling at one end into a circular shape. Hot glue the loose end and secure underneath to hold the rosette into place. After the glue is set, hot glue it onto the frame back. I measured and marked each spot to ensure symmetry. To give this a little color to go with my other décor items, I simply added the robin eggs to make the rosettes look more like a nest. Put the frame back together and viola! A beautiful and inexpensive mantel focal piece!
Paper Butterfly Specimens This work of art is a great craft for children to have fun with. Materials for this particular project are 8 x 17 canvas, colored cardstock, butterfly paper punch, and hot glue. Simply punch the butterflies, measure and match up before you glue. Score the cardstock down the center and hot glue along the seam. I lined mine up lightly with a pencil and erased the marks after the glue had set. This would also be cute with other insect designs!
To view detailed photos of each step of these crafts and other spring crafts please visit www.LakeWedoweeLife.com and click on Creative Crafting.
Visitors Flock to Regional Birding Trail Birding is one of the fastestgrowing leisure activities in the United States. With approximately 25 percent of the country’s population taking part in bird and wildlife watching, it is a pastime that generates millions in tourism dollars each year. As part of the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail (PPBT) which launched last November, Randolph County will not be left out of the mix. The PPBT launched with 34 approved birding sites within the nine eastcentral counties that make up the trail. The nine counties – Autauga, Chambers, Clay, Chilton, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Randolph and Tallapoosa – offer 3.5 million acres of birding opportunities. This trail is the fifth of eight organized trails that will ultimately cover the state as birding becomes an increasingly important source of tourism revenue for Alabama.
News to Know by Shondae Brown Randolph County will launch its portion of the PPBT May 10 with events scheduled for Southern Union at 10 a.m. and Wedowee Kiwanis Park at 2 p.m. “As a form of tourism, birding has seen significant growth both nationally and certainly in Alabama over the past several years,” said Cotina Terry, executive director, Randolph County Economic Development Authority and a member of the PPBT steering committee. “Statistics show that the typical birding enthusiast is older and 16 Lake Wedowee Life
Southern Union State Community College is one of two sites in Randolph County selected as part of the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail. well-educated with disposable income – just the type tourist that we welcome to this area. The variety in habitat that exists from north Alabama to the Gulf Coast means we have a tremendous range of birds that can been seen in the state and certainly on the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail,” Terry pointed out. In Randolph County sites have been approved at Southern Union State Community College, Wedowee Kiwanis Park, and Fox Run on Lake Wedowee. Development of the trail will continue past the launch, with more sites being added over the next few years. There are a variety of birds in our area besides the more com-
mon ones like cardinals and blue jays, and the birding trail offers the perfect venue in which to view them. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the existing birding trails are used by thousands of birders annually. “This birding trail is not only a valuable means of attracting more visitors to our county, it is also a great educational resource for our students and an opportunity for inexpensive family outings,” said Terry. The trail offers various informational materials. Visitors can pick up a PPBT guide map at strategic locations throughout the county. Bird watching sites are
listed, along with information about each site. The birding trails will include strategically placed interpretive panels, directional signage, kiosks, and walking trails. Visitors to the area may also consult the PPBT or Randolph County Chamber of Commerce websites to discover sidebar items or other places to visit while in the area. The PPBT is just one of many regional options for outdoor activities. Lovers of the outdoors can canoe or kayak along the Tallapoosa River as part of a trip down
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tions. “We are excited about the potential for tourism dollars that the trail brings to our county,” said Terry. “We feel this will be a gateway to help people discover the recreational activities that are found in Randolph County.” the Alabama Scenic River trail, the longest recreational water trail in any single state in the United States. They can make stops along the birding trail as part of trips to popular destinations such as Lake Wedowee, Flat Rock Park, Cheaha State Park, or other day-trip op-
For more information on the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail, visit www.piedmontplateaubirdingtrail.com or www.randolphcountyal.com.
Plant a tree to help protect the environment… Our Children’s FUTURE! Lake Wedowee Life 19
Repurposed Christmas Trees make Fish Habitat
Volunteers from the Lake WEdowee Property Owners Association assisted Alabama Power Company in February transplanting discarded Christmas trees into the lake to create additional fish habitats. For the second time on Lake Wedowee, Christmas Trees are finding a new purpose after Santa Claus has come and gone. Close to 300 Christmas Trees were deposited around the lake this winter to provide inviting habitats for numerous species of fish. “We did this a few years ago, but it’s hard to coordinate unless we have another group to get involved,” Shelia Smith with Alabama Power Company said. “This time around the Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association stepped up and said they would help.” On Feb. 6, volunteers from LWPOA, local Boy Scouts and personnel from Alabama Power Company tied the trees in bundles of four and then installed the bun20 Lake Wedowee Life
dles in groups of five to different areas of the lake. “We have marked the locations with GPS and by late spring, we should have them on the website” Smith said. The trees were dropped about 50 feet from the shoreline in less
populated areas on the lake. The trees are tied to concrete blocks and float under the surface. “We put them closer to shore and they are not a safety concern for skiers, wake boarders, or swimmers,” Smith said. “They are under water a good bit so it’s not like they could hurt anything.” The trees were collected from the cities of Wedowee, Roanoke, and Carrollton, as well as by individual residents who dropped off their trees at Randolph County Concrete. “We plan to help with this project every year,” Tom Garland, LWPOA chairperson, said. Fishermen interested in finding the GPS coordinates to the habitats can go to www.alabamapower.com/fishdata.
LWPOA Makes Navigation Easier The Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association made it a little easier to navigate around Lake Wedowee this sumer. In 2011, the LWPOA installed marker signs on Lake Wedowee's main channels: Little Tallapoosa River, Big Tallapoosa River, and Wedowee Creek. A few years ago, Lake Wedowee Property owners chairman Tom Garland and his wife were on a boat one day and they noticed another boater in distress.
News to Know Story by Kelly Caldwell Photos courtesy of Tom Garland and Alabama Power “We pulled up, and the guy had a cell phone in his hand but had no clue where he was to call for help,” Garland said. “That's kind of where this idea began.” The marker’s lone purpose is to provide a location reference for boaters experiencing problems on the lake. “The signs do not reflect navigability or water levels,” Garland said. “The boaters are still responsible for becoming familiar with water levels and other conditions affecting safety on the lake.”
48 bridge The the marksigns are ers are 1-9. designed Then splits to be into the seen rivers from a which are distance both 10-27. measurThe Big ing 18 Tallapoosa inches River wide by markers, 24 inches however, tall. They have black have a borders yellow around the reflective signs. WebackBill Sammon (above driving), LWPOA Chairman Tom Garland (above standing in dowee ground Creek is with black blue), and Warren Sides (below in white) all volunteered to install the signs. numbered 1numbers. 3 and also has a black borThe basis of the der. marker spacing is the All of the signs are on the approximate boat path west or left bank from R.L. Harris Dam (proceeding north) and proceeding north along are below the 795 elevathe lake and rivers. tion. Some locations have “We want them really been shifted to enhance visible to help the most visibility, and the people,” Garland said. marker locations do not The marker locations are correspond with the also on file with the emermile markers on comgency response personnel mercial maps of the lake. in the county. “We have maps with The program has been a these markers available, cooperative effort of and we are working LWPOA, Alabama Power with Alabama Power Company, County Offiabout getting signs decials and Randolph noting the pattern of the County Sheriff's Departlocations installed at the ment, Randolph County public boat ramps,” GarEmergency Management land said. Agency. From the dam to the
For more information on the Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association Visit
www.lakewedoweepoa.com
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2012 Lake Wedowee Life Model Search Winner Addison Wells
Living Addison Wells is your typical 16year-old boy. He sleeps late, hangs out with friends, and eats a lot. However, in the fall he won the first-ever Living the Lake Wedowee Life Model Search, and it came as a complete surprise to him. “This is something my mom did,” he said. “I didn't even know about it until I saw my picture on facebook.com. When I won, I knew that there were going to be a lot of girls really mad about it.” Wells and his family have been coming to Lake Wedowee since he was a toddler, and the 16-year-old has been like a fish to water ever since. “There have been so many 'Addison stories' over the years,” Kim, his mom, said. “And, some of them would be 30 Lake Wedowee Life
And, he jumps in after it.” Kim watches her son swim after his fishing pole and a while later he comes walking back, pole in one hand and the fish in the other. “I didn't doubt he would come back with the fishing pole, but the fish too, that was a surpretty unbelievable if I had not seen them myself. “I remember one night we were sitting up at the house and
Model Search Story by Kelly Caldwell Photos by Amanda Causey Addison was down on the dock fishing,” she said. “All of a sudden, there is a commotion and he yells ‘the fish took my pole.’
prise.” Wells, a sophomore at Saks High School, plays football and runs track, but pretty soon, he will be trading in his track shoes for his wakeboard. “I love coming to the lake,” Addison said. “It's just something we have always done.” As a child, Addison became a bit of a local hero when he saved the lives of his babysitter and her granddaughter. “He doesn't really like to talk
Model Search
The Wells family: Brian, Addison, Kim and Dawson enjoyed lunch at Lakeside to conclude the Living the Lake Wedowee Life photo shoot. (Opposite Page) Addison tries out his new kayak just around the Lakeside boat launch.
about it,” Kim said. “But, we were really proud of him.” Alyris Bradford had been learning how to swim the summer of 2006 and during the Fourth of July holiday had come to the lake with her grandmother Geraldine. Alyris took off running toward the water and jumped in without a life jacket. “Geraldine didn't know how to swim, but she jumped in after
her granddaughter, not really realizing how deep the water is here,” Kim said. They both began floundering, and Addison had been riding his four-wheeler at the road. “He had always been told not to drive it down a neighbor's driveway, but thankfully he didn't listen that time,” Kim said. Addison ran down to the dock, put on a life jacket and
jumped in after the pair who were in distress. “He got to Alyris first and got her back on the dock, but he couldn't pull Geraldine out of the water,” Kim said. “I am still amazed that he was able to think so quickly, but he got in our paddle boat and was able to get to Geraldine in time and bring her back to the shore.” For his efforts, Wells received a certificate of commendation Lake Wedowee Life 31
Addison, left enjoyed the day on the lake even though the water was too cold to actually go for a dip. His brother, Dawson, middle, tagged along for the day as well.
from Gov. Bob Riley as well the gratitude of the Bradfords' for the rest of their lives. Being named the first Living the Lake Wedowee Life winner, Addison has enjoyed a prize package which included a photo shoot by Beau Monde Photography, a kayak from Wedowee Marine and Lake Wedowee Life, a gift package from First State Bank, and a prize pack from Mary Kay representative Meleah Ogelsby. Lake Wedowee Life magazine will launch the Second Living the Lake Wedowee Life Model Search in June, with the winner being announced later in the summer. The next winner will also be featured as a cover model for the 2013 Guide to Lake Wedowee which publishes in April next year. Thank you to all our sponsors and contestants as well as the Wells family for making the first contest a success.
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Worship on the Water returns Memorial Day Weekend the Water. Worship on “It's used for the Water bethings like gan at Lake maintaining the Wedowee Mesound equipmorial Day ment, chairs weekend four and small honoyears ago. rariums,” While there Lanier said. have been Since its first some changes, service Chuck the message and Evelyn remains the Smith have same: Come been instrumenby Boat, Come tal in the sucBy Car, Come cess of Worship As You Are. on the Water. “We offer a “They help get really casual the speakers environment lined up for us to hear the every year,” Word of God,” Marie Lanier, Worship on the Water is located under the trees at Lakeside on Highway Lanier said. “We wouldn't Marketing and 431 north of Wedowee. People are encouraged to come by car or boat. be do this withPromotions out Chuck and Evelyn Smith. They not have a group to handle it. So Coordinator for Servants in Faith help so much.” and Technology (SIFAT) said. “We they approached us and it was a great fit. are nondenominational and have speakers from all over the area each Sunday.” Schedule of Speakers and The service, under the trees at Music Story by Lakeside Marina, begins at 9 a.m. MAY on Sunday of Memorial Day WeekKelly Caldwell May 27 Message by Steve end and continues each week Dean, Community Life Church, “We are here and it allows us through Labor Day Weekend. Roanoke Music by Bill Stone, OK 2 “The crowds have really grown and opportunity to give back to our local community that supports Carrollton over the years and of course the us,” Lanier said. holiday weekends are biggest,” In the second season, former Lanier said. “Memorial Day last JUNE year, we had 280 in attendance and University of Alabama football June 3 Message by Ryan player, John Croyle of Big Oak then Labor Day it was well over Mitchell, Member Community Life Ranch came to Wedowee to share Church Music by Cedar Creek 300.” his message. The service began as an outQuartet, “We try to have different speakreach program through CommuJune 10 Message by Nate ers and musical groups each week; nity Life Church in Roanoke and Paulk, SIFAT, Lineville Music by that way we can appeal to everywas spearheaded by Oliver and Learn & Serve Staff SIFAT one,” Lanier said. Sandra Kitchens. June 17 Message by Rev. RusThere is an optional offering “Oliver and Sandra decided to sell Hestley, First United Methodist during the service that helps maingo into the mission field full time Church, Wedowee Music by Laura tain operating costs for Worship on and Community Life Church did
News to Know
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Campbell & The Joyful Sound From First United Methodist Church June 24 Message by Jacob Wilkerson, Bear Creek Methodist Church, Woodland Music by Bear Creek Methodist Church Choir
JULY July 1 Message by Rev. Elvis North, Lineville Music by Bill Stone, OK 2 Carrollton July 8 Message by Rev. Steve Baccus, First United Methodist Church, Roanoke Music By First United Methodist Singers or John McKinney
July 15 Message by Curtiss Sessions, Genesis Worship Center, Jacksonville, AL Music by Paul Frye & The Gospel Expression July 22 Message by Cody Shelton, Crumleys Chapel of God Music by Ryan Robertson & Emily Shelton July 29 Message by Dorothy Ann Webster, Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Lineville Music by Scott Brand, Roanoke
Augut 12 Message by Barry Cosper, Tallapoosa Baptist Association Music by Witness For Him, Wedowee August 19 Message by Billy Watts, North Main Christian Church, Roanoke Music by Karen Norred, Wadley August 26 Message by Tripp Skipper, Four Corners Ministries, Roanoke Music by Lauren & Rusty Nall, Oxford
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
August 5 Message by Tim Craft, Malone Baptist, Wadley Music by The Connection, Wedowee
September 2 Message by Billy Coleman, Grace Extension Ministries Music by Homegrown, Carrollton
www.lakewedoweelife.net
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Faithful and Dismay My wife has been talking about needing to cut the grass so yesterday I decided to get the mower out for her. I pumped up the tire, charged the battery and greased all the places that wanted grease. To my disbelief, it actually started! Excited over this unusual phenomena, I decided to cut the grass myself (Kim’s birthday is coming up and I thought it would be a nice present). I also managed to check off my list the job of cutting the leaves up that had accumulated from fall which had been on the list, well, since fall. While I was so motivated, I went ahead and mangled the hedges and repaired the lattice inserts on each side of the house that the honey suckle vines vindictively keep pulling down. Then I cut back some of the limbs on what I think must be the largest privet hedge in the state of Alabama so that Kim wouldn’t get whacked on the head the next time she cut the grass. This, of course, would of been smarter if I did it before I cut the grass but it is usual and customary for me to get whacked on
the head before coming up with any good idea. Looking around at the front yard, I am reminded that I need to build a picket fence. I tore down the old rotten fence last year and since then our front yard has been surrounded by the remaining brightly painted fence posts which I now refer to as the “Stonehenge” of Wedowee.
Charley’s Treasures by Charley Norton My mind starts to drift, as it is prone to do, and in it I start to construct the new fence. I will use pressure treated lumber this time to prevent the rot, mount them higher off the ground to avoid
moisture and the beating the last fence took from the weed eater. I will make the sections where they’d be easier to remove for future painting and to access the front yard with the riding mower and then build that arbor over the walk that I’ve been wanting to do. But about that time, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the noses of Faithful and Dismay, the polaris twins, peaking out from under the shed. I could hear a bass boat in the distance as it tracked down the shallow river and I realized that lake season is soon to start. I decided to walk over and inspect the craft, discarding the clippers and any thoughts of households duties and replacing them with thoughts about the water. I wondered how the Peninsulas, the Spot and Shiland island weathered the mild winter. I thought how great it will be when we can ride up the river to Scoops Deli and have bacon, eggs, and strawberry shortcake for breakfast again (so awesome!), then jump the big waves at the point in front
of the Lake Wedowee Hotel (JR’s house), do the swing thing near the 48 bridge and jump off the big rock. I can’t wait to go camping again and see the sun set and rise over the shimmering water. It’s going to be awesome! At inspection, both of the skis looked rough. Faithful has gouges on the nose from running up under the metal dock at Chimney Cove, and both are scratched from front to back after hitting the docks at lakeside, Chimney Cove, the 48 bridge, Scoops Deli, and most of the others they were tied up to. Dismay has a big spot of primer under the front from the tree limb that impaled it over near Onas Brand’s house, and the seat is ripped from the cheap crappy cover I bought off Ebay last year and pitifully installed. Just like last year and the year before, I started to think about redoing them with a cool paint job with
flames and custom hood scoops. I’d strip the cowling off the steering for a cool motorcycle look, remove the Polaris labels, and paint “Snortski” in its place, and put on loud water boxes so everyone would know we’re coming (and probably not be very happy about it)! Then, just as I did last year and the year before, I realized why I won’t do it. Every scratch, gouge and faded mark is a reminder of what great memories we’ve had on these machines, just like the guy that went mud riding and rode around town with his truck covered in dirt. It’s not to show off the vehicle, but the fun he had in it. Let the other guy anchor his pristine craft 50 foot offshore. He can feel my wake as I buzz by and prop my ski on the rocky bank. Let him wash his ski with tears over the scratch he got when he hit it with the lawn mower. I will
challenge the mower to find an unscratched place to hit! If my neighbor advises me again that I should cover our ski’s in the winter, I will say, “Why? They love the sun! Why in the world should I deprive them of that?” I know that the imperfections lessen the value, but they are Polaris, which means they aren’t worth anything anyway. Besides, they’re not for sale. They are scarred, temperamental and mischievous. Where else could I find two boats so much like myself? As for the yard…..looks pretty good to me. Let’s Ride!!
Charley Norton is co-owner of Norton’s Flooring, a company started by his mother and father in 1976. Norton’s Flooring products are in countless homes on Lake Wedowee and throughout the county.
Safety First Here is a quick Lake Wedowee Safety checklist compiled with the help of Marine Police Officer Barry Popham and Kathy Morris of Wedowee Marine. Please look over and take note of these tips. There may be some you had not thought of before.
Enjoy the Lake and have a safe summer! Take a safe boating course; you might be surprised about what you don’t know about boating safety (and Wear a life jacket whether you can swim or not. it may even give you a discount on your boat insurance)! • Just like on the highway, drinking and boating is against the law. In many ways, it can be even more dangerous. Leave your alcohol at home! • Check the weather forecast. • Let someone know where you are heading and what time you expect to be back. • Many people put their boats in the water without first checking belts, fluids and motors, and end up having to be towed in. Make sure your boat is in good working order before taking it out. • Know the state boating laws for Alabama. • Follow manufacturers suggested procedures before starting up. • Lake levels fluctuate daily. Check lake levels before each trip out on the lake. • Follow nautical rules of the road, buoys, and other aids for navigation. • Watch your wake and keep a safe distance from docks and other structures, swimmers, and other boats. It’s the law, it’s courteous, and it’s for everyone’s safety. • Have Coast Guard approved life jackets for all passengers. All passengers under 8 must wear a life vest at all times while onboard. • Have a first aid kit on board at all times. Also bring your cell phone, extra dry clothes, sunscreen and insect repellent. • Please keep hold of your trash – items such as drink cups, cans, old fishing line, and bait containers can easily be blown into the water, especially from a Keep hold of your trash. moving boat. Not only do these items pollute the earth, they can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life. • Wear a life jacket whether you know how to swim or not and dress appropriately for the weather. Most people who drown never intended to be in the water in the first place. Be aware of and enjoy your surroundings, bring binoculars and camera to enjoy the beautiful landscape, and keep an eye out for un-safe conditions.
•
Don’t forget that the lake is for everyone’s enjoyment and a reckless or rude boater can turn a nice day at the lake into a disaster!
Who you gonna call when... We know that some of you may be new to the area or use the magazine as a phone book (I know that I do). With that in mind, we thought it would help to know who to call (of our advertisers) when the following situations occur. Hope this handy reference sheet helps you! You load up the boat with all your friends and it won’t crank? D&S Marine or Wedowee Marine You need to clean your 3rd story windows and don't have a ladder? Fiberglass Unlimited offers boom truck rental You jumped a big wake on your jet ski and chipped your tooth when you landed? Dr. Michael Edwards You want to catch the Big One on Lake Wedowee? Brian Morris or Reed Montgomery You need an adjustment after catching the Big One? Steele Chiropractic You want to attend a church service while here? Worship on the Water You want to give your yard its Summer makeover? Wedowee Landscape , Greg's Lawn Care, Morning Sun Nursery, or Randolph County Farmers’ Coop It’s almost supper time? W&M Grocery, Perryland Foods, Hill Top Store or Lakeside Grill 44 Lake Wedowee Life
The power goes out? Tallapoosa River Electric or Alabama Power (Depending on your service provider) You need a unique gift for that someone special? H&M Drugs, Sheppard's Jewelry or Meleah Oglesby You need a new grill on your deck to BBQ? Hall's Propane or Superior Gas You want to add an upgrade to your dock? Docks Plus More Your car starts making a funny noise on your way to the lake? Affordable Tires for Less or Lake View Auto Sales or buy a new one at Clay Automotive or Scott Evans Nissan
You want to insure it? State Farm Insurance You have land but want to build a house? Charles Thompson Construction or Mac McKinney Properties You have a house but want to change it? A&E Metal, Norton's Flooring, Bledsoe Painting, or Wedowee Building Supply You want to watch your favorite football team on television at the lake? Satellite Specialist You want to store your stuff during the changes? Summit Storage Your dishwasher flooded or you had a grease fire in the kitchen? Southern Restoration
You have a property dispute with your neighbor? Scott Hewitt, Kesa Johnston Dunn, or Chad Lee
You want elderly relatives to be close by? Williamsburg Manor
Your furry friend is sick? Main Street Animal Hospital
You want to get more involved in preserving the quality of Lake Wedowee? Lake Wedowee Property Owner’s Association
You want your own place to stay here without commitment? Lake Wedowee Rentals or Wedowee Lake and Lands
You want to further your education? Southern Union State Community College
You want to change your status from visitor to resident? Wedowee Lake and Lands or RE/ MAX Lakefront You want to know how to pay for it? Bank of Wedowee, SmallTown Bank, or First State Bank
You want to get involved in promoting businesses or relocate your business here? Randolph County Economic Development Authority We have also included a directory of our advertisers with contact information and websites
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Lakeside Marina offers fun for all this season during Lake lake season season, is gearand ing up there to be a are fun one times and that it’s Lakestandside ing Marina room is doing only,” its part. Marie BeBailey, ginning store Memomanrial Day ager, weeksaid. end, the “So Mr. restauTinney rant decided will ofthe best fer Friday Bring your chairs for a night of fun on the Lawn at Lakeside beginning Friday May 25. option was to Night Bingo returns for the summer. expand Bingo the dining area to allow for more on the back deck of the restaurant. seating.” “Last year was such a success, The store is ready for summer think there would be riots if we Story by Kelly Caldwell with new hours 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. didn’t do it again,” John Tinney, Monday through Thursday and 6 Lakeside owner said. “I had one opportunity to promote local busi- a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturof our players tell me it wasn’t ness.” day. entertainment for them, it was Bingo will be open to all ages therapy.” on Friday nights. The concept will be a simple “We are a family friendly resone. There will be 15 games For more information on Laketaurant and bingo will be a great played on Friday, and each winside Marina visit their website at way for the family to spend a Friner will receive a prize from a lowww.lakesidewedowee.com. If day night,” Tinney said. cal business. you are interested in sponsoring a Lakeside has also spent the off“We have already gotten sevprize for Friday Night Bingo, season expanding the dining area eral area businesses on board and please call Lakeside Marina of the restaurant. are excited about Lakeside Friday 256.357.2033 “It gets very crowded in here Nights,” Tinney said. “It’s a great
News to Know
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Spring is almost here and man will I be happy to see it roll on in! I know winter weather is very important in order for mother nature to kill off a few bugs and stuff but I'm a liker of the warmer season. When Mr. Sun shows up, people start buzzing about and things begin to come to life. This means weekend gatherings of all kinds.
Simply Fabulous Story by Darlene Bailey Photo by Kelly Caldwell A family or bridal brunch here, out of town company there, and none of us like to spend all our time cooking when we could be visiting. I have a Breakfast Cup recipe where the work is done in advance. Add a slice of toast with some jelly and maybe even hash browns and you will be eager to rise and shine for this single serve, unique meal. So before you go off to bed, throw this recipe together and into the fridge to enjoy in the morning. Please let us know what you think of our recipes. You can email me directly at baileydp1@aol.com. I love feedback. Glass Slipper Events 256.449.2946
Breakfast Cups 1 cup cubed white bread (about 2 slices) 1/4 cup cooked sausage (crumbled) 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers 2 large eggs 1/4 cup milk 1/4 tsp. dry mustard 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/8 tsp. onion powder
Layer cubed bread, cooked sausage and cheese evenly into 2 greased 8 oz ramekins. Whisk eggs and next 5 ingredients together. Pour evenly over cheese. Cover and chill 8 hours. Let stand at room temperature 20 minutes before baking. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Have a Weather Plan Wherever You Are On April 27, 2011, the landscape of Alabama forever changed when 62 tornadoes ravaged the state in a 24-hour period. More than 250 people lost their lives, and the state as a whole mourned the devastating losses. Luckily for Randolph County, we suffered no physical damage to our property, but we did join in the relief effort. “I have never seen anything like this in my lifetime,” Donnie Knight, Randolph County EMA director, said. “And, I probably won't, at least of this magnitude, again.” Numerous lessons were learned from a year ago, but most important is for people to have a weather plan. “Technology has advanced so much from when we started doing this and so many lives were saved that day because of the advanced warning,” Knight said. “We knew days in advance to prepare for these storms.” A few years ago when a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning was issued, the whole county would be alerted. Now, however, the warnings are more precise. “The polygons are very spe-
cific,” Knight said. “And, our outdoor warning system can match.”
News to Know Story by Kelly Caldwell However, Knight cautions not to rely solely on the outdoor warning system. “The outdoor warning system is just that, meant for people outside,” he said. “You can't hear it indoors most of the time and you should have an alternative to rely on in your home.” Weather radios are preferred for indoors and for smart phones there are applications available. “The alerts don't help if you can't hear them,” Knight said. “We also send the weather alerts out over our radio frequencies and to the local radio station. We try to inform as many people as possible.” The Alabama tornado season hits its peak from March to May, and residents should remain on alert. “When we get a severe weather warning, you should move to the lowest level of your home and be in the most interior room available,” Knight said. “But you should also have neces-
sities with you because if a big one hits, you may be stuck there for a while.” Knight suggests having bottled water and food in your safe place, and when severe weather is predicted to charge cell phones as well as make sure you have batteries for flashlights and radios. “There is nothing worse than having a flashlight or radio that doesn't work because the batteries are dead,” Knight said. Also, he strongly urged that a person living in a mobile home should leave well before the storm hits. “I have seen the devastation done to mobile homes when tornadoes hit,” Knight said. “You don't want to take your chances with that.” Also with the large number of weekend home owners in the area, Knight suggests to have a weather plan for both places. “I know we have a lot of visitors to the area that may not know how to get information,” he said. “Make sure you have a plan for your second home as well because you don't want to be caught off guard.” In Randolph County, local weather alerts are broadcast over Eagle 102.3 and in Clay County
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Should You Fish for Bedding Bass? This is often a very controversial subject among today’s bass anglers. However, the art of fishing for bedding bass during the height of the spring spawn should be observed from both sides. Some think it is best to wait and fish for these shallow water bass during the post-spawn period. Others say it’s okay to fool these often very weary bass into striking your fake offering, as long as the bass is then returned to the bed it was taken from. The post-spawn period usually takes place during a short time frame — from around early May to the latter part of May — this is when the majority of these Lake Wedowee bass have completed their annual ritual of bedding and they are very hungry! When bedding is over and done, these bass are recuperating and some have not eaten regularly in weeks. But when they do eat, they go on a major feeding spree right before summer begins. By the month of June most of the lake’s male and female bass have already bed and the majority of Lake Wedowee’s bass then begin fattening up for the long, hot summer months ahead. So, if this often controversial subject offends you or if fishing for bedding bass is just not your idea of a fair way of fishing for these creatures, you may not want to go fishing until this sum-
mer! But, if this technique intrigues you, and you plan on releasing both the male bass and the bigger female bass right where you caught them…then read on!
Hooked on Lake Wedowee by Reed Montgomery WHEN DO THESE BASS BEGIN TO PREPARE THESE BEDS? Lake Wedowee’s bass usually begin pairing up and making those little rounded out beds, easily seen on the lake’s bottom, around the first week or two of April. Some bass may bed earlier in the spring season or some may wait until most other bass have already bed, often seen bedding in late April, or at times, bedding may continue on into early May. For this, annual ritual of reproducing another year’s offspring to be in perfect working order, both the male and female
bass must complete this very stressful ordeal together. First, ideal conditions must indicate it’s time for the smaller male bass to begin preparing the bed. This can be when the water temperature is in the low 60’s, meaning many male bass will be crowded in select locations by late March. There must be stable, ideal water temperatures in the lake’s shallows, around 68 to 72 degrees, and a full moon nearby, before the female bass will even consider trekking into the lake’s shallow water to lay her eggs. Stable lake levels for a week or two (not rising or falling), a full moon very close by, and an ideal water temperature are needed for the majority of the lake’s female bass to bed in the lake’s very shallow water. Still, anglers must keep in mind that not all Lake Wedowee bass will be seen bedding at the same time. Lake Wedowee’s avid spring time anglers can be assured the majority of the lake’s bass population will be in water less than 3 feet deep during this spawning period during the months of April and May. Lingering late winter cold fronts can stall the bedding process. Unseasonable early spring warming trends can actually speed up the bedding process, duping these bass into bedding much earlier than usual. Keeping an eye on the weather, not only during the Lake Wedowee Life 53
spring season, but all throughout the rest of the year, can help Lake Wedowee’s anglers adjust accordingly. Otherwise, every outing can be a real challenge. The ideal water temperature for spawning bass is 72 degrees.
BASS ON THE BEDS Once this spawning process is in full swing, anglers should be on the lookout for these easy to spot brightly-colored beds. They will stand out as just a bright rounded out circle on the lake’s darker bottom. Make plans to fish a depth of 1-4 feet deep for these bedding bass. * A good pair of polarized sunglasses (preferably those with side shields), is a must for aiding anglers in locating these bass beds. Without a good pair of polarized sunglasses, the sun’s glare shining down on the waters surface will often prevent an angler from seeing most bass and their beds. Even a wide brimmed hat will help cut out the glare of the sun.
SPOTTING BASS BEDS Bass beds can easily be seen, but anglers must focus their efforts in lightly stained water conditions, to some very clear water clarity to be really successful at 54 Lake Wedowee Life
bed fishing. This can mean constantly looking for a yellowishcolored circle (with most bass beds having a diameter of about 1-2 feet), if the bass has chosen a sandy bottom to bed in. It can also mean be a reddishorange colored bed if the bottom composition consists of red clay. Some bass may choose to bed in areas featuring a sandy bottom with small pebbles or small, scattered baseball-sized rocks. Lake Wedowee’s bass have even been seen bedding right on top of a flat rock, under man made piers or right on top of a flat stump like any one of those thousands of stumps that were left here when the lake was cleared of the standing timber in the lake’s flooded shallows, when impounded in 1983. Lake Wedowee’s bass will usually avoid having to bed on a composition of a muddy bottom unless that’s all the lake has to offer in any one given area. Muddy bottoms are usually associated with dead, decaying aquatic weeds, and Lake Wedowee has very little aquatic weed growth during the spring season. During the summer months
some aquatic weeds will begin their growth, suddenly appearing in the shallows around the first week of June. These weeds will flourish for about five months until the lake is again drawn down to winter pool in the fall period. Then Lake Wedowee is down for another 6 months, killing most aquatic weeds found lake wide.
SIGHT FISHING Spotting a bass bed is only the first part of this fishing equation for targeting bedding bass. There is no use in spending your time fishing for a bass that is not actually on the bed or one that cannot actually be seen cruising near the bed. You have got to see the bass as well as the bed they occupy. This is where the term “sight fishing” comes into focus. Sight fishing means that the angler thoroughly scans the entire area around any suspect bed, looking for the bass that made the bed! This can be any one of the dozens of smaller male bass in any given bedding area or it can be a big female bass just waiting for the conditions to be right to lay her eggs. Male bass prepare the bed and then watch over the bed for as long as 30 days, running off any egg-eating intruders (like bream and other baitfish) that constantly hinder the whole overall success
of the entire bedding process. When the thousands of bass egg fry, then begin to hatch, the male bass must spend its time protecting the new born bass fry from predators. After this 30-day bedding process is complete, the small bass fry are then on their own. Left to explore their new watery world without the protection of their parents nearby.
TECHNIQUES FOR TARGETING BEDDING BASS Most adept anglers that have mastered the art of fooling a bedding bass into biting know what lure to choose and when its time to set the hook. Bass that are not interested in your fake offerings may take a while before attempting to remove the intruder from the bed.
Here’s what to look for; A bass that is “locked on the bed” is a bass that will bite. This is a bass that usually sits motionless, hovering right over the bed or very close to the bed. Spotting the dark silhouette of the bass against the lightly colored background then becomes easier. In lightly stained water conditions a bass locked on the bed can be aggravated into striking a number of lures, often requiring throwing a lure right into the heart of the bed. An angler may also need to carefully drag a lure off the bank right into the bed for those more skittish bass found in clearer water situations. In heavily stained water, when targeting bedding bass, you can fish close by most suspect beds by simply fan-casting the entire area. In clear water situations an angler may have to keep the boat a safe
distance away, then spot the bed, utilizing long casts to avoid spooking the bass. Most bed fishing anglers prefer to keep the sun to their back to avoid spooking bass on the beds and to help cut the sun’s glare on the water. Some anglers may fish into the rays of the sun to avoid casting a shadow over the bass or the bed, which can really spook a bass off the bed fast!
LURES Lures can be an array of offerings. Some lures can be fished on the lake’s bottom right in the bed. other lures may be fished in the middle water column. Even fishing a top water lure can often aggravate a big old bass into striking when all other lures have failed to produce a strike. Whether an angler chooses to fish a worm, tube bait, lizard, jig
Lake Wedowee Life 55
combo, creature type bait, fake crayfish, or any one of the dozens of fake plastics today’s anglers have to choose from, always keep in mind to use lures that have colors that are easily seen. Some anglers may choose to fish a white, chartreuse, yellow or red colored worm, lizard or tube bait. These brightly colored plastics help an angler to see the lure better when it is taken by the bass, and it helps a then prepared angler to get a much better hook set when the bass does strike. Some anglers may prefer darker colored plastics. These bass engulf a lure real fast. then they swim out away from the bed, then spitting out the lure. This can take place in just a matter of a few seconds. Paying very close attention and setting the hook fast at the proper time is of the utmost importance when bed fishing, if you want to achieve any degree of success! Watch the bass. It will show you when it is about to strike
your lure. Most big, female bass will nose down at the lure, with its tail often straight up, right before flaring its gills and engulfing the intruder. When in doubt…set the hook!
ALWAYS RETURN THE BASS TO THE BED WHERE YOU CAUGHT IT When you do successfully fool one or more of these bass into biting your tempting morsels, always unhook it carefully, quickly take its picture, and then return it to the bed immediately. The longer a bass stays out of the water, the chance for survival decreases. These are weak and very hungry bass that have spent the last few days very stressed out. Treat them like you would want to be treated…if you were a fish...With care. Don’t allow your boat to drift too far away from where you catch either a smaller male bass or a huge female bass. The bass may not be returned to the same
bed in time to save the eggs or newborn bass fry from predators. A big female bass may abandon the bed all together if you take it to far away from its bed, one it cannot return to. Take their pictures and then let these bass go. Return these bass right where you caught them to assure that another year’s offspring will be here next spring. Give these bass a chance to live and fight another day. To give another angler a thrill in the near future, just like they did for you. Keep in mind during the spring spawning season, ”The future of fishing depends on you” Thanks and Good Fishin’ Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service “ Over 40 Years Fishing Alabama’s Lakes for Bass and Stripers ” Birmingham, Alabama Phone (205) 663-1504 www.fishingalabama.com
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(Top left, clockwise) Anna Greer and Brock and Audrey Vandagriff brought Lake Wedowee Life along with them on a trip to the Statue of Liberty. Victoria Boffano, Randy Milam, Marcela Milam, Berta Nardaciones, Isaias Amante, Mery Nardaciones, Tabare Galeano, Kathe Ruiz Diaz, Mateo Heinz, Mariana Nardaciones and Nelson Coore brought Lake Wedowee Life with them to Termas de Guaviyu (Natural Hot Springs) in Paysandu, Uruguay Terri and Richar Ripley brought Lake Wedowee Life to Mount Ashland Ski Resort in the Southern Oregon
Mountains. Kelly Caldwell and Judy Miller celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah with Lake Wedowee Life. Ashley Stephens traveled to Cooper Mountain Colorado with Lake Wedowee Life magazine She celebrated her 12th birthday on Feb. 22. If you travel, be sure to take Lake Wedowee Life along with you. Take a picture at a landmark and send it back to us! Email your photos to news@lakewedoweelife.com. Please be sure to tell us where you are in the photo and who is with you!! Thanks and happy travels!
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WM Grocery relies on Quality Customer Service
WM Grocery opened its doors at its current location more than a decade ago, and continues to pride itself on cleanliness and excellent customer service. For Doug Williams, a great customer experience is the goal every time someone walks in the door at WM Grocery. “Most people think a first impression is what matters most,” he said. “But for my stores, the last impression is equally important. A cashier's attitude can mean the difference of between gaining a customer for life or not.” Williams opened his WM Grocery store in downtown Wedowee in 1993. “It has been called anything under the sun with a W and M, but actually it stands for Williams McGue,” Williams said. “My sister and I opened the store at the old Super Value location which is now the gym in downtown Wedowee.” As for why a grocery store, Williams still asks himself that question. “I still ask myself that question,” Williams laughed. “I saw an opportunity and my sister and her husband thought they wanted to 60 Lake Wedowee Life
move back and do this together but things change. It didn't work out and decided to part ways.” Williams now the sole proprietor moved WM Grocery to its current location in November 2001. “Our customers wanted it,” he said. “Parking has always been at a premium downtown and it didn't take long for our customers to encourage us to move to a bigger location.” However, during construction
Small Business Spotlight By Kelly Caldwell of the store, the world changed. “I remember exactly where I was standing and what I was doing when I heard about the terrorist attack,” Williams said. “We were all numb that day and didn't really know what to do or what was going to happen.” But, according to Williams there
was no turning back and the doors opened two months later. “We pride ourselves in keeping a clean store and knowing what our customers want,” he said. Keeping current with customers needs is an ever-changing process especially in the grocery store business. “There have been a lot of changes over the years,” Williams said. “But that's what keeps this business interesting. When we first opened the staples that people bought were a lot different. We sold a lot more things like flour and back then who would have thought bottles of water would sell by the case.” Another change for Williams has been the popularity of Lake Wedowee. “We can't deny Lake Wedowee has been good for business,” he said. “But, we realized something a few years ago when we were preparing for 'the season,' we looked back at our numbers for the year
and we didn't see a drop in sales after lake season was over. I am not really sure how to explain it other than our local customers keep coming back.� Williams prides himself on a running a neighborhood store full of friendly faces, but knowing his customers so well has its downside too. “It does have its highs and lows because we have seen so many of our customers grow up coming to our store, but at the same time we have lost a number of customers over the years. That's hard. Those people that have passed will never be forgotten, but new people come in that will remind you of an old friend sometimes. That's special.�
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Lake Wedowee Life advertising directory AUTO
BOATING
Affordable Tire and Repair Our NAME says it all! 23677 Highway 48 Woodland, AL 256-449-9200
D & S Marine "We service all brands" 10965 Hwy 48 West Wedowee, AL 256-357-4879
Clay Automotive Your Local Chrysler, Chevrolet, Jeep, Dodge Dealership Highway 9 Between Lineville and Ashland 256-396-2155 www.SeeClayAuto.com
Wedowee Marine U. S. Highway 431 WedoweeAL 256-357-2045 www.WedoweeMarine.com
COMMUNITY-CIVIC Lakeview Auto Service Inc Taking card of your AUTO like it was our own! Hwy 431 North just past River Bridge Wedowee, AL 256-363-2069 Scott Evans Automotive Group We want your business and we’ll prove it! 725 Bankhead Hwy Carrolton, Ga (770) 832-8222 www.ScottEvansNissanUSA.com
BANKS/FINANCIAL Bank of Wedowee Continous Service Since 1906 3 Locations: Wedowee * Roanoke * Woodland 256-357-2132 (Wedowee) www.bankofwedowee.com First State Bank We make dreams come true Lineville * Wedowee * Ashland 866-396-6915 www.firststatedirect.com SmallTown Bank "A Real Community Bank" Heflin * Ranburne * Roanoke * Wedowee 256-357-4936 (Wedowee) www.smalltownbank.com
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Lake Wedowee Life Visit us on facebook.com/lakewedoweelife 18285 Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 877-959-LAKE(5253) www.LakeWedoweeLife.net Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association LWPOA Annual Kid's Fishing Derby - May 19th Rice Pavilion on Lake Wedowee Randolph County Economic Development Authority Hwy 431 South Roanoke, AL 334-863-7243 Southern Union State Community College Wadley, AL (main campus) 256-395-2211 www.suscc.edu Worship on the Water Every Sunday 9:00 am - Memorial Day -Labor Day
CONSTRUCTION A & E Metal Roofing Supply 1278 Main Street South Wedowee, AL 256-357-0051 www.aemetalroofing.com
Bledsoe Painting Free Estimates & Competitive Pricing! Newell, AL 256-363-1084 jvbfromga@hotmail.com
Perryland Foods featuring Backwell Angus Steaks Court House Sq - Wedowee 60254 Hwy 49 - Lineville 256-357-2333
Charles Thompson Construction Custom Built Homes on Lake Wedowee since 1996 770-253-7315
WM Grocery Your Hometown Grocery Store... 2 locations: Wedowee and Heflin Wedowee,AL 256-357-4914 www.wmgrocery.com
Docks Plus More We sell the Best & Service the Rest! 205-438-2094 www.DocksPlusMore.com Fiberglass Unlimited - Boom Truck Rental Rent by the hour, day or week 334-863-1225 Mac McKinney Properties, Inc Southern Living Custom Builder Program 770-527-7355 www.McKinneyBuilders.com Norton's Flooring 3 miles south of Wedowee on Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 256-357-9233 www.flooringwholesale.com Wedowee Building Supplies Locally Owned and Operated 19085 Highway 431 Wedowee, AL 256-357-2845
FOOD Hill Top Store & Deli Alabama Outhouse Public Restroom Facilities Open 24/7! Hwy 48 Wedowee, AL 256-357-0123 Lakeside Grill & Marina 4 miles north of Wedowee on Hwy 431 at the River Bridge Wedowee,AL 256-357-0329 www.LakesideWedowee.com
GIFTS-RETAIL H&M Drugs Pharmacy, Gifts and Health Equipment Provider 147 Village Lane Wedowee,AL 256-357-4614 Sheppard's Jewelry 942 Main Street Roanoke,AL 334-863-2812
LEGAL-INSURANCE Chad Lee Attorney at Law 11 Main Street South Wedowee, AL 256-357-4800 Scott Hewitt, Attorney at Law General Practice Attorney 4455 U. S. Highway 431 (Across from Wal-Mart) Roanoke, AL 334-863-2181 www.scotthewittlaw.com State Farm Insurance Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there! 228 Main Street Roanoke, AL 334-863-2610 www.statefarm.com The Law Firm of Kesa Johnston Dunn 914 Main Street Roanoke, AL 334-863-5500 www.ThePowerOfAdvocacy.com Lake Wedowee Life 63
Dr. Michael Edwards, DMD P.C. Offering a full range of dental services! 449 Main Street N Wedowee, AL 256-357-2882
RE/MAX Lakefront Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX! 20755 Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 256-357-4444 www.LakeWedoweeAndMore.com
Steele Chiropractic Life Center "Your Alternative Health Care Center For Over 35 Years" 89485 Hwy 9 Lineville, AL 256-396-2058 www.steelechiropracticlifecenter.com
Re/Max Lakefront - Kelly & Leisel Caldwell Promoting Lake Wedowee in Print & Online Everyday! 20755 Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 877-959-LAKE(5253) www.ILoveLakeWedowee.com
PLANTS-LAWN CARE
Re/Max Lakefront - Grady and Linda Stone Lake Wedowee... A Lifestyle 20755 Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL Grady # 678-429-7924 - Linda #678-429-4556 www.LakeWedoweeLeaders.com
MEDICAL
Greg's Lawn Care Serving Lake Wedowee and surrounding communities Newell, AL 256-610-0140 Morning Sun Nursery Landscaping, Plants, Trees, Waterfalls 24057 Hwy 431 N Wedowee, AL 256-363-2467 www.MorningSunNursery.com Randolph Farmers Co-op Seed, Livestock Feed, Lawn & Garden Products Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 256-357-4743 Wedowee Landscape & Nursery Commercial and Residential Landscaping & Maintenance 308 West Broad Street Wedowee, AL 256-357-2556
REAL ESTATE SALES/RENTAL Lake Wedowee Rentals Affordable Rentals on Lake Wedowee Contact: Leisel Caldwell 877-959-5253 www.LakeWedoweeRentals.com
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Wedowee Lake and Lands You can own it... we'll help you get it! 23 Main Street Wedowee, Al 256-357-9600 www.wedoweelakeandlands.com Wedowee Lake and Lands - Gene & Ramonda Couch You can own it... we'll help you get it! 23 Main Street Wedowee, Al 770-315-9619 www.wedoweelakeandlands.com
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS Alabama Power For in-depth lake conditions call 1-800-Lakes11 Shoreline Office #256-396-5093 https://lakes.alabamapower.com/ Hall's Propane Gas Co., Inc. Serving East Alabama & West Georgia since 1962 Exclusive Dealer for Empire Gas Logs & Heaters Roanoke, AL 334-863-6616 Fishing Alabama Over 30 years experience fishing Alabama Lakes Www.FishingAlabama.com
Brian Morris Fishing Guide 10 years experience of fishing Lake Wedowee Wedowee, AL 256-357-2395 www.LakeWedoweeFishing.com Main Street Animal Hospital Small Animal Medicine & Surgery 307 Main Street Roanoke, AL 334-863-7111 Meleah Ray Oglesby Mary Kay Independent Sales Director 13 Chateau Lane Oxford, AL 256-283-7303 Marykay.com/meleahoglesby Satellite Specialist Your local dish authorized retailer! 20755 Hwy 431 Suite 3 Wedowee, AL 256-357-0223 Southern Restoration Group, LLC Fire & Water Damage Restoration & Cleanup 59795 Hwy 22 Roanoke, AL 800-709-3021 www.SouthernRestorationGroup.com Summit Storage Behind Lake Wedowee Auto Parts on Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 256-239-5990 Superior Gas Company Serving Clay, Cleburne and Randolph Counties Roanoke - 334-863-2138 Lineville 256-396-2428 Tallapossa River Electric Cooperative LaFayette, AL 800-332-8732 www.TREC.coop Williamsburg Manor Assisted Living 331 Franklin Rd Roanoke, AL 334-863-3500 www.TraylorRetirement.com
Lake Wedowee is always full of fun and excitement. We asked our Facebook Fans what their favorite Lake Wedowee memory was. We randomly selected form the responses we received and here they are! Enjoy! 1. Misty Cosper Champion - My husband proposed on a pier on Lake Wedowee. We have been happily married for ten years!
2. Hilary Shaw - Favorite memory on Lake Wedowee: My grandmother (Marie Johnson) just passed away 2 weeks ago, and my favorite memory was her 81st birthday party in which we had at one of the restaurants on the lake. We went down to the dock and all her great grandchildren posed for pictures there. It was a very beautiful evening on the lake and made me wish I would not have sold our boat.
to the other side. He would just giggle. Then say, Cindy if you were on the other side of the lake where would you cast. Then I realized as I also laughed I would be fishing just in front of me...lol...one of my many memories..RIP MY FRIEND...MY FISHING BUDDY...MY DAD 5. Jennifer Butts - Every 4th of July the whole family spends the weekend at my uncle Mark & Aunt Gail's lake house. I love water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, grilling out & sitting on the front porch watching the fireworks over the water. It's so much fun & so peaceful! 6. Kortni Hopkins - Riding boats & tubing! (: 7. Brad Prince - Helping all my kids conquer the rope swing...
3. Martha Shows Burnett Watching our two grandsons learn to love the water, both from the boat and the bank, has been worth every penny we've spent on our property! 4. Cindy Forsyth - My favorite Memory is with my Dad. I miss him so. He would wake me up early to go fishing at the lake. We would sit for hours an when I would cast my line, I tried casting
Vatore and Vincenzo David Guagliardo teaching Michael Sweet and Kenny battle tubing) , love having church youth retreats "Launching at the Lake", Poppa's sparkler bombs (especially Paul on Hernandez porch), rope swing, cliff jumping, dogs tubing, playing games....too many to list! Now find us some land to build on!!!! :)
8. Tammy Gunter Sweet - Sunset Point concerts, Worship on the water in swimsuits with coffee, watching the kids grow up with tons of friends learning to tube and wakeboard tricks, (especially Sal
9. Lisa Brooks Exum - Every trip on the lake was my favorite memory. 10. Christy Cole - My favorite memory is riding jet skies from Pineywoods creek to 48 bridge with my godfather before he had a heart attack and lost all his memory from oxygen loss, I can still remember stopping at the bridge and jumping off the jet skies to swim and barely making it back by dark. That was the best day ever on Lake Wedowee.
To participate in our next poll , or to see other results of this Top 10 be sure to visit www.facebook.com/LakeWedoweeLife.