LAKESIDE
Living
Hello, November
u Gather at the Garden u Scents of the Season u At the St. Clair County Fair NOVEMBER 2026
See inside for more!
2 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
amfirst.org
NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 3
Contents
22
Features
10
10 A Garden for All Seasons 16 At the St. Clair County Fair 22 Comfort in a Bowl 28 Scents of the Seasons
Between The Lines............................................................................ 6 Hook, Line & Sinker.......................................................................... 8
Lakeside Flora & Fauna................................................................. 34
Calendar Of Events....................................................................... 40 Lakeside Chats with Cherith........................................................50
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Facebook: Lakeside Living Magazine Twitter: @Lakeside_Living Instagram: Lakeside_Living
ON THE COVER: Emily Edmunds enjoys a balmy autumn afternoon at the lake. Photo by Buddy Roberts. 4 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
LAKESIDE Living
Covering life along Logan Martin Lake since 1994
PUBLISHERS Blucher Ehringhaus John Fry EDITOR Buddy Roberts LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Tucker Webb GRAPHIC DESIGN Darla Allen
WRITERS Laci Braswell Sherry Blanton Cherith Glover Fluker CJ Knight Sarah E. Moreman CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Ginna Gray
A product of
The Daily Home Talladega | 124 Court Sq. E, 35160 | (256) 362-1000 Pell City Towne Park | 1911 Martin St. S, Suite 2, 35128 | (205) 884-3400
BETWEEN
THE LINES
Autumn in Alabama
I
It was a sunny autumn afternoon, and I was speaking with Sarah Elizabeth Moreman, one of Lakeside Living’s regular contributors. This conversation took place some time back, but I find it coming to mind each year when the calendar turns to November. “I love to feel the sun warming the wooden planks of a pier,” she said, having stepped out of her trademark colorful heels as she watched the Coosa River flow serenely by. “How long did you live on the river?” I asked. “Eleven years. I miss it. I miss waking up to see the fog embracing the river. I miss that ethereal feel of foggy mornings as I was daily reminded that I should go outside, that life is much more than the house I lived in.” “You seem to have a definite affinity for being by the water.” “I certainly do. I still come to the lake to visit family and friends. Being by the water reminds me of how ‘it is well with my soul’ and ‘this too shall pass’ due to the way water cleanses away the daily living stress. Water has its soothing qualities which inspires me to flex my creative writing skills.” Regular Lakeside Living readers have no doubt enjoyed the words Sarah has shared with us in our monthly Lakeside Flora & Fauna feature. Her descriptive, reflective perspectives are on display again this
6 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
month accompanying Tucker Webb’s fantastic photographs of fall. I think it’s some of our lead photographer’s best work, and Sarah’s writing is always relatably evocative of time and place. It is our hope that you will enjoy all of the material we have prepared to share with you in this month’s magazine. Elsewhere in the issue, you’ll learn about the Pell City Gateway Community Garden’s upcoming benefit, take a look back at the St. Clair County Fair, find recipes for three examples of comfort foods that are perfect for the cooler temperatures of autumn, and even get some gardening ideas for fall and winter. We’re pleased that you’ve chosen to spend another month with Lakeside Living, Logan Martin’s original and premier magazine. May all be well with your soul this season.
PHOTO BY TUCKER WEBB
ALABAMA COLD IS STILL COLD Make sure your home is ready for it. Cozy up with a new propane heater or gas logs, or fire up the backyard with durable camping cookers and cookware. At the CVP Showroom, you’ll find quality products backed by experienced service. Our technicians install CVP-purchased heaters and gas logs, and if you ever have a problem, we’ll come to you for troubleshooting at no charge. Stop by and discover what’s cooking at Coosa Valley Propane! Showroom Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. 69680 Ala. Hwy. 77, Talladega | CoosaValleyPropane.com
NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 7
Hook, Line & Sinker
Three top baits for
November fishing
N
ovember is a great month for bass fishing on Logan Martin Lake. Water temperatures are cooling, and the bass are feeding. Major feeding windows will present themselves as the days become shorter. There is no better time of the year than fall for numbers of fish. Spotted bass, largemouth bass, and striped bass will actively feed in preparation for winter. This is a great time to throw a multitude of different baits. Keep it simple and cover water this month. My top 3 favorite baits for the month of November are jerkbaits, spinnerbait, and a Pop-R. The jerkbait is exactly what it sounds like – a bait that jerks and has erratic action. This is especially important in the mid-to-late fall because baitfish – shad – will act very erratic. This is because the shad are under constant stress from gamefish attacking them. The jerkbait is perfect for the situation. Some of my
favorite jerkbaits are the KVD 200 and Spro McStick. I opt for the smaller, twohook models in November. Pair these lures with a medium bait cast rod and bait cast reel. You can also use medium spinning reels for this setup. Line of choice will be 10–12-pound fluorocarbon; monofilament will work as well. Burning a spinnerbait is an absolute killer this time of year. Keeping the spinnerbait high in the water column, right under the surface, will be the ticket. Having a very fast-paced gear ratio reel with a medium heavy longer rod will allow you to keep the bait up in the water column. My favorite part about burning a spinnerbait is the versatility of covering water fast. Bare banks, covered banks, open water or whatever you are fishing, the spinnerbait 3/8 or ½ ounce burned can cover water and have extreme effectiveness. My favorite for this time of year is a Davis spinnerbait (produced locally in Sylacauga) in both peacock and blue shimmer colors. The standard Pop-R can be used in many situations during November. It works well around hard targets, like wood and rock. And it works great for schooling bass, which can show up at any time of the day in the month of November. A slow quick jerk and “pop” will cause the bait to do its
thing. Hold on, ’cause this top water bite can produce some massive topwater strikes. When targeting bass in November, I’ll always start at the creek mouths. Small cuts and pockets off the main river will hold bass and baitfish as well. If you can find the baitfish, you will find the bass. Always keep an eye out for schooling fish. Busting action on top of the water is a dead giveaway. Isolated targets will hold fish as well. These three baits will keep you covered this month. Happy fishing. Tight Lines & Strong Hooksets,
C.J. KNIGHT
An example of a Davis spinnerbait.
8 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
Make room for holiday cheer. With a Home Equity Line of Credit featuring No Closing Costs* Whether you’re refreshing your home for holiday gatherings, covering seasonal expenses or planning a project for the new year, a Home Equity Line of Credit from USB offers flexibility to help you make it happen, with no closing costs.*
1-855-468-6872 | www.unionstate.net Equal Housing Lender
Member FDIC | *Terms and conditions apply. See UnionState banker for full details and disclosure.
NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 9
Gather at the Garden
A fall fundraiser that celebrates a successful harvest Written by LACI BRASWELL Photography provided by the PELL CITY GATEWAY COMMUNITY GARDEN
A
s another growing season winds down, the Pell City Gateway Community Garden is preparing to welcome the community for its annual fall fundraiser, an event that will bring together local artists, live music, and food in support of the garden’s ongoing mission. The event, “Gather at the Garden,” is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the garden, 3705 Mays Bend Road in Pell City. The fundraiser will feature several new additions this year, including artwork from as many as five local artists, a silent auction, and musical entertainment by the duo Stay Tuned. Executive director Renee Lilly said the event will also feature Mediterranean cuisine catered by Mandy Bassi, along with door prizes and opportunities for visitors to support the garden. One of the event’s highlights will be a chance to win a 7-cubicfoot chest freezer stocked with a quarter of a cow and a quarter 10 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
of a hog. Tickets for the prize drawing are $20 each, with proceeds supporting the garden’s continued operations and community programs. The public is invited to the fundraiser for an afternoon of food, music and fellowship while supporting the garden’s continued growth. According to Lilly, the fundraiser has become an important part of the organization’s efforts to sustain its operations. It comes on the heels of another productive growing season at the garden, which is across from St. Simon’s Episcopal Church on Mays Bend Road. Lilly said volunteers enjoyed particularly successful harvests of muscadines, blueberries, and watermelons this year. “Our production was really good. It’s not the best it’s ever been, but we had a really, really good harvest season.” Since its establishment in 2014, the garden has worked to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to local food pantries and the Pell City Senior Center while encouraging residents to become more involved in gardening and community service. Its mission, Lilly said, is “to provide body and soul nourishment through cooperative community gardening.” That mission has continued to expand beyond growing and distributing produce. This fall, the garden has strengthened its partnership with the St. Clair County Extension Office, which recently introduced a Junior Master Gardener program at the site. The program meets Thursdays and provides young participants with opportunities to learn about gardening, plant care, and
NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 11
agriculture. Lilly said the partnership has been an exciting development for the garden, particularly as organizers work to introduce more children to the benefits of growing their own food. The garden has also become a gathering place for families through regular outdoor story times. For the past three months, a local librarian has visited the garden on Thursday afternoons to read to children and lead craft activities. Families gather on blankets and quilts while listening to stories, creating another opportunity for children to enjoy the outdoors and become familiar with the garden. Lilly said the story times have been among the activities she has especially enjoyed this season. Lisa Phillips, the garden’s treasurer, said partnerships with organizations such as the library and Extension Office have been especially valuable for the garden’s small group of volunteers. With only a handful of people regularly involved in its operations, she said outside support helps the organization expand its programs and introduce the garden to more residents, particularly younger generations. Phillips’ own involvement with the garden dates back to its early years, when she became connected to the organization through the former Pell City Civitan Club, now the Logan Martin Civitan Club. She continued volunteering and eventually became the garden’s treasurer. Although she does not consider herself an experienced gardener, she has always been willing to lend a hand wherever needed. “I’m more of a laborer.” She’s more comfortable planting 12 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
seeds and harvesting vegetables than deciding what should be grown. Through her involvement with the Civitan Club, Phillips also helped secure funding for improvements to the garden’s walkways, with the goal of making the grounds more accessible to visitors with disabilities. The improvements have included pathways and work in shaded areas of the property, with additional accessibility improvements still being considered. For Phillips, however, the greatest reward has always been the opportunity to help others. “The Lord gave me a heart of giving,” she said, adding that she tries to contribute both financially and through volunteer work, particularly because she recognizes the continuing need for fresh food among local families and senior citizens. Knowing that produce harvested at the garden can help someone experiencing food insecurity gives her a sense of purpose. “I like the idea of planting something and then seeing, you know, the fruits of your labor,” Phillips said. The garden’s growing educational outreach has also provided opportunities for longtime volunteers to share their love of gardening with younger generations. Volunteer Debbie Smith said her involvement began through her work as a volunteer coordinator at the Love Pantry. She became familiar with the community garden when NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 13
it was located on the former Avondale Mills property, before the organization moved to its current location. For Smith, volunteering combines two longtime interests: spending time outdoors and helping others. “First of all, I love gardening and I love being outside in nature.” She added that her desire to give back to the community has been another important reason for remaining involved. “So many people are struggling and homeless and don’t have food, and so it’s always been a passion of mine to give back to others.” Smith also enjoys seeing children discover how fruits and vegetables grow, particularly when they have an opportunity to harvest something themselves. Beyond its role in addressing food insecurity, the garden continues to serve as a place of reflection and restoration. The Pell City Gateway Community Garden is part of the Open Spaces, Sacred Places network, which recognizes outdoor spaces designed to encourage healing, connection and quiet reflection. Through its gardens, educational activities and volunteer opportunities, the organization continues to provide residents with ways to connect with nature and one another. For more information about the garden, volunteer opportunities or the upcoming fundraiser, visit the Pell City Gateway Community Garden’s Facebook page. 14 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
ALABAMA
ORNAMENTAL, INC. RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Over 50 Years Experience
Specializing In Custom Built: •Ornamental Swing & Slide Gates •Ornamental Fences •Electrical Gate Operators •Service, Sales & Installation
•Remote Control Systems •Spiral Staircase, Handrails •Barrier Gate Systems phone Access Control •Telep
Check Out Our Portfolio on Our Website at
www.alabamaornamental.com We now accept all major credit cards. 2515 Alabama Hwy 174 • Springville AL, 35146
(205)467-0720 • (205) 951-9091
000313666r1
NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 15
ST. CLAIR COUNTY FAIR celebrates agriculture, community and family traditions Written by LACI BRASWELL Photography provided by the ST. CLAIR COUNTY FAIR
F
rom livestock shows and agricultural demonstrations to live music, carnival rides and local vendors, the third annual St. Clair County Fair brought together families and visitors for two days of entertainment, education, and community. Held in early October at the St. Clair County Agriculture and Multi-Event Center in Odenville, the free event continued its mission of celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage while providing activities for visitors of all ages. One of the fair’s organizers, Jodi Shirley, said as many as 3,500 people attended this year’s festivities, despite other fall events and football homecomings taking place throughout the area. Now heading into its fourth year, the fair continues to build on an idea that began with a group of parents who wanted to create more opportunities for their children to participate in livestock competitions close to home. “My daughter shows, and that’s where a lot of this all started 16 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
from,” Shirley said. “Me and a couple of other show moms wanted to do something for the kids who do not have a place to show in their hometown.” That vision has since grown into an annual celebration highlighting agriculture, local talent, small businesses and community involvement. For Shirley, however, the livestock competitions remain especially meaningful. This year’s shows featured as many as 50 young exhibitors, according to her estimate, with competitions involving sheep, hogs, beef cattle, dairy cattle and goats, a new addition to the fair. The competitions welcomed participants of various ages, including some as young as 2 in a beginner showmanship division. “We always say if they are able to walk with their animal, then they are old enough to show.” Shirley said. Lessons learned through caring for livestock extend far beyond the show ring, she added. Her 14-year-old daughter, Josie, is among the young exhibitors who dedicate hours each day to preparing and caring for their animals. Shirley said kids can typically spend several hours at the barn in the morning and again in the afternoon, depending on their daily routine. “The responsibility, the life lessons. There’s nothing else that we have experienced that teaches these kinds of things.” The experience also helps young people build confidence and friendships with others who share their interests. NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 17
“My whole focal point is the livestock show, getting these youth involved and letting them understand where their food comes from and all of the purposes of agriculture,” Shirley said. “We’ve just gotten such a disconnect from the community that the grocery stores have just become so convenient that we don’t even think about the steps before.” This year’s fair provided several opportunities for visitors to gain a better understanding of agriculture through demonstrations and educational activities. It featured livestock herding demonstrations with working dogs and goats, showing visitors how animals assist with everyday tasks on a farm. Another demonstration focused on poultry processing, giving visitors a closer look at how chickens are prepared for consumption. As in its first two years, the fair also included a petting zoo, allowing younger visitors to interact with animals, along with information booths from agricultural organizations. Participating organizations included but are not limited to the Pell City FFA chapter, the St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association, the St. Clair County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the St. Clair County Extension Office. Beyond the agricultural activities, visitors enjoyed an entertainment lineup featuring country, bluegrass, and gospel music. “It felt like a country music concert,” Shirley said. “Our stage, 18 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 19
our lighting, our sound. It was so good.” The fair also offered carnival-style entertainment, including swings, teacup rides, a mechanical bull, and inflatable attractions. Visitors could browse local vendor booths, enjoy food trucks and concessions, and explore competitions highlighting such traditional skills as baking and quilting. Shirley said recognizing military veterans was another important part of the weekend. Meals were served to veterans during both days of the fair, and a Coffee & Conversation gathering was held Saturday morning. “We wanted to make sure we did something to honor them and their service.” Shirley said the fair would not be possible without the support by local businesses, volunteers and community organizations, including UnionState, the St. Clair County Soil and Water Conservation District, Rural King, Tractor Supply Co., Alabama Power, and the St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association. 20 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
2107 Martin St S, Suite 102 | Pell City, AL 35128 Office: 205/884/2665 | Fax: 205/884/9030 | Email: info@coosavalleymortgage.com
www.coosavalleymortgage.com NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 21
A SPOONFUL OF COMFORT
Soup is an ideal meal for chilly autumn lakeside days Compiled by LAKESIDE LIVING
A
Photography by ANDREA MATHIS
utumn is a season for comfort foods. Shorter days and declining temperatures make us crave hearty, timeless meals that make us feel warm and cozy inside and nostalgic for home. Soup is an especially comforting food that makes for a satisfying meal on chilly autumn and winter days. The following soup recipes were developed by Andrea Mathis, a registered dietitian and owner of Beautiful Eats & Things. They appear in Lakeside Living through the courtesy of Alabama News Center. For more of Andrea’s recipes, visit beautifuleatsandthings.com.
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS • 8 slices whole-grain bread • 4 slices American cheese • 2 tablespoons butter • 2 cans tomato soup + 2 cans water or milk • 2 cloves garlic minced 22 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
• 1 tablespoon oil • 1 tablespoon dried basil • Salt and pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS • In a medium pot, sauté garlic in oil over medium heat. • Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the soup. • Fill the cans with water or milk and pour into the pot. Using milk will give the soup a creamier texture and a richer taste but use whatever you have on hand. • Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring in between. • Add in basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. • To make the grilled cheese sandwiches, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. • Place ½ tablespoon of butter in the skillet and swirl it around the pan with a spatula until melted. • Place 2 sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 2 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden-brown and the cheese is partially melted. • Flip and add ½ tablespoon of butter to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until the second side is golden-brown and the cheese is completely melted. • Repeat this process for the other sandwiches. • Serve with warm soup. RECIPE NOTES Nutrition per serving: calories 365, protein 14 grams, carbs
Living well happens
36 grams, fiber 3 grams, total fat 22 grams, saturated fat 11 grams, cholesterol 45 milligrams, sodium 680 milligrams. Mindful note: Simple comfort food can still be balanced. Using whole-grain bread and milk adds calcium and fiber, supporting bone and heart health.
Easy Vegetable Soup Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS • 6 cups vegetable or beef broth • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce • 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables • 1 large potato diced • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning • 2 teaspoons garlic powder • Salt and pepper to taste • Optional: ½
Living with a chronic health condition doesn’t mean childhood has to stop. At Children’s of Alabama, we make sure kids can keep doing what they do best—laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a team that never stops believing in brighter days, we help families navigate their healthcare journey with confidence, strength, and hope.
ChildrensAL •org
We are here in your neighborhood at Pediatrics East. To schedule an appointment at either the Trussville or Deerfoot locations visit www.pediatricseast.org NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 23
teaspoon Cajun seasoning INSTRUCTIONS • Combine all ingredients in a pot, simmer for about 15-20 minutes on medium to low heat or until potatoes are tender. • Season with salt and pepper to taste. • Serve warm and enjoy. RECIPE NOTES Nutrition per serving: calories 170, protein 5 grams, carbs 29 grams, fiber 5 grams, total fat 2 grams, saturated fat 0 grams, cholesterol 0 milligrams, sodium 480 milligrams. Mindful note: Canned and frozen vegetables make it easy to eat more plants without the waste, making this a nourishing, budget-friendly comfort food.
One-Pot BlackEyed Pea Soup with Collard Greens & Sausage Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS • 1 tablespoon oil 24 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
INSTRUCTIONS • In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. • Add sausage and onions and cook for approximately 7-8 minutes or until onions are translucent. • Add chicken broth, black-eyed peas, collard greens, rutabagas, cayenne pepper and garlic powder to the pot. • Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. • Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy. RECIPE NOTES Nutritional information (1 serving): calories, 259; carbohydrates, 30 grams; fat, 7 grams; protein, 19 grams; saturated fat, 2 grams; fiber, 6 grams; sugars, 5 grams.
CL00013355
• 1 small yellow onion, sliced • 1 (14-ounce package) turkey smoked sausage, sliced • 3 (14.5-ounce cans) black-eyed peas • 1 (27-ounce can) collard greens, drained • 1 (14.5-ounce can) diced rutabagas, drained • 1½ cups chicken broth • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • Salt and pepper to taste
Landscape & Gardening Supplies, Shade Trees, Fruit Trees, Flowering Trees, Shrubs, House Plants, & More 925 23rd St. N. I Pell City, AL 35125
(205) 338-3952
Visit Us For All Your Landscaping Needs NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 25
NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 27
Scents
OF THE SEASONS Planting for a fragrant fall and winter garden Written and photographed by SHERRY BLANTON
A
garden is a treasure chest of delights for our senses. Birds chirping, bees buzzing, or water gurgling in a fountain engage our sense of hearing. Plants such as lamb’s ear, with its soft furry leaves, delight the sense of touch. Blooms in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes gratify the sense of sight. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs fulfill
our sense of taste. Delicious fragrances cause us to literally stop and smell the roses. I enjoy walking through my garden to smell a gardenia, a tuberose, an old-fashioned rose. Their exquisite fragrances heal my gardener’s heart.
28 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
The aroma of flowers is also attractive to the butterflies. These pollinators are essential to the chain of life in the garden. While bright colors help the butterflies spot flowers to pollinate, the fragrance confirms the presence of nectar and guides them to their destination. To help the butterflies, avoid using smelly pesticides and herbicides, which can interfere with their scent receptors. Fragrance can also come from foliage. For example, the leaves of an evergreen anise (illicium), a shrub or small tree, smell like anise. Another way to add fragrance is to plant herbs in containers or beds. I keep a container of peppermint mint on the stairs and stop on my daily rounds for a whiff.
Scents for cool and cold weather FALL • Ginger lily (Hedychium), a perennial from a rhizome, sports wonderful fragrance and exquisite blooms, attractive NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 29
to pollinators. It spreads easily.
WINTER • Winter daphne (Daphne odora), an evergreen shrub with delicate but highly fragrant pink small blooms. Daphne’s rewards can be overwhelmed by its tendency to die for no apparent reason; alive one week, deceased the next. Despite its peculiarity, every garden needs one. • Paper bush (Edgeworthia chrysantha), a deciduous shrub that blooms in January with highly fragrant, yellow, nodding blooms. • Viola, an annual miniature pansy whose cheerful rainbow-colored faces bear a wonderful sweet fragrance from fall through spring.
Scents for warmer seasons SPRING • Banana shrub, an evergreen shrub or small tree, bearing 30 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
small, creamy blooms that fill the air with a scent akin to banana pudding. • Pinks, which resemble carnations (different from florist carnations), are a very fragrant ground cover, blooming from spring to fall if deadheaded. • Tea olive (Osmanthus), an evergreen shrub or small tree, with hundreds of highly fragrant small flowers covering the plant. It can perfume an entire garden. Blooms sporadically through summer. • Confederate jasmine, an evergreen vine, blooms late spring into summer and bears fabulously scented small white flowers. Add a trellis for this climber, or allow them to run on the bare ground as a groundcover. • Southern magnolia (Grandifolia magnolia), a staple in the South, bears magnificent, creamy white, highly fragrant blooms in late spring.
SUMMER • Tuberose (Polianthus tuberosa), a perennial bulb with a creamy white flower able to sweetly perfume an entire garden. Often used in wedding flowers and made into leis in Hawaii. Also used to make perfume. Hide them from the deer, who also love them. NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 31
• Four o’clock (Mirabilis) a perennial growing from seed or rhizome. A spreader available in many colors, it blooms around four o’clock, making it an excellent choice for a night garden. • Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia), a perennial shrub or small tree with large, downward facing, deliciously fragrant blooms that open at dusk and remain open the next day. Caution: All parts, including leaves, blooms and stems, are extremely toxic. • Heliotrope, an annual with vanilla-scented, purple blooms, is lovely in containers or the ground. • Old-fashioned roses, whether climbing or shrub style, bring a highly fragrant gift to a sensory garden. (Newer roses that are bred for various traits such as size, disease tolerance, or blooms often have no fragrance.) • Gardenia, an evergreen shrub (available in a range of sizes) with creamy white flowers and an unforgettable perfume. Gardenias and a warm summer night are a natural pairing. • Lavender (lavendula), a perennial loved for its purple blooms and aromatic foliage. Unfortunately, lavender does not always do well in our Southern climate; plant it in fast-draining soil in full sun, omitting fertilizer. 32 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
UNWRAP A LITTLE EXTRA JOY!
12-month signature loans up to $5,000 with a rate of 5.99% APR 24-month signature loans up to $5,000 with a rate of 7.99% APR Promotion valid 11/1/2026 - 12/31/2026. Certain Restrictions May Apply.
w w w. a o d f c u . c o m 8 0 0 . 6 3 7. 0 2 9 9 *APR (Annual Percentage Rate) – 2 (two) options are available: Option 1 (one) - Loan amount up to $5,000 at 5.99% APR for up to 12 months with automatic transfer**. Sample term: $5,000 for 12 months at 5.99% is $430.31 per month. Option 2 (two) – Loan amount up to $5,000 at 7.99% APR for up to 24 months with automatic transfer**. Sample term: $5,000 for 24 months at 7.99% is $226.11 per month. If auto transfer is not used on Option 1 (one) and Option 2 (two) current rates will apply. Promotion valid 11/01/2026 to 12/31/2026. All loans are subject to credit approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. For more information visit aodfcu.com or call 1-800-637-0299. Certain restrictions may apply. Membership is required.
NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 33
Lakeside Flora & Fauna
AUTUMN LEAVES… Written by DR. SARAH ELIZABETH MOREMAN Photographed by TUCKER WEBB
W
ith two conferences back to back in the Northeast, I decided to rent a vehicle and turn the two-anda-half-week stretch into a road trip. The timing could not have been more perfect for taking in the fall foliage, with leaves turning into brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red. And, I was alone the entire drive. Atlas was a fitting name when I was handed the keys to a third-row-seater SUV, a Volkswagen Atlas, to be specific. I kept seeing the word, or name, Atlas everywhere, from olive oil labels to billboards. Aside from its dictionary meaning of a collection of geographical maps, I thought about the mythological Titan god Atlas and how he was tasked with the world-weary burden of holding up the sky, or the heavens, as some senseless punishment by Olympian god Zeus. The punishment is not based on anything bad or even good, only the punishment itself as a burden similar to that many of us experience with day to day living. Atlas embodies endurance under
pressure, which parallels the pressure I am feeling this semester. Hundreds of emails stare back at me as I painstakingly rack my brain to pull together a few coherent sentences in response, hoping to help solve the world’s problems for each student. Seeing the dark asphalt curving far ahead of Atlas’s shiny black hood as I drove northward relaxed me, allowing my mind to leave behind the digital demands. My eyes were drawn to the
34 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
glorious colors of early autumn as the sun made its way across the sky. The trees, their leaves changing colors, framed the wet asphalt after many days of rain. The hum of tires lulled me into reminiscing about quiet mornings at the lake and how boats slice through still waters, leaving behind wakes that ripple out to the edges of the lake. When the rain stopped, I pressed all the window buttons, and the glass
MONDAY - THURSDAY 7AM-4PM • FRIDAY 7AM-2PM
slid down, letting in the earthy smells of early autumn. The dampness in the air, its crispness, and the smoke from fires already gracing fireplaces made me smile as the accelerated wind whipped through my hair, tangling it into knots. Like being in a speedboat, I could not help but laugh at the sheer
delight of momentum, the way my hair seemed to have a character of its own as the world passed by. Whenever my eyes focused on a particular tree or a barn, the world seemed to slow down. When my gaze softened and wandered, the sensation of letting go became tangible as the trees and
36 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
Make Mak the t Holidays Holi y Sweeter Swe e
0DNH WKH +ROLGD\V 6ZHHWHU
² the From ¼ h gifts y u¼´  ah² under the ¼ h ¼²hh tree ¼ to ¼ h the h ² h´ memories made Aah in holiday season the kitchen, ¼ h ¼X h ^ Êh±²h we're here h²h ¼ to h help A h make Ì Â² your aAÌ ´hA´ aA little ¼¼ h O² y ¼h² Ê ¼ brighter with Aa Low-Rate Ê /A¼h Loan A
Rates as low as
Up to $5,000
5.75
%
APR
VISIT WINSOUTHCU.COM FOR THE OFFICIAL TERMS, OR SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE TO LEARN MORE.
NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 37
meadows slid past the Atlas as I drove. What is it about autumn that makes us pause in gratitude? What is it about driving along curvy black roads framed by maples, sweetgums, beeches, and hickories, their leaves displaying distinctive shades of red and gold, that brings us such a sense of peace? And why do falling leaves make us laugh, as though we, too, are letting go of worldly cares? We are called to fall on our knees in gratitude, placing our cares at the feet of the One Who cares for us. We are called to be thankful for the blessings we experience in life, no matter how small they seem. A beautiful leaf, a red maple leaf, is a piece of art, offering us a small bit of joy to admire and appreciate. Its beauty reminds us to give thanks for this season of changing colors, a season that keeps us from becoming bored or overwhelmed by the sameness of our days. The changing colors remind us of the adage, “This too will pass.” We are not meant to be the mythological Atlas, bearing the worldly burdens of anxiety, sorrow, and unrest. Rather, we are meant to let go, trust in the One Who cares for us, and count our blessings. 38 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
CALENDAR OF
NOVEMBER 20
NOVEMBER 21
60 YEARS OF THE MONKEES
ART EXTRAVAGANZA
Presented as part of the Coca-Cola Concert Series. Oxford Performing Arts Center Micky Dolenz (actor, singer, director, producer, writer, radio DJ, inventor, and all-around performer) appears at the Oxford Performing Arts Center. Best known as a vocalist and drummer for the 1960s pop group The Monkees, Dolenz sang lead vocals on “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m a Believer.” The Monkees sold in excess of 65 million records. Their first four albums – The Monkees (1966); More of the Monkees (1967); Headquarters (1967); and Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones, LTD. (1967) all reached the number-one position on the charts. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit oxfordpac.org.
This 19th annual event is hosted by Aljerald Powers Memorial Lodge/Plank Road Station from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Shopping from arts and crafts vendors, live music, and food will be available. Live entertainment will be provided by Rick Haynes, Julie Moon and Her Group, Roy Strickland, Country Classic Revival, Dean McConathy, Roger Vines, and Terry Roberson. Slabs of ribs will be available for $25 each; to pre-order, call 256-3629375. For more details, visit plankroadstation. com or @Aljerald Powers Memorial Lodge/Plank Road Station on Facebook.
NOVEMBER 27
DECEMBER 5
LIGHTS IN THE PARK
AN OLDE ENGLISH CHRISTMAS
The 2026 season of this beloved display opens in Lakeside Park. Displays will begin to be set up on November 13, with the lights displays continuing through December 31. Displays will be judged on their creativity and quality, and attendees are invited to vote on their favorite displays. Voting will begin the first lighting day of the event, Friday, November 27th and end at 9 p.m. Thursday, December 17. Signs with a QR code will be distributed throughout the park, and visitors will use their mobile phone cameras to scan the code, which takes them directly to the awards poll. Lights in the Park is presented by the City of Pell City.
Peter Noone charmed the world as the face of Herman’s Hermits during the British Invasion, and his warmth and wit remain just as irresistible today. From “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” to “I’m Henry the Eighth I Am,” he delivered some of the most purely fun pop songs of the 1960s. Wrapped in holiday spirit, his Christmas show at the Oxford Performing Arts Center is a mix of seasonal favorites and singalongs the whole family will treasure. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit oxfordpac.org.
40 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
YOUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO DINING OUT
HOURS FOR DELI Breakfast: B eakfa t: M Mon.-Fri. on.-F i. 5 a.m a.m. m. - 10 a.m a.m. m. Lunch: Mon.-Fri. Mon.-F i. 10:45 10: 5 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Breakfast B eakfast Saturday: Satu dayy : 5 a.m.-10:300 a.m. tuu d y Lunch: Lunn h: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Jade East Buffet Chinese & JJapanese Cuisine Ch C ii
LUNCH & DINNER BUFFET
JIMMY’S
COUNTRY STORE & DELI (FORMERLY J&S COUNTRY STORE & DELI)
205-338-3052
2500 Stemley Bridge Rd. Pell City, AL
Made Fresh Daily
DINE IN OR TAKE OUT
205-338-8868
Open Mon. 6am-4pm Tues. 6a-4p Wed. - Fri. 6a-5p Sat. 7a-5p Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch & Ice Cream 10140 US Hwy 231 Cropwell, AL 35054
205-677-0130
47VAUGHAN LANE • PELL CITY, AL
Located In The Wal Mart Shopping Center
Specialty & Signature Sandwiches, Salads and Soup Breakfast Starts at 5 a.m. Call for Daily Specials Monday-Friday
Premium non-ethanol gas -great for boats
ASIAN
RESTAURANT
4852 Cogswell C ll AAve. Pell City 35125 Sushi, Hibachi, Asian i W Wok, k Full F ll Bar B
Daily Lunch Specials
Tues-Thurs: 11 am - 9 pm, Fri - Sat: 11 am - 10 pm, Sun: 11 am - 9 pm, Mondays - Closed
Dine In, Carry Out or Delivery
205-338-7774 | 205-338-7775 Order online at oishiasianrestaurant.com
NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 41
9
6
7
4
Pell City D 5 G
ST. CLAIR COUNTY
B C
8
A Lakeside Living guide to
E
LOGAN MARTIN
Riverside Lincoln
A
H
1
TALLADEGA COUNTY
F
1 – Poor House Branch Marina 2 – Aztecas Mexican 3 – Jade East 4 – Triple G’s 5 – Jimmy’s Country Store 6 – Pell City Steak House 7 – Oishi Asian Restaurant 8 – Coosa Cafe & Creamery 9 – Daylight Donuts A– Logan Martin Dam B – Lakeside Park C – Stemley Bridge D – St. Clair Airport E – Mays Bend F – Choccolocco Creek G – Dye Creek H – Blue Eye Creek
Pell City North of I-20 3
2
44 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 49
Lakeside Chats with CHERITH Finding the Good in the ORDINARY I t’s November. And with that comes the age-old expectation: Be thankful. Almost everywhere you look, there are reminders that this is the month for gratitude. Store signs, social media posts, and seasonal decor won’t let us forget that it’s time to stop and think about what we’re grateful for. For years, when I thought about the things I was thankful for, my mind immediately went to the big things: my family, my home, my career, good health, and opportunities I’d prayed for. And while I’m still incredibly grateful for all of those things, I realize some of the greatest gifts in my life aren’t always the biggest. These days, I’m grateful for quiet mornings with nowhere to be and for being able to enjoy a cup of coffee while it’s still hot. I’m grateful for texts from family and friends simply to say hello. I’m also grateful for things like laughing with my husband about something only the two of us would find funny. The good stuff, I’m learning, is often hiding inside the ordinary. We spend so much of our lives waiting for the big moments like promotions, graduations, new houses, and vacations. And don’t get me wrong, I love those things, too. But those moments make up only a small portion of our lives. What about the things that happen in our lives on a regular Tuesday? What about the things that happen while we’re making dinner, folding laundry, sitting in traffic, or talking to someone
we love about absolutely nothing? Those moments feel so ordinary that it’s easy to overlook them. Life has taught me to look at the ordinary things when I’m struggling to find something to be grateful for. For instance, there was a time when having my children at home was simply everyday life. But with the children all grown up and building lives of their own, having everyone together under the same roof feels special. The same is true for people we love. A conversation we barely thought twice about can become a memory we’d give anything to experience one more time. That perspective has changed how I feel about gratitude. To be fully transparent, even in the midst of gratitude, there are things I worry about. There are things I wish were different, and there are things I’m still hoping for. Even still, I’m grateful, and I’m intentional about noticing the good things in my life, no matter how small they may be. So this November, instead of asking people what they’re grateful for, I’m asking a different question: What have you stopped noticing? This month, don’t go searching for things to be grateful for. Instead, I’m challenging you to reflect on the things that you’ve stopped noticing. Therein lies a host of things to be grateful for.
50 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • NOV EMBER 2026
Caran Wilbanks Your Friendly Lake & Neighborhood Realtor
205.368.9772 2319 Cogswell Ave. | Pell City, AL 35125 0003126 660r1 1
REAL ESTA
Visit me online at PellCityRealtor.com
MOODY REALTY
205.338.7320
Paula Krafft, Realtor “I represent buyers and sellers throughout St. Clair County and surrounding areas.”
Paula Krafft Life Member Club of Excellence
www.moodyrealtyal.com paula@moodyrealtyal.com
CP00014048 000313658r1
Cell 205-365-9612 Office 205-640-7671 Fax 205-640-5420
Homes - Land - New Construction
Karen Bain 205-473-4613
Adam Bain 205-369-2704
LoganMartinLakeTeam.com NOV EMBER 2026 • LAKESIDE Living & Logan Martin Homes • 51
ALABAMA, WE’RE THANKFUL FOR YOU
For more than 175 years, Alabama has been our home. From the first place we opened our doors to the communities we service today, we have always been proud to be your First Bank of Alabama. This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for the trust you place in us and for the people and places that make Alabama home.
FBAL.bank |