Logan Martin Neely Henry Lakelife 24/7 Magazine November and December 2023

LOGAN MARTIN & NEELY HENRY

LakeLife November & December 2023

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BOO BASH

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Remember When Gilbert’s Ferry and more

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LOGAN MARTIN & NEELY HENRY

November & December 2023

Boo Bash

Trick-or-treating on Logan Martin Lake a new tradition

Page 44

CARDBOARD BOAT RACE DOCUMENTARY All the fun things about these great events

Page 8

About the cover

Becky Miller, Susan Boyd and Sherry Watkin nailed it as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus for the great Boo Bash event on Logan Martin.

INSIDE THIS EDITION Storms, Sports and Sunsets Logan Martin’s drone guys

Dave Smith:Nothing to Chance

Fly Fishing Expo Page 16

Bringing anglers, suppliers and pros to Gadsden

Page 24

Take 5

In the kitchen & around the house

With the Neslsons & McLaughlins

Remember When Gilbert’s Ferry and more on the Coosa

Events from across the region Page 26

Catchin’ the Coosa Fishing with Zeke Gossett

Page 34

Page 60

Page 70

AMAZING THINGS Mike Pegg’s home-brew pinball machines, guitars

Page 80

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LakeLife Creators Carol Pappas

Graham Hadley

Carol Pappas is editor and publisher of Discover St. Clair Magazine. A retired newspaper executive, she served as editor and publisher of several newspapers and magazines during her career. She won dozens of writing awards and was named Distinguished Alabama Community Journalist at Auburn University.

She serves as president/CEO of Partners by Design, which publishes Discover and LakeLife 24/7 Magazine®.

Graham Hadley is the managing editor and designer for Discover The Essence of St. Clair Magazine and also manages the magazine website. Hadley is an Auburn graduate, former managing editor of The Daily Home and news editor for the Rome News-Tribune in Rome, Ga., and has won multiple awards for writing and design. Along with Carol Pappas, he left The Daily Home to become chief operating officer and vice president of the Creative Division of Partners by Design multimedia company.

Toni Franklin Toni Franklin is graphic arts director for Partners by Design, Discover St. Clair Magazine and LakeLife 24/7 Magazine. She has 30 years in the printing industry as print production artist, manager and art director. She is a graduate of The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale and studied at Penn State and University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Paul South Paul South, a native of Fairfield, is an Auburn graduate with a degree in journalism and a double minor in history. He also has a Juris Doctorate degree from the Birmingham School of Law. Although sports writing was always his first love, he had a versatile career as reporter, columnist and first full-time sports information director at Samford University.

Roxann Edsall

Scottie Vickery

Roxann Edsall is a freelance writer and former managing editor of Convene Magazine, a convention industry publication. She has a degree in (broadcast) journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi, worked as a television news reporter in Biloxi and as a reporter and assignments editor in Birmingham.

Scottie Vickery is a writer with a degree in journalism from the University of Alabama and was a reporter for The Birmingham News.

Her first assignment was covering St. Clair and Blount counties. She has more than 30 years of writing and editing experience and her work has appeared in a variety of publications. She also has worked in the nonprofit industry.

Richard (RT) Rybka

Mackenzie Free

Richard is a full-time professional photographer based in the Springville area and owner of Natural Light Photography LLC. His 50+ years of experience behind the lens of a camera includes working as a photojournalist for a global technology company. His credentials include many magazine cover shots, standing as a Canon Image Connect Photographer, and member of the Little River Arts Council.

Mackenzie Free is an experienced and nationally published photographer with a bachelor of fine arts degree. She is a Birmingham native now cultivating life on a farm in Steele with her husband & 4 daughters.

Editor’s Notes

BOOsters, eyes in the sky and more

As I write this, we are getting ready for Boo Bash on Logan Martin. Our eye patches and pirate hats are ready, and our miniature pirates dressed head to toe – my great niece and nephew, 7-year-old twins Sophia and Charlie – are ready to set sail for trick-or-treating on the lake.

Now in its second year, Boo Bash has catapulted into a lake community event of epic size and scope, and I can’t tell who’s more excited – the adults or the kids. Up and down the lake, ghosts and goblins have begun to appear as host piers ready for the big day. So have skeletons, pumpkins and even movie scenes running the gamut from Wizard of Oz to Top Gun. Last year, it was simply a good idea to bring lake neighbors together for an afternoon of fun. This year, it has a full scale, life of its own. Over 100 piers and hosts, 150+ boats and more than 1,000 trick or treaters are no doubt destined to meet, greet and have a boat load of fun!

It’s called community, and that’s what this day is all about.

Water is the common bond. Events like these only make it stronger.

Hats off to Kelli Lasseter, Sonya Hubbard, Carl Wallace, Kari Harris and a host of volunteers who make it happen.

Arrrgh, mateys! We’re ready for a BOO-tiful, SPOOK-tacular afternoon on the lake, filled with fun for the whole family – courtesy of our community.

While we have plenty of photos from the event itself we are sharing in this edition, there’s plenty more from our Neely Henry and Logan Martin communities in this issue.

We’ll travel down the Coosa with Gilbert’s Ferry and others, learning more about our waterway’s modes of transportation in years past.

High above Logan Martin, we’ll get a drone’s eye view of the lake from photographers who have captured everything from stunning sunsets to breathtaking lake scenery to the eye of a gathering storm.

LakeLife

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Step behind the cameras of a documentary filmed in part at Pell City Lakeside Park. Check out the story behind this award-winning documentary filmmaker and his latest subject, cardboard boat races.

We will take you inside the kitchen and out back at Freddie Nelson’s Logan Martin refuge. It’s a cooking story you’ll savor for a long time to come.

And there’s even more in this edition of LakeLife 24/7 Magazine®. Turn the page and discover it all with us!

Carol Pappas Editor and Publisher

LOGAN MARTIN and NEELY HENRY

November & December 2023 • Vol. 16 • LakeLife247Magazine.com

Carol Pappas • Editor and Publisher Graham Hadley • Managing Editor and Designer Toni Franklin • Graphic Arts Director Dale Halpin • Advertising

A product of Partners by Design www.partnersmultimedia.com 1911 Cogswell Avenue Pell City, AL 35125 205-335-0281

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Cardboard boat races

The start of race No. 1

The Documentary Story by Paul South Photos by Richard Rybka and Carol Pappas “The best way to make friends with the audience is to make them laugh. You don’t get people to laugh unless they surrender – surrender their defenses, their hostilities. And once you make the audience laugh, they’re with you.” – Frank Capra Most documentarians – Ken Burns springs to mind – want audiences to examine society’s ills through film.

For award-winning documentary filmmaker Sam Frazier, the direction he heads is quite the opposite. Laughter, he says through his work, is the best medicine.

Frazier, a Birmingham native, has captured the hearts of audiences at prestigious film festivals like, Indie Memphis and Birmingham’s blossoming Sidewalk Film Festival and across the United States and Europe through old-fashioned absurdist escapism.

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Think sketch comedy – Monty Python’s Flying Circus or Saturday Night Live plus pro wrestling – meets reality. Or as he puts it, “Smart people being stupid for no apparent reason (except it’s fun).”

His current effort uses an unusual vehicle, or in this case, vessel. They are cardboard boats held together by miles of duct tape – as college professors, doctors, engineers and the like try to build seaworthy boats that can successfully allow them to navigate Alabama waterways, including Logan Martin Lake.

As Frazier and his crew began filming the races at Lakeside Park in September, a crowd of about 50 gathered to watch filming that leg of the inaugural Cardboard Boat Racing World Cup. Each competitor—mostly Frazier’s friends – earns points depending on their finish in each race. Even a boater who finishes “DFL” (Dead Freakin’ Last) earns points.

Just as in NASCAR or Formula I auto racing, the points leader at the end of the heats will win the Cardboard Boat World Cup championship trophy.

“That’s pretty prestigious,” Frazier says, laughing.

His friends are folks he’s known for years, through a charity

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Videographer films interview with racers LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

9

Race 1 winners Mark Richman and Miki Jinno

Sam Frazier Jr. directing kickball league he created or through years of hanging out with pals who are in his words, “weirdo artistic types.”

“They are a bunch of weirdos who are up for almost anything, like myself,” Frazier says. “And that helps. The weirdos that I don’t know, all you have to do is tell them what you’re doing, and they’re all about it. If you’re talking to the right person, they say, ‘Oh, this is something I’ve got to do.”

The final film will be roughly half script – featuring scenes with Sportscenter-like studio anchors – and half improvisation, including interviews with competitors.

His road to filmmaking is as colorful as his subject matter. A graduate in philosophy from Washington & Lee, who also studied abroad at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, Frazier described it this way. Law school, the track chosen by others in his family, wasn’t for him.

“You have three choices,” Frazier said. “You can either get in the unemployment line, or you can try to use philosophy for extortion … That’s not really an option, or you can do something weird and creative. I went with weird and creative.”

Unlike today, when documentaries find homes on multiple platforms from PBS to streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV and HBO, that wasn’t the case as Frazier came of age.

“I saw Roger and Me (Michael Moore’s expose’ on GM) , for the first time, and it blew my mind.

Then I found out all the ethical problems with that movie, I guess you could say, that were egregious, and it broke my heart.

“I also remember seeing Hoop Dreams (the story of two African-American high schoolers dreaming of playing professional ball) for the first time, and it equally blew me away,” Frazier says.

The genesis of his films comes from comedy and the land of Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair or masked villains from “parts unknown.”

“I’ve always been into comedy,” Frazier says.

“It’s an influence to have sort of an absurd style and

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Race 2 gets going

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

kind of the pomp of professional wrestling, along with different sorts of comedic approaches of how to do a documentary.

“Nobody really does a documentary like me,” Frazier adds. “I’m the world’s only comedic, short documentarian.”

Most documentary films don’t yuk it up, he acknowledges, instead focusing on sober subject matter.

“It’s not funny when you hear about people in war-torn nations trying to survive. That’s not going to be a laugh riot. It’s also hard to watch. You have to be in the right frame of mind.”

Frazier’s approach?

“I focus on events that mostly people can do on any given day on their own, just with some friends.”

Network sports shows, like ABC’s iconic Wide World of Sports, also influence Frazier’s films. Remember Mexican cliff diving, logger sports and wrist wrestling, along with NASCAR, the British Open and table tennis from the People’s Republic of China?

“I always thought that was an inherently sort of a silly way to view the world,” he says. “These are sporting events. This is not a world war. But it’s treated on that level of importance. So, I thought, let’s take unimportant sporting events and raise them to the level of a World Cup or Super Bowl.

“I think that is inherently funny to treat something like a cardboard boat race like the World Cup. That’s essentially what we’re doing – a carboard boat race World Cup.” Fans of the British comedy troupe Monty Python doubtless recall The Upper-Class Twit of the Year sketch, satire on dimwitted members of England’s upper class. There’s a dash of that in his cardboard boat racing series, Frazier says.

“Shooting this at times, I realize that I have these highly successful people building cardboard boats, people you’d think would be naturally really good at it.”

Not necessarily so. One of the film’s boat builders, for example, is a successful architect.

“He’s designed Lord knows how many buildings, and he’s a terrible cardboard boat designer,” Frazier said. “His boats barely got off the

12

Pumped up before the race

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LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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Jerry Woods Memorial Pavilion headquarters the filming

beach. That is inherently funny to me.”

Audiences seem to think Frazier’s films are funny, too.

Frazier’s films have captured “Audience Choice” Awards at the Sidewalk Film Festival, Indie Memphis, the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival and others. The Santa Fe recognition came after a vigorous write-in campaign by festivalgoers.

The first Cardboard Titanic film was done while Frazier was “retired” from moviemaking. He screened it at Sidewalk, intending to go no further.

“People asked, ‘What’s your next project?’ ” When he responded that he was retired, the response was surprising and made his calling clear.

“You don’t understand,” he recalled moviegoers saying.

“You’re not good at anything else.”

From there, the film was screened at some 50 festivals in the United States and Europe, winning a “ton of awards,” including Best Documentary at the Louisville Film Festival.

And it led to a sequel: Cardboard Titanics: Smart People Being Stupid. “Cardboard Titanics was in competition with the short documentary winner at that year’s Sundance Film Festival.

The film that was in part shot with Go Pros, cameras, drones and the like on Logan Martin is the latest in what Frazier hopes will be a six-part series.

And cardboard vessels aren’t his only methods of fun

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Working on logistics

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Voyage remnants

Amazing happens

filmmaking. He’s also had tall bicycle jousting films – riders on stacked bikes bearing lances tipped with cushions and boxing gloves.

“When you’re doing a comedy, (festival) audiences are going to like you,” Frazier says. “Especially if they’re getting a lot of very dark things and documentaries. People would really rather laugh than be miserable or be outraged on a certain level. It’s a happier way to live.”

Asked if the positive audience response is the result of these days of COVID-19 and polarized politics, Frazier didn’t mince words.

“Damn right,” he says. “Social media has polarized us to a different level of conflict. We’re becoming increasingly tribal, and I’m not a very political person. I’ve spent my life trying to get people to get along.”

So Alabama’s happy warrior of independent documentary soldiers on, dumpster driving for cardboard, hoping to outrun the winter chill in his latest project, all while funding his films from his own pocket.

Pell City and Lakeside Park drew rave reviews from the filmmaker who shot a portion of his current project in August.

He still has two more races to film.

“It was the perfect location, and they were so nice to us,” Frazier says. “The staff helped tremendously. They were so enthusiastic about it. We would love to shoot there again.

Maybe there will be season two of the Cardboard Boat World Cup. I hope so.”

His mission is simple. Unlike other documentarians who hope their films will change the world, Frazier charts a different course in part with a small fleet of soggy cardboard vessels and a crew of more than 30 people.

While audiences may see the glamour of film, Frazier compares his calling to “herding cats and walking into traffic.

The only thing I can do is make people laugh and enjoy their lives for a certain period of time.”

Frazier recalls an encounter at the Atlanta Film Festival with a California filmmaker, who looked every bit the part of a surfer dude, with attitude to match. As an Oscar-qualifier festival, Atlanta is a marquee indie film showcase.

“He watched the film and said, ‘That was a joyous celebration of life,’ ” Frazier recalls.

“That’s what I can do.” l

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LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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Storms, Sports & Sunsets David Smith shows off his piloting skills

The fine art of drone photography 16

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Story by Roxann Edsall Photos by Richard Rybka, David Smith, Joe Paul Abbott, Mike Callahan and Heath Lollar

Lollar’s storm chasing

If you live on or near Logan Martin Lake or Neely Henry, you know that both offer endless opportunities for breathtaking pictures.

Whether you’re shooting a closeup of one of our hundreds of bird species, an awe-inspiring sunrise or yet another breathtaking sunset, we live in a place rich in photographic potential.

Getting that perfect picture is an art form.

There are a few local photographers who have taken it a huge leap above for a different perspective. They have received acclaim for their photography in and around the lake and beyond. They are producing comprehensive coverage of sports programs. They are chasing storms to help forecast and cover weather events. They’re bringing smiles to our faces with a different perspective of those amazing sunrises and literal birds-eye views of our local wildlife. And they’re doing it from 400 feet in the air.

PIONEERING DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY David Smith is a certified pilot and a professional drone operator. Because he was already a pilot, he was among the few who could fly a drone commercially before 2016, when the rules regarding unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were reevaluated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). After that, extensive training was required to be a licensed drone operator, but not to the extent of full pilot certification.

Smith grew up loving radio-controlled planes and had been flying them since he was 15 years old. From RC planes, he graduated to the latest when drones became available beyond their military origins. The first mass-market drone was the DJI Phantom, hitting the market in 2013. “When drones were brand new, I knew I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to take photos and videos.” His DJI Mavic 3 Cine is just one of seven he currently owns.

Until very recently, Smith worked for ESPN’s College GameDay and Baseball Tonight on the Road as a drone videographer.

He was the network’s first drone pilot, retiring just this fall. His drone footage added visual interest to the shots of the set and showed crowds of students at the highlighted university. He also shot additional footage around campus that the directors used before going to commercial breaks.

Smith’s impressive resume also includes serving as chief drone pilot for the 2020 World Games held in Birmingham. “It was a truly incredible experience,” says Smith. “My video

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Smith in front of camera

Mike’s sunset photo

17

was seen all over the world. As chief pilot, I was the only one flying live. Other pilots shot extra video to add to the live broadcast.”

That experience ended up leading to being a part of a search and rescue closer to home.

On the way home from shooting some early footage for the World Games, he followed some first responders to the area of Logan Martin Dam. He had all his equipment in the car from the day’s work, so he offered to assist the New London Volunteer Fire Department in their search for a missing woman lost while canoeing.

“I put my drone into the area and flew around. I was able to locate her and to let them know where she was and that she was still alive,” Smith said. “The chief was amazed at how quickly she was located with the drone.

They didn’t even have to put their rescue boat in the water.”

These days, Smith is enjoying time with his family. “I used to be gone most of football season,” he says smiling. “Now I have time to pursue some other things.” One thing that is bringing him joy is sharing the love of drone flying with his grandson, 11-year-old Calvin.

“We fly almost daily. He’s kicking my … well, I can’t keep up with him.” (Editor’s Note: For more on Dave Smith, see sidebar.)

TAKING PHOTOGRAPHY TO NEW HEIGHTS: MIKE CALLAHAN Mike Callahan says fun is what keeps him flying his drone. Every session he has with his drone is the best, he says. “I keep it under 400 feet, but at that height, what you see is from a totally new perspective,” says the Pell City native. He’d been a photographer for many years before deciding to add a drone to his options.

His specialty is nature shots like waterfalls, mountains and wildlife. He enjoys taking his DJI Mini3 Pro into the Talladega National Forest and around Logan Martin Lake. One of his favorite shots is an amazing up-close view of an eagle sitting in its nest.

“You have to be careful with drones around wildlife,” Callahan quickly adds. “I was attacked by an Osprey once and lost my drone.

Ospreys are very aggressive.”

He takes that cautionary tale to heart in his work these days. There are guidelines for keeping safe and there are hard and fast rules dictated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specific to drone piloting under their Part 107 certification. Among those very strict requirements is that pilots cannot fly their drones above 400 feet and they cannot fly over people without a special waiver.

While flying, he is also required to always have his drone in his sight.

Flying over open water to capture beautiful sunrises and sunsets is the specialty of Joe

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David Smith and Joe Namath

Mike Callahan

This eagle is one of Mike’s famous bird photos

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Mike got this shot of the leaves changing on Cheaha

Joe Paul Abbott and his controller

Paul Abbott, another of Logan Martin’s drone photographers. His work is seen frequently on the Love Logan Martin Lake Facebook page. He gets up every day at 4:30 to be sure he gets his DJI Mavic Air 2S ready to start shooting from the back deck of his Cropwell home before the sun gets above the horizon.

At other times, he’ll take the boat out and have the drone tracking him and grab action shots around the lake using his remote monitor.

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE: JOE PAUL ABBOTT Abbott picked up photography in the late ‘90s after the birth of his first son with the goal of learning to shoot better family photos.

Eventually, he upgraded to digital format, but soon tired of that, too. “I’m a gadget guy,” he admits. “When drones came out, I couldn’t wait. My wife got me my first one.”

He’s been able to use his drone in his work as an independent insurance agent, recalling times when he needed to inspect a house for fire, storm or other damage, but was limited due to an aggressive dog or other challenge. On those occasions, he uses his drone to fly over those challenges.

“When I shoot from my drone, I become 400 feet tall with a wide-angle lens,” Abbott laughs.

“You definitely see things up at that height you just don’t see from the ground.” Even local weatherman James Spann is a fan and has aired many of Abbott’s shots on the weather segment of the local news.

EYE ON THE STORM: HEATH LOLLAR Severe weather is what drove professional storm chaser and drone pilot Heath Lollar into his business. The 2003 Pell City High School graduate was working in graphic design several years after graduation. A customer asked him

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Flying drones takes a delicate touch

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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to work on the design for a truck wrap. They worked together on a couple of jobs for the truck and started talking.

The customer was storm tracker and meteorologist Brett Adair, and the two began sharing their love of all things weather. Adair promised to take him storm chasing, and Lollar has been hooked ever since.

Lollar’s enthusiasm and natural abilities landed him a job as an in-truck videographer and mobile mechanic for Adair’s company, Live Storms Media. He worked with Adair for almost two years before sending a drone into a storm.

“People wondered if drones could handle the winds,” said Lollar. “Turns out, they can.

We can take a drone up and look at the wind patterns in the trees. We can tilt it up and time lapse and focus on what the elements of the clouds are doing that we could never see from the ground.” He hasn’t lost a drone to the winds yet, but he knows a pilot who has already lost four drones doing storm work.

Just this year, on Jan. 12, Lollar captured drone video of his first tornado. “We were set up in Old Kingston, Alabama,” recalls Lollar.

“That one was an EF3 that ripped an 82-mile path through Selma and Autauga County. It was bad. There were three fatalities where we were, but seven over the path of the storm.”

He describes the video he took of trees twisting together and being sucked up into the air. “After we watched it cross the road, it started throwing trees, houses and cars across the field.”

Drones are essential tools for assessing the damage following a storm, but they can also be used to assist in early search and rescue efforts. Drone pilots can help find safe ways for emergency personnel to get to victims.

The information that can be gathered during storms from the heights drones can go is invaluable to forecasters in alerting people to what the storm is doing and where it might go next.

Drones also give GPS placement of the storm and play a crucial role in assessing the accurate path the tornado took.

While Lollar enjoys working for the Emmy-nominated team at Live Storms Media, he doesn’t do it for the kudos. He is genuinely concerned for the people who face these storms and wants to do what he can to help.

When he is in town and there is a storm on Logan Martin Lake, where he lives, he immediately sends out his drone to take video to warn lake residents. You can see his posts on Facebook’s Love Logan Martin Lake page.

Lake life is indeed better thanks to our drone photographers who readily share their photographic finesse from 400 feet and below.

22

Storm photograph

by Heath Lollar

Heath pointing out a weather system

Classic Alabama weather over the water

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Nothing by chance is Smith’s mantra Story by Roxann Edsall Photos by Richard Rybka and David Smith Dave Smith doesn’t believe in chance, in fact, his favorite saying is “Nothing by chance.” A man of faith, he believes there is a far greater purpose for everything that happens. That’s why, when he was laid off from his job this fall, he took it in stride and chose to count his blessings and focus on the “ride of a lifetime” he has been on.

If you watch football, specifically College GameDay on ESPN, you’ve likely seen some of Dave Smith’s drone work. BamaDave, as he is known, tells of getting the call to help the show by setting up satellite equipment at Legion Field for the Alabama versus Tennessee game in 1995.

“That one weekend of work ended up working out so well that they asked me to stay on with them and travel all over doing the show as a videographer,” says Smith. “Lee Corso gave me the name. When we first met before that game, he asked me where I was from and when I told him, he said ‘Nice to meet you, BamaDave.’ It stuck.”

It was over 20 years later that the show started incorporating drone photography. “In March of 2017, I got a call from the network’s senior vice president, asking if I wanted to be a pioneer for ESPN, if I wanted to be their first drone pilot,” tells Smith. “I thought about it for all of five seconds before saying yes!”

Since then, he has spent countless hours traveling to College GameDay host universities, shooting campus footage and adding to the show itself. He was the first crew member to have a child enrolled in the school where the show was being hosted (at Auburn University).

He has also worked on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight on the Road. Between the two shows, he’s been a part of 401 shows and has won several Emmy awards. He’s met hundreds of celebrities, from within the sports world and beyond.

Of all the celebrities he’s met, his most cherished meeting was with former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. “What started as a weekend gig turned into a lifetime of memories,” Smith says with a smile.

During this year’s Alabama vs. Texas game, College GameDay was in Tuscaloosa, and he was invited back to say his farewells to the crew.

“They had a cake for me, and we all sat around and shared stories and a few tears,” he said.

Smith is forever grateful for his wife, Renee’s, support and looks forward to spending more time with his family. He grins as he talks about getting to enjoy doing more woodwork and exploring other hobbies, adding, “Now it’s time to ride off into the sunset and make more memories!” l

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David Smith and his gear

Emmys and other accolades

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

James E. Hill, III Candidate for

St. Clair County Circuit Judge “It is my great honor to announce my candidacy for the office of Circuit Judge for St. Clair County. As those who have so faithfully served in the past, I pledge to administer the responsibilities of this office in a fair and impartial manner - consistent with the laws of the State of Alabama. Focusing my career on St. Clair County, its cities, and its citizens has been a tremendous privilege for the past sixteen years and I look forward to continuing to serve in this new capacity.”

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IN NELSONS & Kitchen and by the Lake with the

the

McLAUGHLINS

Freddie Nelson, Nicole McLaughlin and Leigh Ann Nelson taste a perfect batch of jambalaya

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LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Food, family, fun always on the menu Story by Scottie Vickery Photos by Mackenzie Free There are a few givens whenever the Nelson/McLaughlin family gets together, often gathering at Logan Martin Lake.

First, there’s gonna be food – and lots of it. Second, laid-back, casual fun is always on the agenda. And third, they’re going to blow the myth that “too many cooks spoil the broth” (or the sauce, in the case of this close-knit Italian family) right out of the water.

For this crew, a great celebration means all hands on deck, whether it’s in the kitchen, out by the grill, or wherever the magic is happening. “We’re a big Italian family, and we all grew up cooking,” said Nicole Nelson McLaughlin. “Nobody shows up empty-handed.”

Everyone has his or her own specialty, but while they all may be professional grade cooks, Nicole is the only one who made a profession out of cooking. The culinary producer for Allrecipes. com, she stars in the Get Cookin’ video series, demonstrating cooking techniques and sharing food tips and recipes with her ever-growing group of followers.

Recently, her job took her to New York City and the Today show, where she cooked up some favorites with hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb. Her hope is that more families will discover the joys of cooking – and eating – together. “Every memory we have centers around food,” she said. I don’t understand people who eat to live because we definitely live to eat.”

Food isn’t the only thing that evokes memories for the family.

Nicole and her brothers, Freddie and Mark Nelson, spent an enormous part of their childhood at the Logan Martin Lake home in Mays Bend that their parents, Fred and Gloria, still own. About three years ago, Freddie and his wife, Leigh Ann, bought a house in Pine Harbor, and other family members also have homes on the lake. That’s why, more often than not, a family gathering includes a beautiful view of the water.

“I’d rather be here than anywhere else,” Freddie said. “I grew up on this lake. Boating, skiing, fishing. We love everything about it.”

They especially love entertaining. He and Leigh Ann recently hosted a pre-wedding celebration for her brother, Alec Priola, and his fiancé, Mary Katherine Barrett. Freddie cooked up a big pot of jambalaya, family and friends played Bucket Golf on the lawn, and the guests enjoyed music and the beautiful backdrop the lake provides. “We do a lot of outdoor cooking,” Freddie said. “We love getting out the propane cooker for crawfish boils or jambalaya, and nary a weekend goes by without firing up the Big Green Egg or pit grill at the water’s edge. Life’s just simpler here.”

Family and friends recently gathered at the lake to celebrate the upcoming marriage of Alec Priola and Mary Katherine Barrett

Nicole McLaughlin and brother Freddie Nelson grew up cooking and spending as much time as possible at the lake

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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The water is a beautiful backdrop for a game of Bucket Golf

GET COOKIN’ WITH NICOLE Although she’s always enjoyed cooking, Nicole decided to take things to the next level when she went to The University of Alabama to pursue a bachelor’s degree in restaurant and hospitality management. “The Food Network was getting big about the time I was going to college, and it just looked so glamorous,” said Nicole, who lives in Hoover with her husband, Thomas, and three children.

After college, she earned a culinary degree from Johnson and Wales University in Charleston. “I always wanted to be a chef, but I didn’t want to work nights, weekends and holidays,” she said with a laugh. “That wasn’t really going to work.”

Instead, she started freelancing as a food stylist and helping with photo shoots for various magazines. “One thing led to another, and now I’m making videos,” said Nicole, who works at the Birmingham office of Dotdash Meredith, the country’s largest digital and print publisher. In addition to Allrecipes, Dotdash Meredith is the parent company for brands such as Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, People, and Entertainment Weekly.

“I started doing hands-only videos, and I was OK with that because only my hands showed,” she said. “I eventually got on-screen because my boss, who knows me well, wanted to give me a challenge. Gradually, I built a following.”

In the Get Cookin’ videos, she helps viewers unlock the mysteries of everything from grilling the perfect kabobs, to making an easy breakfast casserole, Beef Bourguignon, nobake cheesecake or lemon squares. “My point of view is about budget and a very realistic approach to cooking,” she said. “I think people would say I take the intimidation out of cooking.”

Developing recipes is one of her favorite parts of the job because she gets to be creative. She’s a big fan of one-pot dishes because they serve a lot of people, and cleanup is easy.

“I like cooking anything savory, and I love the ease of one-pot dinners and the way the flavors build upon each other,” she said.

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A touch of casual elegance during a recent celebration of an upcoming wedding

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Cooking whole hogs is a great way to feed a crowd.

THE SECRET’S IN THE SAUCE – AND THE SAUSAGE Nicole also likes to share some of her family’s favorite Italian recipes, including sugo, which is Italian for “sauce.” Some people call it Sunday sauce, while others say Sunday gravy, but regardless of the name, “if you come to our houses on Sunday, this is what you’re going to smell,” Nicole said. “We all make our own version, and none of it tastes the same even though we use the same ingredients.”

One thing that remains a constant, though, is that they always use Arnone’s Italian Sausage. Available at most Birmingham-area Piggly Wiggly stores, it’s made from the recipe their grandfather, Anthony Arnone, perfected.

“He was the head butcher at the Piggly Wiggly in Midfield, and he would bring home the trimmings and made his own sausage,” Nicole said, adding that the sausage was eventually sold at the store. Before he passed away, Anthony gave the recipe to his son and sons-in-law, who made batches at Christmas for family and friends.

Eventually, they brought it back to the retail market, and now “it’s a staple in our recipes,” Nicole said.

The Nelson house in Pine Harbor. A garden is a great way to get the freshest ingredients LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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The shrimp is the final addition to Freddie’s jambalaya

Gloria Nelson and daughter Nicole McLaughlin enjoy the annual oyster roast, a favorite tradition 30

BETTER AT THE LAKE Another staple for the family is a love for Logan Martin Lake. Freddie said his parents bought the Mays Bend home in the early 1980s, and he and Nicole agree it’s been a preferred gathering spot ever since. “It’s my favorite place,” Nicole said. “There are fewer distractions, and you spend the entire day – from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed – outside.”

Now that they’re all grown, Freddie, Nicole and Mark want the same experience for their families. That’s why they all head for the water whenever possible, even though they already spend lots of time together. Mark and his wife, Erin, and their two kids live in Hoover, not far from Nicole and her family. Freddie and Mark work with their father and two cousins at Nelson Glass, the family business started by Fred and his brother-in-law, Frank Dickinson.

Although they enjoy getting together wherever they can, the family knows that life is always better at the lake. That’s because the focus is on simple pleasures like good food, good company and good fun.

“We all have our roles, but Mark’s in charge of entertainment,” Nicole said. “We call him Funcle Mark because he’s the fun uncle. He takes the kids on the boat and takes them tubing all the time. We all want our kids to have the same kind of memories that we do.”

Freddie said he and Leigh Ann love lake life so much, they decided to look for a place of their own about three years ago since their boys love being on the water and fishing.

After hearing about the 3-bedroom, 2-bath home from Leigh Ann’s sister and her husband, who also live on the lake, they decided to take a look.

“We pulled up in the boat one Monday, and I didn’t even have to see the inside of the house. I saw all this,” he said, gesturing at the lawn and outdoor living space the lot with 160 feet of waterfront offers. “I knew this was where we wanted to be.”

Now they come pretty much every weekend and spend as much time at the lake all year long as possible. “As soon as we pull up in the driveway, any stress from the week goes away.” Freddie said. “Immediately, I can breathe. I even love coming and just doing yard work or tinkering on our boats or around the house. It’s not work with this view.”

The home has also become one of their favorite places to entertain, and more often than not, Freddie takes on the cooking. “He probably cooks more than I do, and I cook for

A key ingredient is the sausage made from their grandfather’s recipe

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Firing up the pit grill at the water’s edge is a summertime favorite a living,” Nicole said.

Leigh Ann said she’s happy to turn it over to him. “Before we got married, I would have my friends over a lot, but I have to use my tried-and-true recipes and follow them exactly. Freddie just has a way of making it better,” she said. “He can take whatever’s in the kitchen and make something amazing.”

Freddie said he loves to grill, as well. Ribs and chicken wings are favorites, as are Boston Butts, Cornish game hens, and brisket. They’ve cooked whole hogs and hosted an oyster roast, too.

In addition to wonderful food, Freddie can provide the perfect playlist of music and often the perfect cocktail to accompany the meal, according to Leigh Ann. “He makes it an experience,” she said. “I was at a Pampered Chef party, and they asked us to describe ourselves in the kitchen in one or two words. Sous-chef instantly came to me. I love being his backup.”

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FAMILY TIME Although Leigh Ann said the family has been known to fight over who gets to host a particular celebration, the most important thing is that the family is together. That’s 15 people when it’s just the siblings, their parents, spouses and kids. For larger events like Thanksgiving or Christmas, the number can grow to 45 people or more.

“Everyone makes something, and we always have two or three appetizers – the meal before the meal,” Nicole said.

“Then we have the huge meal and dessert. We like to stretch it out and make everything an event.”

Most events become traditions. “My husband is from South Carolina, and they have low country oyster roasts every winter,” Nicole said. “Now we have one every year at the lake.

My mom started it about 15 years ago, and we’ve had it ever since.”

Whatever the occasion, laughter and love are sure to be on the menu. “My son recently had a birthday, and he called his grandmother and said, “I want dinner to be at your house, and I want pasta and meatballs and banana pudding,” Leigh Ann said.

“We had everyone all together for the first time in a while, and when I say ‘a while,’ it had only been about a month,” she said. “We were laughing and having fun, and I thought to myself, ‘There is nowhere on earth I would rather be than right here.’ ”

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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GREAT RECIPES from the Nelsons & McLaughlins Directions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray foil lightly with cooking spray. Combine onion, bread crumbs, half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, eggs, egg yolk, garlic, basil, parsley, and oregano in a large bowl; stir until well combined. Add ground round and sausage and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.

Mix well until just combined. Dampen hands with water and form mixture into 18 golf ball-sized meatballs. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer meatballs to a large pot and add marinara sauce. Simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours before serving.

Pine Harbor Jambalaya (feeds a crowd) Italian Sunday Sauce From Nicole McLaughlin, Allrecipes

Ingredients: • 2 pounds pork neck bones • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1 ¼ pounds Italian sausage links • 1 ½ cups finely chopped white onion • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 (12 ounce) cans tomato paste • 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes • 7 cups water • 1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste • 1 bay leaf • 1 tablespoon dried basil • ½ teaspoon dried oregano • 12 large cooked meatballs (recipe below) Directions: Sprinkle neck bones on all sides with salt and pepper.

Heat 4 teaspoons oil in a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place neck bones in the pot and cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer to a plate. Add sausage links to the drippings and brown for 3 minutes on each side, adding remaining oil as needed. Set aside with the pork. Add onion to the drippings and season with salt. Cook, stirring often, until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

Add tomato puree and crushed tomatoes, then add water and sugar.

Cook, stirring constantly, until smooth. Add bay leaf. Rub basil and oregano between your fingers to release the aroma and add to the sauce. Slice sausages into large chunks and return to the pot with the neck bones. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Add meatballs, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 6 hours.

Remove neck bones and bay leaf. Remove any meat remaining on the bones, shred, and return to the sauce.

From Freddie Nelson Ingredients: • 3 pounds chicken thighs, cut into large pieces • 2 pounds andouille sausage, cut into small pieces • 1 pound alligator & pork sausage, cut into small pieces (find at seafood or butcher shops or use pork sausage) • 1 pound smoked ham, cut into small pieces • 4 white onions, chopped • 3 green bell peppers, chopped • 1 head celery, chopped • 1 1/2 heads garlic, chopped • 1 (23-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup • 1 (28-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes • 5-6 bay leaves • 4 quarts chicken broth or stock • 4 pounds jasmine rice • 2 bunches flat-leaf parsley, chopped • 3 bunches scallions, chopped • 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper • 3-5 tablespoons Cajun Two-Step Seasoning (or other Cajun or Creole seasoning,) divided • Salt to taste • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil • Hot sauce to taste • 2 pounds peeled Gulf shrimp • Additonal chopped scallions for garnish

Directions: Cook in a 5-gallon pot. Brown sausages and ham. Remove from pot.

Lightly season chicken with Cajun seasoning. Brown and remove from pan. Sauté all vegetables for 5 to 10 minutes until softened.

Season with salt to taste. Add broth or stock and bring to a boil. Add remaining ingredients except rice and shrimp. Add meat back to pot.

Cook for 10-15 minutes. Add rice and stir for several minutes. Cover and simmer until rice is tender. Lightly season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and add to pot for final 5 minutes. Garnish with scallions and serve.

Best Easy Meatballs From Nicole McLaughlin, Allrecipes

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Ingredients: • cooking spray • ⅓ cup minced onion • ⅓ cup Italian bread crumbs • ⅓ cup half-and-half • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese • 2 large eggs • 1 large egg yolk • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano • 1 ¼ pounds ground round beef • ½ pound ground Italian sausage • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper • 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Remember When – Ferries connected people on both sides of the Coosa Story and photos

by Roxann Edsall Submitted Photos Brownie Hood Broughton was just a small child the first time she remembers riding Gilbert’s Ferry across the river from her family’s home in Southside to “town” in Gadsden.

Now 94 years old, Broughton laughs as she remembers being afraid of it. “I didn’t like it so much. My daddy had a Model A Ford, and we’d be in that thing, floating across the water. I was always afraid the brakes would fail, and we’d roll right into the river!”

“Everybody knew Mr. Griffin, the man who ran the ferry,” said Broughton. “He lived across the river. He was the type who would take you across even if the waves were high. I was afraid it was

34

going to sink, especially if there were big waves, but that man was not afraid at all.”

She had to get used to it, though, as crossing the river by ferry was the fastest way, she says, for her family to get to their doctor and “all our business.”

Gilbert’s Ferry was the largest of many ferries that dotted the banks of the Coosa and connected Southside to Rainbow City before the bridges were built. Built by the Thomas Gilbert family in around 1821, it was the first established for the community later named Southside and operated for over a century. Ferry patrons would pay anywhere from a dime to fifty cents to cross, depending on what mode of transportation they were crossing in. Those on foot hitched a ride for only a nickel.

According to records from the Gadsden Arts Center and Museum, in 1935, there were over a dozen ferries. Operated mostly by families, they connected both sides of the Coosa through Etowah

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

County and on through St. Clair and southward.

If not going in the direction of Gilbert’s Ferry, visitors and residents would have used Fowler’s Ferry to get from Pilgrims Rest to Whorton’s Bend, Lister’s Ferry to go from Southside to Rainbow City, or McCartney’s Ferry to get from Southside to Riddle’s Bend. If one were heading further north, the choices were Ewing, Wisdom, Fitts, Baskin, Wagnon, Blair, Croft and Adams, and Hokes Bluff ferries, which lined the river from Gadsden to Cherokee County.

The ferries were anchored by a cable stretched across the river. The ferryman would set the ferry at an angle and let the current push the ferry across the water. If the water level was too low, they would have to use a long pole to push the ferry off from the bank. Approaching steamboats would blow their whistles to let the ferryman know to drop the cable low enough to allow the boat to pass over.

Later, small motors were added to some

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Model A brings back memories of ferry rides for Brownie Broughton, now 94

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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of the ferries to help guide them across the river with greater speed and accuracy.

Many who used the ferries had extended family or married into families that were on the other side of the Coosa, so getting across in a timely fashion was important. In some cases, people either married into or inherited land on the opposite side of the river.

Working both farms required crossing the river frequently. Riding the ferries saved hours of precious daylight that would, otherwise, be wasted going around the river. “Sometimes the water was up too much to use the ferry,” Broughton explained. “Then we had to drive to Glencoe to get around the river.

That was about 30 miles for us.”

The ability to go across instead of around the river allowed families to use businesses and services on the opposite shore, thus helping to boost the economic growth of towns on both sides of the river.

The ferries also allowed students to attend schools on the opposite shore. Children in the community of Riddle’s Bend used the McCartney’s Ferry to get to school in Southside. On occasion, if the weather turned bad, students couldn’t make it back across the river, and families had to make arrangements for them to stay overnight.

Eventually, the ferries were mostly operated by the counties and were free to use.

After the construction of Weiss Dam near Leesburg, the water fluctuations caused issues for the ferries.

When the powerhouse power was turned off, the water was too low for the ferries to operate.

Conversely, when the power was on, the river was too high to operate the ferries safely. The challenges of operating the ferries safely under these new conditions prompted county and city leaders to get serious about alternate plans to get people across the river.

Alternative transportation The progress and growth of the cities and the modernization and availability of automobiles was already increasing traffic needing to cross the Coosa. That growth, coupled with the safety issues the ferry operators now faced, pushed community leaders to begin looking beyond the ferries for mass transportation options.

In 1927, Gadsden realized that goal with the opening of the Gadsden Etowah Memorial Bridge, now called Broad Street Bridge, a 1,094-foot-long span across the Coosa River. Twenty-seven years later, the new four-lane Meighan Bridge opened, making travel across the water even more convenient.

It took Southside until 1939 to build and open Gilbert’s Ferry Bridge, locally referred to as Little Bridge. The bridge is 864 feet long and has a 232-foot section that used to swing open to allow for ships to pass beneath. Southside, too, added a second, and much larger, bridge later. That bridge, known as New Bridge, opened in 1979.

“If you go over the new big bridge, you may be able to see on the right side some old boards that were hewn logs that were part of the old ferry system,” says Etowah Historical Society president Gary Garrett.

“Those ferries were an important part of our history.

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Long before there were townspeople who needed to use them, there were Native Americans who established ferries here. Later, they were used to ferry soldiers across the river.

“Native American chiefs operated them,” adds Garrett. “When the government was displacing tribes on the Trail of Tears, the chiefs and their families who operated the ferries were allowed to stay to continue to run their ferry.” Chief Pathkiller was a Cherokee chief who stayed to operate his Blair Ferry near a community called Turkeytown. He fought a lengthy court battle with Donald Garrett (no relation to Gary) over ownership of the ferry. After the matter had been fought in court for many years, Garrett reportedly was granted ownership, and it was renamed Garrett’s Ferry.

With the construction of the bridges, the ferries were used less and less, with most quickly

Old map of ferry stops along the Coosa River

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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Southside’s Little Bridge spans the Coosa near the former site of Gilbert’s Ferry

disappearing. The Hokes Bluff Ferry alone remained for many years, finally going out of business in 1997 after 100 years of operation. Gary Garrett remembers riding that ferry as a young man. “There were a bunch of us hanging out,” he tells. “A guy asked if we wanted to ride the ferry in his ’68 VW bug. It was fun, but I was definitely worried it was going to tip over!”

“You might not want to print this,” says Brownie Broughton impishly. “I remember that there were some boys that liked to have fun sometimes by taking Gilbert’s Ferry home on their own late at night and leaving it on the wrong side of the river. Somebody then had to go get it and bring it back to the right side.”

And then there were those who didn’t worry so much about the ferry and just swam across the river, as was the case with one “Wild” Bill Smith. According to Southside Mayor Dana Snyder, who helped interview him a few years ago at age 97 before his passing, “Wild Bill said he used to have to swim across the lake to find a girlfriend because everyone on this side was related to him!”

Maybe he didn’t have a nickel for the ferry, which might also explain why he didn’t have a girlfriend. l

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Southside Mayor Dana Snyder with Brownie Broughton, who remembers her childhood ferry rides

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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Boo Bash Boo Bash Doing Halloween Logan Martin style

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LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

They came by land, by water – even by air – to Logan Martin Lake’s biggest party ever. Stretching from one end of the lake to the other, Oct. 8 turned into a gigantic, floating costume party where the entire lake community was on the guest list.

Around these parts, we call it Boo Bash on Logan Martin, and what a bash it was!

Sparked from an idea by Kelli Lasseter and coordinated by a crew of volunteers, it caught fire and is destined to become The Event of the year on Logan Martin.

Over 100 piers transformed into Halloween fantasy lands – a mermaid cove, Charlie LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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Brown’s pumpkin patch, the land of Oz complete with Dorothy, Toto, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the cowardly lion.

There were ghosts, ghouls and goblins galore, skeletons by the dozen and spider webs so big they encompassed entire boathouses.

Witches, witches brew and characters of all shapes and descriptions were part of the mix.

Scenes from movies like Top Gun were reenacted. Pirate Island, a LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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favorite any time of year, featured a 12 foot skeleton hoisting its famous pirate flag and the island’s owner, Jim Regan, in full pirate regalia – even an earring.

A helicopter hovered over the lake, close enough for Boo Bashers to spot the co-pilot – a skeleton, of course.

Equally entertaining were the passengers aboard more than 70 boats, shuttling masqueraders from 48

one pier to another, charting a course for treats in sizes to order – for children, adults and dogs.

Neighbors became friends, adults became kids and the children delighted in every bit of it.

To say it was a success is like saying Alabama vs. Auburn is just another football game. It exceeded all expectations. One only had to take a look around to see the proof measured in the smiles and laughter by the boatload.

On this day, the lake community was as one.

And what a day it was! l 50

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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Brandi Williams Hufford announces her candidacy for District Judge of St. Clair County in the March 5th Primary.

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Mike Pegg plays pinball on the machine he built at his home in Munford 52

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Amazing Things Pinball machines, guitars and more — Local tinkerer makes the magic happen

Story by Graham Hadley Photos by Richard Rybka, Graham Hadley and contributed by Mike Pegg Sitting by Choccolocco Creek at the northern edge of Munford is a house full of wonders, and they are all the work of one man.

From professional-quality custom guitars to full-size pinball machines, there is not much Mike Pegg can’t design and build, and in his spare time, he works a full-time job and races motorcycles.

“I am just a tinkerer. My family were all tinkerers,” he said.

Originally from Ohio, Mike says he grew up basically “in the middle of nowhere. If something broke, you had to fix it yourself.

My grandfather was one of the greatest tinkerers I ever knew. He was a lineman and taught me woodworking and how to drive nails as a kid.”

Those skills formed the foundation for Mike’s love of making things … that and necessity – his father was in the Army, and they moved around a lot, and money could be tight.

“I have been playing guitar most of my life.

My first guitar was an acoustic from Sears when I was 11, but the action on it was very high” and it was not much fun to play. “Mom saved for a year to buy me my first electric.”

Mike wanted something better, and good guitars don’t come cheap – so he did what comes so naturally to him, he started making his own.

“I would buy cheap guitars – 40-or-50dollar guitars – and make one good one. One would have a good neck, another a good body, another good electronics.”

Today, Mike builds them from the ground up and markets them under his brand – Bigg Deal Customs, which covers everything he makes. (He says the extra G in Bigg is courtesy of his son who jumped on the name after a friend called Mike a big deal).

“About eight years ago, I started getting serious. I put together a guitar based on the

Mike with his version of the classic Ibanez Steve Vai guitar

The next playing field is taking shape in his shop

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

53

Mike’s vintage Williams Big Deal pinball machine

Bo Bice signing a guitar for Mike 54

Ibanez JEM777 Steve Vai Signature, the one with the cutout handle in the body. I put a bunch of coats of different colored paint on it and then sanded it through, but not all the way to the wood,” he said. “It makes it look like a star going nova.”

After that, his guitar hobby took off. Mike was making all kinds of custom guitars – many with unique features like vintage vacuum tubes embedded in the body that would light up. He even created one that had a built-in theremin – an electronic instrument that is controlled without actually touching the instrument.

Under his Bigg Deal branding, he sold the guitars online and through local shops in Calhoun County and surrounding areas. Today, Mike focuses mostly on specific custom builds requested by his customers.

“I can make a very affordable guitar for under $600. On those, I buy the necks, I don’t make them, and then cut out the body. For $1,200 or more, I build everything,” he said. “The bodies are always a work of art, but I do want people to play them. … I now have sold guitars all over the world.”

Alabama musician Bo Bice of American Idol fame bought five Bigg Deal guitars from Mike.

“He called up and said he wanted to buy a guitar from me. I thought it was a friend playing a joke on me, so I hung up. He called back and sang for me.

He ended up buying five guitars. The guy was as nice as everyone says he is. It really opened up some doors for me.”

Guitars were kind of a stepping-stone for Mike’s next project – building full-size custom pinball machines.

“I have always been a huge pinball guy. In Ohio, back in the 1970s, there was a gas station near our house that had a machine in it. I would play until they were about ready to throw me out. I just got hooked. I love the sounds, the feedback, the lights,” he said.

“In August of last year, I got the idea that if I can build guitars, I can build a pinball machine.”

And he can – the proof of which is sitting in his living room next to another commercially built machine, but it turned out to be a good bit more work and money than he had anticipated.

“There is 800 feet of wiring in that. I originally tried to salvage some old used ones, but I only got a few parts from those,” he said. He had to build everything from scratch and buy all new electronic and other parts. “It took me a year to do, and I am still working on the sounds.”

There were a few bumps along the way, including having to completely rebuild his completed playing field after dropping the original.

“And parts are not cheap. They have started making the machines again, and those are getting cheaper, but not the parts,” he said.

Mike said he gets a lot of help from other pinball enthusiasts, whose knowledge and access to parts make his latest endeavor possible.

“These pinball guys are just mind-blowing. They have been a huge support. I even had one who sent me a part I was looking for for free,” he said.

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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Playing guitar on the porch overlooking Choccolocco Creek

The broken original playing field for the first Bigg Deal pinball machine

You can’t not see Mike and his bike at competitions 56

He has started on his second machine while he works with someone who is familiar with the sound systems in iconic Bally machines on the effects for the first one. He has big plans for his second build – including features that allow for multiple balls on the field at a time.

When he is not at work as a maintenance supervisor for an aluminum company, he races, and not rarely, wins offroad motorcycle enduro and hare scramble events. His bike and riding gear are often as colorful as his guitars and pinball machines. He even finds time for some pinball tournaments.

“I remember dragging the girlfriend to a tournament in Pelham,” he said.

To relax and wind down, he has friends over to play pinball on his machine or one of several vintage machines he has collected, including one called Big Deal (one G), and plays guitar and hangs out on his porch overlooking Choccolocco Creek.

Mike is loving every minute of it.

“I have all these amazing things happen to me.

It’s almost a Forest Gump kind of thing. I have made all these great friends,” he said.

And though he is just getting started in the pinball business, he is already making a name for himself and appeared on the Pinball Innovators & Makers podcast, hosted by Dan Rosenstein.

Editor’s Note: You can check out the podcast and videos of Mike doing just about everything online. Bigg Deal has its own Facebook page and links to his YouTube video channel. l

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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Fly Fishing Expo

Frank Roden fly fishing at Black Creek Gorge near Noccalula Falls

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LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Bringing anglers to Gadsden Story by Paul South Staff and submitted photos In a continuing effort to cast a wider net marketing the Coosa River and the waterway’s lakes and streams into a fly-fishing destination, Gadsden will host its inaugural Fly-Fishing Expo on Jan. 20 and 21, 2024, at The Venue at Coosa Landing.

“We would love for Gadsden to be known as a fly-fishing destination as well as for the other amenities we offer,” says Deborah Hawkins, administrative supervisor of The Venue.

This free expo will host fly-fishing-related vendors and exhibitors of all kinds from the neighboring states and counties at the gleaming 55,000 square foot facility on the banks of the Coosa River.

The fly-fishing event comes on the heels of the successful Alabama Fishing Show at The Venue this past March.

The expo is the latest move by Gadsden to grow fly fishing in the region. The city invested $10,000 to stock the waters around Noccalula Falls with Rainbow trout.

Along with the success of the Alabama Fishing Show last spring, Hawkins credits one man – the owner of Rainbow City Auction and Fly Fishing – who lured the city with the idea for a fly-fishing focused event.

“It was the work and due diligence of Frank Roden that brought this event to Gadsden,” Hawkins says.

Neely Henry Lake Association 3514 Rainbow Dr, Ste. 415, Rainbow City, AL 35906 Ph: (256) 368-5200 Hrs: M-F 8am to 5pm www. NeelyHenryLake.org

A sign of things to come On the streams around these parts and beyond, Frank Roden is known as “the guy with the tie,” his homage to a more elegant time when fly anglers – clad in hats, shirts, boots, waders and Windsor-knotted neckties – took to the waters. For traditionalists like Roden, the tie seems as important as the right feathered fly or the perfect 10 o’clock-two o’clock cast, the perfect fly-casting motion.

Roden, one of area fly fishing’s most fervent evangelists and an instructor for the iconic fly-fishing merchant Orvis, saw the sport’s growth coming over 20 years ago.

Somewhere around 2001, Roden recalls, he and his wife, Tammy, couldn’t get the gear they wanted locally, even around the state. So, they opened their fly-fishing shop as part of their antique furniture business.

When the couple announced their first fly fishing seminar, locals predicted a sparse turnout, 20-25 people, tops. What occurred was something akin to a fly angling tent revival.

“When the instructors and manufacturers pulled up 15 minutes before we were supposed to start, they had 169 people waiting under the tent. That was just the tip of the iceberg.”

He sees the January event as a positive step for the city and the sport.

“Someone for a long time has needed to bring a fly-fishing

61

Alabama Fishing Show and Expo drew vendors and a crowd

expo to the state of Alabama,” Roden says.

“Gadsden has that facility right there on the Coosa. They brought a general fishing show to The Venue last spring, and it was huge.

They did a great job with it.”

Gadsden has the formula for a fly-fishing show that will mirror the success of last spring’s effort.

“They have the space available,” Roden says. “They have the stuff that can support it around The Venue there (restaurants, gas stations, shops and hotels). Now we just need the wholesalers and dealers.”

The expo is the latest evidence of Gadsden’s commitment to the sport.

“Boy has that been good,” Roden said in a past issue of LakeLife 24/7 Magazine®. “We should give them a lot of credit for putting the winter trout fishery in. Greater Gadsden Area Tourism has done a lot to promote the fly fishing here.”

And organizers hope that tackle, equipment, wholesalers and dealers from across the country come to Gadsden for the expo.

After all, fly anglers travel from the streams of Maine to the big waters of Montana and points north, south, east and west.

“Don’t assume that (fly fishers) just fish locally,” Roden says. “They go to the Gulf Coast; they go to the mountains. They travel out west and to the Appalachian chain. We needed (to keep that in mind) when we started hunting new equipment.”

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Frank Roden shows off a catch

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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Roden adds, “The sport has grown, not just in the Gadsden area, but to the places people are going. The population of the Gadsden area can travel all over now that they know what they’re looking for.”

A study from Grand View Research quantifies the growth in the popularity of fly fishing through the sale of fly-fishing equipment and apparel, a $3.1 million business in 2022.

The industry is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 4.1 percent.

The increasing popularity of the sport isn’t the only driver. People are drawn to more environmentally friendly sports and sustainability efforts like the fishery stocking areas in Gadsden, as well as the diverse needs and preferences of the fly-fishing community, the study said.

The expo may lure more flyfishing shops and merchants to the area. Surprisingly, Roden sees that as a positive.

“I think it’s great, Roden says.

“Bring ‘em on. I’m not getting a lot of business off the trout fishing because most of the people who come here come here for tourism, and they already had their gear before coming to Gadsden.”

He said many who come to areas like Black Creek to fish move their homes and businesses to the area.

Roden says he doesn’t have to aggressively sell fly fishing in the region. “That’s the good thing. I don’t have to sell it. They come to me looking for it. My business is soft sell.”

While there are skeptics about the future of fly fishing in Etowah and St. Clair counties, Roden points to the Coosa and talks about streams like Black Creek, Big Canoe Creek and the Noccalula Falls area and others.

“Man, that’s a lot of water out there.”

For non-anglers who may be film buffs, the two-day expo will include the Fourth Annual FlyFishing Film Festival, beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday. And of course, there are shops and restaurants nearby.

Tickets for the expo are $25.

Vendor booths, including tables chairs and power are $200 for the

64

Black Creek Gorge has become an attraction for fly fishing

The Venue at Coosa landing continues its success story

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

RAINBOW CITY AUCTION & FLY-FISHING SHOP

Miss Maharlika 2023 Grace Mamucud

Crowned Coronation night of Marlika fil-aM assoCiation at the Venue at Coosa landing Fil-Am Association preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of the Phillipines through cultural and educational presentations to the Gadsden, Alabama, community.

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Fly fishing growing in popularity

weekend.

Hours for the festival are 10-5 on Saturday with the film festival screening at 5. The festival continues on Sunday from 10-4.

While city officials have not projected the Fly-Fishing Expo’s economic impact, Hawkins is optimistic that local businesses will see a ripple effect – like a rainbow trout jumping in a cool, quiet stream – for the area economy.

“This absolutely will have a ripple effect such as lodging, restaurants, shopping, license fees for the city, gas and other necessities … Since this is our first fly fishing expo, we don’t have a projected economic impact. But we will work as hard as we do for anything else to bring income and awareness to our great city.” l

Expo organizers hoping to mirror success of Alabama fishing show

Editor’s Note: For more information on the Fly-Fishing Expo, call 256-549-4587.

66

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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LakeLife 24/7 24/7 Logan Logan Martin Martin and and Neely Neely Henry Henry •• November November & & December December 2023 2023 LakeLife

LakeLife 24/7 24/7 Logan Logan Martin Martin and and Neely Neely Henry Henry •• November November & & December December 2023 2023 LakeLife

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Take 5

Community Events November 2023 - early January 2024

LakeLife 24/7 events compiled by Jackie Romine Walburn Submit events to: Events@LakeLife247Magazine.com

NOVEMBER What: Veterans Month at the Museum Who: Museum of Pell City When: Throughout month of November, ThursdaysFridays, 10-4; Saturdays, 10-2; special recognition memento for all veterans visiting Where: Museum of Pell City, 1000 Bruce Etheredge Parkway, Suite 200, Pell City Why: Expanded salute to service exhibits honoring veterans and their role in history What: Salute to Service Luncheon Program Who: Museum of Pell City When: Thursday, Nov. 2, beginning at noon Where: Pell City Municipal Complex Banquet Room Why: Honor veterans and their role in history with expanded exhibits and premier of oral history video featuring local veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. FREE What: Historic Downtown Gadsden Christmas Open House Who: Downtown Gadsden When: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3 and 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Downtown Gadsden Why: Visit downtown stores and restaurants ready for holiday season.

What: Rummage Sale Who: Gadsden Service Guild When: Friday, Nov. 3, preview, and Saturday, Nov. 4, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: 210 @ the Tracks, 210 Locust Street, Gadsden Why: Help the Guild build community through service at the big rummage sale.

What: 4th Annual Christmas Craft Fair Who: Horse Pens 40 When: Nov. 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Horse Pens 40, Steele Why: This two-day Christmas Themed Craft Fair is where the Christmas magic begins. Come get your Holiday Shopping done while shopping handmade & unique items.

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Downtown Gadsden What: Blingo: Bags, Bling and Bingo Who: Theater of Gadsden When: Sunday, Nov. 5, 2 to 6 p.m.

Where: Downtown Civic Center, Gadsden Why: Sip wine, enjoy appetizers and sweets and bid on and win designer handbags, accessories, vacation packages and arts. Ticket $50 each and $320 for table of eight. Benefiting the Theater of Gadsden,

What: ABF Junior/High School qualifying tournament Who: Alabama Bass Federation When: Saturday, Nov. 4, safe light to 4 p.m. weigh in Where: Lincoln Landing at Logan Martin Lake Why: Young anglers compete; more at www.albasfed.org

What: The EYO Fall Formal Concert Who: Youth Orchestra When: Sunday, Nov. 5, 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: Wallace Hall, Gadsden Why: A formal concert by EYO.

What: Miss Logan Martin pageant Who: Pell City CEPA When: Saturday, Nov. 4 Where: Pell City CEPA, 25 Williamson Drive, Pell City.

Why: Local young women compete.

What: Weekly downtown market Who: Gadsden Artisan and Farmers Market When: Nov. 4 and most Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.

Where: Downtown Gadsden, 701 1st Avenue Why: Home-baked goods and crafts.

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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What: 4th Annual Christmas Craft Fair Who: Horse Pens 40 When: Nov. 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Horse Pens 40, Steele Why: This two-day Christmas Themed Craft Fair is where the Christmas magic begins. Come get your Holiday Shopping done while shopping handmade & unique items.

What: Springville Library Writers’ Group monthly meeting Who: Springville Writers’ Group When: Saturday, Nov. 4, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and every first Saturday Where: Springville Library, 6315 US 11, Springville Why: All writers age 18+ are invited.

What: Fall Festival Who: Homestead Hollow When: Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Homestead Hollow, Springville.

Why: Calling all arts and crafts enthusiasts. Homestead Hollow hosts its second Arts and Crafts Festival of the year. Enjoy food, shopping gifts, and more.

What: Patriot Day Luncheon and Downtown Gadsden Veterans Parade Who: Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association When: Wednesday, Nov. 8; luncheon 11 to 1 p.m. Parade at 2 p.m.

Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden Why: Here from retired Bg. Gen. Jeffrey Newton at the luncheon (tickets $25) and enjoy patriotic parade in the afternoon.

What: 2023 Calhoun County Veterans Day Parade!

Who: Calhoun County Veterans Organization When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Noble Street – same path as Christmas Parade Why: Honoring our veterans.

More at visitcalhouncounty.com What: Nature Inspired Christmas Décor Workshop Who: Longleaf Botanical Gardens When: Saturday, Nove. 11, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Anniston Museum and Gardens Why: Find ways to incorporate economical and sustainable elements int your Christmas décor and packaging. More at visitcalhouncounty.com What: Veteran’s Day Bass Tournament Who: Bass anglers and DEF Fishing Apparel When: Saturday, Nov. 11, first light to 3:30 p.m. weigh-ins.

Kid’s carnival 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Neely Henry Lake at Southside Landing, County Road 77, Southside, AL Why: Bass tournament honoring veterans. Registration $100 for individual anglers and $150 for two-person team. Payouts from $1,200 for first place.

What: Second Saturday Who: Downtown Talladega When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Talladega Bottling Works Why: Music and more each Second Saturday What: Live action Panic at the Prom Murder Mystery Party Who: Family Success Center When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 5 to 9 p.m.

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Where: Taivas Farm, 1713 Green Valley Road, Glencoe Why: Solve the mystery and help benefit the Inclusive Needs Program at the Family Success Center, $50 entry fee What: Winter Market Who: Anniston Museum and Gardens When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 12, 1 to 5 p.m.

Where: Longleaf Event Center Why: Two-day event offers array of items from talented artisans and craftpeople. Jewelry, paintings, glass works and hand-crafted decorations. Free to browse.

What: Rezoom @ Barber Full Course Who: Barber Motorsports When: Nov. 11 and 12, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Barber Motorsports Parkway, 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway Why: Fast cars going faster What: Second Saturday Who: Downtown Talladega When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Talladega Bottling Works Why: Music and more each Second Saturday What: Leeds Annual Tree Lighting Who: Leeds Chamber of Commerce When: Thursday, Nov. 16, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Leeds, 7907 Parkway Avenue Why: Meet around the Christmas Tree in the park – at the corner of 9th Street and Parkway Drive. Festivities for family, sponsored by Lees Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Leeds and AmFirst.

What: Plant Sale Who: Longleaf Botanical Gardens at Anniston Museum and Gardens When: Thursday, Nov. 16, 10 to 5 p.m.

Where: Garden greenhouses Why: Held every third Thursday except April and December, the plant sale benefits the gardens and features flowers, plants, trees.

What: Oxford Festival of Lights Who: City of Oxford When: Nov. 17 – Dec. 7. Monday – Thursday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Dec. 8- Dec. 24, Monday – Sunday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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Where: Choccolocco Park, Oxford Why: The Festival of Lights turns Choccolocco Park into a Winter Wonderland, celebrating one of our favorite holidays! The 2023 Festival of Lights also features a Santa’s Village experience with lots of fun activities, vendors, and outdoor skating! For tickets and more information, visit oxfordfestivaloflights.com What: Presentations of the Nutcracker Princess Who: Downtown Dance Conservatory When: Nov. 17, 18 and 19, 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center, Gadsden Why: Start the season with this annual performance.

What: Just Track It Who: Barber Motorsports When: Nov. 18 and 19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Barber Motorsports, 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway Why: Enjoy laps around the track with friends and family at Just Track It. What: Masters Qualifying Crappie Tournament Who: Alabama Crappie Trail When: Saturday, Nov. 18, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Neely Henry Lake at Riverside Park, Southside Why: Tournament is the first of qualifying tournament leading to the State Championship June 7 and 8, 2024 at Logan Martin Lake, Lincoln Landing What: Paws at the Falls Who: City of Gadsden When: Nov. 21 and Dec. 28 Where: Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden Why: Bring your pet on a leash to wag in the holiday season.

What: Dinner and Dance Who: American Legion Post 71 When: Nov. 23, 5 to 11 p.m.

Where: American Legion 71, 201 Griffin St, Attalla.

Why: Dine and dance to the Outlaw Band.

What: Plucked Turkey 10k When: Thursday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m. -10 a.m.

Where: Golden Springs Community Center, 3125 Spring Valley Road, Anniston Why: What started as a Thanksgiving morning run, has turned into a tradition. Come build that Thanksgiving appetite by running the 6.- mile certified course through the beautiful Golden Springs community. This ARC event benefits the YMCA. Walkers are welcome!

More info at visitcalhouncounty.com What: Christmas at the Falls Who: City of Gadsden and Noccalula Falls Park When: Nov. 23, 4 to 9 p.m.

Where: Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden Why: Annual event features millions of lights winding throughout the park with holiday displays and decorations. And, until Christmas, book a visit with Santa at the falls. Tickets on-line only.

What: Downtown Gadsden Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday Who: Downtown Gadsden merchants When: Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Downtown Gadsden Why: Start the seasons by shopping local downtown merchants.

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What: Classic Car Cruise-In Who: Talladega Classic Car Club When: Saturday, Nov. 25, 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Classic Toys at 515 East Battle Street, Talladega Why: Classic cars and trucks cruise in every 4th Saturday.

What: N2 Track Day Who: Barber Motorsports When: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 and 26, 7 a,m, to 5 p,m, Where: Barber Motorsports, 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway Why: N2 focuses on rider education through classroom sessions and instructor led, on-track coaching in organized groups based on skill level.

What: Holiday Market Who: Heritage Hall Museum and Art Center When: Nov. 28 to December 23; open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesdays through Saturdays Where: Heritage Hall Museum, Talladega Why: Shop for hand crafted gifts from Alabama artists What: Featured artist exhibits: November, Ryan Akers, Abby Henderson, Carol Hill with Patterns and Perceptions and Hannah Hill with Go Ethereal; December 2023, Ali Hval, and January 2024: Baggs McKelvey Who: Gadsden Museum of Arts When: The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 515 Broad Street, Gadsden Why: Free admission to exhibits; donations are accepted.

DECEMBER What: Black Jacket Symphony presents Van Halen’s “1984” album and the bands best hits Who: Pell City CEPA Who: Presented in partnership with Humana and Rambo Marine and the city of Pell City and Pell City Schools.

When: Friday, Dec. 1.

Where: Pell City CEPA, 25 Williamson Dr., Pell City Pell City Lights in the Parkj Who: City of Pell City When: December 1-31, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Where: Pell City Lakeside Park What: Christmas Tree Lighting Who: Heart of Pell City When: Friday, Dec. 1, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: St. Clair County Courthouse, 1815 Cogswell Why: Help begin the holiday celebration downtown What: Christmas Boat Parade Who: Southside, Rainbow City When: Dec. 1, 6 to 7 p.m.

Where: Southside Landing Why: Live music and vendors and boat parade.

Sponsored by Neely Henry Lake Association and the towns of Southside and Rainbow City.

What: Christmas Tree Lighting and Coosa Christmas Boat Parade Who: City of Gadsden When: Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m. for tree lighting at lawn of city hall; parade afterward Where: Riverwalk Park at Coosa Landing, Gadsden Why: Lighted boats

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

What: Pell City Rotary Jingle Bell 5K Run & Fun Run Who: Pell City Rotary Club When: Dec. 9, 5 K Run, 8 a.m.; Fun Run, 8:50 a.m.

Where: Pell City Lakeside Park Why: St. Clair County Sheriffs Boys Ranch

Oxford Performing Arts Center

What: Second Saturday Who: Downtown Talladega When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Talladega Bottling Works Why: Music and more each Second Saturday What: Dinner and Dance Who: American Legion Post 71 When: Dec. 9, 5 to 11 p.m.

Where: American Legion 71, 201 Griffin St, Attalla.

Why: Dine and dance.

What: Gadsden Christmas Parade Who: Gadsden community When: Dec. 9, 5 to 7 p.m.

Where: Downtown Gadsden Why: Marching bands, floats, cars, Santa! Sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Gadsden What: Christmas on Main and Tree -lighting Ceremony Who: City of Oxford When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: Historic Downtown Oxford and Simmons Park Why: Annual downtown holiday open house. Festivities include sales, promotions, horse and carriage strolls, live entertainment, movies at Simmons Park, and Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. More info at visitcalhouncounty.com What: Holiday Market Who: Heritage Hall Museum and Art Center When: Nov. 28 to December 23; open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesdays through Saturdays Where: Heritage Hall Museum, Talladega Why: Shop for hand crafted gifts from Alabama artists What: Ashville Christmas Tree Lighting and Community Movie on the Square Who: Ashville community When: Saturday, Dec, 2, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Robinson Plaza Why: Ashville brings sparkle with tree lighting at 6 p.m. and showing of the holiday movie, Home Alone, immediately following. Concessions available. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

What: Pell City Christmas Parade Who: Pell City Chamber of Commerce When: Friday, December 8, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Downtown Pell City Why: Floats, bands, convertibles and Santa will be part of The Music and Magic of Christmas themed Christmas parade.

What: Leeds Christmas Parade Who: City of Leeds and Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce When: Friday, Dec. 8, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Downtown Leeds, 7901 Parkway Drive Why: Celebrate and see Santa, the Leeds High School Marching Band, local sports team, clubs and businesses ride down Parkway Drive on brightly decorated floats. Children bring bags to catch tossed candies and treats.

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What: Candlelit Carols & Classics with Mark Vincent and the Atlanta Pops Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center When: Thursday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center Why: Mark Vincent will journey to Oxford to join the Atlanta Pops for a magical evening of Christmas classics. Join us to experience this charming performance with your favorite holiday tunes. Mor info at visitcalhouncounty.com What: Frozen Jr. Who: Pell City CEPA When: Dec. 15, 5 p.m.; Dec. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.

Where: Pell City CEPA, 25 Williamson Drive, Pell City Why: Local young performers present this fun musical.

What: Classic Car Cruise-In Who: Talladega Classic Car Club When: Saturday, Dec. 25, 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Classic Toys at 515 East Battle Street, Talladega Why: Classic cars and trucks cruise in every 4th Saturday.

JANUARY What: Mayor’s Ball Who: Black Jacket Symphony When: Saturday, Jan. 13, 6 to 10 p.m.

Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden Why: Bringing Unity to Gadsden, the Mayor’s Ball proceeds support community outreach and city projects. To reserve a table and for more information call 256-549-4730.

What: Paint Your Pet class Who: Little Art Tree in Ashville When: Jan. 19, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Little Art Tree, Court Street, Ashville Why: Who doesn’t want a portrait of their favorite pet?

The class makes it happen with you as the artist.

What: ABT 100 bass tournament series at Logan Martin Who: Alabama Bass Trail When: Saturday, Jan. 20, safe light to 5 p.m. weigh in Where: Lincoln’s Landing at Logan Martin Lake Why: ABT 100 has 100 team boats competing to qualify for championships. www.alabamabasstrail100.org

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

Happy Thanksgivng!

Wishing everyone all the best this holiday season.

Let Caran lead the way!

Buying, Selling.

Commercial.

Residential.

205.368.9772

pellcityrealtor.com caranw@eraking.com 2319 Cogswell Avenue Pell City, AL 35125

GOOD TO GO?

S ERVICING ALL MAJOR B RANDS

Award winning St. Clair County Realtor: Realtors for Communities, Professional & Leadership, Presidential Cup

PREPARE YOUR BOAT - SCHEDULE WITH PAUL’S AND KNOW YOUR SEASON READY!

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paulsmobilemarinerepair @gmail.com

PAUL’S MOBILE MARINE REPAIR - THE FUTURE OF BOAT SERVICE

Taste of the Lake

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11 LAKELIFE LAKELIFE24/7 24/7 MAGAZINE MAGAZINE Logan LoganMartin Martin&&Neely NeelyHenry Henry || July Julyand andAugust August2021 2021

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September & October 2023

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

11 LAKELIFE LAKELIFE24/7 24/7 MAGAZINE MAGAZINE Logan LoganMartin Martin&&Neely NeelyHenry Henry || July Julyand andAugust August2021 2021

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September & October 2023

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CATCHIN’ THE COOSA

An angler’s guide to Neely Henry and Logan Martin Lakes

Zeke continues his competitive fishing run

By Zeke Gossett

LOGAN MARTIN Finally, cooler weather has dropped the water temps on

Logan Martin, and the fish are beginning to fatten up for the winter. The months of November and December can be some of the best times to fish and are two of my favorite months to fish on Logan Martin.

There are a few things happening during these months on Logan Martin. First, the lake should be at winter pool. Winter pool for Logan Martin now is three feet lower than summer pool, unlike previous years when it used to be five feet lower.

The new winter pool has changed a little on how I now fish Logan Martin from previous years. Some places are not as shallow now with the extra two feet of water, and the fish have adapted quickly.

Another thing that happens during these months is the fish are feeding up for the winter months. What that means is that they are heavily feeding on shad most of the time.

Finding suspended fish in the creeks is one my favorite ways to catch them. It’s an easy equation. Go find the baitfish, and the bass will not be far behind. A small damiki rig and deep diving jerkbait are some of my favorite ways to find them.

Also a square-bill and spinnerbait are a couple of great choices when wanting to cover some shallow points or channel swing banks. I will mainly focus on the main river with these two baits and typically look for the banks with deeper water nearby.

Now, one of my favorite ways to get a bigger bite is with a big pig and jig. This is especially true in the latter part of December when the water temp is below 55. It also helps a lot if the lake has one foot of visibility or less.

During these two months on Logan Martin, anglers have a lot of options to catch fish with a ton of techniques available.

The fish are getting fat and there is less boat traffic, so go enjoy some fish-catching action.

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023

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NEELY HENRY Neely Henry is a great late fall/early

wintertime of year lake. I mainly focus on the bottom end of the lake during these two months.

There are a lot of bluffs, docks and rip rap in this region of the lake. Where I spend most of my time during these two months fishing is relative to how much rain we receive. If there has been a lot of rain, Alabama Power will run more current in the system. This is when I will focus on main river points and docks.

A couple of baits I always start out with is either a bladed jig or square-bill crankbait. The current should have the fish set up and ready to bite whatever eases past them.

Now, once the water temp gets below 50 degrees, that’s when I will ease my way into the creeks. Typically, I want to be in the region of the creek where I feel like most of action is. What I mean by that is either I’m seeing bait fish on my electronics or maybe a slight degree or two difference in water temp.

Once I find these scenarios, I will be heavily dependent on my forwardfacing sonar and pick off bass that are maybe chasing bait in channel bends of the creek or just off the banks.

I’ll use either a damiki rig or jerkbait depending on where the fish are in the water column. Keep your lure choices simple and keep moving during these two months. The fish can change by the hour or even every few minutes!

Cooler weather can mean better fishing on the lakes

Zeke Gossett of Zeke Gossett Fishing grew up on the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake. He is a former collegiate champion and is now a professional angler on the B.A.S.S. tour circuit and is a fishing guide. Learn more about Zeke at: zekegossettfishing.com.

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LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • November & December 2023