Lake Wedowee Life - June 2016 by Lake Wedowee Life

Homes 2016 • www.LakeWedoweeLife.com • Free

Homes 2016 Vol. 9 No. 3

Table of Contents Special Features 10. Summer of Fun Lake Wedowee Area Calendar of Events 12. Lake Wedowee Area Updates and Happenings 20. News to Know Show us your Pets 22. Home on the Lake Alabama Shoreline Management Protects the Lake 25. Instagram Fun for Everyone 34. Home on the Lake: Home Sweet Home on Lake Where Are We

In This Issue 8. Letter from the Editor 14. Charleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treasure 32. Readers Photos 40. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cooking 46. Parting Shot

contributors this issue Leisel Caldwell, Tracy Carpenter, Charley Norton

On the Cover Brian Weaver is "The Splash" on the cover of this issue of Lake Wedowee Life. His wife, Mary, took the picture during Memorial Day Weekend. Brian was having fun with his three children Grant, Stella and Lloyd. The Weaver's home was also featured in our 2012 edition of Home on the Lake.

General Manager

Editor

Advertising Sales

LEISEL CALDWELL info@lakewedoweelife.com

KELLY CALDWELL news@lakewedoweelife.com

LAVOY CALDWELL ads@lakewedoweelife.com

Lake Wedowee Life 256.357.4557 104 West Broad Street Wedowee, AL

www.LakeWedoweeLife.com Lake Wedowee Life magazine is published five times a year and available around the Lake Wedowee area which includes Randolph and Clay Counties in Alabama as well as parts of West Georgia. All content in this publication is protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise published without the prior written permission of Caldwell Sales, Inc.. ÂŠ 2008-2016 Caldwell Sales, Inc. 6 lake wedowee life

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Mary Lee Caldwell (right) and Marsha Grady at Lean On: Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Launch Party June 2.

A few of the women Mary Lee has leaned on to make this non-profit a reality.

Who Do You Lean On? Some of you might remember 2014 started on a bad note for the Caldwell family. Mary Lee (my younger sister) was very sick and I wrote about it in this very space. Well, she has recovered and I thought it was time to give y'all an update on how awesome she is doing and her new purpose. For those that don't remember or might not know... In a nutshell, she got the flu and it turned into pneumonia and that turned into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (which the survival rate from that sucks!) She spent a month at University Medical Center in Birmingham, but she recovered and got her PhD in December of 2014. So we are now all on the same page. In 2013, a cool book came out by Sheryl Sandberg, (the Chief Operating Office of Facebook) called Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead. The book, according to its website, is focused on encouraging women to pursue their ambitions and changing the conversation from what we can't do to what we can do. It received mixed reviews, and to be honest I still haven't read it. But, Mary Lee did and an idea was born. "Instead of leaning in, why don't we lean on each other?" I remember her telling me when she was in the early days of formulating this brainchild of what is now known as Lean On: Alabama. It also came from her work with college women at

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the University of Alabama. She kept having the feeling that they needed more than what we have out there today. They need to be told to do more than lean in, they need help to build their network that they will lean on throughout their lives. According to the website, the vision for Lean On: Alabama is to be a premier women's organization and resource center by providing intentional programs and services designed to empower and develop an intergenerational network of women within the state. We invest in women with time and resources to provide a support system that encourages, educates, and equips women to act, to lead, and to impact Alabama. Once Mary Lee had her vision, she leaned on her network for women to make Lean On: Alabama a reality. She has brought women together from a variety of professions and ages to create this initiative. And, my family couldn't be prouder of her for it. We knew that God wasn't finished with her in 2013 and Lean On: Alabama is just the next chapter in the wonderful book of Mary Lee's Life. To learn more about Lean On: Alabama, visit the website www.leanonalabama.com.

Enjoy Life Kelly Caldwell

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June 11 Art on the Median Wedowee 2 year anniversary Celebration Southern Holiday Shop West Broad Street Wedowee Live Music The High Rollers Band Lakeside Market & Grill

June 12 Worship on the Water Speaker Don Ellison Music FBC Wedowee Under the Pines at Lakeside

June 18 Lake Wedowee Lake Lot Auction Southern Holiday Shop Wedowee Live Music LardBucket Band Lakeside Market and Grill

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June 19 Worship on the Water Speaker Elvis North Music Scott Brand Under the Pines at Lakeside

June 25 Live Music Blaze Alley Band Lakeside Market & Grill

June 26 Worship on the Water Speaker Jarrod Suits Music Learn & Serve Staff Under the Pines at Lakeside

June 29-30 Fine Arts Camp Southern Union State Community College Wadley Campus

July 1-2 Randolph County Sheriffs Rodeo HWY 431N Wedowee

July 2 Live Music LardBucket Band Lakeside Market and Grill

July 3 Worship on the Water Speaker George Mathison Music Homegrown Under the Pines at Lakeside July 7 Patriotic Night Summer Sizzle Lineville City Park Lineville July 9 50s & 60s Sock Hop Lakeside Market & Grill July 10 Worship on the Water Speaker Janice Clark Music TBA Under the Pines at Lakeside July 14 Country and Bluegrass Summer Sizzle Lineville City Park Lineville

July 17 Worship on the Water Speaker Josh Hickman Music Wedowee FUMC Under the Pines at Lakeside

July 21 Kevin Moon Show Summer Sizzle Lineville City Park Lineville

July 24 Worship on the Water Speaker Jacob Wilkerson Music Bear Creek FUMC Under the Pines at Lakeside July 28 The Gospel Hour Clay County Style Summer Sizzle Lineville City Park Lineville

July 30 Live Music Blaze Alley Band Lakeside Market & Grill July 31 Worship on the Water Speaker Dorothy Ann Webster Music Lineville FUMC Under the Pines at Lakeside August 7 Worship on the Water Speaker Josh Stitcher Music OK2 Under the Pines at Lakeside

August 14 Worship on the Water Speaker Jimmy Yates Music Witness 4 Him Under the Pines at Lakeside

August 21 Worship on the Water Speaker Dan Waller Music Community Life Praise Team Under the Pines at Lakeside August 28 Worship on the Water Speaker Terry Norman Music TBA Under the Pines at Lakeside

September 4 Worship on the Water Speaker Billy Coleman Music Clearvision Under the Pines at Lakeside

Stay up to date with the latest happenings on our facebook page. Like us at facebook.com/lakewedoweelife

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Hundreds Attend Groundbreaking for New Hospital More than 200 attended the public event marking the beginning of construction of the new hospital for Randolph County in early May, Public officials and residents joined together to break ground for the hospital.

Southern Holiday Shop Anniversary Celebration

with samples, savings and sales on June 11. The shop will have demonstrations of Mississippi Miracle Clay, Dixie Belle Paint and samples of Mama's Secrets and Southern Sisters Gourmet. Our Glass Boutique will have specials that day as well and there could even be free gifts!

Southern Auction Solutions Lake Wedowee Lot Auction

On June 18, auctioneer Ron Come Celebrate the Second Anni- Young, with Southern Auction Solutions will be conducting a Lake Weversary of Southern Holiday Shop

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dowee Lot Auction. Young and company will be set up on the lawn of Southern Holiday Shop (104 West Broad Street, Wedowee) auctioning 14 waterfront lots. Consignments will be accepted and the auction will begin at 10 a.m. For more information on the auction be sure to visit Southern Auction Solutions website www.southernauctionsolutions.com

Wedowee Marine Helps Raise Funds for Randolph County Animal Shelter A gentleman went into Wedowee Marine Sales, upset because he couldn't get his boat to run properly, and asked owner, Mr. Randy Morris if he knew of any charities that would accept the boat. Mr. Morris suggested the Rcas Shelter. Then Mr. Morris got in touch with the shelter and explained the situation; he offered to get the boat up and running and then sell it... and give RCAS the proceeds. RCAS RECEIVED $9,070.00 from the boat without having to lift a finger! We can tell by the hard work and dedication that Mr. Morris put into this donation that not only does he care about his business, but he also cares about the animals and shelter in Randolph County. The Shelter would like to thank Wedowee Marine for thinking of us! And the mystery donor who started it all! We are blessed with so many wonderful supporters! We appreciate any and all donations which all goes toward caring for the animals until they find their forever homes!

Roanoke Restaurant Raises $2700 for Local Family’s Medical Expenses Jeff’s Place and owner Jeff Fetner of Roanoke raised $2,700 with a benefit dinner for Sophia Grace Pearl Memorial Day Weekend. Little Sophia Grace, daughter of Justin and Falan Pearl, was born at 28 weeks and has had many complications and hospital stays. Currently she is Children’s Hospital of Atlanta but is waiting to be transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital where they offer a surgery that is the best treatment option for Sophia Grace. The benefit dinner was to help with expenses for the family during their time in Boston.

If you have news to share in the Lake Wedowee area, please let us hear from you. Email us at news@lakewedoweelife.com

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Jimmy Jacks Treasure… Drawing the Line I woke up this morning and knew exactly what I needed to do. I don’t know why, but for some reason, I just do. First, I need to fortify my position, then I need muscle. After that,… surveillance. I will NOT let them catch me off guard again. I called Big A. He’s the muscle. He will be the one appointed to address any and everything that may get in the way. Then I called B George. He is ex-military and specialized in watching people that don’t want to be watched. I invited them over to go out on the skies. Once in the water, they followed me out to the place that I know only as the spot. It’s a secluded dock on an abandoned lot. I told the guys the whole story and, of course, they laughed it up as they would any of my tall tales. Then, I showed them the gash in my side where the bullet grazed me, but they weren’t any more convinced, calling the injury an excuse for the story, so I did the only thing I knew would convince them…. I showed them the cash and got their complete attention. With eyes wide open, they heard mine and Jimmy Jacks story again. It took a minute for it to soak in but they came around and asked what I was wanting them to do. I handed Big A 15 grand to arm us up and B George 20 grand to put our adversaries on watch. I gave each of them a map to the shack and told them to memorize it and destroy it. I also made them promise not to go there until we had a plan and were prepared to defend ourselves and the 14 lake wedowee life

while we slept. Big A called in favors and had all the weapons fast tracked to my store. He had to find a defense that would disable, but not kill an enemy. I told him that there was nothing that was worth us going to prison for. B George called his military contacts. He’s dealt with mercenaries that have connections as well as hackers that knew how to plug into anything In 24 hours, we were set. Willard Earl and his family were on surveillance. Everything they say on the phone and places they visit and post on the internet was accumulated and filed on a ghost network that B George created. He hired a team to go in and install solar powered monitors on the Earl compound as well as gps trackers on all of their vehicles and boats. We were truly plugged in. It was time now to go to the shack, all of us so I borrowed a neighbors pontoon boat and we left out on a Saturday for a weekend on the lake where we were going to camp and fish(as far as we told our wife’s). Once at the shack, Big A started by Charley Norton installing all the defense products he bought while B George set up the satellite and surveillance. I went We left there and went to the down to see if I could get the flat cove to get the crashed ski I had abandoned. I brought what I needed bottom boat going and before long to patch the hole in it and we towed we had everything up and running, it back to the dock, where we loaded including the boat. We went into the cabin to crash but I made the misup and took them all back to my house. That night I contacted a man take of telling the guys about the I had met from north Alabama that loose rock in the fireplace and they were too excited not to look for it so was retrofitting jet skies with a Mazda rotary engine. We settled on we spent a couple hours just tapping on rocks and trying to pry some out a price and he drove down that night and picked the three skies up but to no avail. property. Although shocked and still a bit skeptical, they both decided to go along for the ride and see what happens.

Charley’s Treasure

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The next morning I got up early. I started to think that maybe the loose rock with the clue may not be on the inside but could be on the outside so before the guys woke up, I went outside and started to tap on the rocks I could reach with the hammer from the shed. I was just about to give up when I tapped one that sounded hollow. I pulled out my knife and started to whittle the rock loose and once removed, I found a note inside. It read: “Charley” “You don’t really know me nor I you, but there is a bond between us. I knew it the minute we met. I saw strength in you and you are going to need it. I’m telling you this because you are going to hear things that will dispute my claim. But I want you to know that if you are my friend and believe what I’m telling you, you will be fine. Keep in mind, why would I lie? There’s no reason or motive. I’m dead now but you, your family and grandchildren can live full and worry free lives. That was my dream so many years ago and now it is my hope for you. I am close to being there but my time is running out. Below you will find the location of my truck. There is information in it that you will need. You’ll also need to find the origin of the water that feeds my generator. Well, it’s your generator now. I know you will need help on this but only use people that you explicably trust. There is treasure where the water came from and treasure where it leads. Remember that and also know that in the eighty years I have been here, I have had a lot of time to plan all contingencies. There is more to my cabin than tin and boards. Remember that 159 lb.’s could lose your head and 157 could lose your leg but 158 is great. There is also a good reason I have a shallow water craft in a deep water lake. You will know more as you look. 16 lake wedowee life

And yes, you will have to look. Nothing came easy for me and you are going to have to experience some of what I had to endure so that you will respect what I’m giving you and hopefully respect what I’ve been through. You have met the Earls by now and know they are dangerous. Trust nothing they say. They are snakes and I know more about them than anyone and is probably why I’m dead. The Earls will never admit it, but they are not white. They are creek Indians who are descendants from the battle of Horseshoe Bend. Back then, they were known as red sticks and were fierce warriors. My Cherokee ancestors defeated them but for the redsticks, the war wasn’t over. The survivor’s sought us out. They were the ones that massacred my village so long ago, blaming it on the white man. This I have only just become aware of. I know now the damage they have done. They are bred to be ruthless and have proven to be well trained. You will have to do the same. Stay away from the southwest ridge. It is mined and the only reason you are safe where you stand. Willard Earl found out the hard way when he sent his 16 year old son to kill me. Whatever you do, protect the boundaries of your land but know that most of the gold is well outside of those boundaries. Good luck and you have not heard the last from me.,” Your friend “Jimmy Jack” Just then I heard a barrage of gunfire coming from the ridge. There was crashing sound like limbs breaking from a tree and then… Boom !!! I could see a fire ball and the smoke coming up above the brush that blocked my view. B George came running out of the shack with his combat revolver.

“What’s going on!”, he shouted. “I don’t know man. Where’s Big A?” I said. “Is he not with you?” Then we heard shouts coming from the ridge and more gunfire. Screams of pain echoed from the trees. Something had gone terribly, terribly wrong……… Editor’s Note: The Tale of Jimmy Jack that appeared in the pages of Lake Wedowee Life in October launched a treasure hunt for our readers. The tale of Jimmy Jacks is a work of fiction (at least we think it is) so please don’t stalk Charley in an effort to find his treasure! Wait for the clues to be printed. We are having a treasure hunt. Yes, a treasure hunt. But with anything, there are rules. There will be a prize to the person who finds it first, but anyone after that can still take a picture and post it on the Lake Wedowee Life Facebook page. You will have to be a very observant person to find the treasure. If the prize isn’t found, we will add more clues in the magazine at the end of my articles that will help get you there. Bragging rights will come from having the treasure and your picture in the next magazine where you will be donned “ Treasure Master”. Those that find it after that will be donned “Treasure Novice”. As this is a Lake Wedowee treasure hunt, you will need to navigate the water to get to it. Maybe later we can come up with a land hunt. Now for the legal stuff. This should go without saying but no one associated with the treasure hunt will be liable for any damage caused to you, your passengers or equipment and vessels should that occur. You are to follow maritime rules and state regulations and navigate with caution. As the water level will be dropping and treasure will sometimes be on land, you need to be

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cautious. Don’t travel on property with a house because it will not be there and you don’t want to get shot or arrested which, of course, we will not be responsible or liable. (But we may write about you in a future issue of Lake Wedowee Life) We also ask that if you find the treasure to keep its’ location to yourself so that others will have the same challenge you had to find it. Please keep your prize but put everything back as it was when you got there. No sense in making it easy for the next guy but we want it still findable. And finally, respect the lake and land. Don’t tear anything up. If

you do, you forfeit your prize and title. (And we will talk ugly about you in a future issue of Lake Wedowee Life)

Head toward the flat rocks in the West. Then set your course on a heading where two rivers meet. Shortly thereafter go south through the cut. The Clues for Jimmy Jacks TreasLeft toward the Two Sister isure Part II lands. Start where the water falls the Select the one where Honeymost. mooners used to go. Find the most restful and tranquil Look under the boat that never trees. floats near the dock that never rises. Look for a crooked creek to cross Charley Norton is the co-owner of with signs of progress. Pass a point named for the high- Norton’s Flooring with his brother Tom. The company was founded by est mountain in the East. his parents more than 35 years ago. Wave at those in the olive gardens.

Find us on facebook!

www.facebook.com/lakewedoweelife

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Show Us Your Pets! Lake Wedowee Life is conducting a model search among our furry friends that enjoy Lake Wedowee as much as we do. So, do you have a photo of your pet wet, swimming, playing or chllinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on Lake Wedowee? We want to see it! Show off your Pet and you could win the Lake Wedowee Life Pets of Wedowee Photo Contest. The rules are simple but must be completed as explained to be eligible The picture must have been taken on Lake Wedowee You own the rights to the photo Post your pet photos on the Lake Wedowee Life Facebook page or the Lake Wedowee Life Instagram page on or before June 20. When posting include a name for your pet and tag the photo with #PetsOfWedowee We will be collecting photos through June 20. All eligible entries

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@e_money115

News to Know by Leisel Caldwell will be in the July issue of Lake Wedowee Life and then posted on our Facebook page for our fans to vote for their favorites through August 20. In-

appropriate photos or comments will be deleted. The winner or winners will be featured in the September issue of Lake Wedowee Life. Additional photos may be requested or a photo shoot set up for more pictures of the winning pets. Assignment of Rights Entrants warrant they own all rights to the photo they are submitting. Entrants By submitting photographic images to Lake Wedowee Life, you grant a perpetual, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, distribute, and otherwise exercise all copyright and publicity rights with respect to those photographic images at our sole discretion. Lake Wedowee Life reserves the right to select, edit and arrange submissions, and to remove images from our website or social media at any time at its sole discretion.

Instagram is a fun and quirky way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures. The following photos were tagged #Wedowee, #LakeWedoweeLife or #LakeWedowee . For the Pets Contest please tag with #petsofwedowee. Download the free app today & join in the fun!

@laaaaceface

@emilywarren10

@sunny_brookes

@fishdocsouthernnative

@hollihambyphotography

@lakewedoweelife (hey, we have pets too)

@halln2

@mnfancher

@hrfooshee lake wedowee life 21

Alabama Shoreline Management Protects the Lake Waterfront property at Lake Wedowee is different than traditional real estate. For example, you don't actually own the property down to the water's edge. Alabama Power does. The lake was created by Alabama Power with the primary purpose of power generation. Fortunately, there are also many recreational benefits for all of us to enjoy! With that in mind, Alabama Power is very approachable when it comes to working with their neighbors. Most everyone on the lake knows that full pool is 793 feet. (That's the elevation above sea level, that the water gets to at any given point on this lake.) Alabama Power owns two feet above that and has a scenic easement up to the 800 elevation. We are a mountainous lake, so that can differ from lot to lot. Alabama Power has a vested interest in keeping this lake at its best for both operations and for the residents to enjoy. So years ago, they created Shoreline Management and the requirement of a permit for construction in an effort to protect the integrity of the lake. “Our Shoreline Guidelines are set up to ensure individuals applying for permits are committed to using project lands in ways consistent with license requirements and project purposes agreed to with FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) as well as state and federal laws, regulations and USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers) general permit,” Shelia Smith with Alabama Power Shoreline Management said. The guidelines for shoreline permitting have evolved over the years just like the lake itself. In the early days of floating docks on Lake We22 lake wedowee life

niques that assist in the conservation and protection of valuable shoreline resources by minimizing the impact of projects on existing resources. They minimize erosion and stabilize shoreline banks, create fish and wildlife habitat, improve shoreline aesthetics and contribute to improved water quality. As part of the growing interest in by Kelly Caldwell developing shoreline property more naturally, there is movement away from traditional maintenance tech“Things change, over time enviniques, which focused on erosion ronmental regulations have become control using suburban landscaping stricter. Boats are bigger, people are using the lakes in different ways and and unnatural erosion barriers. Biologists and property owners continue more frequently,” Smith said. The goal of Alabama Power Shore- to find new value in using BMPs that line Management is to protect the sce- mimic natural ecosystems and maintain and enhance the shoreline. nic, recreational and environmental While landscaping and BMPs values of the lake .And, in doing so along shoreline are now focused on guidelines must be adhered to by more natural lakeside yards, new everyone. “Alabama Power Shoreline Man- techniques do not mean residents agement strives to work with adjoin- must allow vegetation to grow uning property owners to enhance their controlled. lake experience while looking out for Some Best Management practices the best interest for ALL lake users,” to remember... Smith said. Plant native trees, shrubs and Shoreline best management pracflowers for landscaping and gardens tices (BMPs) are an array of tech-

dowee it was common practice to use white-beaded Styrofoam. However, it was not a material that withstood the test of time and use on the lake. As of January 1, 2010, un-encapsulated white-beaded Styrofoam is not permitted on any Alabama Power lake.

Home on the Lake

to reduce watering as well as chemical and pesticide use. Preserve or establish a naturally managed vegetative filter strip along the shoreline to keep clearing of native trees and vegetation to a minimum. Alabama Power recommends a buffer set back of at least 15 (or to the 800â&#x20AC;&#x2122; MSL for Wedowee) feet measured horizontal from the top of the pool elevation. . Plant a low-maintenance, slowgrowing grass that is recommended for your soil conditions and climate. . Maintain the grass as high as possible to shade out weeds and improve rooting so less fertilizing and watering are required. . Avoid dumping leaves or yard debris on or near the shoreline. . Use permeable paving materials and reduce the amount of impervious surfaces, particularly driveways, sideways, walkways and parking areas. . Avoid or minimize the use of

pesticides, insecticides and herbicides whenever possible. . Dispose of vehicle fluids, paints or household chemicals as indicated on their respective labels. Do not deposit these products into storm drains, project waters or onto the ground. . Use soap sparingly when washing your car. Wash cars on a grassy area so the ground can filter the water naturally. Use a hose nozzle with a trigger to save water and pour your bucket of used soapy water down the sink and not in the street. . Avoid applying any fertilizer. Fertilizer use can be avoided by using native vegetation in a landscape. . Maintain septic tanks and drain fields according to the guidelines and/or regulations established by the local regulatory authority. . Discourage livestock from entering project waters or tributaries. . Create and maintain a rain garden in the landscape to naturally fil-

ter runoff. . Deposit excavated materials in an upland area and properly contain them to prevent them from entering the waterway, adjacent wetlands or bottomland hardwoods through erosion and sedimentation. . Place riprap along the base of existing seawalls. . Maintain natural drainage to the maximum extent possible and do not direct concentrated runoff directly into the reservoir. . Divert rain gutters/drain pipes and other sources of household runoff, including driveways, to unpaved areas where water can soak into the ground and be naturally filtered before reaching the reservoir. . Put yard debris and biological waste in a compost pile above the Alabama Power flood easement away from the shoreline. . Avoid excessive watering of lawns. Water either in the morning and/or evening.

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Instagram Fun For Everyone Instagram is a really fun social media app that continues to draw thousands of users to it daily. The magazine has a Instagram account and we have even gotten better at posting ourselves, but several years ago we started using #lakewedoweelife to identify ourselves and our friends from the millions of pictures posted daily. If we were to be honest, we need to give credit to Addison Wells, our first Lake Wedowee Life cover model, and Amanda Baity for first using the hashtag. Now there are more than 2,000 pictures with that moniker and we feature pictures from it every issue. Now if you want to help your chances of being published, read the following…

@instagepps

@lizzy_lo13

@coty_angel

@econmgr

@annaj128

@flick7103

Collage pictures don’t really work for us. We love to see them on our phones and even our facebook page… but in print, to get the good quality, collage pictures are just too small. Video… Really? Again we love to see it on our phones and we might even share it, but video doesn’t print well… Don’t be crude… Most everyone has a sense of humor, but it really varies from person to person. If you think it might offend your grandma… Odds are strong, we won’t print it. Share the Love… We try to include as many instagramers as possible for each issue (This time we have five pages devoted to you guys) But, sometimes there are duplicates depending on the topics we choose to highlight! Use our hashtag!! There are times we search others like #lakewedowee or #wedowee but increase your chances by using #lakewedoweelife! You can download instagram from any smartphone and join in on the fun!

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Instagram is a fun and quirky way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures. The following photos were tagged #Wedowee, #LakeWedoweeLife or #LakeWedowee . Download the free app today & join in the fun!

@lizzy_lo13

@stellalweaver

@rpraughton

@Jordan_reece00

@dtask

@coty_angel

@Jordan_reece00

@tannercross88

@kkartiscimagery

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@devon__stone11

@hangryhayhay

@ashleysutherlandwinch

@macee_spurling

@kaylahall1080

@sgoodson89

@checster155

@annaj128

@leannthomason

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@kendallgrant1

@ern_kinzer127

@w11oneal78

@dvdphoto

@flick7103

@brandi_kirk

@ashley_milli14

@the_crazy_dragon_lady

@laswhite04

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Lake Days are the Best Days

Amanda Coppage

Kimberly Carlson

Nick Fables

We love to see readers enjoying the Lake Wedowee Life. Be sure to send your pictures to us to be included in the next issue. Deadline for the July issue of Lake Wedowee Life is June 20! If you travel with Lake Wedowee Life this summer, send us the photos! Email News@lakewedoweelife.com Happy Travels! Nancy Burnes 32 lake wedowee life

Betty Glover

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Home Sweet Home on Lake Where Are We When it came time to look for property on the water, Lake Wedowee was not the first thought that came to mind for Ross and Michelle Carlson. "We didn't know anything about this lake when we first started looking," they both said. "We even have friends that call this 'Lake Where are We' when they come to visit." They couple along with their three children wanted something peaceful on the water, they weren't opposed to buying a house but they wanted great water where ever they were. "We looked at some lakes in the Carolinas and we looked heavily at Lake Oconee in Georgia," Michelle 34 lake wedowee life

said. "But we had a friend that lived on Oconee and one night she told us about Lake Wedowee. "I remember her telling me that she would love for us to have at place at Reynolds Plantation, but there is a really great lake in Alabama that we should check out just to be sure.

Home on the Lake

got home," Michelle said. On their first trip, they fell in love with Lake Wedowee. by Kelly Caldwell "We went out on the water with our agent. It was so beautiful and "I had never heard of Lake Weremote. You see birds and trees and dowee at that point. I had to write it the water is so pristine. We just down so I could look it up when we knew this was our lake," Ross said.

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So we didn't find the perfect house, there were a lot of nice ones, but they weren't for us," Ross said. "So we turned our focus on lots. "Our spot couldn't be more perfect! It has a million dollar view and we just love it," Michelle said. After the lot was purchased, it was time to find a builder. "My friend from college had a friend over here and I saw a picture of her house. I called her to ask about the builder and what she thought of him," Michelle said. "Gina (Wilson) couldn't stop raving about Charles Thompson. I remember her telling me that not only would she recommend him, but Charles was going to be building her new house. That's how much she loved his work. "That was it for us," Ross said. "We didn't look for anyone else." Their first meeting with Charles was interesting to say the least. "We had never built a house before and we didn't know the process," Ross said. "We wanted to be as close to the water as safely possible." So they go to dinner and are sitting there and Thompson said lets draw out how the house will look. We sat down with him to draw the house and we thought we were going to

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get these artist renderings and such," Ross said. "But, Charles had drawn what the front of the house would look like... It was a very rough drawing... So much so that it was slanted... It really looked like my 11-year-old son drew it," Michelle said. "And on it, it said 'I promise your house won't be crooked.'" "It was hysterical... The only rea-

son we didn't turn and run at that very moment was because of the reputation he has," Michelle said. "The house turned out not to be crooked and we are on Lake Where Are We." Michelle said. The Carlsons, along with their three children Reid, Kimberly and Jared?, moved into their home in 2012 and have loved every minute. "We are always bringing their

friends. Reid and his friends love to jet ski, Kimberly and her friends love to kayak. Jared tags along with both groups and then Michelle and I just relax," Ross said. "They have so many activities at home that it can make the trip challenging at times but we just make it work," he said. "It also helps that we come over year round."

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Staying Cool with Watermelon Rarely do I hear the phrase “school’s out” and not think of my own summers of fun. We lived in Panama City, FL, Hollywood, FL, Grand Ridge, FL, Ft. Lauderdale, FL...let’s just say we lived a good bit of our childhood in the state of Florida. So heading to the beach wasn’t that big of a deal to us. Especially since our parents would often check us out of school early so the family could have a long weekend on the water.

Let’s Get Cookin’ by Tracy Carpenter The highlight of our summer was getting to go to Georgia and spend two to three weeks with our grandma or as we would call her “Grammoan.” She was one brave soul to take on six grandchildren at once, by herself, and for that length of time. So many special memories flood my mind that we shared with her. The days were filled with playing at Indian Springs, dressing up in her high heels and dresses. I can still smell the honeysuckle and hear the crickets and cicada that filled the air when making tents in the woods behind her house. Homemade biscuits with jelly dipped in coffee, sweet milk filling cake, watching game shows, playing Yahtzee and yes, even poker at her kitchen table. We used poker chips and all. Yeah, we knew we had the coolest grandma. Admit it. Secretly, you want to be the fun grandparent. The one the kids can’t wait to see. The one they don’t want to leave. Summer is just the time to make your mark. Get your kids/grandkids into the kitchen with you this summer. 40 lake wedowee life

Cooking with your children can be a fun, messy and exciting adventure. Every time you take your child into the kitchen with you it opens a whole new world. The benefits are long reaching, and cooking a meal, a snack, or dessert together fosters a wealth of rich memories for everyone. Allow them to use the kitchen to express their creativity or to learn about good nutrition. There is an abundance of fresh, delicious, and healthy food choices bursting with health benefits. Best yet, many of these foods do not even have to be cooked! With just a gentle

washing and a bit of slicing and dicing, many summer foods can be eaten without further preparation. One of my favorites is watermelon! Helping with these easy watermelon recipes will add to their feelings of independence and boost their self-confidence. So what are you waiting for? Tie back your hair, put on your apron, throw back an energy drink and let the adventures begin! Note for all recipes: For the best flavor use watermelons in their peek season.

Watermelon Fruit Pizza 1 seedless watermelon 1 container of Cool Whip Strawberries Kiwi Blueberries Slice your watermelon into 1â&#x20AC;?-2â&#x20AC;? thick circles. Pat the top of each slice dry with paper towels. Evenly spread cool whip on top of watermelon. Top with your favorite fruits, and enjoy! Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate. More Recipes on Page 42

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Watermelon Cucumber Slushies 3 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1â&#x20AC;? cubes and frozen 1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 3 tablespoons honey Water, ginger ale or 7 up Add all ingredients to the blender. Blend on high speed until combined and slushy. If mixture is too dry add small amounts of water or carbonated drink at a time and stir with a spoon until it reaches the consistency you like. Serve immediately.

Watermelon Mango Salsa 3 cups seedless watermelon, finely diced 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced 1 mango, peeled and diced 1 small red onion, finely chopped 5-8 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped 1/2-3/4 teaspoons garlic salt Zest of two small limes 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 tablespoon sugar Freshly ground pepper Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with tortillas. For something different try it on a hamburger.

Watermelon Lemonade 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon, chilled 4 cups cold water 4-5 tablespoons Country Time lemonade mix 1 cup fresh strawberries 4-5 large basil leaves Add watermelon to a blender and pulse until completely pureed. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. In a large pitcher whisk together water and Country Time until dissolved. Stir in pureed watermelon. Add strawberries and basil to blender and puree then add to the watermelon mixture. Mix well and refrigerate. Pour over ice in glasses when ready to serve. 42 lake wedowee life

Fruit Skewers Fruit Skewers A variety of your favorite fruits such as: Watermelon Cantaloupe Strawberries Grapes Blueberries Wash fruit and set aside. Using a small, star-shaped cookie cutter, cut stars from the watermelon or cantaloupe. Push grapes, blueberries and strawberries onto the skewer leaving about five inches open at the bottom. Leave about three inches at the top for the star-shaped piece of watermelon. Keep cool and enjoy cold!

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Index of Advertisers 4 Evergreen LLC Affordable Tire and Repair Alabama Power Bank of Wedowee Best Brands Plus Bonner Heating and Air Boondocks chad lee Charles Thompson Cheaha Realty Corson Tree Service Dari Delite Docks Plus More Dr. Michael Edwards EHC Pharmacy Emergency Medical Transport First Bank First Capital Insurance Genesis Weight loss Great Lakes and Land Halls Gas Happy Trails

2 11 9 29 38 31 18 29 48 33 19 31 12 31 24 38 23 44 15 7 45 33

HM Drugs 4,19,27 Hunter Bend Realty 39 Lake Wedowee Body Shop 10 Lakeside Market and Grill 44 Lineville Clinic 38 Main Street Animal Hospital 27 Main Street Coffee Shop 24, 33 Main Street Food Mart 24, 33 Nortonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Floor Covering 19 Payne Boat Storage 11 Perryland 31 RE/MAX Lakefront, Grady and Linda 24 RE/MAX Lakefront, Lesia Williams Waldrop 41 Russell Do It Center 20 Small Town Bank 35 Southern Auction Solutions 29 Southern Boat Rental 43 Southern Holiday Shop 13, 43, 45 Southern Home Comfort 15

Southern Union State Community College Speed and Sport State Farm Insurance, Ken Seiffert Steele Chiropractic Steve Morris Superior Gas Superior Pest Control Traylor Retirement Community TREC Waste Solutions Wedowee Building Supplies Wedowee Lake and Lands Wedowee Marine WM Grocery

3 39 13 39 33 39 35 7 38 19 44 27 17 47

If you are interested in advertising with Lake Wedowee Life magazine, please contact us by email at ads@lakewedoweelife.com for more Information.

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Parting Shot

Photo by Kimberly Carlson

Now and then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy Guillaume Apollinaire, French Novelist 1880-1918 46 lake wedowee life