Lake Martin Living January 2018

Lake Martin Living People, events and culture in the Lake Region

Preparing for Lent Plants make a healthy home Master of Motivation

January 2018

www.lakemartinmagazine.com Lake Martin Living 1

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From the Editor’s Desk

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rom a young age, I took for granted that just a few weeks after the triple holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, Lent would follow. Just as we count on Daylight Savings, I could always count on the Imposition of Ashes; the ‘giving up’ and fish on Fridays. And when I was old enough that I was not a distraction, there was the occasional walking of the Stations of the Cross.

I attended a private school where everyone participated. All of my friends observed the same Lenten disciplines and traditions that I did. There were no variations, no discernable options. In fact, I was well into my teens before I understood that there were people who not only didn’t ‘do’ Lent but also had no idea what it was, and it wasn’t until I moved to Alexander City that I encountered an ecumenical observance of Lent.

Though it’s unusual in other communities, inter-denominational Lenten practices have a long history in Alexander City, one that long-time residents may well take as much for granted as I did the eventuality of Lent as a child.

So what is Lent? And how does Alexander City ‘do it right?’ Turn to page 24 for that discussion. You just might be a little surprised.

Traditionally, Lent is characterized as ‘giving up’ something, but after reading Fred Muenzmay’s column on page 14, I might add something instead: houseplants. I’ve always been too busy for them, and I have a reputation for neglecting them to death. But the health benefits of keeping houseplants are astounding. From more than one source, I’ve often heard that ‘six weeks makes a habit,’ so perhaps this year, I might adopt the care of houseplants during the six weeks of Lent, taking time to not be too busy to care for them and for myself.

Before Lent, of course, comes Mardi Gras – the traditional celebration of rich food and good times prior to Lent’s fasting and penance. MainStreet Alexander City next month will launch a new community-wide Mardi Gras event at Queen’s Attic. Think gumbo and lots of it. Check out the story on page 21 for details; and then, glance over the calendar events listed on page 36 for more winter fun.

After all, Ash Wednesday is just shy of one month away. Until then, laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll)!

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Amy Passaretti Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Fred Muenzmay Cliff Williams Mitch Sneed Donald Campbell Teresa Grier Michael Langston Robert Williamson Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Katie Wesson Scott Hardy Rebecca Carlisle Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor Lake Martin Living is published monthly

by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@ lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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ON THE COVER

Hillabee Campground United Methodist Church in Hackneyville recently dedicated an outdoor Stations of the Cross trail in the woods. The Stations are part of the observance of a Holy Lent, which includes 40 days of preparation for Easter. The Hackneyville pathway is one of several communitywide Lenten provisions.

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6 Lake Martin Living

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS 18. FROM THE TEE 20. MONEY MATTERS 30. OH SNAP! 36. LAKE REGION EVENTS 46. THE LAST WORD

FEATURES 13. DEEP TISSUE LASER TREATMENT L ocal chiropractor adds alternative therapy for pain medications 14. PLANTS FOR A HEALTHY HOME H ouseplants can improve sleep, mood and overall health 21. GUMBO COOK-OFF M ainStreet Alexander City launches a new Mardi Gras event downtown 23. REVIVAL REMEMBERED H istorical marker commemorates 145 years for First Baptist Church 24. WHAT IS LENT? Local churches prepare for Easter through ecumenical observance of Lent

To improve air quality, add a few houseplants to your winter home

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Lake Martin Living 7

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5/18/16 3:58 PM

AROUND THE AREA

Year-end storm drops 8 inches of snow As the December issue of Lake Martin Living magazine was delivered to the printer on Dec. 8, 2017, snowflakes had just started falling in Alexander City. By nightfall, nearly 8 inches of snow had accummulated in some areas of Tallapoosa County.

Winter Storm Benji caused hundreds of issues on area roads, and more than 2,400 local utility customers were without power, cable and internet – some for as long as four days.

Numerous tree branches broke under the weight of the wet snow that clung to every twig, and afterward, rooflines dripped for two days with the melting snow. ~ Mitch Sneed and Cliff Williams Downtown Alexander City in the Snow

Several inches of snow covered the ground at the Main Street traffic circle, lending early holiday spirit to the Christmas decorations.

Jazz Fest art contest now open

Local Generosity a Highlight of Cross-country Journey

Florida's Jonathan Mallard told Alex City Outlook Editor Mitch Sneed that the kindness and generosity of Tallapoosa County's people will always be a special part of the memories he made on an 8-month horse ride from Orlando, Florida, to Uniontown, Missouri, last year. ~ Mitch Sneed

Artwork is now being accepted in the annual competition to design the T-shirts and posters for Alexander City's Jazz Fest event.

Robert Gunn, who helps head up the art contest, said this competition has been going on for as long as he can Jazz Fest Seeks Art for T-shirt Design remember.

Submissions for this year's design will “This is a great be accepted until March 16. way to get the community and the students in the schools involved in creating the design,” he said. “We encourage everyone interested to submit. We love to see all these submissions.”

Between now and March 16, anyone in the community is welcome to send in original artwork to be considered for the design. Parameters for the art contest can be reviewed at www.alexcityjazzfest.com. ~ Donald Campbell Lake Martin Living 9

BUSINESS MATTERS

Arthurs open Table 34 at popular Dadeville location STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI

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udy’s Stagecoach was an institution in Dadeville for nearly 25 years, but Don and Jessica Arthur recently bought the restaurant, renovated the interior and updated the menu.

They opened at the end of last month with new hours and a new name: Table 34.

Arthur, who is best known locally for his success at Copper’s Grill in Stillwaters, has nearly 25 years restaurant experience, while his wife Jessica has close to 12, along with experience in wine sales.

“We’re used to the crazy lifestyle. I like constantly being on my feet. I’ve been doing this for half of my life. This is a great opportunity for us to make a living and, hopefully, retire at a decent age,” said Arthur.

The 4,000-square-foot restaurant will sport a casual, family-dining style and a menu of American cuisine with an international influence, including some Italian-style items, steaks, salads, sandwiches and other options.

“I don’t Casual, Family-Dining Option Now Open consider Jessica and Don Arthur (above) opened myself a chef Table 34 at the intersection of highways 34 or into fine and 49 in the old Judy's Stagecoach.

dining, but most of these recipes are my own. Some are from previous restaurants I’ve worked at or been associated with.

I looked at their best-selling items and put my own twist on them with slight variations on how you cook it, season it and serve it,” said Arthur.

“I’ve enjoyed immensely working at Copper’s for the last two years, but Jessica and I had been discussing opening something new for the last year. This was a good opportunity for my family and a good location for a restaurant. Judy was ready to sell, and the price was right for us,” Arthur said.

The Arthurs have formed a bond with Judy Richardson over the last few months, and they hope to hang a picture of the three of them in front of the new signage in the lobby of the restaurant.

Judy’s name also is on the menu, explained Arthur. Table 34 will still have Judy’s fish, Judy’s fried shrimp, Judy’s special salad and Judy’s hamburger steak, in honor of the establishment’s previous owner.

“Really, it’s because she’s just such a nice person, and she’s been so supportive of us. Plus, some of her menu items are fantastic; there’s no reason to get rid of them,” said Arthur.

Most of the employees from Judy’s will transfer employment to Table 34. Arthur said he wrote a letter to each employee.

He invited them to come work at the new restaurant, and most of them have accepted, he said.

“We spent time getting to know each employee and wanted them to get to know us to see if it would be a good fit,” said Arthur, who lives in Stillwaters but said he has never lived in one place for longer than five years.

Due to the impulsive nature of his lifestyle, Arthur bought Judy’s and did the re-model in a mere four-week time period, doing most of the work himself, with the exception of a few painters and one other helping hand.

The kitchen has been remodeled and a few appliances replaced; the carpet was ripped up; and a new paint job was

New Menu and Updated Décor

The Arthurs spent several weeks updating the restaurant's décor and fixtures and developing a menu with international flair.

added. Arthur said the look has been updated to a more industrial and modern look, as opposed to Judy’s saloon style.

Arthur also brought in new seating for the restaurant area, but he kept the same tables and booths that were already in place. His wife, Jessica, enlisted the help of Lakeside Mercantile to decorate the space, which includes a 7-foot wide clock, along with other metal craftwork.

While many of Judy’s regulars may continue to support the establishment under its new ownership, Arthur also hopes to expand the restaurant’s demographic.

“We try to make the majority happy and pull some more people in. I’ve gotten a very positive vibe and feedback from people in the area,” said Arthur.

With new construction around the area and toward Holiday Shores, the restaurant’s location on Highway 34 is a prime spot with plenty of steady traffic.

Table 34 will have a full bar and keep the same dinner hours Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until about 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., but Arthur is adding a lunch option, as well. Lunch will be served Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and the menus for each meal will differ. Arthur said he saw the opportunity to add another lunch option to an area that is currently limited.

Table 34 is located at 8276 County Road 34, Dadeville, and can be reached at 256-307-1466.

Deep tissue laser treatment an alternative to pain medications STORY BY BETSY ILER

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relatively new treatment, laser therapy is becoming more popular among patients due to recent changes in technology and the healthcare market, said Alexander City’s Dr. Kevin James of James Chiropractic Center, Inc. The theory of Light Amplification through Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) was conceived in 1916 by Albert Einstein, and 50 years later, low-power lasers were used experimentally in medicine. Then in 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the first experimental clearance of Class III lasers after a successful study in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Today, treatment options for muscle and joint pain; arthritis stiffness; muscle spasm pain; neck pain; lower back pain; and wound healing also have FDA approval.

“A laser can be geared toward whatever you want to use it for,” James explained.

“I went to a conference recently where I talked to someone who uses lasers for tattoo removal. It can be used for weight loss and burning the fat internally. It’s been around for a long time for hair removal with electrolysis, but I have also seen it be effective for hair restoration.

The equipment that you use depends on how the technology is set up. You have to get one that matches your application.”

James uses laser technology to reduce or eliminate pain for patients at his clinic on S. Central Avenue.

Chronic pain has become one of the most widespread conditions in America, affecting more people than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

As insurance companies continue to restructure and reduce reimbursements for prescription drugs and other treatments, patients are paying more for conventional therapies, and laser therapy has become more attractive as a relatively short and affordable treatment, James explained.

“Getting rid of pain is high value, and even if insurance doesn’t pay for it, patients often pay for it out of pocket,” he said.

“The added value is that it is all-natural and drug-free. This is an alternative to addictive pain-killers and invasive surgeries.”

Laser therapy focuses on mitochondria, the powerhouse of the individual cell, James said. While the process explanation can sound very complicated, the very simple description is that ultraviolet light penetrating into deep tissue structures stimulates energy production in the cells, including increased production of free nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator – meaning it helps blood vessels widen. That improves circulation on a micro level in damaged or inflamed tissue. Improved

circulation delivers oxygen, vital sugars and proteins and salts to tissue that otherwise has no access to these benefits.

“But just like any other therapy or health procedure, some get benefit from it; some do not,” he said.

Each diagnosis has its own protocol, but usually between five and 10 treatments are needed. Most of the time, some improvement is evident pretty quickly.

“Laser therapy promotes healing, so the results can be permanent, but if there is a recurrence of whatever activity caused the inflammation, it might come back. Say, for instance, you dig ditches, and it gives you back pain. The treatment might take away the pain, but if you go back to digging ditches, it will come back,” he explained.

Laser therapy also is more effective when used in conjunction with other noninvasive, non-medicated treatments, such as manual therapy and exercise.

Side effects to laser treatment are minimal, James said. Proteins and water absorb light that penetrates the tissue, and the energy from the absorption is dissipated as heat, so the patient will feel soothing warmth in the tissue.

“A patient should not wear any lotions or rubs or creams during a treatment, because those products intensify the heat. It might be too hot, so they should always be removed before treatment,” he cautioned.

The cost for a 10-minute treatment runs about $50, he said, but at his clinic, the first treatment is free. Packages are available for multiple treatments, and with the package, the per-treatment cost is reduced. James also has a referral program that grants additional free treatments to patients that refer others.

James said he became interested in the therapy when some of his colleagues extolled its benefits.

More than 3,000 research studies have been conducted on laser therapy, and it has been found effective in treating a wide variety of pain-inducing conditions, including neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, sports injuries, sprains and strains, among many others. It also has been shown as beneficial to women with fibromyalgia, improving upper body range of motion, reducing pain and reducing the impact of FM. “I am here to help people, and I do that by promoting natural ways to health. This is something that I can use to help people in the community,” he said.

Laser therapy is endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association, the International Association for the Study of Pain and the World Health Organization. For more information, contact James at 256-234-2233.

Lake Martin Living 13

Plants for a Healthy Home

14 Lake Martin Living

T

Happy Garden

he call came early last month, “Dear, do you be closed if they are not occupied in the winter remember where the Christmas boxes are?” months.

Of course I do, I think. The furniture had I am getting our hydroponic and aquaculture to be rearranged, carpet swept and a small electric growing mediums tuned up for growing in extension cord and a piece of plastic came out to the greenhouse. This has required me to read keep water off the carpet. and study principles of CO2 /oxygen and Flashlight in hand, the search began, and within photosynthetic, respiratory processes. an hour ‘we’ located the decorations and the As we close our homes up in the winter, we also stepladder. Ten boxes of decorations accumulated reduce the flow of fresh oxygen in our homes. from both sides of the family. We had purchased My colleague in construction work said his heat the tree earlier in the day, and I cut and trimmed pump and cooling system does it all with high as requested. micro filters, changed every few months.

The fragrance of the Douglas fir made the room Well, we looked at those expensive filters and come alive with freshness. found they do trap a lot of dust, some pollens, My wife’s first request was to find the tree lights. reduce visible particles from pets, clothing, Now you might think they would be with the etc., and work best when the filters are changed Christmas decorations, right? Wrong. frequently.

Fred Muenzmay It seems that the clear lights were used for many Indoor houseplants are great because they help other decorations besides the Christmas tree. Two purify the air in a home and look great as part of hours later, we found them with the Thanksgiving the décor. decorations.

A more benign addition to air filtration could be the use of We plugged in four strands of lights and only half of them houseplants. In addition to basic photosynthesis that removes worked, so we had to turn 200 little light bulbs to find the one carbon dioxide and returns oxygen to the air, plants can remove that was out. toxicants from air, soil and We ran out of steam and water in at least two ways. decided to do the lights the First, they can metabolize next day when we would some toxic chemicals, feel fresh. releasing harmless byIt was time to do products; and second, they greenhouse chores. A can incorporate toxicants, good many houseplants such as heavy metals, had been relocated to into plant tissues; thus, the greenhouse during sequestering them. this season, due to There are lots of indoor entertaining. Santa-related houseplants that are easy to items took their places in care for, so you don’t have the house. to worry about them dying.

As I entered the Some can even live without greenhouse from the much water or light, so you driveway, I noticed a can keep them anywhere. different aroma coming You can keep plants in from the green plants, virtually any room in the and the farther back I house, depending on the type walked, I noticed a sense of care they need. of energy in the air. It There are many more was not a figment of my common large leaf imagination; the plants houseplants that provide provide 20 percent or more the addition of oxygen and of fresh oxygen. beauty with very little effort On the right side of or costs. the greenhouse, there are At night, photosynthesis 20 large Bird of Paradise ceases, and plants typically Sleep Better with a Houseplant by Your Bed plants with some 20-plus respire like humans, absorbing oxygen and Bromeliads take in carbon dioxide and blooms surrounded by releasing carbon dioxide. release oxygen at night, which makes large paddle-shaped leaves. them great plants for the bedside, where A few plants – orchids, succulents and epiphytic they refresh the air all through the night.

My workstation is a few bromeliads – do just the opposite, taking in carbon feet back from the plants, dioxide and releasing oxygen. Place these plants in and behind it, I could see a bench with houseplants that were bedrooms to refresh the air during the night. spending the holiday in the greenhouse.

Even the plants described above will need some natural light I paint this picture to instill in your mind the changing to thrive. None will grow well in a dark room or one with no atmosphere that living green plants present in a room in your windows. Water and fertilize regularly, but be careful not to home that may no longer have open windows; or the doors may over-water because the soil will be slow to dry out.

Lake Martin Living 15

As part of the photosynthetic and respiratory processes, plants release moisture vapor, which increases humidity in the air around them. Plants release roughly 97 percent of the water they take in. Place several plants together, and you can increase the humidity of a room, which helps to keep respiratory distresses at bay. Studies at the Agricultural University of Norway document that using plants in interior spaces decreases the incidence of dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs.

Plants remove toxins from air, up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds every 24 hours, according to NASA research. Volatile organic compounds include substances like formaldehyde, which is present in rugs, vinyl, cigarette smoke and grocery bags; benzene and trichloroethylene, both of which are found in man-made fibers, inks, solvents and paint. Benzene is commonly found in high concentrations in study settings, where books and printed papers abound, and

English Ivy

potentially harmful pollutants can come from paint, furniture, printers, dry-cleaned clothes and other household products.

How many plants do you need in your home? Contact me; we have a rule of thumb.

Some information for this article was provided by the National Institute of Environmental Health Science and The Royal College of Agriculture in Circencester, England. Plant photographs were taken at Grace’s Flowers in Alexander City.

Enjoy your home, keep well and sleep well. Happy New Year.

Fred Muenzmay of Eagle's Roost Herb Farms is a Master Gardener and has been in the business of growing organic herbs, vegetables and blueberries for regional and local farmers markets for 27 years. Email him at fmuenzmay@earthlink.net.

Peace Lily

Wonderful at absorbing formaldehyde, which is one of the worst indoor toxin offenders.

Research also indicates that English Ivy reduces indoor mold counts, which is good news for allergy sufferers.

Soft and serene, Peace Lilies are easy to grow and maintain. They also purify the surrounding air. Keep this plant on a nightstand or near entrances for a calming effect. Please be aware that its leaves can be toxic to pets if consumed in large quantities.

General Health

Bird of Paradise

Through the everyday process of photosynthesis, plants scrub significant amounts of harmful gasses out of the air. Some houseplants also absorb benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene, which are especially common in new building materials – such as carpeting, fabrics, laminated counters, plastic-coated wallpaper and others.

NASA studies indicate that 15-18 good-sized houseplants in 6-inch or 8-inch containers could significantly improve the air quality in the average 1,800-square-foot house, according to a recent Extension Service article.

16 Lake Martin Living

Native to South Africa, the Bird of Paradise boasts large paddleshaped leaves similar to those of the banana plant.

On occasions, this beauty has the potential to sprout a stunning red/orange flower. Even better, it’s super low-maintenance. We have been growing Bird of Paradise for 15 years at Eagle’s Roost Farms.

Like all broad-leaved houseplants, the Bird of Paradise is effective in improving indoor air quality.

Lake Martin Living 17

Friends establish scholarship in memory of David Hall Funds to benefit CACC's international golf students

B

From the Tee

ecoming the Men’s Golf Head young men a place that could be home Coach for Central Alabama away from home. As I correspond with past Community College has allowed international CACC golfers from this era, the me to become involved in the lives of questions they always ask, in no particular hundreds of young men, who I have either order, include, “How is Willow Point? How coached or competed against in college are Steve and Nancy Lyles? How is Cole golf tournaments. The relationships are McInnis? How is David Hall?” so very meaningful to me. Through my On Dec. 29, 2017, we lost our friend occupation, I have also acquired a great David Hall to cancer. Being a cancer survivor number of special friends who have myself, I reached out to David when I learned endeared themselves with our CACC golf of his illness. I was delighted to learn that he program. One such friend was a member was being treated by the same doctor who of Willow Point Country Club named saved my life, Dr. Allen Yeilding. David and David Hall.

I spoke with one another quite often, and Early on in my employment with our relationship grew closer as time went Dave Jennings CACC, I met David Hall at the golf course, on. Over these many months of treatment, and I was pleased to learn of David had times of tremendous his intense involvement with improvements and times of the team in the 1990s while minor and major setbacks. the Trojans were coached by Sadly, the cancer spread over Maxi Boles. David served as the past few months, and a volunteer coach and made there was not much that any a number of trips to various physician could do other than tournaments and was active to make his final days as pain with the team at practice, as free as possible. well.

The week before David’s At that time, the passing, I received a phone call National Junior College from Scott Henderson, who Athletic Association had along with another friend, had no scholarship restrictions conceived of a worthwhile on international student cause to honor the life of athletes in Alabama, and David Hall. Due to David’s there were no limitations on love for the CACC golf team percentages of international and his personal commitment student athletes to the international student participating. In those years, athletes who played golf here, Coach Boles had a hotline Henderson and Mit Schroeder to some tremendous golfers considered creating the from South Africa, Scotland, David Hall International Golf David Hall Japan, Ireland and Denmark.

Scholarship.

David, who had a heart I cannot express how honored of gold, took it upon himself to make these young I am at their idea, but I was even happier to inform men feel at home while attending CACC. While many David of the scholarship in his name before his passing. others on the golf team could travel to their homes on Jan, David’s wonderful wife, told me that David perked long weekends and short holidays, the international up and was so very proud to learn about the scholarship. students obviously could not, so David gave these Nothing could have pleased me more.

18 Lake Martin Living

Over the years coaching golf at CACC, I’ve had some great young men from outside the United States play on my teams. A few of these fellows were extremely good golfers, but all of them were good students, and they all enhanced the education of their teammates immensely.

Imagine, if you will, what it may be like in a classroom for a student that has traveled very little outside of the state of Alabama to have a fellow student from Scotland or South Africa sitting at the desk next to him. Each of my international student athletes graduated from CACC, transferred on to the university level and acquired at least a bachelor’s degree from one of those universities.

In Alabama’s two-year college system, we are not allowed to give state-funded scholarships to students; however, we may award them with financial assistance through fundraising. My past international golfers came to us on the Causey Scholarship, which was awarded to the golf team by Dr. Causey’s daughter, Annette. There was not enough money in this fund to endow the scholarship, and though extremely helpful for a number of years, the funds finally ran dry in 2016. I have high hopes that, through the David Hall Scholarship Fund, we may indeed raise enough to maintain this scholarship for years to come.

If you would like to join this group of benevolent individuals by donating to the David Hall International Scholarship Fund, please mail your 100 percent tax-deductible donation, payable to: CACC Golf to Coach Dave Jennings, Central Alabama Community College, 1675 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City, AL 35010.

Again, I am deeply honored that David Hall’s friends considered CACC Golf to be the recipient of this tremendous benefit of heartfelt thoughts for such a good person. I will be certain to seek out young men who are well deserving of this scholarship in my recruiting.

We at CACC Trojan Golf, wish one and all a very Happy New Year! ~ Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

Give Your Heart a Fresh Start The new year is here, so why not make a resolution that gives you and your loved ones peace of mind? We all know that healthy hearts live longer, more active lives.

That starts with a comprehensive cardiac checkup.

February is American Heart Month, serving as an annual reminder of the fight against cardiovascular disease. Kevin Sublett, MD, and his staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama are proud supporters of this fight. We are committed to keeping your heart healthy, so you can live a healthier life all year long.

Our clinic is backed by the world-class expertise you expect from UAB Medicine, offering: • The full spectrum of cardiovascular care • Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology • The latest in cardiac and vascular ultrasound technology, as well as nuclear medicine imaging in accredited laboratories • Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders • Convenient location within Russell Medical Call us today to schedule an appointment!

3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-2644 uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL

Lake Martin Living 19

Start 2018 right!

Finance Tips for the New Year

M

MONEY MATTERS

ake a resolution this year that can pay for a return on your saved money. For example, if dividends well beyond 2018. Whether your employer does a dollar-for-dollar match up to you’re a small business owner, planning 4 percent, it’s a good idea to take advantage of that on retiring soon or you simply want to improve your and put in at least 4 percent of your own money financial situation this year, now is a great time to to get that instant doubling of your savings. If you assess where you’re at and make some changes, so don’t have an employer-sponsored plan or you’re a you’re getting the most out of your money in 2018. contractor or freelancer, you still may be able to save First, evaluate your financial success from last on a tax-advantaged or deferred basis with a Roth year and decide what’s working and what’s not. or Traditional IRA. Talk to your financial advisor or Now’s the time to cut any wasteful spending, create accountant about your options. or revise your business or personal budget as needed Assess your credit score. Credit is an important and accurately track where your money is going. part of our daily financial life. The quality of your Here are some steps you can take as you resolve to credit profile can affect your ability to qualify for take care of yourself and your finances this year: various types of loans, including business, auto and Get the most out of online banking. Many of the home. Resolve to monitor your credit score closely, if day-to-day tasks you do related to banking can now you aren’t already. Resources like annualcreditreport.

Teresa Grier be done online. You may already be using online com allow you to review your credit report, so you banking to check your balances regularly or transfer can check your score and monitor for any unusual money between accounts, but consider setting up activity. Paying off credit card debt and making sure automatic bill pay with your accounts as well. This will ensure you don’t open too many credit accounts will help keep your you never miss a payment, whether it’s for your business or score in check. Talk to your banker about other strategies that home. You’ll also save money on envelopes and postage. Many will help you improve your score over time while making the banks also offer alerts, so you’ll be notified if there has been any most sense for your financial situation and lifestyle. unusual activity with your account.

Establish an emergency fund. According to recent surveys, Keep yourself safe from fraud. Your passwords for online more than half of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings accounts should be difficult to guess. The New Year is a good accounts. That means they are just one health crisis or one time to update your passwords and make sure your accounts expensive home or car repair away from a financial emergency. are as safe as possible. Some tips for creating sound passwords So it’s important to set up an emergency fund, if you don’t include using a combination of letters, numbers and other have one already, or grow your savings. The first step is to look characters; not using personal information in your passwords; at how much money you’re making each month compared to making passwords longer vs. shorter; and not using the same how much you’re spending. Keep track of all your expenses, password for multiple accounts. Don’t forget to keep your including regular monthly bills like mortgage or rent payments, information – or the information of your clients and customers car payments, utility bills and other expenses, such as childcare – safe offline, too. Keep mail and records organized, and shred and groceries. Once you know how much you’re spending on a anything you no longer need before you throw it away. daily, weekly and monthly basis, you can come up with a savings Evaluate your retirement savings. If your employer provides strategy that best fits your needs. a match to your 401(k), take advantage of this great opportunity Set face-to-face meetings with trusted advisors. For business owners, it’s important to talk with your banker and accountant about what you anticipate your financial needs will be for the year. And on a personal level, your banker can help you make sure you’re starting the year on the right foot, with tips for saving more money, paying off credit cards or improving your credit score. And meet with your banker to discuss both personal and business finances. If you’re starting or expanding a business in 2018, meet with your accountant and banker early in the process, as they can provide the kind of support and guidance along the way that will greatly benefit your business. ~ Teresa Grier is Vice President, Retail Market Manager for USAmeriBank in Alexander City. USAmeriBank merged with Valley National Bank in January.

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MainStreet announces Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-off

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reak out Grandma’s secret recipe and enter MainStreet Alexander City’s inaugural Gumbo Cook-off for a chance to win some cash and bring home some serious bragging rights.

Celebrate in true Mardi Gras fashion a week before Fat Tuesday with this New Orleans-styled event at Queen’s Attic in downtown Alexander City on Feb. 3. Complete with carnival beads and décor, the venue is perfect for showing off those cooking skills in style.

“Everybody does a chili cook-off, and we really wanted to do something different and branch out. We have some great people in downtown that can make some great gumbo, so we wanted to get people involved and have some fun with it,” said Bre Smith, MainStreet Alexander City’s executive director.

The entertainment starts at 11 a.m. with live jazz music from Tom Gassaway’s saxophone, and the winners of the event will be announced at 2 p.m.

Entry fee is $100 per team, with no limit on the number of team members, and entries must be submitted by Jan. 26. To enter, contact Smith by email at bresmithdowntownac@gmail. com, by phone at 256-329-9227 or stop by

the MainStreet office located at 21 Main St. Contestants must submit a team name, the number of members on the team and the ingredients used in the gumbo, which will help to ensure that the tasting public is aware of any potential allergies.

“Anyone is welcome to come out, and anyone can participate. There is no age limit. I want family-oriented fun – bring your kids, your aunt, your soccer team – grab a group and join the festivities,” said Smith.

The public will judge the winners, and a ticket to the event is $10, which includes unlimited samples of the gumbo entries and three pieces of paper to use in voting for the top three entries.

First place winners of the cook-off receive $500 cash; second place receives $250; and third place takes home $100.

“There’s a great opportunity to win your money back. This is a fundraiser for our organization, and we’re trying to start the year off with something fun for everyone and do something no one else is doing in the area,” Smith said.

Shops and stores will be open downtown until 2 p.m., as well, so come out to support local business after tasting some delicious gumbo.

“We’d love to make this fundraiser become an annual event, and we appreciate everyone who supports our downtown,” said Smith.

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22 Lake Martin Living

Revival Remembered Alexander City's First Baptist started at a brush arbor

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n 1872 brush arbor revival set a course that now affects the members of the largest Christian Church in Alexander City. That summer revival was a joint event of the local Methodists and Baptists. It was held on the hill that now is home to Alexander City’s beloved Mistletoe Bough Bed and Breakfast. Today, 145 years later, that humble revival continues to shape the lives of bout 1,000 members of the First Baptist Church in Alexander City.

Under that brush arbor, 11 men and women were called to found the Youngsville Baptist Church, as Alexander City was then known as Youngsville. J.T.P. Christian and B.B. Reams were elected deacons, and T.S. Christian Sr. was the church’s first clerk.

When the name of the town was changed to Alexander City to court the railroad, Youngsville Baptist Church was renamed, as well, and in 1877, under the direction of its third pastor, the first sanctuary was built at a cost of $1,000.

In 1892, the church spent $926 to build the first pastorium, where the pastor and his family lived.

Ten years later, that first wood-framed church burned in a 1902 fire, and the new church was built at a cost of more than 12 times the cost of the

original building, which had become too small to accommodate the congregation. Only a few years after the new church was built, the congregation began work on its first educational building.

First Baptist Church continued to grow, based on the principles of its founding members, and in 1967, the presentday English Colonial sanctuary was built and dedicated.

The buildings and ministries now include a gymnasium where men play basketball at lunchtime; a fireside room where senior adults gather for fellowship and to plan activities and field trips; an early learning center for pre-school children; afterschool programs; and young adult ministries.

The family life center at the church was finished in 2002 and frequently hosts community-wide events, such as high school band banquets; as one of Alexander City’s largest halls, it will accommodate some 200 people.

The sanctuary holds more than 500 – substantially more than the 11 who gathered under the shade of an arbor in 1872 to answer a call for ministry.

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24 Lake Martin Living

What is Lent?

Local practices include activities across denominations

New Construction

Hillabee Campground United Methodist Church this month dedicated the first phase of an outdoor Stations of the Cross trail.

Observance of a Community Lent STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER, AUDRA SPEARS, KENNETH BOONE, MITCH SNEED & CLIFF WILLIAMS

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xcept on special occasions, most religious denominations keep to themselves, but in Alexander City, Lent is one of those rare times when Christian churchgoers mingle worship services and practices.

Lent is a time of anticipation. More observed than celebrated, it is practiced mostly in liturgical Christian congregations around the world, including Roman Catholic and mainline Protestant congregations, as a means of spiritually preparing for and gaining greater appreciation of Christ’s resurrection from the dead.

For the 40 days preceding Easter (not counting Sundays), observers of Lent remember Christ’s temptation in the desert before his ministry on Earth began as they prepare for the Easter Sunday celebration of his resurrection. They prepare in a number of ways that might include forms of fasting, confession, charitable endeavors, daily Mass, meditation, study and prayer.

Prayer is a big part of Lent, and whole books have been written to explore the many different styles, methods and avenues of Lenten prayers, from Benedictine meditations to vigils and walking the Stations of the Cross. The Stations, also known as the Way of the Cross, the Way of Sorrow or the Way of 26 Lake Martin Living

Suffering, are prayers modeled on Jesus’ walk to his crucifixion.

From the condemnation to the burial, the penitential practice of walking the Stations consists of 14 prayers and meditations that recall Christ’s journey along Jerusalem’s Via Dolorosa, as he carried his cross to his death.

The Way of the Cross traditionally includes Christ’s meeting of his mother on the road; his falling three times; the enlistment of Simon of Cyrene who was ordered to carry the cross for him; Christ’s conversation with the two thieves who were crucified with him; his final words and other significant events along the way to the resurrection.

And though the prayers could be recited without actually walking from one physical station to another, many modern churches house custom-made stations to facilitate the prayers.

At St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Alexander City, the stations are crafted reliefs in clay. Framed in cathedral windows and topped with an ornate cross, the stations are painted to a glossy white shine and line the walls of the sanctuary.

Rev. Peter Reddy, the rector at St. John, said his congregation celebrates Mass and then walks the Stations of the Cross every Friday evening during Lent. The Church calls for a fast from meat on

Fridays, substituting fish at meals instead. The Church also celebrates daily Mass, and individual members follow personal plans for daily prayer.

Down the street at St. James Episcopal Church, the stipple-quilted banner stations that hang on the walls of the nave were made by Anne Louise Waldo Gillilan, a professional designer of ecclesiastical vestments and altar hangings, who has a personal connection with the local church. These framedunder-glass banners depict the same scenes as those on the walls at St. John, but this artist used gold metallic thread on gray wool as her medium.

Hillabee Campground United Methodist Church in Hackneyville recently completed the first phase of an outdoor, handicap-accessible Stations of the Cross pathway that was designed and built by members of the congregation. The concrete path winds through the woods adjacent to the historic rural church, and the public is invited to enter the grounds at any time of the year – not just in Lent – to make this prayerful walk or pilgrimage.

The paved trail is just shy of 400 feet long, and The Way of the Cross in Local Churches

Clay reliefs at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church (facing page) hang in the church's sanctuary while the ceramic tiles under cypress kiosks at Hillabee Campground United Methodist Church (right) were planted along a wooded walkway that ends at a historic dismounting rock near an open pavillion and across the road from the church's cemetery (below).

Lake Martin Living 27

the first seven stations of the prescribed 14 each offers a bench where walkers can rest and pray before continuing to the next station. In a mailbox at the beginning of the path, walkers will find guidebooks, which can be borrowed and returned following the exercise or purchased for $10 each.

The book includes a practical how-to guide for the ritual, as well as prayers to be read at each station along the way.

Rev. Scott Railey, the pastor at Hillabee Campground UMC, said members of the church had discussed the project for three years before they broke ground on it last August. They labored at the trail’s construction for eight weeks, completing seven copper-topped kiosks, each housing an Italian ceramic tile depiction of a scene on the Via Dolorosa. The remaining seven stations will be Traditional Lenten Observance

Eating fish instead of meat on Fridays (left) and starting Lent with the Imposition of Ashes (below) are common Lenten practices.

28 Lake Martin Living

completed later this year, he said.

“It’s a beautiful setting for contemplating all that Christ went through for us,” Railey explained.

“Everything is centered around the dismounting rock, which has significant historical value to the community.”

Phase one of the Stations project ends at a pavilion and a long, flat boulder of granite that has witnessed the comings and goings of this church community for nearly 200 years.

“Settlers would come here and camp for three or four days of services, and they would dismount from their wagons and horses at this rock,” Railey said. “It’s the perfect place to end the Stations walk.”

Railey said the Church invites the public to walk the Stations at the humble Hackneyville church alone or with family members, Bible study fellows or prayer groups.

The pavilion at the end of the path is open for use as well.

Bring a picnic, hold a discussion or pray together there at the end of the Way of Sorrow, he suggested.

Fasting or ‘giving up’ something is another popular Lenten discipline that is practiced locally with the intent to deny oneself the excesses of life to strengthen one’s capacity to resist temptations and to participate, in some small way, in Christ’s own earthly suffering.

Some people see this giving-up as an opportunity for self-improvement or breaking bad habits. For example, abstaining from the consumption of alcoholic beverages or chocolate is not an uncommon Lenten sacrifice.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday when clergy at several local churches trace a cross of ashes on the forehead of each congregant or devotee. The ashen cross is a symbol designed to remind receivers of Christ’s – and their own – death. Ash Wednesday is a call to a holy observance of Lent, and the ashes signify a congregant’s entrance into a penitential state of mind.

Ash Wednesday services are planned at Trinity United Methodist Church, St. James Episcopal, St. John Catholic and other local churches, but those who can’t make it to a service can take advantage of the local drive-thru option.

Trinity and Flint Hill United Methodist churches last year offered the Imposition of Ashes at two locations during the morning commute hours. In addition to the ashes, participants received coffee, doughnuts and biscuits with their drive-thru devotions at a used car lot on Cherokee Road and a grocery store parking lot on Highway 280. Rev. Mike Densmore at Trinity said plans are under way to repeat the drivethru option this year.

Trinity also will offer a weekly Lenten study program, though details had not been determined at Lake Martin Living’s presstime.

Another local ecumenical practice is Lenten Lunches, hosted by the members of St. James Episcopal Church on S. Central Avenue The Drive-thru Option Two local United Methodist during Holy churches offered a drive-thru Week, the Imposition of Ashes last year and week before plan to do the same this year.

Easter Sunday.

For some 30 years, the church has invited pastors from other denominations to give the homilies at short noon services that are followed by a soup-and-sandwich lunch in the church’s parish hall. Ministers from Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Baptist and Missionary Baptist churches throughout the city have been invited to guest-preach at this traditional service series at the end of Lent.

On Easter Sunday, worshippers typically return to their home churches for service traditions that often include visiting friends and family, but those who have observed a prayerful, thoughtful Lent, often find their celebrations of the resurrection enhanced by the ecumenical offerings of the community’s churches.

Lake Martin Living 29

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Christmas Parade Dec. 10, 2017 Downtown Dadeville 1. Solana Black 2. Caden and Wanda Wilson 3. Brodie and Sawyer Turner and Jayden and Camron Moss 4. Rhythm, Jim and Ann Clark 5. Linda Davis and Greyson Porter 6. Amanda Shea Gill, Scout and Gracie Deason 7. Hank Riddle and Jill Childers 8. Ireland Brice 9. Randy Spivey 10. Dylan, Finlan, Easton and Clayton Grover

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Dec. 21, 2017 Downtown Alexander City 1. Amanda Brandt, Amy Hill and Sarah Neighbors

2. Barbara Thompson

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Coffee Corner with Santa Dec. 20, 2017 Downtown Alexander City 1. Lizzy, Megan and Lydia Hafele 2. Ellie and Jessica Lane 3. Kacie Mackey and Bradleigh Mobley 4. Anthony, Railyn and Ryder Fuller

5. Hannah Hafele 6. Santa Claus

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New Year's Eve Party Dec. 31, 2017 Copper's Grill 1. Katy Boone, Steve and Cathie Jordan, Keith and Debbie Hiett and Kelly Autry Hand 2. Kelly Autry Hand and Kathryn Jordan 3. Lynn Ross and Kathryn Jordan 4. Tammy and Jet Turner

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Family Game Night Dec. 30, 2017 Bibb Graves Community Center

1. Donald, Abbie and Martha Patterson 2. Paul and Madelyn Jackson and Bradley McNair 3. Charlie and Linda Noles 4. Ann Gaither, Kim Cain and Crimson and Allie Marler 5. Harvey and Catherine Vaughn 6. Catherine and Billy Williamson 7. Dolores and Robert Williamson 8. Fred and Kathleen Jenkins 9. Nell and Ray Camp 10. David and Megan Flournoy, Terry Jones Jr. and Bonnie Jones 11. Teresa Smith, Matthew Trapp, Sherry Barnett and Sean, Sara and Dylan Griffin 12. Billy and June Duncan and Jennifer Harris 13. Mary Alice and Jimmy Simmons

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Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Motown Magic makes appearance at BRHS Alexander City Arts, Inc., will bring the magic of the Motown era to town Feb. 16 for a single performance at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium.

The show celebrates 50 years of number one hits during the last half of the 20th century. The Motown sound had an enormous influence on the style and substance of popular music and culture.

Moving through the decades, the show will recall chart-topping hits from The Temptations, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson, Tami Terrell, The Marvelettes, Gladys Knight and many more. An all-star cast will recreate the harmonies, slick moves, stylish looks and legendary musicianship that made this era golden.

36 Lake Martin Living

Tickets are $15 and are available from Alex City Arts board members and at the door. The show starts at 7 p.m.

For information, visit AlexCityArts.org or contact Alex City Arts President Ellen Martin.

Jan. 16

Beekeeping Course

The 2018 Beginner Beekeeping Course will start Jan. 16 and will be held every Tuesday through Feb. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dadeville Recreation Center. Cost is $45 for adults and $35 for students. The deadline for registration is Jan. 11. Call the Tallapoosa County Extension office at 256-825-1050 for more information or to sign up.

Jan. 19-21

Dear Mama: Letters and Music from World War II

To celebrate the grand opening of the renovated Mt. Vernon Theatre, the theater organization has partnered with the Talisi Historical Preservation Society’s Friends of Tuckabatchee to present this original production, which was written by Adrian Lee Borden and is based on true events. For tickets and information, call 334-991-2079 or visit www.mtvernontheatre.net.

Jan. 21

Tallapoosee Historical Society

Dr. Charles Mitchell will present A Pictorial History of Alabama Agriculture, the telling of Alabama’s agricultural story from the Native American Creeks to modern production, at the Historical Museum on the square in Dadeville at 2 p.m. Dr. Mitchell will share photographs he collected during his time at Auburn University during this afternoon program, which is open to the public.

Refreshments will be served.

Jan. 21, 2018

2nd Annual Bridal Extravaganza

The City of Wetumpka and King Bridal Formal Boutique will host its second Bridal Extravaganza at the Wetumpka Civic Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a fashion show at 2:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 and proceeds benefit the Wetumpka Youth Program. There will be plenty of premier wedding vendors from throughout Alabama and Georgia.

Tonya Terry will be the guest emcee, and there will be live entertainment provided

by Shelia Jackson and Friends. Food and beverages will be available, along with giveaways. For the opportunity to win the Ultimate Wedding Package valued at up to $50,000, visit the Bridal Extravaganza of Wetumpka Facebook page. For

more information, contact LaToya King at 334-580-9770 or email her at kingsformalboutique@gmail.com.

Jan. 22

Horizons Unlimited

E. Paul Jones will present Reverand Maxwell at the Alexander City Board of Education located at 375 Lee St. The meeting is held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and refreshments are available.

Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the whole Horizons Unlimited semester.

Jan. 27

Alexander City Trash Walk

Hosted by Lake Martin Resource Association and the Lake Martin Young Professionals, volunteers will meet at 8:30 a.m. in front of Jake’s restaurant at Broad Street Plaza to help clean up the streets of Alexander City. Pick-up supplies and litter routes will be given upon arrival.

For more information, contact John Thompson at 1942jthompson420@ gmail.com or Jacob Meacham at jacob. meacham@alexandercitychamber.com.

Jan. 29

Horizons Unlimited

Marilee Tankersley will present The Wetumpka Impact Crater at the Alexander City Board of Education located at 375 Lee St. The meeting is held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and refreshments are available. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the whole Horizons Unlimited semester.

Feb. 2

Mardi Gras Auction

St. James Episcopal Church is hosting live and silent auctions, raffles, wine/ beer/non-alcholic beverages, hors d'oeuvres, desserts and entertainment.

Doors open at 6 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 347 S. Central Ave., Alexander City. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. All monies benefit Feast of Sharing, a ministry of St. James and First United Methodist Church, which provides a free meal twice a week to hungry people in the area. For tickets, please contact St. James Episcopal Church 256-234-4752. For more information, contact Denise Graves 205-826-4066.

Feb. 3

Gumbo Cook-off

MainStreet Alexander City will host a New Orleans-styled event with a gumbo

cook-off, live music and activities for all ages at Queen’s Attic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry fee is $100 per team and entries must be submitted by Jan. 26.

First place winners of the cook-off will get $500 cash; second place will receive $250; and third place takes home $100.

For information, contact Executive Director Bre Smith at 256-329-9227. For details, turn to page 21.

Feb. 5

Horizons Unlimited

Photographer Glen Wills presents Forgotten Alabama through his 10,000 photos of abandoned churches, buildings, vehicles and schools throughout Alabama’s 67 counties. The presentation will be at the Alexander City Board of Education located at 375 Lee St from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and refreshments are available. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the whole Horizons Unlimited semester.

Feb. 9

Concert at The Rodeo Club

Kowaliga Country 97.5 FM and Lake Martin Tractor and Outdoor are teaming up to bring Daryle Singletary to The Rodeo Club in Dadeville. Tickets are $15 in advance at Kowliga Country studios, 1051 Tallapoosa St. or $20 at the door.

VIP tickets are also available.

Feb. 10

Critter Crawl

The Alabama Nature Center will host its annual Critter Crawl trail run through Lanark’s 5-mile trail system. New this year is the Yeti Dash, which is a 1-mile trail system run and participants not in costume will not be eligible for a Yeti Dash medal. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 1-mile run starting at 9:45 a.m.

T-shirts available for those that register before Jan. 31. Sign up on active.com today. For more information, call 334285-4550.

Feb. 12

Horizons Unlimited

Peggy Shores, Ms. Missouri Sr. America 2002, will present Songs from the Heart at the Alexander City Board of Education located at 375 Lee St. The meeting is held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and refreshments are available.

Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the whole Horizons Unlimited semester.

Lake Martin Living 37

Feb. 27

Trash Walk

Meet at Broad Street Plaza in Alexander City at 8:30 a.m. for the first Trash Walk of 2018, sponsored

by Lake Martin Resource Association and Lake Martin Young Professionals.

Participants will pick up supplies and route assignments at the plaza. For more information, contact John Thompson at 1942jthompson420@gmail.com or email LMYP coordinator Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@alexandercitychamber. com.

Feb. 24

9th Annual Russell Forest Run

Hosted by Russell Lands on Lake Martin, this 5K and 10K race on scenic trails through Russell Forest benefits the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. Famous for a couple of steep climbs – including a trip up Heaven Hill – the 10K run starts at Russell Crossroads at 7:45 a.m., with a 5K run beginning at 7:55 a.m. Plus, the grits bar and afterparty at The Stables are second to none.

Registration is $40, and proceeds help provide educational tools for students in the Alexander City school system. For more information, call 256-397-1019.

Season-Long Events Millerville Trade Day

a.m. until noon, hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced Alabama Nature Center naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or identify plants and animals; splash through the creek; or catch insects in the meadow.

General admission applies and is $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family.

The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

​Alabama Wildlife Federation Creature Feature

Every Monday and Wednesday, from 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m., come learn about Alabama’s woods, water and wildlife. Get up close and personal with some of the creatures you may find in your own backyard, and even some you may have never heard of. General admission applies and is $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family. The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit www. alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Ladies’ Book Club

Bibb Graves School on Highway 9 hosts this trade day on the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Find books, toys, models, coins, lamps, original artwork, jewelry, clothing, antiques, glassware, quilts, home décor and more. Refreshments available.

Ladies 18 years of age and older are invited to participate in the club at Adelia M. Russell Library on the last Thursday of every month. Meet in the conference room at 4 p.m. Call the library at 256234-4644 for each month’s book title.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes

The City of Alexander City Public Works Department hosts an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Items accepted include computers, computer mouse, keyboards, modems or routers, CD and DVD players, power supplies, PC mix systems, home or cell phones, printers or copiers,

Every Tuesday and Friday, from 10

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Electronics Recycling

mainframe servers, audio/video adapters, laptop chargers, cable boxes, nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries and flat screen monitors and televisions.

CRT monitors and televisions are no longer accepted. For more information, call the Alexander City Public Works Department at 256-409-2020.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children's Hospital.

Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Amateur Radio Club

The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the terminal building at the Thomas C. Russell Field Airport (Alexander City Airport) with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. For more information, contact Michael Courtney (256-8257766) or Mike Smith (256-750-5710).

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom.

Check the calendar at Calendar.

RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake

Every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts trivia night at 7 p.m. Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards. First place gets $40; second place gets $25; and third place gets $15.

Grab a group of friends and come out for a night of games. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays.

PIER

Call now to schedule your Spring projects.

COMPOSITE RE-DECK

BOAT HOUSE

BOAT LIFT

www.sunrisedocksllc.com EZ PORTS

TITAN STAIR TREADS

Office: 256-392-5200 Jim Bain 256-794-1443 Lake Martin Living 39

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Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

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New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

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Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

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Power lines

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U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

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Flint Hill Church

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Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

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Rockford

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Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

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Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church 32 Friendship Church New Hope Church

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Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

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4 Camp Kiwanis

27 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

10 Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

11 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

2

Stillwaters

21 5

Union Landing

Ba

25 26

Walnut Hill

y

23 30

80

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

7 63 18 8

Equality

9

17

9

Smith Landing Willow Point

Seman

Dadev

280

Liberty Church

20

231

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

29

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

16

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic

12

Santuck

Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

28 14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

40 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUNT

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

22

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

hoe Bend nal Park

ON TY

5 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

24 Foshee What's, LLC 256-234-3298 2802 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Restaurants

8 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 9 Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583

191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853 10 Oskar's Cafe 6684 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

50

Camp Hill

11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 12 Bezlo's Cafe 334-639-0003

65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

Business & Shopping

280

Waverly

13 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481

5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010 14 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

50

15 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

14

16 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

22 Centry 21 Lake Area Realty 256-825-4800 440 N Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853 23 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

7 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

ville

21 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853

4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

CHAMBERS COUNTY

20 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010

Hotels & Lodges 25 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 26 Creekside Event Center 256-307-1441

7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 27 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 28 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618

2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078 29 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293

8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders 30 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 31 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation 32 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

17 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 18 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka

19 Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

14

Notasulga 85 81

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-234-4281. Space is limited.

Lake Martin Living 41

For Every Stage Of Life Gynecology Obstetrics 525 Hospital Drive, Suite B, Wetumpka, AL 36092

334-279-9333 W W W. O B G Y N M O N T G O M E RY. C O M

www.blackjackgardens.com • 205.836.2933 5549 Derby Drive • Birmingham, Alabama 35210 42 Lake Martin Living

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Lighting the Way for the Lake & River Region for more than 125 Years

TPI To subscribe call Linda Ewing 256-234-4281 P.O. Box 999, 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 Lake Martin Living 43

(256) 234-6366

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF LAKE MARTIN LIVING!

(256) 825-9244

Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy.

ALEXANDER CITY

(256) 839-6711

(334) 864-8854

We touch the lives of the people you love Assisted Living Short Term Rehab

CHELSEA

Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Long Term Care

Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store Longleaf Antiques Mark King Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon The Ditsy Daisy Boutique Winn-Dixie

CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie

DADEVILLE

American Watersports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center

44 Lake Martin Living PM16_HalfPg_Magazine8.2016.2.indd 1

8/12/16 3:14 PM

Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

ECLECTIC

Bezlo's Cafe Bless Your Heart Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Original Grace Peoples Bank

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

INVERNESS

Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Area Tree Top Family Adventure Winn-Dixie

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA

Good Ole Boys BBQ Piggly Wiggly on 21

TALLASSEE

Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 for a subscription.

AD INDEX A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 6

Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 4 3

Beyond Home Care.............................................................................. 5

Lake Martin Community Hospital......................................................... 3

Bezlo's Cafe....................................................................................... 3 8

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 22, 43

Black Jack Gardens............................................................................ 4 2

Mark King's Furniture ....................................................................... 1 7

Bob Alexander Landscaping .............................................................. 4 2 Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6 C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 2 0 Cahaba Glass....................................................................................... 8

Millstone Nursery................................................................................ 6 OBGYN Associates of Montgomery................................................... 4 2 Prime Management....................................................................... 8, 44 Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6

DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 3 Designs by Trish................................................................................... 6 George Hardy, D.M.D........................................................................ 1 2 Guy's Heating & Air........................................................................... 4 3 Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 4 3 Heritage South Credit Union.............................................................. 4 7

River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 3 Russell Medical.................................................................................. 4 8 Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5 Southern Sash................................................................................... 3 9 Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 3 9

J&M Tank Lines......................................................................................... 2 2

Tallassee Community Hospital............................................................ 3 9

Jackson Thornton............................................................................. 4 5

UAB Medicine Heart & Vascular Clinic............................................... 1 9

Kathy McKinley, Draperies.................................................................. 8

Wind Creek Casino.............................................................................. 2

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance................................................ 4 3

Lake Martin Living 45

JUST JUSTIN

Y

Master of Motivation The Last Word

ou guys all know Justin Clayton. You should.

Point in da house, y’all!

He wears a lot of hats around these parts. He Sure, a few kids yelled, “War Eagle” before each shoots and edits a lot of video around Lake click of his clicker (and that was a little weird), but Martin. He’s done camera work for Russell Lands no biggie. Justin is an Auburn fan, and maybe some and TV stations and sporting events and birthdays of these kids did a little research on him beforehand and weddings and divorces and ...well ... just about or some explanation like that or something. You everything. know? Sure. Sounds plausible.

Overall, though, Justin is an everyday guy.

Despite the random distractions, Justin had it all Standard height. Regular, Southern build. Very nice. set up beautifully; “Core values this!” “Four points Likeable. Hard-working. Unassumingly funny. A to achieving goals that!” fantastic friend. Maybe he needs a little self-tanner, He verbally lambasted the crowd with “You can but it’s not a big deal. do it” clichés so fast that he was sure this particular So you probably understand that, when he was group of fourth graders was ready to run through approached via a vague email by the Coosa Middle walls just to excel in life and work and stuff!

School to be a motivational speaker to its students, Then, in a flash of sweat and can-do attitude, Luke Robinson Justin was a little surprised. the speech was done. Justin, with arms agape as “Li’l ol’ me? A motivational speaker?” he most if to say, “Follow my lead, my children,” stoically assuredly thought. “Why, I am just a regular dude!” and triumphantly surveyed the awestruck crowd before Like many of us, Justin has apprehensions about public confidently closing his laptop and packing his gear. A smile was speaking. Oh, he has been behind the camera numerous permanently tattooed on his chalky white face (not that you’d times, as I mentioned. When it comes to filming and editing, notice because of lack of contrast. Again, the self-tanner thing Justin is far from average: He’s extraordinary; however, being and all). in front of a huge crowd telling his own personal story and So with his equipment packed safely back in his Avenger, segueing that into a motivational speech? That was terrifying.

Justin turned to give his new flock a final goodbye.

But Justin is a good guy. He looked upon this request as a The lady who had initially contacted Justin via email had chance to conquer his fears; not be held captive by them. As followed him to the car. “No surprise right?” Justin thought to Homer Simpson once taught us, the Chinese have the same himself. “After a speech like that, I better get used to followers!” word for ‘crisis’ as they do ‘opportunity;’ that word, of course, Then, in an inquisitive moment, Justin asked the school rep, is ‘crisis-tunity’ (not really, but that’s what Homer said).

“Just curious. Why did you choose me to do this speech?”

Anyhoo, Justin responded to the Coosa inquiry in a positive Justin’s inflated sense of ego tacitly answered the question way and exchanged several more correspondences. The two before she could speak, “Why Justin, you know it had to be parties decided on a date for the speaking engagement, and your unmitigated success or charming personality or devastating Justin began his preparations. good loo….”

He immersed himself in the practice of motivational Unfortunately, the honest lady interrupted Justin’s ego with, teachings. He stayed up into the wee hours in deep thought. He “We thought you were Eltoro.” watched videos. He read great speeches. He rented Hoosiers.

Yes, that Eltoro.

In Rocky IV-esque fashion, Justin rented a cabin in the Soviet Eltoro Freeman. The former Auburn linebacker who wore Union and physically trained in the snowy tundra for months, #21 on the national championship winning team of 2010. just to be prepared to tackle his fears head on.

The physically imposing businessman behind the successful Finally, the big day arrived. Speech day: the day that would Reputation On The Line apparel (eltorofreeman.com). transform an average Joe into the modern day Tony Robbins of It seems Justin, who once worked on Eltoro’s ROTL website Coosa County. in his Lee Marketing duties, still has an email associated there.

As he exited his Dodge Avenger in the middle school parking Coosa used the site to contact whom they thought was Eltoro. lot, Justin looked into his rear view mirror. He peered deep into It wasn’t Eltoro. It was Justin. his own eyes and confidently whispered, “You got this.”

Just Justin. And since no mention was ever made of Eltoro in Justin slammed his car door and began slowly walking the emails, no one caught on. toward the school. Trumpets were playing (in his head), “DunIt was just Justin. The same Justin who, upon returning to dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dunta-dun, dun-dun- dun-dun-dun-dunwork after a deflating car ride, realized he left his laptop in the dunta-dun.” In this moment, Rocky had nothing on Justin.

Coosa gym, which was now 35 miles away.

Yeah, there were several teachers there to greet Justin.

Take solace though, Justin; use this story to teach others in They were oddly all donning #21 Auburn jerseys and were your next speaking engagement. Your new motivational theme suspiciously looking over his shoulder, but he barely noticed can be: “With just a little hard work (and a lot of confusion) you, them. All he could see now were those tiny impressionable too, can be Eltoro Freeman!” faces seated cross-legged anxiously awaiting the inspirational giant that was he. ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also writes a So Justin sets up his slideshow… Bam! ... Holla! … Power weekly column for the Alexander City Outlook.

46 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 47

48 Lake Martin Living