Lake Martin Living January 2024

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

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

Benjamin Hendrix, Steve Sain & Russell Craig

Storm Volunteers First Day Hike

January 2024

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From the Editor’s Desk

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heoretically, about 92 percent of us have already said goodbye to our New Year’s resolutions – if we chose to make them at all. So, rather than attempt to support you in endeavors you’ve already abandoned, the writers of this month’s Lake Martin Living magazine offer a different approach to 2024.

Ben Smith kicks it off with Overcoming Obstacles on page 12. He talked to people you know – friends and neighbors – about challenges they have faced or are facing. Through these poignant conversations, Ben discovered the truths they have learned and how they have applied these truths to their daily lives. In perusing his article, I found myself snickering occasionally, and my eyes watered some.

But also, I found courage for the obstacles I am facing as the New Year dawns. Maybe you will, too.

Be sure to check out Lacey Howell’s column on page 50, as well, as she shares inspiration to fill life in 2024 with “more.”

One thing we can always expect more of in Tallapoosa County is stormy weather, so I had a long conversation with Jason Moran about the ongoing impact of last year’s January tornado and the need for preparedness at many levels. As storms roll through the area, please consider whether you can do more to help your community be prepared. Learn about some of those needs on page 22.

George Miranda takes a candid glance backward as he revisits Google’s top five health questions of 2023. Be sure to join him on page 30 and start your New Year with a smile.

And finally, we encourage you to start the New Year in nature. I joined Wind Creek State Park Naturalist Dylan Ogle and some 15 other hikers for a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day and found the forest filled with surprises, hidden colors, encouragement and fun.

These are the attributes I hope to carry into 2024, and I hope you find peace and inspiration in the photo essay of the hike on page 26.

Happy New Year!

Betsy Iler, Editor-in-Chief

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Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone

General Manager Tippy Hunter Editor-in-Chief Betsy Iler Creative Services Audra Spears Business & Digital Development Director Angela Mullins Contributors Kenneth Boone Ben Smith Lacey Howell Shane Harris George Miranda David Ballard Gina Abernathy Audra Spears Cliff Williams Abigail Murphy Henry Zimmer Melody Rathel Lizi Arbogast Gwin Dalton Middleton Erin Chesnutt Audience Development Director Samantha Himes Marketing/Advertising Sales Renee Trice Sheryl Jennings Hidey Arrington Rachel Hubbard Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

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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Getting back on the football field was a great motivator when Benjamin Hendrix faced cancer as a teenager. He worked out during intense rounds of chemotherapy treatments and found strong faith, courage and perseverance that has continued to guide him through life, even 10 years later.

TPI Staff Photo

FEATURES 12. OVERCOMING OBSTACLES Three local men share their struggles and how they overcame them.

22. STORM PREPARATION Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Agency Director Jason Moran applauds the roles of disaster volunteers.

26. FIRST DAY HIKE Dylan Ogle leads a group of hikers through the trails of Wind Creek State Park on the first of the year.

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. GO LOCAL 16. GARDEN TALK 20. GOOD EATS 30. MEDICAL NEWS 32. MONEY MATTERS 34. OH SNAP! 40. LAKE REGION EVENTS 50. CULTURE SHOCK

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Volunteers were an important part of the cleanup effort when two tornados touched down in the area in April of 2011.

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AROUND THE AREA

Dadeville Library's Toy Drive a Success After collecting toys for nearly a month, the Dadeville Public Library ended its toy drive with multiple vans full of donations.

Library Director Brooke Smith reported to the Dadeville City Council during the Dec. 12 meeting that the library took about four vans' worth of toys to Tallapoosa County Department of Human Resources.

The toys collected will go to Tallapoosa County’s foster families.

The donations came from residents, library patrons and from Alabama Power, which teamed up with the

Gifts for the kids who need Them The Dadeville library collected and donated four vans full of toys for Tallapoosa County DHR foster families.

library for this drive.

“When I say Dadeville shows up, they do,” Smith said. “They are willing to give.”

Tallapoosa County DHR Director Brenda Floyd said the Friends of the Dadeville Public Library also donated Amazon gift cards to their 18 teenagers in the foster care system.

“It is so humbling to see the kindness and generosity throughout Dadeville and surrounding areas,” Floyd said. “As county director, I want to thank those who made efforts to brighten the Christmas season for the vulnerable and needy children we serve. You didn’t have to, but you did." ~Abigail Murphy

Great Bethel members honored for 50 years of service The annual Men & Women’s Day Celebration at Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church celebrated 50 years of its members’ service last month.

“Anybody who has sat in these rows for any length of time knows that if anybody has done anything for 50 years, it’s tough enough,” Rev. Frederick Young said. “But laboring for love for 50 years-plus is no small feat. I stand now and give great recognition to those who have been on the battlefield for the Lord for these 50 years.”

What’s more impressive is just how many people were honored for that milestone. Forty members of the church were recognized during the Sunday service. Each received a plaque and medal.

Jehovah Jireh deacons and choir were the guests for the service, and Rev. Roderick Williams gave the guest sermon.

Also invited to the ceremony were Alexander City City Council members Bobby Tapley and Buffy Colvin.

“When I was asked to come here a few weeks ago and speak on behalf of the members who had served 50 years, I thought there may be one or two. I was definitely wrong,” Tapley said.

“It takes all of you we are here to honor today to make this church. For those who have been members of this community for 50-plus years or more, we honor your community and service to this church and the community.

Five decades of Service

Yoland Boleware, right, receives her medal for 50 years of service to Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church during a service last month.

You have set an example for others to follow. May God continue to strengthen you and your works," said Tapley. ~Lizi Arbogast Gwin Lake Martin Living 9

GO LOCAL

Trailwares STORY BY ERIN CHESNUTT & PHOTOS BY BEN SMITH

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inding high quality outdoor shoes and clothing can sometimes be challenging. Nancy Willis opened the doors of Trailwares in Sylacauga almost eight years ago, and it is a one-stop shop for outdoor enthusiasts. Willis prides herself in carrying many of the top brands in the business.

“I started working at Walmart when I was 18 and learned a lot about retail,” explained Willis.

After a 31-year career with the big box giant, Willis decided to make a change.

“My good friends, Julie and Alan Sanders, own a lot of the buildings on Broadway Avenue and had been encouraging me to go out on my own,” she said.

The Sanders were working to revitalize the street,

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and they knew that quality merchants offering great customer service would help bring shoppers downtown.

They were sure Willis was a perfect fit to help bring their plan to life, she said.

“I was thinking about it but still wasn’t sure when I accidently dialed Julie,” Willis said. “She called me back and encouraged me. Their faith in me made me know the time was right.”

Willis has been able to attract some of the best outdoor retailers in the business. She attends a specialty outdoor retail trade show in Greenville, South Carolina, twice a year to choose her inventory. The relationships she has established have enabled her to earn the trust of high-end retailers, including Columbia, Patagonia,

North Face, Maui Jim and Coosa.

“Sometimes, it will take a couple of years for the account reps to know that I will be a good outlet for their merchandise. I’m proud of the brands that I have been able to acquire,” Willis said.

In addition to the name brands, she has created a Trailwares line of T-shirts and sweatshirts that have become very popular. Willis works with Mary Crawford of 205 T-shirts in Birmingham to custom design the line.

Willis said she calls Crawford with an idea, and they create the unique design for a limited number of quality T-shirts. The designs tend to sell fast, as shoppers come in looking for the new products.

“We recently added Birkenstock shoes to our stock and also added Blenders eyewear, made famous by Coach Prime, so we have a lot of sought-after brands that we’re proud to represent,” she said.

Setting Traps

Clockwise from Facing Page: Trailwares is decorated in a rustic, outdoors fashion; The store's location on Broadway Ave. draws shoppers to downtown Sylacauga; Sunglasses can prove invaluable on long outdoors adventures; Trailwares' inventory is full of custom T-shirts, backpacks, hiking shoes and more

Willis seeks out brands that she knows will stand behind their products if there is ever a problem. She is a firm believer in “you get what you pay for” and wants her customers to know they are getting the best possible quality from reputable companies when they purchase from her store.

Willis contributes a lot of her success to her staff, who pride themselves on providing superior customer service. One of the main goals of the business is to provide customers with an exceptional shopping experience. Location is another reason the outdoor outfitter has been so successful. Trailwares is near three lakes – Lake Martin, Lay Lake and Lake Logan Martin.

In addition to Sylacauga’s connection with the Pinhoti Trail, the lake areas offer great trails for hiking and outdoor activities.

The downtown Sylacauga area merchants work together to support each other in many ways. There are new businesses set to open in the near future.

Downtown Sylacauga is worth the trip, and Trailwares is definitely worth checking out for anyone planning an outdoor adventure.

Trailwares is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at 101 Broadway Ave. in downtown Sylacauga.

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Overcoming Obstacles 12 Lake Martin Living

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STORY BY BEN SMITH

ne of the first things Steve Sain did after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s was buy a motorcycle; a Triumph TR6 Trophy, the same model Steve McQueen drove across the German countryside in the Great Escape. As a child, Sain told himself that one day, when he was older, he would buy one just like it.

Sain picked up drumming again, a long-forgotten passion from his high school days. He was told by doctors that Parkinson’s is a disease that devours the fine motor skills of a person first, and that drumming involves so many concurrent signals heading to so many different areas of the body that playing drums would be impossible.

“When I first started to play, my left hand just wasn’t having it,” said Sain. “I shed a few tears out of frustration.

But I kept at it, and I got better and better. And now, Facing Challenges I’m not as good as I once was, Facing Page: Steve Sain is giving but I’m not too far from it.”

Parkinson's the Sain took his daughter Heisman stiff arm, on a snorkeling trip to the as he says. Below: Maldives, and when it was Russell Craig time to go back, he took performs on stage the long road home, flying at The Warehouse in around the entire planet. They downtown Eclectic.

had so much fun, they did it again. This time, the other way around.

Sain attends studies for Parkinson’s research. He has been involved in a Sylacauga support group since he was first diagnosed in 2018, and he is organizing a new group in Alexander City. He’s the president of the Regional Board of Advisors for the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Sain is familiar with his disease. He knows how it progresses, and he knows what it looks like in its final months.

Despite all this, Steve Sain is living in the moment, marking items off his bucket list with a toothy grin.

“I’ve realized that most of us don’t know how our life is going to end,” said Sain. “And I don’t either, but I can take a pretty good guess on what it’s going to be like, as it progresses. And it’s incumbent upon me to do certain things now. My mantra … is ‘do it while you still can.’”

Ginny Archer, a licensed professional counselor of 33 years, said living in the moment and enjoying experiences as they come, are exercises in gratitude.

“Don’t focus on the past, don’t focus on the future, but what do I have grateful for now?” said Archer. “What do I have today that I can be present and involved in?”

Sain’s philosophy is to keep moving. He likens Parkinson’s to molten lava – if you stop trying to outrun it, eventually, it will get you. And it will destroy

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accountability and get back on track.”

Slowly, through the help of others, and through the clarity of maturity, Craig came to understand that no matter how hard he shook his fist at the heavens, he would continue to lose his vision.

“I’ve just come to terms with it,” said Craig. “I don’t think you really can do that when you’re a kid, because you don’t really understand abstract thinking. I think you have to become an adult to realize certain things are permanent.”

Although he could not read or watch TV without assistance, he was still able to play his guitar.

“What people don’t understand is that all those years in high school, everybody else played sports, everybody went to parties and socialized. Everybody had a girlfriend or boyfriend, and I had none of that,” said Craig.

“When I got home from school, I sat in my room, and I played guitar. That’s what I did. I did it for hours every day. And that was the only thing that kept me from going completely off the tracks.”

By the time Russel Today, Craig has Craig was 15, he could no opened for acts such as longer read. He was born the Charlie Daniels Band legally blind, with a rare and Glen Templeton. He group of degenerative eye plays guitar and sings diseases called Retinitis in bars, at parties and Pigmentosa. In his festivals across Alabama. younger years, he could Whether it is Metallica, still play video games, Otis Redding or Eric read books and safely Church, he’s loving every navigate his environment. second of it.

But slowly, those abilities During the day, Craig began to slip away.

Success After Struggle works at the Alabama Craig walked the Top: Benjamin Hendrix receives the Alabama "A" club's Institute for Deaf and hallways of his high achievement and scholar athlete scholarship award.

Blind in Talladega. Many school with sunglasses times, he’s helping people and a cane, feeling out to accept a loss of vision, and a loss of all the capabilities, of place and different, always distant from his peers. beauty and experiences that go along with it.

His parents read him his class notes at home, but Craig “I still want to inspire other people and be a resource was somewhere else. He had stopped caring about his schoolwork. It all seemed meaningless when he could no for them,” said Craig. “Because I really think you get more out of helping others than helping yourself. Helping longer read on his own. yourself, at least in my life, doesn’t really help you much “I literally just sat in class and like went into at all.” dreamland,” said Craig. “I would just skate by on There’s truth to that, said Archer. A focus on others is a intelligence and no effort at all. And it was tough healthy way to deal with loss of vision and independence. for a while. It honestly took me several years to take everything it touches. Sain has seen it happen to other members of his support group; a negative attitude seems to breed negative outcomes, and the disease progresses faster.

But Sain keeps on running with his arm extended outward, keeping the disease at bay. Giving Parkinson’s the Heisman stiff arm, as he calls it. Exercise is key, he said. But also, keeping his mind sharp through reading or socializing is important.

And although he isn’t giving himself too much credit, his tactics seem to be working.

For the past five years, Sain has been involved in a research study focused on declining cognition in Parkinson’s patients. In four of the five memory exams he’s taken, he’s shown no cognitive decline. Remarkably, he’s shown cognitive improvement.

“They said you’re getting better, and we’re fascinated with that,” said Sain. “Yeah, so that’s kind of reassuring.

Maybe what I’m doing is working.”

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“You’re getting outside yourself, and you’re not wallowing in your own pain,” said Archer. “And that’s the best thing someone can do to get outside of their own situation, is to reach out and do something for another human bing.”

Benjamin Hendrix was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma as a 13-year-old, an extremely aggressive form of cancer that caused his stomach to swell. The symptoms first presented during football practice, when he noticed himself tiring unusually quickly. He remembers some of the worst nights, lying in his bed in agony.

“My stomach was grown out like a basketball, just from the tumor growing so fast,” said Hendrix. “I remember, crying that night, feeling like my stomach was going to rip open.”

Soon after, Hendrix found himself in the hospital, being told by Dr. Billy “B.B.” Sellers that he had cancer.

The doctor approached him first, looked him in the eye and told him he needed to be strong for his parents. He said the cancer was curable, but it would not be without its battles.

“It was just as hard on them emotionally as it was on me physically,” said Hendrix.

The young teen went through five rounds of chemotherapy, each round administered much more frequently than standard treatments. Whereas, an adult

might undergo treatment for a day, then take a week off, Hendrix’s youth meant that he could withstand higher doses. He received chemotherapy for a week straight, hooked up to the IV the entire time.

Hendrix’s goal was to be in shape for the next season of football. While in the hospital, he kept his body moving, walking the length of the floor for exercise.

Other times, he did push-ups and sit-ups, sometimes with the IV still stuck in his vein.

Three months later, Hendrix’s treatments concluded.

Soon after, he was cancer free.

“My experience with cancer showed me how precious life is, and how it could be gone in an instant,” said Hendrix. “A lot of people that age freak out or get upset at trivial things. For me, it was just like man, look at where I am now. Look where the Lord has led me now, compared to where I was then. I mean, I have yet to experience a thing worse than being hooked up to three IVs, chemotherapy running through my veins, not being allowed to leave the hospital for weeks on end.”

“People who have been through struggles and gotten on the other side, are typically much more resilient people than the general population. They’ve done it,” said Archer.

Hendrix said the experience has given him a defining moment, something that has produced a greater purpose.

He credits his faith for getting him through it, and he credits his cancer for strengthening his faith.

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Winter Pests

n the mid-1960s, there was a popular TV show called The Addams Family. I was born later, in the mid-1970s, but I remember watching re-runs of the show growing up.

It had a catchy opening theme song that is still popular today. The song went like this: “They’re creepy, and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky.

They’re all together ooky, the Addams Family.”

When I hear that song, even today, the lyrics sound like they’re describing bugs and insects – the creepy, crawling kind found in old abandoned or haunted houses. I imagine scenes from an old scary movie with spiders, scorpions, cockroaches, millipedes and the like. Insects crawling everywhere. Yikes!

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A spooky or dirty house is not required in order to have creepy crawly bugs. Insects are everywhere, and unfortunately, they sneak indoors at times. Winter and early spring seem to be the worst times, since insects are searching for warm cozy places to hold up. Many overwinter as adults in protected areas during the colder months.

Overwintering is how insects survive the cold weather and extreme temperatures. To avoid freezing, many insects enter structures and warmer areas where they hang out through fall and winter. This is the reason insects can sometimes be found indoors during the winter.

It is common to discover them in wall corners,

attics, crawlspaces, basements, garages, sheds and even vehicles.

When temperatures warm up, they move about and are often found near windows as they try to go back outside. Ironically, indoor conditions, especially low humidity, are not the preferred choice for most species, so many die of dehydration. That explains why we see dead bugs on window sills and in vehicles.

The list of indoor winter guests a homeowner might notice include ladybugs, stink bugs, spiders, cockroaches, wasp, ants and scorpions.

The first natural reaction is to wonder how they even got inside. They don’t need much room to sneak inside. They just need an opportunity. l Ladybugs: The multicolored Asian lady beetles like to congregate in large numbers in the corners of homes and buildings. They are generally harmless but will emit a yellow, foul-smelling liquid when disturbed and may stain walls and furniture. l Stink bugs: These include the brown marmorated stink bugs and kudzu bugs, as well as others. All of these true bugs emit a foul, pungent odor when they feel threatened or are handled. l Spiders: Though common in homes year-round, homeowners might see a population boom of

Here They Come spiders in the winter, Facing Page: Wolf spiders sneak particularly the brown inside to forage during cold weather; Above: Asian ladybeetles recluse and wolf emit a foul-smelling liquid when varieties. disturbed; Below: Stink bugs also l Cockroaches: emit a pungent order when The large American handled. cockroaches live outdoors in moist shady areas, such as mulch, wood piles and hollow trees. They become a major nuisance when they seek shelter and residence indoors due to a food shortage, major changes in weather and after heavy rains. l Wasps: The surviving queens of paper wasps overwinter in cracks and crevices and possess the ability to fly and enter protected areas. They are active on warm, springlike days. l Ants: Contrary to popular belief, ants do not hibernate, but they are opportunistic food seekers and could

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two may not require Unwelcome Visitors gravitate toward kitchens. Ants stay Left: Scorpions seek spraying the home inactive when it is cold and resume shelter, moisture and with an insecticide. foraging when temperatures warm. food indoors; Right: A shoe or an oldl Scorpions: Alabama is home to Ants do not hibernate fashioned flyswatter only two small types of scorpions: but remain inactive could do the trick. A the Hentz striped scorpion and the during cold periods. vacuum works well southern unstriped scorpion. Both are on a cluster of live dark brown and often wander inside or dead ones. Serious and longterm dwellings looking for shelter, moisture infestations of ants, cockroaches, spiders and food. or fleas might require the assistance of a To limit an invasion of insects and local exterminator. arachnid pests indoors, prevention is When it comes to other insects, many the key. This also means pest-proofing will bury deep in the ground or under the home before the first cold front rocks and logs for protection. Looking hits. under fallen leaves, in rotten bark or old l The first step should be limiting Shane Harris tree stumps could reveal eggs, larvae, the points of entry – namely, cracks pupae or overwintering adult insects. and other openings leading into the Other types of insects do not have very house. Doors and windows are the long life cycles, so they don’t live long enough to typical entry points for spiders and flying insects. overwinter. But to keep the species going, these Once these openings are discovered, seal them to insects lay eggs in the fall that will hatch in the inhibit unwelcome visitors. warmth of spring, thus continuing the cycle. l Caulk cracks along windows, doors or other Although one would think and might hope portals of entry. Seal and screen attic vents. the extreme cold might kill off pesky bugs like Install door sweeps and new weather stripping. mosquitoes, cockroaches, yellow jackets and Seal utility openings – like pipes, dryer vents, fire ants, this is not usually the case. Amazingly, cable TV wiring ports, etc. – with caulk, insects can survive and are able to overcome steel wool or other mesh. Remember, losses that might occur during hard, cold weather. a space less than 1/8 inch will allow The bugs will be back. many pests adequate entry.

For help on other home and garden questions, l In some cases, insect visitors contact your local county Extension office or visit ride as unwelcome stowaways on aces.edu. potted plants and firewood that are brought into a house. Inspect ~ Shane Harris is the County Extension such items before bringing them Coordinator for Tallapoosa County. inside to make sure they are free of Photos courtesy of University of Clemson - USDA hitchhikers.

Extenstion, Bugwood.org and Shane Harris. l The occasional winter indoor pest or

GARDEN TALK

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GOOD EATS

s the ingredients except holiday the seasoning packet. season Cook on low for seven wraps hours. up and winter settles About 30 minutes in, few things offer before the soup is greater satisfaction done, remove the than a bowl of ham bone, scraping steaming soup to warm off any meat left on the body and soul. The the bone. Break up holiday usually leaves any large pieces of leftover ham waiting ham. Be sure to check to be transformed the soup carefully into something Gina Abernathy and remove all ham extraordinary. Smoky bones. Sometimes, the ham and creamy beans large bone will cook create a symphony of flavors apart into several pieces. Add the and a delicious reminder of the seasoning package and stir. Cook festivities that linger long after the for 30 more minutes. last ornaments are packed away.

On those chilly evenings when Recipe Tips the winter wind blows, this simple l If you have leftover ham and soul-soothing dish awaits. It’s a ham bone from the holidays, warm, comforting dinner option this is the recipe you will want to that combines the convenience make. If you don’t have leftovers, of a slowcooker with the flavors use a 2-pound package of sliced of hearty ingredients; a perfect ham and ham hocks/shank from solution for creating a satisfying the grocery store. and heartwarming meal that’s as l Add enough chicken broth to easy to prepare as it is to savor. fill your slowcooker. Some cookers may not hold 8 cups.

Ingredients l Serve with cornbread or 1 ham bone, ham hocks or ham crackers. shank with leftover meat attached 3 cups diced ham This delicious soup could be 1 onion, diced the star of chilly evenings when 1 cup celery, diced refuge often can be found in 1 cup carrots, sliced the heartiness of comfort food.

1 tablespoon minced garlic Embrace the chill of winter with 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes open arms. Allow it to turn your 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes kitchen into a haven of warmth with green chilis and turn family dinner into a 1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder wintertime delight. Add a touch 1 pound dried 15-bean soup mix of coziness to the crisp night with 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth this hearty, aromatic soup.

1 package bean seasoning I’m toasting a cozy winter (included with bean soup mix) filled with comforting dishes and bowls of steaming soup. Here’s Instructions to savoring the season’s warmth, Prepare the beans the night one delicious spoonful at a time. before by rinsing and placing Happy New Year! them in a large bowl. Cover beans with 6 to 8 cups of cold ~ Gina Abernathy is the author water. Place into the refrigerator and recipe creator behind the overnight. The following day, blog, Home at Cedar Springs Farm. drain the beans and continue with the recipe.

Place the ham bone in a large, 8-quart slowcooker. Add diced ham. Add beans and all other 20 Lake Martin Living

Slow-cooked Ham & Bean Soup

Lake Martin Living 21

Thank Goodness for Volunteers STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY TPI STAFF

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olunteers changed lives during last year’s Jan. 12 tornado. They came from counties all across Alabama, and they came from right next door. Their efforts make it possible to handle weather disasters, said Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Agency Director Jason Moran. And more are always needed.

“We just stay in ready mode. This time of the year demands heightened awareness,” Moran said.

“Statistically, data from the National Weather Service from 1950 to 2022 shows that April is the month with the highest number of tornados. Next is March and then November, but here, they can happen any time.”

When they do, preparation is key.

“We knew a couple of days ahead of time there was the potential for severe weather last January. I had been watching that storm all day. I watched it go to an EF-3, then down to EF-2, then up again, all across the state. It came out of Cedar Creek as an EF-1, and when it hit Coven Abbett it was an EF-2,” Moran said. “It destroyed 14 homes in Tallapoosa County – as in, they were uninhabitable. An additional 16 homes had structural damage – roof trusses, walls; 31 had minor damage, and another 36 were otherwise affected. We had 97 damage sites in all.”

To collect that data, a trained volunteer had to make a personal visit to each damage site.

“Someone has to go to each home. Fortunately, we had help from EMA directors outside of our county.

We also had volunteers from the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster,” he said.

VOAD volunteers organize cleanup efforts, collect and distribute supplies for disaster victims and track volunteer safety in affected areas. They set up reception and information bases near disaster sites from which feet-on-the-ground volunteers disperse. Those volunteers report back the needs in the affected areas, so the right help can be sent where it’s needed. VOAD volunteers also work with the longterm recovery committee, continuing to provide help long after the area’s initial needs have been met.

“Every disaster will have its own longterm recovery committee,” Moran said. “Local folks are regularly included in that group, and right now, we have fewer than 10. We need more people to sign up.”

While there are no published requirements or qualifications for VOAD volunteers, prior training is needed for anyone to be added to the call list, Moran said.

“If I get enough interest, we can set up a training.

VOAD will come to the county and do the training,” he explained.

Cleanup Conundrum “Essentially, they Keeping track of cleanup prepare us for the volunteers and cleanup safety is an important part of day we hope never happens.” what VOAD volunteers do.

Lake Martin Living 23

Local individuals and organizations are quick to respond in tornado disasters. It’s part of the charm of life in a small, Southern town. Chainsaw crews and tractors showed up minutes after the Jan. 12 storm passed, and neighbors and friends worked together to clear the roads. Two unidentified gentlemen spent a whole day sharpening chainsaw blades at no cost. Big Mike’s BBQ, Koon’s Korner and Papa John’s Pizza fed crews, volunteers and residents for free.

“This scene was repeated over and over along the track of the storm,” Alexander City Mayor Curtis ‘Woody’ Baird said. “Coming together in times of adversity in Alex City is the norm, not the exception.”

VOAD volunteers provide these local volunteers with the direction and information needed to be effective.

They distribute maps of the affected areas, and they hand out clipboards and other office supplies that are needed to compile lists of items needed by disaster victims.

VOAD volunteers manage chainsaw assignments, making sure they are evenly distributed across the area.

In some cases, they distribute tools, rakes and food. And they keep track of which volunteers are where, providing accountability for the ongoing safety of all.

“They have all these materials staged and ready in boxes, so when the time comes, they can go to a location as close as possible to the storm damage but not be in the way,” Moran said.

“We couldn’t handle it without the local volunteers who come out to help, but we try to get them to come through the VOAD centers, so we can make sure they’re safe and we know where they are, where there is adequate help and where help is still needed.”

“A lot of people come out to help pick up limbs out of yards and clean up debris, but for the big stuff, we try to 24 Lake Martin Living

get people who are Lost Without Volunteers trained. We don’t Clockwise from Top Left: Local want a disaster after athletes turned out to haul away the disaster,” he said. debris; Last January's tornado was For those big 1,500 feet wide in some places and caused damage over a 76jobs, specialty mile path; The storm hit hard in organizations are a several local areas; Tallapoosa godsend.

Baptist Association brought in 42 “We work in volunteers to help with last year's conjunction with cleanup. our local United Way office. Lake Martin Area United Way is a huge asset to us in disaster times. They partner with EMA on blue-sky days, as well as when we have storms. When we have storms and disasters, we couldn’t do what we do without their volunteer assistance,” he said.

Specialty organizations, like the Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief, have been trained and are set up to respond to disaster situations.

Baptist Relief last January organized 42 volunteers who completed 20 cleanup jobs in four days in Tallapoosa County.

But not everyone needs to rush to the VOAD base to be helpful. Just checking on your neighbors and family prior to and after a weather event to make sure they are safe could make a difference.

“Here at EMA, we couldn’t do what we do without volunteers and other organizations, and I am grateful for them. A lot of people step up and do a lot of really good things when bad things happen.”

To learn more about VOAD volunteering or to sign up, call Moran at 256-825-1078 or email him at jmoran@ tallaco.com.

Lake Martin Living 25

26 Lake Martin Living

First Day Hike STORY & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

Jan. 1 dawned clear and cold at Wind Creek State Park, and at 10 a.m., Naturalist Dylan Ogle met 15 hikers who turned out for the Alabama State Parks’ First Day Hike initiative. They discovered beauty, color, comaraderie and wildRing in 2024 life on the 3.1-mile trek Above: Several hikers sported New Year's along the park’s Speckled headbands as part of the celebration.

Snake Trail.

Lake Martin Living 27

Finding Treasures on a Cold Winter Day

Clockwise from Top Left: the pine canopy stands out against a clear blue sky; Ferns and moss dot the trail; the path rises and falls throughout the hike; Plaques mark Eagle Scout projects along the way; The drawdown creates isolated winter habitats; Fungi grows on the shady side of a log; Tired but happy hikers collected stickers at hike's end; Hikers pass the 2.5-mile marker; Ogle found an anole rustling through the leaves alongside the trail.

28 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 29

Googled Health Questions

J

anuary being a good time to reflect on the past year, I thought it would be interesting to know what inquiring minds wondered about their health in 2023. So, I googled the most popular health-related searches of 2023.

Here are the top five.

Google Question No. 1: Strep Throat

The top two most googled questions had to do with strep throat, so we’ll treat them as one question: How contagious is strep throat and for how long is it contagious?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, strep throat is very contagious. Because it’s airborne, the streptococcus bacteria are disseminated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, laughs or otherwise spews droplets of secretions from his or her nose or mouth. An untreated infected person could infect others for two or three weeks; however, once on an antibiotic, the person of interest becomes less contagious within 48 hours.

30 Lake Martin Living

It’s important to treat strep throat. Left untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever, according to the Mayo Clinic website. This authority goes on to say that rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash or heart valve damage.

I was surprised to find strep throat at the top of the list, so I investigated further. It turns out that the incidence of strep throat bottomed out in March of 2020 before it began rising in the fall of that year. It now has risen to its highest levels since 2017.

It’s no coincidence that March 2020 was the month COVID became a national scourge. And because we were all (or most of us, at least) wearing masks and washing our hands, we significantly reduced the transmission of strep, as well as RSV and other communicable diseases.

When we began to relax COVID restrictions, the incidence of strep throat began to rise, fueled also in part by the number of children who had not

been exposed to the bacteria during the COVID pandemic. COVID might not have been the No. 1 story in 2023, but it certainly played a supporting role.

MEDICAL NEWS

Google Question No. 4: What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure is bad only if it causes symptoms. The typical symptoms Google Question No. 2: are light-headedness, dizziness, How to Lower Cholesterol weakness, blurred vision and fainting.

The second most popular Google The most common cause of low blood search, healthwise, concerned how to pressure or hypotension is dehydration, lower cholesterol. Cholesterol in itself is but it can also be caused by blood not bad. The human body body needs loss – for example, donating a unit of cholesterol to function optimally. The blood or a slow leak from a stomach problem occurs when a person has more ulcer. Certain medications could cause cholesterol than the body can utilize. low blood pressure, as well. Obviously, The excess cholesterol forms fatty George Miranda medications for high blood pressure deposits in the blood vessels, a process would be expected to lower blood called atherosclerosis. According to the pressure.

Mayo Clinic, atherosclerosis increases the risk of Best bet: Drink plenty of water. If symptoms heart disease and stroke. persist, see a doctor.

A doctor could order a blood test to measure a person’s total cholesterol levels, including highGoogle Question No. 5: density and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and What Causes Warts?

LDL, respectively). Optimal levels are below Look, people, I don’t pick them. I just report 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood for total them. Once again, the Mayo Clinic provides cholesterol; below 70 mg/dL for LDL or “bad” answers. cholesterol; and above 60 mg/dL for HDL or Warts are caused by several strains of the human “good” cholesterol. papilloma virus (HPV), of which there are more If a person’s cholesterol is out of whack, the than 150 variants. The virus is spread through best first line of defense is to change some lifestyle contact with breaks in the skin. It tends to show up habits. The Mayo Clinic recommends four when the immune system is weakened. They are lifestyle changes: lose weight; eat a plant-based harmless and usually resolve on their own, though diet, including fruit, vegetables and whole grains, they can be frozen by a dermatologist if a person limiting saturated and trans fats; moderate exercise wants them removed.

30 minutes per day for five days per week; and To prevent the spread of warts, don’t pick at, stop smoking. If a person’s cholesterol remains too shave or try to remove a wart on your own, and high after these interventions, a physician could don’t bite your fingertips or nails. prescribe different medications to help control Have a happy and healthy 2024. cholesterol.

As for me, I tried exercise and diet modifications ~ George Miranda is the Director of the UAB for a whole day, and my cholesterol was still high.

Medicine – Russell Medical Cancer Center.

So, I gave up exercise and started taking a statin.

Google Question No. 3: What helps with bloating?

The best web article I found on bloating is at medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525. Here’s a short summary: Bloating is often caused by diet, gastrointestinal issues or fluid retention.

Exercise (what the British call a “constitutional”) can improve bowel function and reduce bloating.

Replacing carbonated beverages with water and increasing fiber in the diet also could help, as could over-the-counter antacids.

If bloating isn’t reduced, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss or appetite loss, see a doctor. It’s rare, but such symptoms could be caused by autoimmune diseases or cancer.

Lake Martin Living 31

I

Set yourself up for financial success

t’s a new year, and with this fresh start, you have a chance to set new goals and turn your financial dreams into reality. This year, focus on taking control of finances and making some creative and enjoyable changes to your financial life with these seven tips. l Create personal and business financial plans.

Examine both your business and personal goals to assess where you stand, and make a plan for each.

Take the time to meet with your banker, who can offer specific insights and possible adjustments to your plans to keep you on track with goals.

Understand your cash flow. As you examine your finances, assess whether there’s enough cash to support your lifestyle and upcoming expenditures, David Ballard particularly in the face of the current market and inflation. For example, the budget you had in mind for that dream wedding or a child’s college tuition may have to be adjusted in 2024. l Know your credit card rates. Look at the interest rates attached to each of your credit cards.

Particularly if you carry a monthly balance, consider moving to a card with a lower interest rate.

Also, since many people use credit cards for

MONEY MATTERS

unexpected financial expenditures, having a lowinterest credit card might allow you to pay these off without having to dip into savings. l Examine your investments. The beginning of the year is a good time to reexamine and update your investments. It’s best to work with a financial professional to run a diagnostic on your portfolio.

Consider diversifying investments if you haven’t done so, to be sure they are not concentrated in a particular asset class or sector. A professional could give you specific ways to minimize risk. l Review life insurance policies. It’s surprising how, even when people check fire alarms, they struggle to keep life insurance or financial beneficiary information updated. As family members age, pass away, marry or divorce, the selection for beneficiaries may need to change. In addition, review the policy amounts to be sure they match for your stage and situation in life. l Evaluate your emergency fund. Experts encourage saving an equivalent of three to six months’ expenses in an emergency fund. Often, bank clients who have emergency funds haven’t increased the amounts over the years as their family budgets and needs changed. Start small. Having even one month’s salary in savings could save many families from eviction or a late mortgage payment. l Work to prevent fraud. One of the simplest ways to keep finances secure from fraud is to check accounts each day. Some scams start so small that their impact may not be noticed on a monthly statement, but in a daily check, you might notice when something is amiss. Don’t wait for your monthly statement, and make sure to only access your accounts on a secure Wi-Fi network.

These tips are intended to help you get started, but reach out to your banker or financial advisor to talk through your finances. While some New Year resolutions may fall by the wayside, make sure financial planning is the one that sticks. ~ David Ballard is commercial banking relationship manager at Valley Bank in Birmingham.

32 Lake Martin Living

two performances

For Every Stage Of Life

Tuesday, February 6 Wednesday, February 7 7 p.m.

Woltosz Theatre Presented as part of our 2023–24 Broadway Series

Gynecology Obstetrics 525 H os p i t a l D ri v e , S u ite B , We tu m p k a , 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

View our complete 2023–24 season calendar online.

Lake Martin Living 33

OH SNAP! 2

3

1 4

5

Milk and Cookies with Santa Sunday, December 17, 2023 Blue Ribbon Dairy 1. Brooke Hamilton, Nick and Ellison Floyd 2. Adrian, Britney and Natalie Browning 3. Betty, Allen, Kassie and Frank Cannon 4. Beau Buzby 5. Reign Davis and Milaha Long 6. Lanie, Josh and Kacie Emerson 7. Savannah, Cadence and Ezzy Welcher, Jazmine and Rachel Scarbrough

34 Lake Martin Living

6

7

OH SNAP! 1

4

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Bruce Adams Retirement Reception Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Wind Creek State Park Clubhouse 1. Betty and Jack Mizzell 2. Larrmy Warren and Sandra Fuller 3. Ken and Tonya Holland 4. Greg Lein, Steve Forehand and Chris Blankenship 5. Scotti Jackson 6. Jeremy with Bruce Adams 7. Mike Jeffreys, Nikki Estes, David Barr, Jessica Gratd an Shonda Borden

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OH SNAP! 2

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Christmas with Friends Thursday, December 14, 2023 Betty Carol Graham Center 1. Mary Perry 2. Cheryl Young 3. Fran Coan and Joanna Roberson

4. Martha and Roland Shipp 5. Ed and Elaine Meiss

6. Gayle Bradshaw and Susan Mange 7. Nita Kendall, Doris McCullers, Jim White and Sharon Trayler

36 Lake Martin Living

7

OH SNAP! 1

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Dadeville Public Library Author Visit Monday, December 18, 2023 Dadeville Public Library 1. Kevin and Baylor Keyes 2. Betty Barber and Jessica Keyes 3. Donna Parker and Luke and Gray Coker 4. Beverly Carter, Carter and Maddie DeLoach 5. Taylor and Deason Arant 6. Cody, Beau, Autumn and Locklyn Buzby

Lake Martin Living 37

OH SNAP! 1

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"Real Bells" Handbell Ensemble Concert Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Dadeville Performing Arts Center 1. Susan Walker 2. Carol Bonebrake 3. Elaine Toney 4. Nancy Wilson and Nancy Wheeler 5. Elaine Balint Forbus and LouVeda Cox 6. Nancy Curley and Donna Hebson 7. Candace Forbes and Harriet Jones

38 Lake Martin Living

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Saturday with Santa Saturday, December 16, 2023 Main Street Alexander City 9

1. Copen and Brenbly Jones 2. London and Eden Whetstone 3. Ben Wix

4. Fitz and Nick Whaley 5. Lydia Bearden and Christy Lashley 6. Sherlyn Luna and Marcelina Chimalhua

7. Hines, Scott and KK Hardy 8. Leanne Calhoun and Laurie Sturdivant 9. Kaylee and Milani Clark and Marsha Parkman

Lake Martin Living 39

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Chili & Gumbo Get Down

Save the date for Main Street Alexander City’s Chili & Gumbo Cook-off in the old city hall parking lot on Feb. 17. Better yet, grab friends, family or coworkers to create a cooking team for the chance to win $500 or more in prizes. It’s free to participate, and the winners of each of six categories take home $500.

“There will be two categories for chili – meat and meatless – and two categories for gumbo – seafood and non-seafood,” said Main Street Executive Director Michelle West. “There also will be a cash prize for most creative cooking booth and the fan favorite People’s Choice.”

Jonathan Bloom will provide musical entertainment from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for this third annual cook-off event. The event also includes kids’ zone activities. Gates open to the public at noon, and ticketholders will taste all the samples and choose the People’s Choice award recipient. Winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m.

“Teams can start cooking at 7 a.m., and all the cooking needs to be done on site,” West said.

40 Lake Martin Living

Each team will prepare 4 gallons for public sampling.

Tickets to sample the fare are $20 per person, and extra People’s Choice tickets can be purchased for $1 each to give your favorite entry a little extra love. Beer also can be purchased on site.

“This is our third annual cook-off event. We used to hold it in April with just gumbo, but last year, our participating cook teams said they would like for us to do it in cooler weather,” Ready. Set. Get Down.

West explained. “We wanted to Cook teams prepare their secret do it closer to Mardi Gras, and this year, we added chili.” recipes for comfort food on Main Street.

Judging will be based on aroma, consistency, heat and taste in a blind competition. The judges will not know to whom each sample belongs when they taste the entries.

To enter a cook team, download a 2024 Chili/ Gumbo Get Down entry form and rules at mainstreetalexandercity.org/events and turn in the entry form to the Main Street Alexander City office or email the completed form to mainstreet35010@gmail.com by Feb. 9. Entry forms also could be sent to West by text to 256-786-0584.

Love Lake Martin is the prize sponsor for this year’s event, but more sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact West for more information. Review sponsorships at mainstreetalexandercity.org/events.

LAKE REGION EVENTS Jan. 3

Lake Martin Ultra Preview Run

Preview the 25-mile Lake Martin Ultra marathon course on Russell Lands on Saturday, Feb. 18. Meet at the cabin at Russell Crossroads at 7:30 a.m. There is no fee to use the trails, but those who wish to participate will need to sign a release. All are welcome, regardless of whether or not you intend to run in the Lake Martin Ultra marathon in March.

Jan. 13

LMYP Polar Plunge

Join the Lake Martin Young Professionals on the shores of Kowaliga Restaurant as participants take the plunge into Lake Martin to benefit Lake Martin Resource Association.

Entry is $20 for plungers and $25 for all others, which includes access to food trucks, live music and good times. $100 prizes will be awarded to winners of the costume contest and the Dash for the Cash swim race. Doors open at 10 a.m., and the plunge will take place at 12 p.m.

Jan. 18

Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber Annual Banquet

Come celebrate the chamber and its special guests at 5:30 p.m. at the annual awards banquet at New Water Farm.

There will be live music, door prizes and more. Admission is $50 per person and includes a steak dinner. RSVP

by Jan. 11 by calling 256-825-4019 or emailing chamber@dadeville.com.

Jan. 19-25

Throw Away Days

Take advantage of free dumpsters available throughout the county to clean up and throw out items too large for residential trash pick up.

Dumpsters will be located at Alex City Annex at 395 Lee St. Jan. 19 through 21; the intersection of Young’s Ferry and Mullican roads and at Double Bridges on State Route 63 South Jan. 22 and 23; and at the old New Site School and at Stillwaters Jan. 24 and 25. No liquids, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions,

computers, propane tanks or hazardous or medical waste.

Jan. 25

Auburn Board and Box Chacuterie Board Workshop

Head over to Lake Martin Brewing at 6 p.m. to learn how to make your own charcuterie board. Kristy from Auburn Board and Box will lead a one-hour course, and you will leave with your very own charcuterie board to enjoy at home. Visit auburnboardandbox.com.

Jan. 20

Suzanne Shultz at DPAC

Singer/guitarist Suzanne Shultz will perform from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

Jan. 25

Two Crows for Comfort

Join your friends at Zazu’s Verandah from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for music with this original, engaging and funny duo. There will be a food truck on site and beverages for sale.

Jan. 31

Beginner’s Quilting Class

Elaine Clements will lead an eightweek quilting class from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays at Zazu’s Verandah in Dadeville. Cost of the class is $175, and students should have their own machines and be familiar with their operation. Additional materials may be required, depending on what items students already own.

The class will emphasize techniques, and each student will have completed a 58-inch by 72-inch quilt by the final class on March 8. Checks should be made payable to Zazu’s Verandah, P.O. Box 35, Dadeville AL, 36853. For questions and registration information, email deaconelaine@gmail.com.

Feb. 1

Lamont Landers

Standard Deluxe in Waverly will host Lamont Landers at 7:30 p.m. in the Little House. Gates and bar open at 5 p.m. Visit standarddeluxe.com for tickets, priced at $20.

Feb. 10

Valentine Charity Ball

Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Martin Area United Way will host this joint fundraiser at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters. The event will include live and silent auctions, a steak dinner, live music, dancing and a cash bar. Tickets are $60 and are available through the benefitting organizations. Contact Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber at 256-825-4019 and Lake Martin Area United Way at 256-329-3600.

Feb. 13

An Evening of Love Songs

Celebrate Valentine’s Day from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with the Dadeville Community Chorus as they sing popular love songs. Tickets are $10 for this Dadeville Performing Arts Center presentation. Visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com to purchase tickets.

Feb. 17

Author Negrita Smart

Dadeville Public Library will sponsor local children’s author Negrita Smart at Dadeville Performing Arts Center from 10 a.m to 12 p.m. Smart wrote Grace and the Golden Rule last year to help children understand the importance of being kind.

Feb. 18

Lake Watch Annual Meeting

Lake Watch members, guests, Lake Martin stakeholders and the general public are invited to the annual meeting from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at New Water Farms, 460 Civitan Rd., Dadeville. Activity reports will be presented, along with a science-based program and social time.

Season Long Events LMYP Game Night

Every third Thursday of the month, grab your crew and meet at The Local at 41 Main in Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for games, laughs and exclusive drink specials. Visit the Lake Martin Young Professionals Facebook page for more information.

Lake Martin Living 41

LAKE REGION EVENTS Lake Martin Civitan Club

The Lake Martin Civitan Club meets at noon in the private room at JR’s Grill, 145 Alabama St., Alexander City, on the second Thursday of each month.

For more information, call Audrey Moore at 256-786-0465.

Everything’s Art Classes

From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on alternate Tuesdays, children in grades three through five will learn the elements of art as they complete projects in class with Everything’s Art teachers. Enroll at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/ Classes. No fees for Tallapoosa County children. Email Delaine Hanson at delaine.hanson@gmail.com for details.

Artists Association of Central Alabama

AACA artists meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex grounds with a general meeting followed by open studio. Club dues are $20 for the year.

Dulcimer Club

All levels of mountain dulcimer and blending traditional instruments are invited to gather at Dadeville Performing Arts Center from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday to rehearse for performances at a variety of community events. Club fee is $25 annually. Performer memberships, patron memberships or quarterly memberships are $30. Email kim. walls@dadevilleperformingartscenter. com.

Lake Martin Creativity

This group meets every Monday at 1 p.m. in the downstairs community room at the StillWaters Residential Building. Anyone interested in arts and crafts is encouraged to join. Bring something to work on or come see what others are doing. A monthly fee of $5 is charged to help pay for the use of the space. For more information, contact Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

42 Lake Martin Living

Fiber Fridays

Bring your knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber art projects to The Yarn Shop Around the Corner in Dadeville from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays to meet fellow fiber artisans, share tips and techniques and talk with others who share your interests. Call 334-444-1038 for more information.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on State Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday 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.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room. Everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. Contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724 for more information.

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on State Route 9 in Equality.

Visit the Equality Performing Arts Center Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming artists.

Charity Bingo at Niffer’s Place Lake Martin

Niffer’s hosts charity bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Cards are $1 each, and funds go to participating charities.

Second Friday Open Mic Night

The Equality Performing Arts Center invites all musicians to its monthly jam sessions on the second Friday of each month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

There is no cover, but donations are greatly appreciated. There will be an intermission for snacks, and people are encouraged to bring a dish to share.

The EPAC is located at 560 State Route 9 in Equality. For more information, visit the EPAC Facebook page.

Tallassee Lions Club

The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant, across from the football stadium in Tallassee, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism.

For more information, call Marilyn Speake at 334-283-6864 or email her at marilyn.speake@tcschools.com.

Equality Neighborhood Watch

The Equality Neighborhood Watch Association meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the old Masonic Lodge at 6:30 p.m. During the colder months, it meets at Equality Methodist Church on State Route 259.

For more information, email Richard Penton at drichardpenton@gmail.com.

Millerville Trade Day

Bibb Graves School on State Route 9 hosts this trade day on the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. with free outside setup for vendors, yard sale, flea market and swap meet items (no food vendors).

Donations from sales to BGHS Alumni and Friends Association would be appreciated. There will be a designated area to bring vehicles for sale with $20 donation to BGHSAFA upon sale. For information, contact Bruce Lowery at 205-522-5794.

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Lake Martin Living 43

9

GOLDVILLE 280

GOODWATER

Legend

To Sylacauga

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

Public Boat Ramps

NEW SI

Churches

★ Points of Interest

22

280

Power lines

Timbergut Landing

9

U.S. Highways

280

County Roads

14 22

ALEXANDER CITY

4

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Camp ASCCA

★

Alex City Boat Ramp

3

Charles E. Bailey Sportplex

ROCKFORD

Hor Na

Jaybird Landing

49 128

22

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Creek ★ Wind Boat Ramp

26

11

★ New Hope Church 9

24

★Smith Landing

27

17

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63

Camp Alamisco

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Kowaliga Boat Landing

5

★ Camp Kiwanis

Trillium

Children’s Harbor

★ The Amp 18 ★

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23 49

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

1 12

Church in The Pines

25

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Smith Mountain Fire Tower

10 11

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DAD

Willow Point

EQUALITY SEMAN

★

Young’s Island

Liberty Church

280

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Peanut Point

259

20

231

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

JACKSONS GAP

Chimney Rock

Stillwaters 22

8

Union Landing

★

19 6

WALNUT HILL

90

24 21

UNION

80

50

CENTRAL

Martin Dam

RED HILL

15

★

63 229

SANTUCK

49

ECLECTIC 13 KENT

ELMORE COUNTY

Reeltown

120

14

231

14 14

TALLASSEE WETUMPKA 44 Lake Martin Living

229

MACON COUNTY

Explore

DAVISTON 22

Lake Martin

ITE

1

Kowaliga Marina

★

2

The Ridge Marina

256-397-1300

rseshoe Bend ational Park

3

River North Marina

256-397-1500

4

Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

CHAMBERS COUNTY

DEVILLE 16

N Y

50

CAMP HILL

20

280

WAVERLY 50

334-857-2111

5 Real Island Marina

334-857-2741

6 Blue Creek Marina

256-825-8888

7 Parker Creek Marina

256-329-8550

8 Harbor Pointe Marina

256-825-0600

9 Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's

256-444-8793

10 SpringHouse

256-215-7080

11 Catherine’s Market

256-215-7070

12 Kowaliga Restaurant

256-215-7035

13 Acapulco Mexican Gril

334-283-2725

14 Russell Do It Center (Alex City)

256-234-2567

15 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic)

334-541-2132

16 Russell Building Supply

256-825-4256

17 The Stables at Russell Crossroads

256-794-1333

18 Kowaliga Whole Health

334-857-1816

19 Aronov Realty Lake Martin

256-825-4133

20 Off the Beaton Path

205-994-0847

21 Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage

334-391-0717

22 Creekside Lodge

256-307-1440

23 Red Ridge UMC

256-825-9820

24 Lake Pointe Baptist Church

256-373-3293

25 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc

334-857-2443

26 Docks Unlimited LLC

256-203-8400

27 Dixie Sailing Club 28 Lakeshore Pharmacy

LEE COUNTY

256-825-0063

Your Lake Martin Sightseeing Pass. Scan me!

LOACHAPOKA 14

NOTASULGA 85 81

Get on the Map! 256-234-4281

Lake Martin Living 45

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE! Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy.

ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine Downtown Girl Shay Aesthetics JR'S Hillabee Towers Senior Nutrition Center Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Dark Insurance Warren Appliance MainStreet Family Care Grace's Flowers Koon's Korner Larry's General Merchandise Daylight Donuts Alfa Valley Bank - 280 Pricare Temple Medical AllState BB&T Bank Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance North Lake Condo River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture

46 Lake Martin Living

Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall A&E Metal Regions Bank Marathon - 280 Renfroe's Market Russell Medical Center Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors Koon's II Tallapoosa Ford Dylan Johnson - Country Financial Holley's Home Furniture Jackson's Drugs Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark The Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que Russell Do It Center Russell Home Decor Holman Floor Satterfield Inc. Grain & Leaf, Bottles & Cigars Tippy Canoe Love Lake Martin Real Estate Office Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina Nails Kowaliga Marina Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office Russell Lands Real Estate Sales Center SpringHouse Ridge Club Ridge Marina HACKNEYVILLE Hackneyville Water Authority NEW SITE

Piggly Wiggly - New Site Foodland DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Ellaby Boutique, LLC Alabama Power Siggers Siggers Barbershop Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library At the Beauty Shop Dadeville Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's Tallapoosa Nutrition Sweet Pickins Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters Country Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Aronov Realty Lake Martin Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks Lake Martin Pizza

CAMP HILL Link Gas Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina Charles Borden ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Offshore Marina Lake Martin Mini Mall Corner Stone Coffee Co. Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Catering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Anchor Bay Marina Wetumpka Wetumpka Herald Office Tallassee Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber Parris Mullins Jr. O.D. Get Lake Martin Living delivered to your mailbox for just $50 per year.

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Lake Martin’s Marine Construction Company 6732 Highway 63 South, Alexander Cit y, AL 35010 | (256) 392-5200 | www. sunrisedock sllc.com

Lake Martin Living 47

AD INDEX Alexander Landscaping ..................................................................... 4 7

Lacey Howell..................................................................................... 2 5

Azalea Cove Waterside...................................................................... 3 3

Lake Martin Dock.......................................................................... 5, 49

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6

Lake Martin Vascular.......................................................................... 4 3

C&C Wood Products............................................................................ 6

Legacy New Homes............................................................................. 2

Coosa Valley MRI............................................................................... 4 9

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery................................................... 3 3

De Meis Homesouth Custom Homes, LLC.......................................... 5 1 Diamond Golf Cars............................................................................ 1 9 Electronic Technology Group.............................................................. 4 9 Four Daughters Veterinary Services.................................................... 3 1 Four Seasons..................................................................................... 4 9 Francis Bryant Construction............................................................... 1 5 George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 6 Gogue Performing Arts Center.......................................................... 3 3 Heritage South Credit Union................................................................ 8 Highway 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage....................................... 4 9

Oskar's Cafe...................................................................................... 4 7 Phillip Pouncey Builders...................................................................... 1 9 Precise Pressure Washing................................................................... 4 9 Prime Home Health.............................................................................. 8 Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6 Russell Medical.................................................................................. 5 2 Southern Sash..................................................................................... 8 S&K Offices....................................................................................... 4 9 Stanley Steemer................................................................................. 4 9

Hinson Galleries................................................................................. 4 8

Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 4 7

Holmes Guns..................................................................................... 4 9

TowBoatUS........................................................................................ 4 6

Jes & Gray Living................................................................................. 3

USBank.............................................................................................. 4 3

Karen Channell, State Farm............................................................... 4 9

Virginia Pettus, Miner's Cove............................................................... 5

Kowaliga Veterinary Care................................................................... 4 9

Waller Property Maintenance............................................................. 4 9

48 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 49

Here's to doing 'More'

N

ew year, new me. Not, haha! My word for 2024 is “More.” Maybe it’s about eating "more" pizza in 2024.

Too often, New Year’s resolutions are about less – cutting back, losing weight and restricting yourself in one way or another. That’s why people can’t stick to it, and I don’t even plan to try. It’s important to say things to yourself the right way. Almost like tricking yourself. For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to eat fewer carbs,” try saying, “I’m going to eat more veggies.”

It seems simple, but it’s harder than one might think. The trick is to not go too extreme out the Lacey Howell gate. One thing I would like to implement is a daily yoga practice.

I say that every year. It’s incredibly hard for me to sit still or do that type of workout alone.

Perhaps I can say, “I am going to stretch more in 2024.”

I think I’m going to just keep doing “more” of the things I love with the people I love. l I want to read more. l Ride my horse more. l Travel more. l Sit in the sunshine more.

50 Lake Martin Living

Culture Shock

Crossing the lake in a Canoe l Laugh more.

Above: Lacey Howell seeks l Call friends more. more adventures like this l Go out more. one in 2024. l Dance more. l Cook more (new recipes).

I do like to plan new things that I would like to learn or do. One item on the list is to be able to do a few real pullups by my 39th birthday. I’m working on that one. Just got to put up a pull-up bar at the house.

I paused here and read that back aloud to John.

Reflecting, I said I don’t think I have ever completed a fancy New Year’s resolution. But wait. Yes, we in fact did do an extreme New Year’s challenge together. On New Year’s Day 2015, we canoed from Point Windy all the way to the SpringHouse slough to eat lunch with friends. That was one heck of a haul, but we had a blast. We pulled off at islands for bathroom breaks, ate sandwiches and drank a beer. It was great. One and done though!

Cheers to you, dear readers. May 2024 excite you, surprise you and be kind to you. I enjoy meeting you here each month.

~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Instagram @LaceyHowell and her Facebook page.

n

ti r a ke M 4 a L to f 202 g n i o Com Spring

Two one of a kind custom homes designed by award winning Khoury Vogt Architects. Homes are located in the exclusive Kennebec Community.

205-601-5445 homesouthbuilders.com

Follow the progress on Instagram and Facebook @homesouthbuilders Lake Martin Living 51