Lake Martin Living Magazine February 2021

Mike Autry one day at a time Heart myths busted Mimi Amerson talks art

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk February is heart health awareness month. As a woman with cardiovascular disease in my family, I am very aware of how drastically everyone can be affected by dis-ease of the heart. You will see me use dis-ease throughout the magazine versus disease because disease simply means to have dis-ease. And I am a firm believer that the way we speak and the association that we give to our words creates our reality.

In this issue, on page 35, I share a family recipe that my grandmother began to make after my grandfather suffered a massive heart attack, which left him with less than a quarter of his heart to live. He was 45 when he had the heart attack, and he lived to be 79. That was a huge accomplishment that came with many lifestyle changes.

On page 16, a group of cardiologists from Russell Medical talk about the myths and realities of heart disease and what you can do to prevent becoming a statistic. Then on page 24, Mike and Vivian Autry share the details of the heart attack he suffered last summer and how it has changed his life. And if that still is not enough heart for you, then stop by Dave Jennings column on page 14 for a good laugh as he relates many heart-centered idioms and puns to the game of golf. I literally laughed out loud reading his column this month. I may have even snorted once or twice.

We also journey into the world of art with Mimi Amerson on page 28 as she shares with us how she chooses her projects and the steps she takes to complete each drawing or painting. And on page 30, Lee Williams gives his expert advice on finances for the year while Lacey Howell delves into cyberspace and shares the most happening information about online dating on page 46.

On page 20, Shane Harris discusses pruning and whether it should even be an option for most plants or trees. He also gives us a "know when" guide that I thought was very helpful, as I am totally green thumb-less.

Before you put down this issue, make sure you have read Susan Foy's article on page 27, called your cardiologist and booked an appointment to get screened. No one, and I mean no one, wants to find out the hard way that they are part of the 85% that will inevitably suffer from some form of heart disease.

As Dr. Foley said, "There are three groups of people in the cardiovascular world. The blessed 15% that will never have a heart-related issue; The half that will find out through a doctor's appointment or a heart attack that they have cardiovascular disease; The 15% that will just drop dead."

The bottom line is, schedule your screening today. Be conscious. Be aware. Be ready. Don't be part of the 50 percent.

Brittany Smith, Editor

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Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Editor Brittany Smith Contributors Kenneth Boone Dave Jennings Lacey Howell Susan Foy Shane Harris Lee Williams Siri Hedreen Darius Goodman Amy Passaretti Betsy Iler Audra Spears Magazine Distribution Manager Erin Burton Creative Services Audra Spears Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Rachel McCollough Marilyn Hawkins Julie Harbin Andy Carr Digital Services Elle Fuller Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

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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IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS 14. FROM THE TEE 20. GARDEN TALK 30. MONEY MATTERS 32. OH SNAP! 35. GOOD EATS 36. LAKE REGION EVENTS 46. CULTURE SHOCK

FEATURES 16. DIS-EASE OF THE HEART Cardiologists at Russell Medical get serious about the myths and realities of cardiovascular disease, and what people can do to keep their hearts healthy and strong.

24. HEART TO HEART Mike Autry thought his heart was strong and healthy. Six bypasses later, he speaks on how his life has drastically changed.

28. FROM PENCILS TO PAINT Mimi Amerson has discovered that illustrating with paint cuts her project time in half, while allowing her to craft unique and intricate details for each graphic.

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AROUND THE AREA

Reeltown Elementary rewarded for high academic performance The Alabama State Department of Education recently recognized Reeltown Elementary School as a part of the 2021 Legislative School Performance Recognition Program.

The program rewards high-performing schools as well as schools that improve their overall annual ranking by at least one letter grade.

Reeltown Elementary will receive $5,000 for moving its ranking from 75 (C) to 88 (B). The reward is funded by Alabama's Education Trust Fund.

"We are very pleased with the work of our staff and students at Reeltown Elementary whose efforts have been recognized as being one of 50 schools from across Alabama to receive this award by the State Department of Education," Tallapoosa County Schools superintendent Raymond Porter said in a statement.

"Staff, students and stakeholders alike should be very proud of this accomplishment."

Reeltown Elementary is one of 50 schools and the only Tallapoosa County school to receive the award. ~Siri Hedreen

Gold, Coker receive scholarships Ruskin Gold and Buster Coker, of the Dadeville High fishing team placed third overall during the first big tournament of the season between Dadeville High and Lake Martin on January 30, 2021.

The boys won $1,000 between the two of them in scholarship money and Hammer fishing rods.

Coach Bradley Beal says they split the $1,000 scholarship down the middle. The tournament also helped the Tigers see what they’re working with for the spring tour.

“Last year we had one of our best years ever,” Beal said. “Due to COVID-19 our season got canceled. We’re real excited to be back and have a season. It’s a really good start.”

The Tigers have three lakes that they fish and will look to qualify for the state tournament based on how they do on those three lakes.

“Everybody helped us get some points,” Beal said.

“Getting that top five finish really helps our team overall individually."

Beal went on to mention how two sixth graders managed to hook a fish as well. With the number of athletes managing to hook fish, the goal for the Tigers is simple.

“We’re hoping to make it to state this year and show off the skills that we have,” Beal said. “Several of the guys are seniors and we want them to keep working hard Tigers Fish On and keep trying to get more Left: Gold and Coker placed third at the Lake and more scholarships.

Martin tournament giving ~Darius Goodman hope to the team as whole this year.

Lake Martin Living 9

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BUSINESS MATTERS

Shake it up!

Alex City Nutrition brings a fresh and healthy perspective to town STORY & PHOTOS BY BRITTANY SMITH

I

n 2020, Michael Ledford found himself gaining weight and at a standstill in his previous job. He decided that he needed something to help with the extra pounds and fatigue, but he also knew it was time to take his career to the next level. As a corporate salesperson for more than 20 years, Ledford had done his fair share of climbing the ladder.

The next feasible step he could see in his future would be to venture out and start his own business.

Ledford had recently begun using a high-energy, lowcalorie supplement called Herbalife. And since he knew how well the products worked, he decided to see if it was worth a business investment.

"I had a good understanding of the products because I was using them, and I just thought where can I put one of these? People need this,” said Ledford.

His friends in Alexander City answered that question quickly and easily for him. Although not originally from Alexander City, Ledford has been a visiting staple here for more than 25 years and has many strong friendships in the area. And when he started toying with the idea of opening a nutrition shop for healthy living teas and shakes, those friends welcomed him with open arms.

“I was talking to a friend one day, and she said, 'Bring it to Alex City. We have nothing like Guilt-Free Deliciousness that here.’ And so, I started Left: At Alex City Nutrition kicking the idea around a bit. all shakes are 240 to 250 calories, Alex City is five hours from including those that seem my home, and while I come to be a guilty pleasure like here all the time, I always go the Mint Chocolate Chip shake back home," Ledford said. that Madison Baker is making; Ledford said he turned to Right: The Strawberry Shortcake prayer for guidance about is tasty, and because it is protein– what to do. The idea seemed based, it makes for a great meal like one he could not pass replacement shake. up, but there were definitely Lake Martin Living 11

challenges that he would face.

“When you start a business, you have to be there. So, I knew it would be a life change,” he said. “Traveling was nothing new to me, but I wanted to be able to work from home and travel. So, I prayed, and it was through prayer that I decided that coming to Alex City is what I needed to do.”

That was when Ledford began his quest for a storefront.

He started researching and procuring interest, space and licenses to setup the business.

“I put my faith in and said , 'let's do it.' I first found two buildings on Main Street and thought that is where I was going to go. But that fell through," he said. “I was beginning to get frustrated. I began to think, – maybe this isn’t where I’m supposed to go. But then, I pulled into this parking lot to make a phone call and get my thoughts together, and there, in the window of this shop, was a sign that said ‘closed.’”

Ledford picked up the phone and called one of his buddies that belongs to the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. He inquired about the building on Broad Street and learned that the previous business was closed.

The owner's lease was up that November. Ledford began to feel as if the tides were turning.

“So, it was just like it was meant to be. The building was available; it needed very little work; and on Nov. 1, 2020, we signed the lease,” said Ledford.

“Then everything took off. I was worried about finding good help. But I didn’t have to. Each of the girls that work

12 Lake Martin Living

here at Alex Drink a shake. Try a tea City Nutrition Above: The owner, Mike Ledford, reached out to is standing in front of the Alexander me looking for a City location on Broad Street. job. I got lucky.

Right: The menu is jam-packed I have a great with healthy and delicious options. group of young, driven women working here. I could not ask for better employees.”

Ledford also shared that the community has been incredibly supportive.

“It’s a great location. We are right down from the local gym here, and so, we get people coming in before and after workouts buying teas and shakes,” he said.

The best part is that the teas and shakes are good for the body offering clean energy, heart health and immune boosters.

The Loaded Teas have just 24 calories and no sugar, but are packed with vitamins, minerals and with a bit of liftoff, clean energy, too.

“Now, if you want all of that, plus some, the Beauty Teas are what you want. They have the same ingredients as the Loaded Teas, but we add collagen for hair, nails and skin to the drink,” Ledford said. “It’s called Beauty Booster, what we add in it, or you could add protein, too. The protein helps with hunger. And for all of those wonderful ingredients in one drink, just tell the girls the name of the drink being ordered and then add on ‘the kitchen sink.’”

Customers can order any loaded tea and make it

a kitchen sink, said Ledford. The customer will get all of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that come in the tea, plus protein and collagen.

The shakes sold at ACN are proteinbased and have very little sugar.

Customers can request toppings on their shakes, and they are made with fresh fruits.

“The only sugar you may encounter in the shakes are toppings – depending on what toppings you want in it – but we try to use everything sugar-free,” said Ledford.

Sugar-free pudding goes into the shakes to add flavor, and some of the fruits have natural sugars. All of the shakes are about 240 to 250 calories each, making each shake a substantial meal replacement.

ACN also offers Rebuild Shakes for those customers who are stopping by after the gym and need a pick-me-up or want to capitalize on the anabolic window, which is the 15 to 60 minute window after a workout where the body works the hardest to absorb nutrients like protein.

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“This drink is important, especially now with COVID-19 because it helps ward off illness and build the different systems in the body,” said Ledford.

Ledford said that if someone wants to order Boost but is worried about the lack of caffeine, just tell the girls to add a little lift-off to the drink for that spark of clean energy.

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For the LOVE of Golf 14 Lake Martin Living

T

his month is always close to my heart because it’s the month our Central Alabama Community College Golf Program begins the spring competitive schedule. February is the month that I was married. My ex-wife was leaning on Valentine’s Day as a choice for our wedding, but I thought that was a bit overboard. She knew how awful I was, especially back then, on remembering dates. I promised her I would not forget February 2. She questionably agreed, and we scheduled it.

She had no idea that it was Groundhog’s Day. Possibly not the most romantic thing I ever did.

Aside from Groundhog’s Day, February is a month when we consider that spring is near and thoughts of love abound. When we think of love, we think of our heart. The word, heart, may have more idioms than any other word that comes to mind. In this month’s article, I will use some of these idioms with the word heart, give their meaning and how they may also apply to golf.

• A big heart: Said of someone kind and loving. In golf, this may be your wife, who allows you to go play a round of golf with your buddies on your wedding anniversary.

• Bare one’s heart: Share one’s feelings or thoughts. “If I ever 4-putt again, ever – I’m going to give my clubs away to the Salvation Army!”

• Break one’s heart: Cause someone emotional distress. "Yes, sir, this is the guy that can’t hit his ball out of his shadow but chips and putts like a bandit and always seems to win the money at the end of the round."

• Cross my heart: said as an oath to assert one's honesty. This term is usually heard from the guy who improved his lie in the fairway but will not admit to moving his golf ball. “I swear I did not touch that ball, cross my heart."

• Eat your heart out: Said mockingly to someone expressing the desire for them to suffer; usually facetious. "No question – this guy's ball bounced off of a rock in the penalty area, onto the green and ended 2 feet from the hole."

• From the heart: Said with sincerity. Having the chance to enjoy a round of golf with a friend whom you admire greatly. “From the heart, this was a great day.”

• Have one’s heart set on: Be obsessed with obtaining. “I had my heart set on playing with you to

get my money back from the last time you stomped me.”

• Have one’s best interest at heart: Doing something for someone else's benefit. Giving up your normal day of playing golf with your friends to spend the day on the course with your kids.

• Heart goes out to: Said in regards to feeling sympathy for someone. “Yea, Jack had it going pretty well today until he hit those two tee shots out of bounds on No. 18. Poor guy still hasn’t broken 80 yet.”

• Heart is in the right place: Said of someone wellintentioned. “I am sorry I sneezed during your swing; this hay fever is driving me crazy. Do you want to hit another one?”

• Heart’s desire: What one wishes deeply for. Please, please Lord, please, let me make this 10-foot putt to shoot 79. I promise I will never miss a Sunday service again.

• Heart skips a beat: Said of someone excited, frightened or surprised. “Man, after I hit that golf ball from the woods and it bounced off that oak tree and was making a beeline at my head, my heart skipped a beat.”

• From the bottom of my heart: Said profoundly.

“Brother, from the bottom of my heart, I would rather win $3 from you on the course than have Kim Bassinger kiss me square on the jaw.”

• Lose heart: To become discouraged. Now honestly, anyone who has played golf for any time at all, who has not been at the lose–heart position, has never tried very hard to improve.

• Heart bleeds for: One is sympathetic. “Haha, my heart bleeds for you brother; you 3-putted the 18th hole again.

Haha, now give me the $5 you lost to me.”

• Heart sinks: One becomes discouraged. “I guess I would be down if I were you, too, Joe. That is the seventh ball you have hit in the lake today.”

• Put your heart into it: Do something with conviction Dave Jennings or enthusiasm. “Billy, you’ve been my partner the last three rounds. If you don’t put your heart into it and get rid of that shank, I am never going to partner up with you again.”

This game is all about heart. If you want to get better, put your heart into it. If you don’t see improvement, don’t lose heart – seek help.

From the Tee

~Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

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HEART Mythss v s e i t i l a e R STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH

D

is–ease of the heart. When one thinks of dis–ease of the heart, a lot can come to mind. It can be scary. It can mean heartbreak. It can mean pain.

In this case, it means cardiovascular disease.

February is American Heart Month, reminding us to do all we can to stay conscious of our heart health.

Over the last decade, there have been leaps and bounds of knowledge acquired about what causes cardiovascular disease. Most of which is very different from what people believed even as little as 20 years ago.

From monitoring blood pressure to holding the hand of a loved one as they are told that they need bypass surgery, it is crucial to be aware of the myths and realities surrounding heart disease, and what you can do to prevent dis–ease of the heart.

High blood pressure Myth #1 is expected with age.

Reality:

Any person at any age can have high blood pressure.

“This myth has never been true, but we used to think it was,” said Dr. W. Ross Davis, Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. “The old rule of thumb was age plus 100 equals systolic pressure, and that would be OK. It turns out since they have done studies on it, we’ve 16 Lake Martin Living

learned that any systolic pressure that is elevated is worse in older people than it is in younger people. Somewhere in our 40s or 50s, the focus on controlling the diastolic pressure switches to controlling the systolic pressure. We do not like seeing systolic pressure above 140, no matter how old you are.”

What you can do: Dr. Kevin Sublett, MD, FACC, said, “Get moving. Walk. Park your car out at the edge of the parking lot every time you go somewhere and get those steps in. You can also lower your stress levels. If you feel yourself becoming stressed out, try something to reduce the stress, such as yoga or meditation.”

Cholesterol can be contained with diet and exercise only.

Reality: According to Dr. Brian Foley, FACC, “High cholesterol calls for

Myth #2

treatment. Only one in six people make it to age 70 without needing some form of preventative care or treatment for their cholesterol. Diet and exercise are to be included in the treatment; however, only about 25% of a person’s diet is dietary, hence the need for cholesterol-lowering medicine.”

What you can do: Choose high-quality, healthy foods, such as a Mediterranean–style diet, and minimize low-quality foods.

Do some form of exercise 25 to 30 minutes a day – that equals 300 minutes a week – and take your medicine, said Sublett.

Heart Disease Myth #3 is only a man's problem.

Reality:

“The No. 1 killer in post-menopausal women is heart disease,” said Foley. “Fifty percent of women in this category die or have heart disease because the production of estrogen begins to slow after menopause.

In young women, estrogen acts as a cholesterol barrier and protects the veins from massive buildup. After menopause, the ovaries shut down the estrogen supply and there is an acceleration of cholesterol buildup that begins to happen.

This buildup causes cardiovascular disease.”

What you can do: “The best answer here is a preventative treatment,” said Foley. “If there is heart disease

in the family history, start treating as soon as possible.”

He also suggests having a coronary calcium score done every 10 years. If the score is above 0 then preventative treatment needs to be started immediately.

Myth If someone has diabetes,

they do not need to worry about cardiovascular disease.

#4

Myth #6

Reality: “Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are directly

related,” said Davis. "High blood sugar affects the microvascular system in the body, which affects the heart and blood vessels. If these vessels become clogged, it can lead to a heart attack, stroke or even death.

“Diabetics have a higher risk of developing all types of heart disease, from heart muscle disease to coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes directly affects the vascular disease, and glycemic control makes it better.” What you can do: As a diabetic, take your medicine regularly and as prescribed. Pay attention to your blood pressure and keep it in check. Those at risk should also make lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and making the switch to natural, organic foods.

If I quit smoking, it will not change anything.

I am still bound to have Myth cardiovascular disease. #

Reality: According to Sublett, “Smoking is an ongoing irritant,

irritation in the vessels begins to dissipate, and within a month or two, the past smoker is way better off than they were while smoking. Now, if someone has smoked for 30 years, they have done a lot of damage. Quitting will not reverse the damage, but it will drastically reduce any chance of the inflammation becoming worse.”

What you can do: Stop smoking to reduce inflammation, and consume a healthy, natural diet.

“One of the things that a healthy, natural diet does is increases the levels of nitric oxide in the blood vessels so that they are more elastic. They function better. They open and close when they need to," Sublett said.

5

which continuously inflames the tissues of the microvascular system within the heart. Because there are so many tiny vessels, they actually make up a larger degree of the blood supply to the heart than the big vessels. If these vessels are inflamed because of smoking and impaired due to cholesterol, then they will not function properly. Smoking also increases the tendency for clots to form. It is a double whammy.”

Foley said, “So, when someone quits smoking, the

A minor heart attack is no big deal.

Reality:

Even a small heart attack can be fatal.

“Most people who die of heart disease die because an injured muscle is dying, and they have not been taking preventative care,” said Foley. “The heart will develop an arrhythmia when the muscle becomes weak or damaged. The arrhythmia causes the heart to stop. In some cases, it may never start again. That seems like a pretty big deal.”

What you can do: Maintain a healthy stress level.

High-stress situations put pressure on the heart and can cause rhythm problems. Avoid over–the–counter medications that can potentially speed up the heart.

Maintain a heart-healthy diet and exercise regime, especially for those who are diabetic. Limit caffeine intake and alcohol, and of course, do not smoke.

Heart disease means take it easy. #7

Myth

Reality: “Exercise is part of treatment for virtually every

type of cardiovascular problem from coronary artery disease to heart failure. Even if someone’s heart does not function very well at all, they can condition the rest of their body with expeditious exercises to whatever their limit is, and it will actually help them feel better,” said Davis.

What you can do: Exercise at your comfort level. Get up and move your body.

Lake Martin Living 17

WINTERTIME IS FAMILY TIME, IS YOUR HEART HEALTHY? The cooler weather means more time with family – whether it’s bundled up outdoors or staying cozy inside.

Make sure your heart is healthy and ready for the season with an appointment at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Russell Medical.

Kevin Sublett, MD, is board-certified in cardiovascular care and offers the latest in prevention, testing, and treatment for keeping your heart healthy.

Our clinic is backed by the knowledge and expertise of UAB Medicine, including: • Advanced ultrasound testing • Nuclear medicine imaging in fully accredited labs • Management of cardiac rhythm disorders • Interventional cardiology care

HEART & VASCULAR CLINIC AT RUSSELL MEDICAL Make an appointment today by calling (256) 234-2644.

3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 • Alexander City, AL 35010 uabmedicine.org/HeartRussell

18 Lake Martin Living

“Russell Medical has a rehabilitation program for cardiac patients that will have them back to their baseline or better by the time they graduate,” said Davis. “Cardio and aerobic exercises are good.

Lifting weights is OK, but we suggest to our patients that they refrain from powerlifting.”

Strokes happen in the brain and not the heart, so I do not have cardiovascular disease.

Reality: “A stroke is in

Myth #8

the brain, but there are several conditions from the heart that can contribute to having a stroke, such as atrial fibrillation, or arrhythmia, lack of blood flow to the brain, which is a cardiopulmonary arrest, or even clots and tumors that form in the heart and go to the brain can cause a stroke, among many more,” said Sublett.

What you can do: Maintain healthy blood pressure; lose weight if you are obese; exercise more; and take your preventative medications.

Refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Learn the symptoms of a stroke.

“The best thing someone can do to prevent cardiovascular disease, stroke or high cholesterol is prevention, prevention, prevention,” said Foley.

Lake Martin Living 19

Pruning 101 Know the right way and the wrong way before planting or pruning

20 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 21

T

Garden Talk

o prune or not to prune? That is the shrub or small tree was unwisely planted always a serious question to ponder way too close to a building or window based on for many homeowners, gardeners, its mature size. In due time, the plant naturally landscapers and property owners. overgrows its limited space.

Many people consider the NO. 1 winter garden The common excuse here is usually, "I did not task to be pruning plants annually. Yet, most do know it was going to get that big." not understand the basic principles of pruning, Crape myrtles destined to be beautiful small its dramatic effects on plants nor the actual trees are whacked back each year or "crapereasons for it. Let’s take a moment to examine murdered" to control their size. Hollies planted this horticulture exploit to provide a better way too close together and charged by the hole understanding of pruning plants. soon consume each other and must be constantly After working as a horticulturist with the sheared back. Large azaleas placed under Extension office for more than 20 years now, it windows have to be trimmed and beaten back is my professional view that most ornamental annually. Many attractive landscape trees have plants really do not need pruning. They by to be butchered and ruined to keep them from far look and perform better if left alone and growing large and getting into utility lines.

Shane Harris untouched. Many homeowners and landscape All these plants should have been planted professionals are mistakenly convinced that elsewhere, or another type or smaller variety annual pruning is the right thing to do and may base this should have been chosen. Poor plant selection and planting urge on outdated horticulture recommendations. blunders do not justify pruning. Such mistakes require more Before pruning any plant, one must have a really valid maintenance and more money that never ends. horticulture supported reason for doing so. Otherwise, all Before selecting a plant and putting it in the ground other motivations to prune, including it being part of a yearly or allowing a professional ritual, are frankly unjustified chores. One could be doing to make the mistake of New Growth more harm to the plant than good. planting it, find out how Previous Page: Prune to rejuventate old plants In reality, the idea of pruning has become mostly a shortlarge it will reach at maturity. and stimulate new growth; term fix or excuse for the real problem – wrong place and Most plants come with Bottom: Very minimal poor plant selection. labels that list mature size pruning or thinning cuts Many people make the mistake of buying and setting out and recommended spacing are needed near buildings a plant and not realizing how large it will get. Or they trust distance. when the correct plants are and pay some professional landscaper to know what they are Many of our favorite plants used; Right: Do not commit doing. now have small and large "crape-murder."

Pruning then becomes a required routine or job because varieties to accommodate

22 Lake Martin Living

any situation. You will do a lot less pruning and correcting mistakes if you do your homework.

If it is necessary to prune a plant, these are some basic pruning rules and guidelines to remember:

Thinning Cuts

Thinning cuts are individual pruning cuts that remove an entire shoot or limb to its point of origin from the main branch. These cuts are made 1/4 above a bud or to a crotch or lateral branch inside the plant's canopy. This method May Rule prevents the normal flush of regrowth and hides the cuts Plants that bloom on a new year’s growth, or after May, from view. Thinning cuts are recommended if pruning and should be pruned in the winter when dormant, during the shaping large-leafed plants months of January like Japanese cleyera, specific to early March. This hollies, gardenias, azaleas includes all hollies, and camellias. Thinning boxwoods, crape cuts are best for maintaining myrtles, most roses woody plants in their and fruit trees.

1. Prune to maintain a plant's size or form while enhancing natural form.

Plants that its beauty and character. Destroying its natural shape and bloom on last year’s Renewal Pruning limiting its growth potential is not aesthetically pleasing. No growth, or before Renewal pruning is a other reason or rule should result in ugly and tacky plants.

May, should be drastic pruning method that 2. Prune to remove deadwood and damage in order to promote pruned after they involves cutting the entire a healthy plant. Act immediately if mechanical, disease or finish blooming, plant back to within 6 to insect damage occurs. as is the case with 12 inches of the ground. If 3. Prune to increase the air and light circulation. This applies camellias, forsythia, and when this is necessary, mainly to fruit production in trees and crops. Pruning helps loropetulam it is best executed in March improve flowering, fruiting and helps prevent diseases. and azaleas. The just before the first spring 4. Prune to direct, confine growth and prevent potential exception to this flush of growth. Typically damage. Correct potential problems such as overlapping and rule is hydrangeas. recommended for most rubbing branches and poor crotch angles.

French and oakleaf roses, some grasses, specific 5. Prune to stimulate new growth. Strategically made cuts can hydrangeas bloom perennials and on occasion, help train new growth, rejuvenate old plants and fill in bare on old wood, so other large plants to control areas. prune after they height or rejuvenate from 6. Prune to increase flower flower. Peegee and damage. Junipers and and/or fruit production or smooth hydrangeas boxwoods should prune to decrease flower bloom on new never be pruned to and fruit production. wood, so prune stubs as they do not Fruit trees and small before new growth have the ability to fruits are trained and or as it begins in the sprout back. heavily pruned annually spring.

Topping to stimulate growth and Local in Effect Cutting back the top flowers for maximum Plant regrowth limbs out of the large production. But the usually occurs shade and pecan trees opposite may be done within 6 inches of is not recommended. on mature plants in any pruning cuts Topping makes trees some cases to limit fruit made. Pruning look ugly. Doing so load and limb breakage. almost always eventually causes stimulates a vigorous sprouts to grow response in growth from the cuts. They are and possible multiple new shoots. Note this fact weakly attached to the tree when wanting to prune to control and limit Topping can also result growth. Routine pruning causes more growth, and thus, in limb decay and dieback. more labor.

The purpose of placing ornamental plants around our homes, landscapes and Heading Cuts businesses are to enhance the beauty and value of those Heading cuts describe random pruning made anywhere properties. Allowing, hiring and performing wrong and ugly along a stem or branch, typically done to control height and pruning destroys those benefits and ultimately harms the shape a plant. plants we cherish. Take time to educate yourself, so you will Commonly performed as shearing, as done with hollies know when to prune and when to not. and boxwoods, heading cuts remove the terminal portion of For help on other home and garden questions, contact the shoots or limbs and trigger many buds left behind to break local county Extension office or visit us at www.aces.edu. dormancy and grow. This pruning technique is used to force branching or more dense regrowth. ~Shane Harris is the County Extension Coordinator for Tallapoosa County.

Basic Reasons for Pruning Plants

Lake Martin Living 23

Heart 2 Heart Dadeville's Mike Autry thought his heart was strong and healthy STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & COURTESY OF VIVIAN AUTRY

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n the morning of July 29, Mike Autry did not heart attack!’ I jumped out of bed and found the baby feel well. He had been tired all summer. He aspirin. I’m not even sure how many I gave him, two, chalked it up to working hard. Autry had no three, maybe four. But I call that a God moment because idea that within the next 24 hours his whole that aspirin is what got us to the emergency room in life would change.

Alexander City.”

When he came home Vivian almost took early that evening, red flags Autry back to LMCH but went up for his wife, Vivian. decided to go on to Russell “Mike didn’t come home Medical in Alexander City early from work, especially because of the league of when he was busy. I knew cardiologists that work with something was off,” she said. the University of Alabama “His jaw was hurting, and at Birmingham at Russell his neck was hurting, but we Medical. She knew it was didn’t think of that being a risky because it was a farther symptom of a heart attack.” drive, but she followed her By that night, the level instinct and went to Russell of discomfort and pain was Medical. almost unbearable, and “When we got there, Autry told Vivian that he they did another EKG, thought they should go to but the numbers were still the hospital. good. They told me that “He said, ‘I may be having they would keep him there a heart attack,'” Vivian to monitor him and that I recalls. should go home. They said So they got into the car they would call if anything and went to the Lake Martin changed. So, I went home,” Community Hospital. The she said. staff got him right into Not even 30 minutes later, the emergency room, did Vivian received a phone call several tests and gave him an – Autry had a massive heart EKG. When the EKG came attack while waiting to be Breathe Well back normal, they sent him Above:Autry had to take breathing treatments admitted. She jumped right home. to rid his lungs of mucus and bacteria that caused back in her car and drove “They thought it could be him to catch pnuemonia after his heart surgery; back to Alexander City. bad heartburn or a hineddle Right: Autry is enjoying one of his favorite pastimes, “Dr. Sublett saved his life,” pre–fishing for an OGS fishing tournament. hernia. So, we went home,” she said. “He put in a balloon said Vivian. “Then at 3 to push the blockage away, a.m. Mike sat straight up in bed and said, ‘I’m having a and they gave him a lot of blood thinner to help. Thank

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Lake Martin Living 25

God Mike was at the hospital already because he wouldn’t have made it if he wasn’t.”

Another God moment that Vivian recalls is that Sublett wasn’t supposed to be at work yet. The day all of this happened, a new coffee shop was opening at the hospital, and Sublett went in early to support the business and grab a cup of coffee.

“After Sublett performed the surgery, they put Mike in an ambulance and told me to follow them to UAB where he would have a triple bypass surgery,” Vivian said.

They told her that because of the COVID-19 restrictions, she would be the only person allowed in with Autry, and once she was in, she was there to stay.

“I went in to that hospital with the clothes I had on my back and my purse,” she said. “And we were there in the ICU for three days before he was able to have his operation.”

Dr. Clifton Lewis, was Autry’s surgeon at UAB. When it came time for the surgery, Lewis thought it would take three to four hours, and they would have to do three to four bypasses.

“At two and half hours, Dr. Lewis came into the waiting room looking for me. All I could think was it’s too soon, and I almost hit my knees. But Dr. Lewis told me Mike was fine. I was so relieved and grateful,” Vivian said.

Lewis did six bypasses on Autry. Out of 1,000 surgeries in one year that he performed, only two were more than

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four bypasses, and Autry’s was one of the two. They had to remove a vein the length of Autry’s leg to do the bypasses, but Lewis told Vivian that the surgery was easy because Autry was in such great shape.

After the surgery, Autry had a bit of a tough time suffering from thrash and pneumonia, which is very common after heart surgery. But then he threw a blot clot in his leg, and by day three or four, he was stiff and sore.

The hospital gave him a pillow that the nurses and doctors call the heart pillow. They had him use it anytime he needed to move, cough or sneeze.

“The pillow helped a lot more than I thought it would,” said Autry.

“Every time I would complain, the nurses would say, ‘Where’s your heart pillow?’ They were right. It helped.”

Within a month of the surgery, Autry was beginning to feel like himself again. He is an avid fisherman and is back to his old ways.

When he isn’t at work, Clean and Pain-Free which is very physical, The VAC System was used on Autry's chest or with the family, he is on the boat. to close the surgical incision after the surgery.

“I like to golf, too, It did not require staples but I’m still a little sore and peeled right off, nine sometimes. So, I haven’t days later. gone back to golfing yet,” he said.

Vivian gives a hat off to UAB. “They are phenomenal,” she said. “And Dr. Sublett saved Mike’s life. We really enjoy having him as our cardiologist.”

Autry attended cardiac rehab at Russell Medical six weeks after his surgery. Cardiac rehab is a program set up for only cardio patients at certain times of the day.

“The nurses are there, and they help with everything,” said Autry.

He credits this program for having him back on his feet so soon.

“I’ve never been to the doctor so much in my life,” Autry said. “This has definitely been a life-changing experience.”

Don’t Skip a Beat!

Heart Screenings Available During February

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Medical News

ou’re the typical middle-aged type of heart disease in the United States is American. You lead an active coronary artery disease, which affects the lifestyle. You work hard and play blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood hard. You try to eat right, exercise flow can cause a heart attack. regularly and keep the stress level at a Sometimes heart disease may be moderate range. You are aware of the risk “silent” and not diagnosed until a person factors for heart disease and realize that experiences signs or symptoms of a heart with your family’s history, you are at a attack, heart failure or an arrhythmia. When higher risk for developing it yourself. these events happen, symptoms may include How can you arm yourself with • Heart attack: chest pain or discomfort, information and preventive measures? upper back or neck pain, indigestion, During American Heart Month, Russell heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme Medical offers three important heart fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness screenings to help assess changes in the and shortness of breath heart, including calcium-score screening • Arrhythmia: fluttering feelings in the Susan Foy heart tests. The test involves a non-invasive chest (palpitations) CT scan that provides enhanced 3D images • Heart failure: shortness of breath, of the heart to detect calcium deposits found fatigue, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, in the atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. abdomen or neck veins CT scans, such as this one, are the most sensitive High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol approaches to early detection of coronary artery disease and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. before symptoms develop. This screening tool takes Additional medical conditions and lifestyle choices just a few minutes to conduct. A copy of the test will be can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, sent to one of the four cardiologists on staff at Russell including Medical, in addition to the patient’s primary care • Diabetes physician. The cost is $90 and is not covered by health • Overweight and obesity insurance, as it is a screening.

• Unhealthy diet Another simple yet, important test is the stroke • Physical inactivity prevention ultrasound screening for $75. This carotid • Excessive alcohol use artery ultrasound can spot the subtle thickening due Uncontrolled high blood pressure, or hypertension, to plaque on the artery walls that can lead to stroke. is dangerous and far too common. High blood pressure In addition, Russell Medical also offers a limited usually has no signs or symptoms, but it does have echocardiogram screening, which uses sound waves consequences. The only way to know if you’re at risk (ultrasound) to generate 3D moving images of the heart for high blood pressure is to know your numbers. The to assess the chambers and valves and tell how well the optimum number is 120/80. Be proactive with your heart muscle and heart valves are functioning. The cost health, and see your doctor for regular checkups. for this screening is $125.

Russell Medical is proud to have four Cardiologists To schedule and register for these screenings, contact on its medical staff: Dr. Ross Davis, Dr. John Deering, Russell Medical scheduling at 256-329-7826. Please Dr. Brian Foley and Dr. Kevin Sublett. For additional note that these are screening tests and not covered by information regarding our heart screenings or insurance. Appointments are required, and payments cardiologists, call the physician referral line at 256-329for the screenings must be made prior to the tests.

7149.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us that the term “heart disease” refers to ~Susan Foy is the marketing director for Russell several types of heart conditions. The most common Medical.

Lake Martin Living 27

Mimi Amerson

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Local Lake Martin Artist

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

hough her large canvases have won the Lake Martin Living Art & Photography contest three times, Mimi Amerson does not think of herself as an artist.

“I consider myself more of an illustrator than an artist because I need a reference to work from. I need to see it,” said Amerson, who retired at Lake Martin with her husband, Larry, after a career in graphic design.

Amerson’s Crab Basket painting took first place in the art category of the magazine’s annual art and photography contest last October. Double Strut, her exquisitely detailed colored pencil drawing of turkeys won the contest in 2015, and another colored pencil drawing of green-winged teals took the title in 2017.

The Goats of Lake Martin, another large painting, took the People’s Choice award in 2018.

“I like birds and fish,” Amerson said. “I just really like the iridescence of the scales and feathers. And I like the palette of rust, brown and teals.”

Amerson first showed artistic talent in kindergarten. Her teacher then told Amerson’s mother that the child had a gift for art when the people in Amerson’s drawings showed perception.

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“The other kids were drawing stick people, but mine had two lines for the necks,” Amerson said.

It was junior high school when she had her first opportunity to explore art, as that was the first school she attended that had an art program. In high school, she took private art lessons, and it was only natural that she undertook an art-oriented major when she entered college at the University of Georgia.

“I majored in graphic design because my father wanted me to be able to get a job when I finished college, and art was not a reliable major for finding employment,” Amerson explained. “Even with the graphic design degree, I couldn’t find a job right away. I sold cars for a while until I got on with the phone company – in advertising.”

She worked for several years as the art director at Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., in Ashland in the 1990s. But Larry had a job that took them out of the area until they returned when he retired; however, it was at the University of Georgia that Amerson developed her pencil work, starting with the addition of just a touch of colored pencil in her drawings. Before long, she was incorporating more color, and eventually, she converted to using colored pencils exclusively.

Pencils and Paints

Amerson loves painting or drawing wildlife, but mainly birds and fish, because they are vibrant in color and they always teach her something new.

While living in the Dadeville area the first time, she took art lessons with Cheeko Douglas once a week with a group of other ladies.

“Those three hours every week with Cheeko were amazing,” she said.

To fuel her subject matter, Amerson visited a bird show in Montgomery and took photographs of egrets, cockatoos and blue herons. She works in a 25-square-foot corner of the living room in her condo and draws her subjects from the prints that she takes. Her paint cabinet is a converted portable bar, and these days, she uploads her photos onto an iPad, which better depicts the colors and dimensional effects of the wildlife.

“I also can enlarge the photos on the iPad to better see the details,” she explained as she used the technology to sketch the outline of an octopus on an aged nautical chart.

“I don’t like to do the backgrounds, so I’ve started putting the animals on charts. Larry and I lived on a sailboat for a while, and we used a lot of charts. I order them and soak them in tea to age them,” she said.

While she does not accept commissions, Amerson said she has started to sell some of her early works to make more room on the walls of the condominium.

“I don’t have any more space for the new things I am doing,” she said.

Her works are attractively on display throughout the home, with a bright orange octopus on a wall in a bathroom – one of her first pieces done on a map chart. She painted a fish on a palm frond that hangs above a door and another on an old

board she found.

Recently, she began painting the graphics on large pine boards that Larry has cut in silhouettes of oceangoing fish, adding some details in the fins. She soon will start on a life-sized red snapper.

It takes about 400 hours to complete a colored pencil canvas of detailed birds. So, Amerson has started to paint her wildlife, which allows her to finish a piece inside of 100 hours.

She uses a variety of craft paint colors in lieu of true artistquality paints, she said.

“I like the colors,” said Amerson, who after using a collection of some 200 colored pencils appreciates the availability of a ready color spectrum without having to mix them herself.

She particularly enjoys painting birds and fish because she likes to learn about them.

“When you paint them, you learn a lot about them,” she said. “The anhinga has no oil on its wings, which is what allows other birds to come right out of the water and fly. The anhinga has to wait for its wings to dry before it can fly, so it perches on a branch with its wings open.

“When I painted the crabs that were in last year’s magazine art contest, I learned that crabs with red claws are female and those with blue claws are male.”

Looking forward to her next line of subjects, Amerson said she may turn to succulents, as their shapes, shallow spaces and graphics appeal to her.

Lake Martin Living 29

Grabbing the bull by the horns

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his time each year people always ask, “What do you think looks like. the market will do this year?”

Next, I would look at its competitive advantages and then My answer most of the time is, "If I knew the answer get into the numbers. If the numbers made sense and the other to this question, I would be a fortune teller and not a boxes checked out, I would buy it. wealth manager."

I would not buy the business unless I knew I was getting The truth is, I do not know what this year, or any year, for more than I was giving, all the way around. When someone that matter, will look like financially. I see a lot buys a stock, it is the same concept: They are of projections regularly from great managers. buying a piece of a business.

Talking to those same managers, they say that the Great businesses evolve, disrupt and maybe numbers will get revised multiple times, which is a at some point, get disrupted no matter who is complicated way of saying, "We do not know." president, and where interest rates are or where Being this is letter season for money managers, the national debt is. There is always a reason I have been busy reading a lot. One manager who not to invest. I prefer to have clients aligned I follow and have quoted recently is Bill Miller. He with managers who are buying ownership in has been around a long time and has a fabulous businesses, and evaluating their investment long-term record. Recently in an article, he was decisions accordingly. The future is just too hard to discussing market forecasting. In his letter, he says predict for the market as a whole. that he has noted before that just understanding Aligning your interest with great companies, what is going on now is preferable to try to guess managed by great managers and CEOs, in my what will happen in the unknown future. Miller opinion, makes the most sense as opposed to goes on to say that now we are in a bull market in trying to predict the future. stocks that began in March 2009 and shows no So, I am not sure how 2021 will work out for the Lee Williams signs of ending. The current state of the market market. I do believe that the fundamentals exist for is optimistic with a solid recovery underway. a good stock market but economics change.

Corporate profits will be higher in 2021, inflation will stay low I am more excited about being a part-owner of businesses and the Federal Reserve will continue to provide significant trying to disrupt, gain market share and grow profitability. liquidity. What all of this means is that for now, the support for Whether the market recognizes this today, tomorrow or in stocks in 2021 is good.

2021 is not my focus.

Recently, I was on a call with a very well-known manager who Warren Buffett was responsible for helping start around ~Lee Williams offers products and services using the following 50 years ago. During the call, this manager was discussing business names: Nowlin & Associates - insurance and financial businesses he owns and why he owns them. The common services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member themes were the quality of the businesses and the management FINRA/SIPC - securities and investments | Ameritas Advisory teams that they have in place – especially when the CEOs are Services (AAS) - investment advisory services. AIC and AAS are top in class and aligned with shareholders. When you partner not affiliated with Nowlin & Associates. with great CEOs, the surprises tend to be good.

The point in all of this is you are a part-owner of a business when you own stocks. If you partner with great businesses, run by great managers, the ability to manage and avoid potholes in the future is higher than average.

I am comfortable with this way of thinking. If I were buying a local business, most likely, the first thing I would look at is who is managing it and what the team around that person

MONEY MATTERS

Charge Forward

Italian artist, Arturo Di Modica awarded America the Wall Street Bull as a kind of Christmas gift in 1989. It was in response to the 1987 stock market crash.

He called this bull a symbol of the "strength and power of the American people."

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OH SNAP! 1

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Karaoke at JR's Sports Bar & Grill Thursday, January 28, 2021 Alexander City 1. Lexi Smith and Neil Smith 2. Chris Rainwater 3. Alex and Kristie Godoy-Trejo, Lila Rainwater, and Kambree Milam 4. Donna Robbins and Jeremy Whaley 5. Amanda Smith, Char Leonard, Michelle Machado, Mona Hamilton, Jeff Rhodes, and Jonathan Sherum 6. Dorthea Thomas and Courtnie Perry 7. Louanne Duffey, Steven Tyson, Daniel Jackl, Neil Smith, Mike Rickert, and Holly Litsey 8. Carlee Tapley, Sam, Melissa, Ben, and Cameron Willis, Melissa and Gary Tapley, and Tommy Tate

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Russell Medical Health Partners of New Site Ribbon Cutting Friday, February 5, 2021 New Site 1. Talmadge East and Matt Fisher 2. Betty Carol Graham, Talmadge East, Cory Clark, Cara Tidwell, Amy Jones, and Holly Williams 3. Abby Guy, Mack and Fran Clayton, Randy Dawkins 4. Mrs. Boyd 5. Sarah Beth Gettys, Laura Adams, Misty Anderson, and Donna Carter 6. Lori Corley, Sheri Rollins, and Barbara Sokol 7. Dr. Justin Vines, Joanna, Sophia, and Harrison

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OGS Fishing Tournament Saturday, February 6, 2021 Wind Creek State Park 1. Stanley Wilson 2. Brandon, Lynn and Robbie Pritchard 3. Bella Robinson 4. Eric Deering, Jim Laster, Kevin Dunahoo and Allen Bryan 5. Joel Smith 6. Raelynn and Kate Minix

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GOOD EATS

Heart Healthy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Ingredients

1 cup thinly sliced red onion 4 medium juicy tomatoes cut into 8 wedges 1 E nglish cucumber, partially peeled making a striped pattern 1/2 cup coarsely chopped green pepper 6 medium, pitted whole ripe olives 3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped 3 tablespoons olive oil A pinch of kosher salt

Directions

Cut the red onion in half and thinly slice it into halfmoons. Cut the tomatoes into wedges. Cut the partially peeled cucumber in half, length-wise, then slice into thick halves.

Chop the bell pepper into coarse chunks and the basil into fine shards. Place everything in a large salad dish. Add a good handful of pitted olives. Season very lightly with kosher salt, just a pinch, and a bit of dried oregano. Pour the olive oil and red wine vinegar all over the salad. Mix gently, as this salad is not meant to be handled too much. Then put the feta cheese on top and add the rest of the dried oregano.

Best if served with grilled or baked chicken, lamb chops or a Greek burger, or baked cod, grouper, lemon garlic salmon or salmon burgers.

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Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

12th Annual Russell Forest Run

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t's that time of year again. People from all over the U.S. are traveling to participate in the 12th Annual Russell Forest Run at Lake Martin on Feb. 27, 2021.

This fundraiser helps the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation raise money for local schools while allowing runners to have a little fun, too.

From start to finish, the Russell Forest Run measures 10K and carries runners over rolling hills on the sand, clay, and gravel roads designed for bicycles and electric cars. The scenic route starts at Russell Crossroads, takes runners near Kob’s Knob, up to Heaven Hill, and back to the finish line at Russell Crossroads. Following the 7:45

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a.m. 10K, there will be a 5K run at 7:55 a.m.

For those who cannot join in person, there is a virtual component this year. The virtual race is a timed run– anywhere event. You will need to complete the full 5K or 10K distance during one activity, not multiple combined activities. Times will be accepted beginning Feb. 20 to Feb. 27, 2021. Times will be automatically updated by downloading the RaceJoy phone app, or you can visit the results page to manually enter times.

More details are available, and registration is now open at russellforestrun.com

LAKE REGION EVENTS Feb. 20

Lake Martin Preview Run

There will be a course preview run for the Lake Martin 100 on Saturday, February 20th. The run will start promptly at 7:30 a.m., at the Artist Cabin in Russell Crossroads, location of the LM100 race start and finish.

There is no charge for the preview run and it is open to everyone. This is not an organized run or race, and there is no registration. Just show up and run. Everyone running must sign a Russell Land's Liability Waiver and Membership Registration Form before entering the trail system. For more information or to download the forms, visit www.southeasterntrailruns.com/ lake-martin-100.html

Feb. 21

Second Annual Wedding & Event Expo

The Mitchell House in Dadeville once again will host this vendor fair event that will help local brides and event planners to complete all the details in one place at one time. Visit one of the lake areas most beautiful and historic venues from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to meet with florists, decorators, wedding planners, caterers, cake bakers and more. Tickets are $10, and the expo benefits the Lake Martin Area United Way.

February 22-23

Driving Miss Daisy ACT II Auditions

Alexander City Theatre II will hold open auditions for Alfred Uhry's classic play Driving Miss Daisy from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 216 Tallapoosa St., Alexander City. There are parts for two men and one woman. This heartwarming, sometimes funny 1988 Pulitzer Prize-winning script begins just prior to the Civil Rights movement and tells the 25-year story of a rich, sharp-tongued Jewish widow and her thoughtful, dignified and good-natured Black driver as the two learn to respect and appreciate each other. Socially distanced outdoor performances are scheduled for the end of April. Call director Karen Kison at 256-212-1486 for more information.

February 27

Wildlife Presentation

Marianne Hudson, the Russell Lands On Lake Martin Naturalist, will give a free presentation from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. about what the wildlife is wearing these days: fur, feathers or antlers. Hudson will examine the features that wildlife uses to meet its needs and also discuss the ways that humans take advantage of these accessories for their own use.

There is no charge for this program.

For more information, contact Hudson at naturalist@russelllands.com or call 256-496-2710.

March 6

Meeting of the MOPARS

The Phillip Love’s annual Meeting of the MOPARS will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum in honor of our first Curator Phillip Love.

This event is held annually on the first Saturday in March. It’s an open cruise-in of all MOPARS and MOPAR as well as muscle car enthusiasts. The museum is open to the public to come and visit.

March 20-21

The Lake Martin 100

100 & 50 Mile Endurance Races & 27 Mile Fun Run. All races start at 6:45 a.m. at Russell Crossroads. The race is run entirely in the Russell Forest Trail System. Lake Martin 100 is destined to become the standard for running your first 100, 50 or Ultra. For more infomation or to register, go to https:// www.southeasterntrailruns.com/lakemartin-100.html.

Season-long Events Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

Volunteers in Alexander City and Dadeville are encouraged to participate in community partnership cleanups.

In Alexander City, cleanups are held on the third Saturday of the month. Meet at Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City.

For additonal information, contact

Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@ alexandercitychamber.com.

In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the first Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site. For more information, contact Dianna Porter at 256-750-0075.

$20 on the 20th

The Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber asks our community to spend $20 on the 20th of each month to help our local economy.

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin exhibit is on display all year long at the Alexander City Board of Education building, located at 375 Lee St.

Bingo at Niffer’s on the Lake

Every Tuesday, Niffer’s hosts bingo night at 6 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.

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, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. 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. For information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

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.

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LAKE REGION EVENTS 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. For more information, call 334-857-2008.

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.

Open Studio

The Artists Association of Central Alabama meets from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Senior Center and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays

at the Dadeville Senior Center on Columbus St. Beginners are welcome, and there is no charge for open studios.

For more information, call June Dean at 334-301-5317.

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.

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 information, email Ron McDaniel at ronmcd416@gmail.com.

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.

To have your upcoming event featured in Lake Martin Living magazine’s Lake Region Calendar of Events, submit details by the 15th of prior month to brittany.smith@ alexcityoutlook.com.

2 2 READERS’

CHOICE

$90

38 Lake Martin Living

We invite you to live a luxurious golf lifestyle at The Yards, our newest community at National Village The Yards, a must-see collection of 21 cottages, is now open at National Village along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Auburn-Opelika, Alabama. You will fall in love with these new construction homes within a controlled access neighborhood with sidewalks and community gardens designed by WAS. The home plans for the cottages are designed by national award winner Larry Garnett and feature inviting porches. Best of all, The Yards is adjacent to the Marriott at Grand National and all of the resort amenities including spa, pickle ball, tennis, and pool. Schedule a tour by calling 334.749.8165 or visit NationalVillage.com.

TO LEARN MORE VISIT NATIONALVILLAGE.COM OR CALL 334.749.8165

Lake Martin Living 39

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

280

18

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

14

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

Flint Hill Church

22

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Pleasant Grove Church

25

11

9

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

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Smith Landing Willow Point

6

Seman

4 Camp Kiwanis

9

10 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

Stillwaters

19 5

7 2

Union Landing

Ba

22 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

22

Walnut Hill

y

20 24

80

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

8 63 17 9

Equality

231

16

57

12 24

Dade

280

26

Liberty Church

20

Jacksons Gap

23

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

15

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck

11 Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

40 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUN

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

hoe Bend nal Park

eville

ON NTY

20 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

5 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

21 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

7 Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

22 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

Camp Hill

88 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 9 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 10 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

50

11 Acapulco Mexican Grill 334-283-2725 2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078 12 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com 280

Business & Shopping Waverly

50

19 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

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

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Restaurants & Venues

CHAMBERS COUNTY

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

Hotels & Lodges

Churches

23 Lake Pointe Baptist Church

8352 AL-50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293

Dock Builders 24 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 25 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation & Entertainment 26 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

13 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850 14 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 15 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

13

16 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

LEE COUNTY

17 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka 14

Notasulga 85 81

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-414-3174. Space is limited.

Lake Martin Living 41

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

ATTENTION READERS: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic some of our distribution locations have changed. This month, you may pick up the most recent issue of Lake magazine at the following locations. If you are ordering take out from any of the restaurants listed below or delivery from any of these groceries, request your free copy of Lake magazine with your order.

ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Valley National Bank - 280 Carlos The Body Shop Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Wine Emporium CACC Cloud Nine Shay Aesthetics Piggly Wiggly JR's Downtown Girl Russell Do It Center City Hall Dylan Johnson-Country Financial Chamber of Commerce Hillabee Towers Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Mainstreet Family Care First Insurance Dark Insurance Warren Appliance Grace's Flowers Koon's Korner Marathon - Cherokee Larry's General Merchandise & Grocery Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark Jackson Drugs Alfa BB&T Bank Alex City Marine Valley Bank Main Mortgage Pro AllState Daylight Donuts Hometown Pharmacy Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance Re/Max Around the Lake

North Lake Condo River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design King's Furniture Jim Bob's Chicken Fingers Longleaf Antique Mall Jameson Inn Winn Dixie Regions Bank American Inn Russell Medical Center Citgo Hampton Inn Koons II Tallapoosa Ford Days Inn Holley's Home Furniture Jackson's Refrigeration, LLC. Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que Russell Home Decor Jet Pep Comfort Inn Holman Floor Satterfield Inc. A & E Metal Wind Creek (Gate) Wind Creek (Store) Smith Marina on Lake Martin Willow Point (Office) Willow Point Country Club Catherine's Market Badcock Home Furniture Springhouse Restaurant Ridge Club Ridge Marina Kowaliga Marina Sunrise Docks Kowaliga Restaurant Russell Lands Corporate Office Russell Lands Real Estate Sales Center Children's Harbor Love Lake Martin Real Estate Office HACKNEYVILLE Hackneyville Water Authority OPELIKA Collaboration Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Charles Borden Real Island Marina Southern Star Parker Marina

ECLECTIC Nails Lake Martin Marine South Lake Breeze Realty Mitchell's Upholstery Lake Martin Mini Mall Lake Martin Dock Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Cozumel 1st Community Bank Johnson Furniture Eclectic Public Library WOW Catering LLC Kickin Chicken DADEVILLE Sigger's Barber Shop American Watersports Raining Dogs Bay Pines Marina Siggers Alabama Power Dadeville Public Library City Hall Dadeville Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Home Plate Cafe Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's TMP Construction Dadeville Chamber of Commerce Farmers & Merchants Bank Store 34 Jim's Pharmacy Shell 280 Root 49 Salon Poplar Dawgs Still Waters Country Club Still Waters Residential Association Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Marina Oskar's Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Niffer's Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Nursery Lakeside Mercantile Fusion Grill At the Beauty Shop Chuck's Marina Tallapoosa Nutrition

Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins Nannie Bells Cart & Catering CAMP HILL Lake Martin Pecan Company TITUS Kim's Corner MILLBROOK/PRATTVILLE Gene Jones Insurance Stone & Britt, LLC Millbrook City Hall Millbrook Chamber 1st Community Bank YMCA - Prattville SLAPOUT Lake Pharmacy Boy's Store Austin Flowers WETUMPKA Wetumpka Chamber Hampton Inn Russell Do It Center City of Wetumpka - Administrative Building Hog Rock BBQ Holley Mart WInd Creek Casino Convenience Store Wind Creek Wetumpka 1st Community Bank Valley Bank Brandt Wright Realty Jackson Thornton BB&T Bank Must Stop Cafe Emerald Mountain Store Bumpers Store Busch's Grocery Wetumpka YMCA Friendship Grocery TALLASSEE Marathon Tallassee Chamber Hilltop Grocery Road Runner Cozumel Tallassee Public Library True Value Hardware Walmart Red Hill Gallery Tallassee Eagle State Farm Dr. Parris Mullins Jr. O.D. Guardian Credit Union Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $25 per year.

To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

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

n The Wetumpka Herald

n The Record

n The Tallassee Tribune

n Lake Magazine

n The Eclectic Observer

n Lake Martin Living

n Elmore County Living

42 Lake Martin Living

Next Move: Find the Best Insurance

Locally Owned & Operated since 1998 liveoakagency.com

334.285.2881

4791 Main Street Millbrook, AL 36054

Lake Martin Living 43

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

Liveoak Agency, Inc........................................................................... 4 3

A&O Tree Service............................................................................... 2 6

National Village................................................................................. 3 9

Alexander Landscaping ....................................................................... 8

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery..................................................... 5

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

Prime Home Health.............................................................................. 8

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

Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6

C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 3 8

Rhonda Gaskins, C21 Lake Area Realty................................................ 3

Coosa Valley MRI............................................................................... 4 5

River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 5

DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 5

Romar Construction........................................................................... 4 5

Four Seasons..................................................................................... 4 5

Russell Medical.................................................................................. 4 8

George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 6

Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance............................................... 4 5

Singleton Marine................................................................................. 2

Heritage South Credit Union.............................................................. 1 9

Southern Sash................................................................................... 4 3

Hinson Galleries................................................................................. 3 1

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

Jim DeBardelaben................................................................................ 8

Surgical Dermatology Group.............................................................. 4 3

Jim's Pharmacy.................................................................................. 3 8

Tallapoosa County Board of Education............................................... 4 7

Kowaliga Whole Health..................................................................... 4 5

Tallassee Health & Rehab................................................................... 4 3

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 13, 45

TowBoatUS........................................................................................ 3 8

Lake Martin Signature Construction................................................... 3 1

UAB Heart & Vascular........................................................................ 1 8

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

44 Lake Martin Living

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 harold.cochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

COOSA VALLEY

MRI

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Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing, but nobody else does.

CALL US! 548 Cherokee Road • Alexander City, AL

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Lake Martin Living 45

I

Swipe left or right?

n 2021, are you swiping right? When it comes to matters of the heart, love in the time of COVID-19 is challenging at best. The 1970s introduced mail order brides, kiss.com was the first online site in 1994, but match.com followed quickly in 1995, founded by Gary Kremen. Eharmony came onto the scene as an early 2000s platform. Modern dating is changing, and if you are in the game, you need to know the new rules.

Here are the top dating apps of 2021 (in no particular order): • Tinder • Hinge • Facebook (is poking still a thing?)

• Elate • Happn • Taimi • Bumble • Inner Circle The common thread among all of the apps is you create your profile. Use a great photo of yourself. Do not take a selfie. In fact, a professional headshot says, "I have a real job."

Then proceed to highlight your Lacey Howell career and personal interests. Be honest here, and make sure to post a recent picture. Do not post a five-year-old photo. Keep it real.

Subscribers are able to set their preferences, including age bracket and geographic range. I personally feel that 60 miles is a reasonable radius, and age is just a number. My new mantra is to ask someone how old they feel versus how old they are.

You then chat or text within the app until you elect to exchange phone numbers.

Tinder was one of the first dating apps. It launched back in 2012. Then in 2014, I was working in Austin, Texas, at South by Southwest, a music/tech festival, for Wickles Pickles. We walked by the Tinder party, and the line was out the door.

Hinge markets itself as the app that is designed to be deleted, and says that three out of four dates lead to a second date. I took a poll amongst single friends, and they all feel like Hinge is the hot app at the moment; although, we did not have a personal success story to share with you. Tinder on the other hand, is still free, and you know what they say – you get what you pay for.

The ladies I know are avoiding Tinder and mingling on Hinge and Bumble.

Bumble remains incredibly popular because it puts women in the driver's seat. Women have to make the first move and initiate the conversation. Bumble also offers Bumble Bizz for business connections and Bumble BFF, a platform to make new friends in your area.

Taimi is one of the largest social platforms for the LGBTQ+ community, boasting nearly 9 million users. It has a wide

Culture Shock

46 Lake Martin Living

range of features that help users find both friendships and relationships through Finder. Users can share thoughts, ideas and stories through Digest; there is a whole host of different ways the LGBTQ+ community can enjoy Taimi’s platform. One of the main goals of this app is safety.

I do think sharing a common lifestyle is a big factor in any successful relationship. You have to have a few things in common. I never bought the "opposites attract" tagline. Seeing as how our readership is here in rural Alabama, I must mention the Farmer's Only app as well.

From its site: What is FarmersOnly? FarmersOnly.com was founded in 2005 to help single farmers, ranchers and other countryminded folks with down-to-earth values to find love in the United States and Canada. It now boasts many millions of members, countless successful relationships and several weddings every week of the year.

Jerry Miller founded FarmersOnly.com after a divorced farm owner complained to him about a lack of like-minded people to date. Jerry then spent six months researching singles in farming communities. "I kept hearing the same thing: 'I know everybody in my church, everybody at the store, but I go on these big dating sites, and they just don't understand the lifestyle.'" That's when FarmersOnly developed its tagline, “City folks just don’t get it.” Ask anyone out in the country and they’ll tell you that they agree. FarmersOnly.com launched in 2005 and quickly became the leading dating site for farmers, ranchers, and good ol’ country folk to meet like-minded people.

The ultimate takeaway to online dating is to be safe. Make sure someone you know and trust knows where you are going on your date and who you are meeting. Even better, take them with you and offer to do a double date. A person that is not cool with that sends up a red flag anyway.

Maybe we should start LakeMartinOnly.com because I definitely do not think everyone understands the lifestyle!

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

Lake Martin Living 47