Lake Magazine February 2022

LAKE MARTIN ALABAMA EDITION

LAKE

The Bridal Issue

FEBRUARY 2022 LAKEMAGAZINE.LIFE FEBRUARY 2022

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Letter from the Editor

Staff

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ortunately, even a global pandemic could not stand in the way of love, as this month’s issue of Lake magazine attests.

Couples still fell for each other at the lake, proposed and said ‘Yes!’ and tied the knot at Lake Martin’s spectacular venues. The area has become so popular as a wedding destination that off-the-lake settings have sprung up as well. From charming historic houses to outdoor chapels, country club venues and lakeside back yards, this issue features just a few of the lake area’s beautiful weddings of 2021.

Among them is our cover bride and groom, Mary Grace Staples McDonald and her husband, Ross. Their delightful story on page 54 began with a last minute introduction on the last day of school at University of South Alabama, but once the connection was made, they kept it alive through phone calls and texts until Ross visited Mary Grace at the lake. The wedding plan started by finding a boyfriend for the family’s goldendoodle.

That’s not to say the pandemic didn’t ruffle some flowers at weddings this past year. Lyndsey Stutts tells us on page 30 that she had to give up her wedding date, venue and a honeymoon abroad when COVID-19 spiked last spring, but looking back, losing control made the event perfect. From the incredible sunset behind her five-tiered wedding cake at Willow Point Country Club to a honeymoon in the Presidential suite of a Georgia coast resort, she is glad she did not miss the wonderful blessings that were hers because of the changes in her arrangements.

Three of our featured local brides celebrated their nuptials in back yards that were transformed into elegant lakeside venues. Katie Lamberth, featured on page 40, celebrated at SpringHouse, Children’s Harbor and the hillside where she grew up on the dock dreaming of her wedding on the hillside above her.

From Haley Carroll on page 24, who married the cutest boy in the fifth grade at Church of the Living Waters to Malorie Mann on page 34 whose promises to her groom, Ross, at The Orchard in Alexander City extended to his 8-year-old daughter, brides were no less in love, no less joyful or beautiful or blessed in the year of the pandemic.

Congratulations to them all.

Betsy Iler, Editor

Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Magazine Department Manager LYNN COX editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Audience Development Director ERIN BURTON erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing RACHEL MCCOLLOUGH

rachel.mccollough@alexcityoutlook.com

MARILYN HAWKINS

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

CARSON WAGES

carson.wages@alexcityoutlook.com

CATHY PARR

cathy.parr@alexcityoutlook.com

Digital Success Manager ELLE FULLER

elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE PETE MCKENNY JULIE HUDSON ANDY ANDERS GREG VINSON JOHN THOMPSON EAN DUNTON MARK GILLILAND CLIFF WILLIAMS JAKE ARTHUR SIRI HEDREEN LONNA UPTON NICK FRONTIERO PHOTOGRAPHY HEATHER DURHAM PHOTOGRAPHY MEGAN MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY TIFFANY HALLMARK PHOTOGRAPHY REBECCA LONG PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH MARIE PHOTOS KATIE & ALEC PHOTOGRAPHY AUDREY CROSS PHOTOGRAPHY AUDREY NICOLE PHOTO All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life

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On the Cover

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Mary Grace Staples McDonald and her husband, Ross, were married at New Water Farms' lakeside chapel roof and welcomed guests to an intimate reception on her parents' lawn – just as Mary Grace had always dreamed it would be. The annual bridal edition of Lake magazine features more dream-come-true weddings on Lake Martin.

Photo by Audrey Nicole Photo

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11/4/21 11:15 AM

Contents

16. LOVE BEHIND THE MASK Ohio native Brock Hudson discovered love at Lake Martin behind a COVID facemask 18. CONVERSATION STARTER Michael Murphy didn't think Ashleigh Taylor would ever speak to him, but she married him in the end 22. CHILDHOOD DREAMS Haley Carroll married the cutest boy in her fifthgrade class at Church of the Living Waters 28. THE GRACE IN LETTING GO When the pandemic forced changes to the wedding arrangements, giving up control made it perfect 32. PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF Ross Shores kept showing up until Malorie Mann fell in love with him 36. WEDDING MEMORIES Savanna Winslett Carleton and her husband, Creed honored her late mother at their October wedding 38. HER FAVORITE PLACES From Children's Harbor to the family backyard, Katie Lamberth's wedding visited her favorite places 44. FRIENDS FOR LIFE Her brother's friend,Wesley Lamborne, was always around, so Haley Fuller married him 48. THE DREAM CAME TRUE Emily and William met in a Sunday school class when they were just 2 years old 52. WEDDING BY DESIGN Graphic artist Mary Grace Staples designed all of her own stationery for the wedding of her dreams

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

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- edition

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9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 13. CALENDAR OF EVENTS 14. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 58. CHEERS! 60. LMRA

63. FAB FINDS 64. CHEF'S TABLE 66. HEALTHY LIVING 68. BIG CATCHES 71. PAR FOR THE COURSE

Lake magazine also features an online, digital edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with friends and family and provides you complete access to stories, photos and advertisements from anywhere in the world with Internet access. View our digital edition today at www.lakemagazine.life.

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A Place To Worship Lake Martin Area Churches

WATERFRONT Church of the Living Waters Inside StillWaters, Dadeville 256-825-2990 New Hope Baptist Church 529 Peppers Road, Alexander City 256-329-2510 Church in the Pines Kowaliga Road, Kowaliga 334-857-2133

OFF WATER Equality United Methodist Church 281 AL Hwy 259, Equality 334-541-4063

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OFF WATER

OFF WATER

OFF WATER

First Baptist Church Court Square, Alexander City 256-234-6351

Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa Street, Alexander City 256-234-6494

Hillabee Baptist Church Hillabee Road, Alexander City 256-234-6798

Red Ridge United Methodist Church 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL 36078 334-252-8618 (12 Miles South of Lake Martin)

First Baptist Church 178 South Tallassee Street, Dadeville 256-825-6232

St. James Episcopal Church South Central Avenue, Alexander City 256-234-4752

First United Methodist Church 310 Green Street, Alexander City 256-234-6322 First United Methodist Church West Lafayette Street, Dadeville 256-825-4404 First Presbyterian Church 371 Jefferson Street, Alexander City 256-329-0524

Lake Martin Baptist Church 9823 County Road 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist Church La 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293 Faith Temple Church 425 Franklin Street, Alexander City 256-234-6421

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St John The Apostle Catholic Church 454 North Central Avenue Alexander City, Al 35010 256-234-3631 Flint Hill United Methodist Church 2858 Flint Hill Road Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-5047 Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy 280 Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-2555

Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

19 17 24

$986,064 $719,839 $567,981

$909,363 $669,000 $417,500

94 200 250

31 127 200

December 2021 December 2018 December 2015

Inventory/ sales ratio .99 5.13 6.78

The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS.The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single-family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy of Lake Martin Realty, LLC (a Russell Lands, Inc., affiliated company).

Learn these common watersports hand signals before getting on the lake this spring

Weather Outlook for February February 2022 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the upper 50s to lower 60s with average lows in the mid 30s and close to 5.5 inches of precipitation in the month of February.The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be above average and rainfall will be normal this month.

Last Year

Precipitation: 48.39 inches Avg. high temp.: 74.4 Avg. low temp.: 52.2 Avg. temp.: 63.3

Our Normal February Precipitation: 5.49 inches Avg. high temp.: 60.1 Avg. low temp.: 35.2 Avg. temp.: 47.7

Information from the National Weather Service.

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Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 482.98 Lowest: 480.62 Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.

Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and waterrelated equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

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Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Sherry Calloway sent us this beautiful photo of the sun spilling colors onto Lake Martin near the Maxwell/Gunter Recreation Area. (2) David and Madison Ellison were married at New Water Farms on April 10. (3) Edy Chairprakob, 11 years old, took this photo of the sun rising over Lake Martin on a clear October morning at Cedar Point. (4) James Askew and his granddaughters Allie and Norah, along with Ruff the dog, loved getting Yellow Top ice cream at Lake Martin's Young's Island. (5) Fog rises from the water as the sun rises on a fall morning at Lake Martin. (6) Andrew Hicks and Lacey Bacchus jump off the dock during a gunfight at Lake Martin.

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Feb. 7-8 and 9-10 Throw-Away Days

all of your event questions and help you create the event of your dreams. Admission is $10, and all proceeds benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way. For more information, email uw211@unitedwaylakemartin.org or call 256329-3600.

Dumpsters will be available Feb. 7 and 8 at StillWaters on state Route 49 and at Double Bridges on state Route 63 to accept large household items for clean, safe discarding. Dumpsters will be available Feb. 9 and 10 at the Feb. 26 intersection of Young’s Ferry and Mullican roads and the Hackneyville Community Center. No liquids, including 13th Annual Russell paint products amd pesticides; no appliances with comForest Run pressors, such as air conditioners, refrigerators or freezers; Mark your calendars now for the annual run through and no tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computRussell Forest to benefit the Alexander City Schools ers, propane tanks or hazardous or medical waste. Take Education Foundation. This event has raised thousands advantage of this free of dollars to provide service sponsored CALENDAR OF EVENTS equipment to support by your Tallapoosa local K-through-12 County Commission education. Cost is $40, WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN to dispose of items which includes run properly to keep our registration, an event lake area clean and The Wedding Expo Feb. 20 shirt and admission to beautiful. benefits the Lake Martin the after-party that is Area United Way

Feb. 10 What a Wonderful World

The tribute to Louis Armstrong at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium will feature Longineu Parsons, one of the world’s finest trumpet players, who has earned the reputation of channeling the great master of American music. For performance time and tickets, visit the website at alexcityarts.org.

Season-long Events Free Tax Assistance and e-Filing of Federal and State Tax Returns

Feb. 11-14 Throw-Away Days

Dumpsters will be available at the Alex City Annex, 395 Lee St. in Alexander City to accept large household items for clean, safe discarding. No liquids, including paint products amd pesticides; no appliances with compressors, such as air conditioners, refrigerators or freezers; and no tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or hazardous or medical waste. Take advantage of this fee service sponsored by your Tallapoosa County Commission to dispose of items properly to keep our lake area clean and beautiful.

Feb. 20 Wedding & Event Expo

expected to return this year. Run in person or enter the virtual event.

Visit russellforestrun. com for details and registration.

Don’t miss this year’s expo from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The Mitchell House in Dadeville. Caterers, florists, musicians and venue representatives will be available to answer

IRS certified volunteers will provide free tax assistance and e-filing for senior citizens age 60 and over with no income limit and taxpayers under age 60 with incomes less than $57,414, as well as disabled taxpayers. Dropoff by appointment.

Call 256-234-0347 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday to make an appointment and for information about what to bring. This service is coordinated by the Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, a United Way agency.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

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

Check the calendar at RussellLands.com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

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Lake Martin News Wind Creek State Park clerk named Tourism Star

Lake Martin Tourism Association realizes the importance of great customer service in growing visitation to the area.

The official destination marketing organization of Lake Martin recognizes those individuals who are making a difference and going above and beyond for visitors in the lake area and last month congratulated the most recent winner of the Lake Martin Tourism Superstar Award: Jacquetta Perry of Wind Creek State Park. Park Superintendent Bruce Adams nominated Perry for the award.

“Jacquetta is the most versatile, dedicated and conscientious employee I have ever had. She makes the job site fun for customers and coworkers. She is officially the account clerk, but she is liable to wear many hats during the workday. Where there is a gap, she is there to fill it. When she is registering campers, she immediately begins using their name while answering questions and assisting with their request. She has a unique ability to de-escalate even the most difficult of our customers. She is an excellent trainer and problem solver when even experienced workers are having difficulty working through the registration software and procedures,” Adams explained.

Jacquetta is an ambassador for tourism at Lake Martin and was presented with a plaque of appreciation and a $100 check on Jan. 18. ~ Staff report

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing Candi Tate, Clinical Liaison

Russell Lands new dining venue will open this summer

Construction progresses on lake area diner

If you have driven by Russell Crossroads recently, you have seen the progressive construction that’s been underway nextdoor to Catherine’s Market. There has been concrete poured, the fireplace built, and framing is going up. There is also a “Coming Soon” sign facing Highway 63 featuring the new logo!

Fanny Goldmine Diner will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner including your traditional favorites six days per week. We’re betting you’ve been asked, “Is anything open at the lake on Mondays?” Well, the diner is planned to be!

That’s sure to be good news to residents and visitors at Lake Martin.

The diner is scheduled to open summer 2022, just in time for warm days at the lake.

Follow the Instagram at @fannygoldmine to stay tuned for additional updates, menu items, hours, and more information. ~ Staff report

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Love Behind the Mask

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Scales and Hodson will wed this spring

STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS COURTESY OF BROCK HODSON

walk through Russell Forest. Scales toured her new “I hope she’s as beautiful under the mask,” friend around the lake and showed him all of her Ohio’s Brock Hodson thought the first time he saw favorite places in the area where she grew up.

Alexander City native Hayden Scales peering at him “We ate at Kowaliga,” she remembered. over a desk at the entrance to Russell Medical.

It only made sense, then, that the lake played an A masked Scales was taking temperatures and important part in Hodson’s proposal plans early last screening hospital employees for COVID-19, and fall. Originally, he planned to propose on the golf Hodson, an athletic trainer at Total Fitness, was course, but like the couple’s first checking in for his shift. About a date there, that did not work out. week later, he saw her again.

Hodson secretly turned Instead, he planned a sunrise “I was training for a half maraon his cellphone's video coffee cruise and let Scales’ best thon and injured my knee, just camera to capture the proposal friend, and her sister, Ryley, in overworked it, and my boss told on the secret. me I probably should go have With the sun coming up just it looked at,” Scales said. “So as the boat cruised by Kowaliga, I went in to have him look at it the site of their first date, Hodson and give me some tips to help it pretended to take a photo of the heal.” morning sky. Instead, he turned Like Hodson, Scales was on the video recording and immediately attracted to her propped his phone up in a cup trainer and looked forward to holder to capture Scales’ reaction actually seeing his face. That day when he got down on one knee came shortly after their meeting, and popped the question. as during another training ses“I knew it was coming eventusion, they mutually agreed that ally, but I was really surprised the masks could be removed. when he did it. I had thought it “It was a very weird feeling,” was just going to be a boat day,” Hodson admitted, but to his relief Scales said. and delight, the woman behind When they arrived at the the mask was even more beautidock later that morning, Ryley ful than he had hoped. snapped a photo of the newly Hodson grew up in Ohio, and engaged couple, and they celebrated on the dock with as long as he could remember, he had intended to champagne. move to the South upon his college graduation.

Still determined to celebrate on the golf course, “I wanted to live south of Charlotte,” he said. the pair will be married at Willow Point Golf and He took a job at Russell Medical right out of college and had been in Alexander City only a short time Country Club on June 4 with lots of Scales’ favorite flower, blue hydrangeas, in attendance. before meeting Scales.

Masks will be optional.

The couple planned their first date on a golf course, but when that did not work out, they took a

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Conversation Starter He didn't think she would ever talk to him, but she married him in the end STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY SARAH MARIE PHOTOS

Michael called his family to bring him the engagement ring at the beach

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The couple knew instantly that Tangarray was the perfect venue for their day

When Ashleigh Taylor married Michael Murphy last October, the bride knew an outdoor event was the only option. The first venue they visited was Eclectic’s Tangarray, and they loved it so much that they didn’t even look anywhere else.

“He is very outdoorsy. He hunts every single day of hunting season, and he fishes. He is outside every possible day, and he stays outside until he has to come in.

Our wedding had to be outside,” Taylor said of the man she has known longer than she can remember. “He is five years older than me, but we knew each other for a long time. We saw each other around, but we never really talked to each other.”

The conversation started eight years ago when Taylor was attending Auburn University. She had gone to a friend’s house to watch a football game, and Murphy was there. To her surprise, he spoke to her, and to his, she con-

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tinued the exchange.

“He said he didn’t think I would ever talk to him,” Taylor laughed.

She knew it was love a couple of months after they started dating. They were snacking on Oreo cookies while watching a movie, and Murphy speared a cookie with a fork to dip it in the milk.

“I asked him, ‘What in the world are you doing?’ and he said, ‘It’s the only way to eat an Oreo.’ I thought, ‘I think I love him!’” The rest is history.

Murphy planned to propose while on a trip to Destin with the group of friends they both had known for 20 years, but he changed his mind when he learned another couple on the trip would announce that they were having a baby. He left the engagement ring at home, but later, he changed his mind and decided to go through with his original plan. He called his family and asked them to

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Hydrangea blossoms surround the wedding cake

Ashleigh chose gold sequins for her bridesmaids

The venue offers a variety of romantic photo ops

The sparkle of the day extended to the farewell

They made their getaway in a 1970 Chevelle Super Sport that belonged to Michael's uncle

bring the ring to the beach. They were keeping Taylor’s dog for her, so they brought the pup along when they brought the ring.

“We all had taken the boat out and had been taking sunset pictures on the beach. Everyone else had gotten back in the boat, but Michael was still hanging out. I told him we had to get back in the boat, that everyone was waiting on us. The next thing I knew, my dog was running across the beach to me. I thought, ‘What is my dog doing here?’ and there was Michael, kneeling down in the sand,” she said.

Taylor was thrilled that Tangarray owner, Rita Falk, would act as day-of coordinator for the wedding under the big oak tree.

“What I really wanted was the flowers wrapping around the tree, and the champagne-gold sequined bridesmaid dresses. I had always told my friends that is what they would wear at my wedding. She took care of everything else, putting it up and taking it down,” Taylor said.

Murphy chose the black-on-black tuxedoes for himself and his groomsmen. Murphy’s uncle, Larry Scroggins, officiated at the ceremony and provided the getaway car, an orange and black 1970 Chevelle Super Sport. Another friend’s mother, the owner of Carol’s Cakes in Alexander City, made the four-tiered wedding cake, which was surrounded with fresh white hydrangea blossoms.

The couple honeymooned in Jamaica and live in Alexander City, where Murphy works for an HVAC contractor on large installations and Taylor is the administrator at Chapman’s Healthcare.

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Childhood Dreams STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY TIFFANY HALLMARK

Haley Carroll married the cutest boy in her fifth grade class last year at Lake Martin

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Guests were invited to use vintage hankies for their happy tears

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The day was focused on the joy and blessings of being together

Family was the focus as Haley Carroll Bassham married the cutest boy in her school last spring at Lake Martin’s Church of the Living Waters, where her parents married 31 years ago.

When guests arrived at the outdoor chapel inside the gates at StillWaters on Lake Martin’s southeastern shoreline, they were invited to take a vintage handkerchief from a box to wipe their happy tears. Bassham’s mother found the hankies, some of which bore monograms for special guests, in thrift stores and shops in the weeks and months before the wedding.

“She has always been really creative and loves thrifting and vintage things. I have to give the credit to my sweet mom; she did it all,” Bassham said. “I was finishing up my undergrad really close to the date of the wedding, and I told her to just give me a date, and I would be there.”

Bassham and Sam wanted a sentimental and intentional wedding, no over-the-top decorations or expenses.

“We wanted it to be centered around the meaning of marriage and family. The hankies and teacups were part of that,” she said.

Bassham met Sam in the fifth grade when she moved to Navarre, Florida, after living abroad for her father’s military career.

“My mother would point him out – from a hundred students – and say, ‘Haley, who is that boy? He’s the cutest boy in your school.’ I would answer her and say, ‘Mom, that’s Sam Bassham. I could never date Sam Bassham; he’s the cutest boy in school,’” Bassham said.

The two began dating in high school and often visited Lake Martin, where Bassham spent summers with her grandparents.

“When I was younger, we traveled and lived in different places. We didn’t have a consistent home, but Lake Martin in the summers was always consistent,” the bride explained.

After high school, Bassham and Sam both chose to attend college at Southern Mississippi.

“We got to spend all four years of college together,” she said.

A year before they married, Sam proposed on Navarre Beach, where, surrounded by family, he presented his bride-to-be with her mother’s engagement ring.

“My mom and I were looking at rings, and everything I picked out was like her original engagement ring, so she gave it to Sam to propose to me,” Bassham explained. “We were home from school for part of the summer, and my best friend and roommate and a lot

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The bride's grandmother handstitched hundreds of pearls onto the veil

The reception was held at Eclectic Warehouse

Sunshine added warmth and joy to the table settings and festivities

Teacups carried the theme of a family focus for the start of their new life together White flowers and greenery adorn a cake topped with the bride and groom's initials

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Church of the Living Waters provided a beautiful spring backdrop for the service

of family came to see The bride dabbed away happy us. We were going to tears as she read her vows go to dinner someplace on Pensacola Beach, for some reason. I remember that it just didn’t add up. And on the way, we stopped at Navarre Beach. Sam and his mom and his sister had set up a gorgeous lantern path with rose petals. It was just a gorgeous evening on the beach where we grew up, and he proposed to me.”

Family is woven into the fabric of the couple’s future together, from the hundreds of pearls that Bassham’s Nana stitched by hand on her veil to the brotherly bond her groom forged with her older brother and the extra effort Sam’s grandmother made to attend the wedding, despite travel issues during COVID. The reception was held at Eclectic Warehouse in Elmore County, a lake area venue with a simple vintage and industrial vibe.

The newlyweds moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where Bassham is pursuing a Ph.D. in material science engineering with hopes of working in the solar energy industry.

Sam, who majored in advertising at Southern Mississippi, also has a great love for music and has jumped into a worship leader role at the couple’s Atlanta’s church while he does contract advertising work.

“I don’t know if we will stay in Georgia forever. We just want to stay open to wherever the Lord sends us and wherever we need to be. So many people in my industry get consumed with their work, and I don’t want that to happen,” Bassham said. “We want to be sure we have a good work/life balance.”

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The Mitchell House is an Antebellum Home perfect for events of all shapes and sizes. Its historic southern charm is located near downtown Dadeville, Alabama.

We can host all of your celebrations!

WEDDINGS C O R P O R AT E E V E N T S S O R O R I T Y & F R AT E R N I T Y E V E N T S ANNIVERSARIES BRIDAL SHOWERS BABY SHOWERS FA M I LY R E U N I O N S E N G A G E M E N T PA R T I E S REHEARSAL DINNERS THE MITCHELL HOUSE 357 West Columbus Street Dadeville, AL 256.307.1225 themitchellhouseevents@gmail.com www.mitchellhouseevents.com We accept paypal and credit card payments Find us on Facebook and Instagram

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The Grace in Letting Go STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY HEATHER DURHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

When the pandemic forced changes to the wedding arrangements, giving up control made it perfect

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The couple married at Church in the Pines and made their getaway from the Children's Harbor dock

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Lyndsey and Phillip Stutts originally planned to be married on a different day and at a different Lake Martin venue. COVID-19 restrictions got in the way of those initial plans, but as it turned out, they married at the perfect place and time and now have very special wedding memories to celebrate every anniversary.

The two met years ago at a wedding but did not start seeing each other until mutual friends set them up on a blind date.

“Phillip said he would love for me to go to this ball that his sister was going to. He said there might be a few people in his family there. Well, there were about 50 of his family members there, his entire extended family,” Lyndsey Stutts said.

“But they were all so sweet. It made me like him even more.”

The liking grew to love, and the couple began to talk about marriage.

“We had ordered Hello Fresh, and it was coming to his house, so I went over there.

He is an avid woodworker, so he said he had made something for me, and he went to get it. He was always making things for me, so I didn’t think a lot into it. I thought it was a cheeseboard, honestly.

And he came out with this little wooden ring box with our initials carved on it,” she said.

And they began to plan a wedding at Lake Martin for May 2020.

“We liked the idea of a destination wedding.

It was a lot, logistically, but it was so different and fun.

My family grew up going to the lake with friends and family, so it is a special place for us,” Stutts said.

They changed the date to October because the pandemic would have prevented many friends and family from attending.

“We wanted to make sure our family and friends could be there, so we pushed the wedding to October. In the end, we were very blessed, and it was amazing,” said the bride.

As wedding details changed, it was hard to keep up.

“Eventually, I just had to give up control and let our wedding planner handle it,” she said. “She was amazing.”

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The result was that bride and groom found a plethora of sweet wedding surprises. One of them was the weather.

“October is the perfect weather for a wedding. It was beautiful. The sunset was gorgeous on our wedding day, and it was cool for the rehearsal dinner at Willow Point.

My mother-in-law had gotten together all these blankets for the guests. I loved that,” Stutts said.

Another surprise was the cake Stutts ordered for her groom.

“He loves tools, and he’s a huge Alabama fan. When he lived in North Carolina, he had adopted this pet duck and named him Woodford, for Woodford Bourbon, so Barb’s Cakes in Alabaster made the toolbox cake for him with the little duck there,” Stutts said.

The ceremony was moved to Church in the Pines, and the couple took a boat to the new reception venue, the Lodge at Cocktail Slough.

“I forgot to tell Phillip that we were taking a boat ride to the reception. Our wedding planner was Meghan Cease at M. Elizabeth Events. Her parents were at the lake for the weekend, and her father offered up their boat and said he would drive us,” Stutts said.

“That was so special.

He drove slowly, so Portraits were taken Phillip and I had some at SpringHouse time together. We had champagne and snacks, like a light dinner, while the guests all arrived at the reception. We made a grand entrance on the boat.”

The bride’s mother added her own surprise. Some time prior to the wedding, Stutts had momentarily mused about having a live painter at the event.

“I just mentioned it; and then, the thought was gone, but my mother had arranged for Ruth Oneya Illustrations of Birmingham to come and paint a picture. She gave us the painting later,” she said.

The bride and groom drove back to Birmingham in a limousine and left the next day for a honeymoon at Sea Island.

They had planned two separate honeymoons, one

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The Wellhouse ivy provided a splendid backdrop for their wedding photos

The reception took place at Willow Point Golf and Country Club, where Lake Martin showered the couple with one of her most spectacular sunsets

The cross at Church in the Pines was laden with flowers for the occasion

Following the reception, the newlyweds honeymooned on Georgia's picturesque coast, where the hotel upgraded their accommodations to the Presidential Suite

international and one domestic. With travel restrictions looming due to the pandemic, they chose to visit Georgia’s picturesque coast, which also held its own sweet surprise.

“The travel agent was family, and she told the hotel that we were a COVID couple, how we had to reschedule everything, and they told us we were eligible for an upgrade. On the way to our suite, the bellhop said he had never even seen the room we were in. We went down this

hallway, and it was not like walking to a normal hotel room. They had given us the Presidential Suite. We just thought this was not real. It was our first vacation together, and they spoiled us,” Stutts said.

“We didn’t plan for it to be that way, but I think I never would have appreciated how special it was. I was able to give up control when everything changed, which made it more special.”

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Persistence pays off

STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY MEGAN MULLINS

Ross won Shores' heart on their first date – he took her to a thrift store

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Shores' promises to her husband included his daughter

The Orchard's poolside patio served as a beautiful location for Shores' wedding portrait

They booked The Orchard for the weekend and dressed at the venue

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A wedding is an opportunity to have everyone you care about together at the same time, Shores said

When Malorie Mann Shores married the love of her life, Ross Shores, a year ago in January, she also made a commitment to the love of his life, his daughter, Lee Ellen, who was 8 years old.

“I got a huge bonus with him – a daughter,” Shores said. “Having a relationship with someone who has children speeds things up and slows them down at the same time. You are forced to have serious conversations sooner but also you are very mindful of your decisions and the things you do together.”

Those were conversations Shores did not expect to have when she met Ross for the first time at a friend’s wedding. Though they both were from Alexander City, they were not in school together.

“We both grew up in Alexander City and moved away; and then, came back,” she explained.

They were not acquainted until friends on one side of the reception told her, “You’ve got to meet this guy,” and friends on the other side of the room were telling Ross the same thing about her.

“We didn’t hit it off right off the bat, but he was very persistent. He kept showing up to places where I was,

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so I decided I would go on a date with this guy. He was really trying. We went to Outback in Auburn; and then, he took me to a thrift store and told me I could buy anything I wanted. It was my dream date. I love that kind of thing,” she laughed.

About a year into the relationship, Shores knew she wanted to be in it for life.

“A lot of it was seeing what kind The couple planned a of father he was fireworks show as a surprise to Lee Ellen; and for Lee Ellen and her friends then, I was just kind of hoping,” she said.

Hope became reality one evening as the couple stopped at some hunting property Ross owned, purportedly to check on something.

“I was dressed up in heels, thinking we were going to Auburn for dinner, so there I was tromping through the woods in my high heels. We got to this spot, and he had the deer camera set up and his mom taking pictures in a hunting blind. He talked about how we had dreamed of building a house together there and asked me to marry him.

Then we headed to Niffers where our family and friends were waiting. He did good. It was really sweet,” Shores explained.

The couple married at The Orchard on Washington, a private estate owned by Tony and Karen Channell outside of Alexander City. The Orchard’s rolling meadow, pecan grove and pool cabana provided a beautiful outdoor background for the festivities, while the fine interior woodwork, plush carpets and spacious living areas gave the families room to comfortably

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accommodate friends and family, especially elderly relatives who needed to be able to rest occasionally.

“We rented it for the weekend, and that was so convenient for all of us,” Shores said. “We could be very flexible about the hours when we set up and cleaned up. It was relaxing and just wonderful. My daddy and Bill’s Electric put up lights. It was so pretty.”

As the bride and groom and both sets of parents were born and raised in the Lake Martin area, Shores and Ross wanted to use local vendors for their event.

They also wanted to make the day special for Lee Ellen, so Shores rented a horseand-carriage bounce house for her new daughter and her friends. She also arranged for happilyever-after meals for the kids and concluded the ceremony with a surprise fireworks show.

“I wanted this day to be something special for all of us, for everyone to have fun, and for it to be something she remembered,” she explained.

To make her commitment to Lee Ellen as meaningful as her vows to Ross, Shores played a recording of Blane Howard’s Promise to Love Her for her daughter and flower girl during the ceremony.

“That was one of my favorite things about the day. There were a million little things like that from Momma and Daddy walking down the aisle to I’m Everything I am Because You Loved Me, to the slide show of special memories that played while our

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The groom's mother, Teresa Shores, took pictures of the proposal from a duck blind on the farm where Ross popped the question

A hunting enthusiast, Ross proposed under the auspices of checking on hunting land while enroute to a dinner date in Auburn

friends entered as I Wish Grandpas Never Died was sung. It was an opportunity to have everybody we care about in one place at one time. There is only one other time when that happens, and it’s too late to say anything then,” Shores said.

That point became abundantly clear last summer when Ross, who owns Shores Remodeling, fell off a roof, breaking his L1 vertebrae. He was airlifted to the hospital, where Shores’ parents waited with her for news of her husband.

“I stood outside the emergency room and told my daddy and brother I was pregnant,” Shores said.

Lee Ellen’s little brother is due the last weekend of hunting season.

The Orchard New wedding and event venue grows memories

The Orchard on Washington features an elegant, inviting event space

Memories have been growing at The Orchard on Washington for a hundred years, but those were private memories until Karen and Tony Channell purchased the 27-acre pecan grove in Alexander City three years ago. The Channells recently updated the estate’s sprawling home, so the idyllic property could be shared for weddings, family reunions, parties and corporate events.

This new lake area venue includes gated access to a luxurious six-bedroom home with inside dining for 50-plus, a large kitchen and bar and a library for intimate settings. Outdoor amenities include a pool and deck area, stone fireplace, an additional barn, rambling lawns and wide open spaces to accommodate events of any size.

The beauty of The Orchard is its versatility, as it can be rented for a weekend of activities, serving as wedding rehearsal dinner space, lodging for the bridal party or guests, a dressing venue, ceremony venue, reception space, post-wedding gathering and even a morning-after breakfast hall.

For more information, contact executive director Donna King at events@theorchardvenue.com or 256-496-0444.

Once a working pecan farm, the picturesque grounds help to accommodate large events

Wedding Memories

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STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY AUDREY CROSS

With patience and perseverance, good things often come to those who wait. Such was the case for Savanna Winslett Carleton’s groom, Creed, who repeatedly asked Savanna’s sister, Alex Winslett, to introduce them.

“She kept telling him it wasn’t a good time in my life yet,” the new Mrs. Carleton said. “I was at UAB getting my master’s in occupational therapy, and I planned to do travel therapy. I had a job lined up in North Carolina.”

While Carleton was in school, her mother, Wanda Winslett, was diagnosed with stage four cancer, so Carleton moved home to study for her board examinations after graduating in 2018.

But her mother’s treatments stopped working, so Carleton changed her plans. Instead of taking the out-of-state job, she chose to stay home and help her mother. With that decision, the introduction Creed had waited years for was made, and the couple had their first date in October 2019.

But her mother’s illness progressed very quickly, and within a few weeks, she passed.

“Creed is in pharmacy school at Auburn University. We had only been on two or three dates when my mom passed, and I thought he’d be out of there, but he was right there for all of it. He was a Godsend,” Carleton said.

The following autumn, Creed decided to propose to the love of his life on the anniversary of their first date.

He planned a picnic under a sprawling oak at some property he owned, and when Hurricane Delta moved through the area on the same day, he was determined to carry through with his plan.

“We were going to visit his property and look at the fall leaves,” Carleton said. “It was terrible weather.

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Muddy. Pouring down rain. I didn’t even bring an umbrella. We got out there, and the next thing I knew, he was asking me.”

As wedding plans were under way, the venue was undecided until the bride attended the annual Wedding & Event Expo at Dadeville’s historic Mitchell House, an annual fundraising event for the Lake Martin Area Savanna Carleton kept United Way. Carleton her mother was enamored with the in remembrance Southern charm and eleat her wedding gance of the property and last October was thrilled to book the nearly 200-year-old home for her October 2021 event.

Wanting her mother in remembrance at the wedding, she contacted a family friend, Bill Sanders, who had done her mother’s bridal flowers. Though he had since moved to Las Vegas, Sanders returned for the wedding and worked with Stephen Brown and Chris McClendon in Dadeville to recreate the same bouquets that had added color and sweetness to Carleton’s mother’s nuptials.

“We loved The Mitchell House. It had everything we could have wanted and more,” the bride said.

Carleton is an occupational therapist with Tallapoosa County Schools, and Creed will graduate pharmacy school this May. The couple plans to remain in the lake area.

“When I graduated high school, I was ready to spread my wings. I went to Mobile and then to Birmingham, but as soon as I came home and got back to my smalltown roots, I realized the grass isn’t always greener somewhere else. The smalltown, quiet lifestyle I wanted is right here. This is the perfect place for us,” she said.

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Among other amenities, Mitchell House provided a tent for the reception

Guests signed a board for the newlyweds

In early autumn, the famous Gingko at Mitchell House had only just begun to turn gold A family friend returned to the area to create the flower arrangements

Cookies for the guests were iced in bridal colors

The love of family was the dominant theme as the Carletons married

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Her Favorite Places

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Alexander City native Katie Lamberth met Atlanta native John McGoogan through mutual friends in Atlanta in 2018. John proposed on July 30, 2020, and Katie said yes. Although she had dreamed of her wedding for years while talking on the dock with her mom and sisters, Katie never realized how beautifully her dream would come true on their wedding day, May 22, 2021.

When the wedding planning began, Lamberth and McGoogan enlisted the spiritual guidance of the Rev. Marshall Carver, a priest who had been at St.

James Episcopal Church during the years Lamberth was growing up. Carver facilitated their pre-wedding counseling and officiated at the ceremony. The planning for everything else began with a commitment to a sacred ceremony.

The Lamberths hired M. Elizabeth for wedding planning, selected Children’s Harbor for the wedding and the family home on Lake Martin for the reception. All of the flower arrangements, décor and bouquets for the entire weekend were created by Susie Kelly at Grace’s Flowers in Alexander City.

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STORY BY LONNA UPTON PHOTOS BY KATIE & ALEC PHOTOGRAPHY

Lamberth shopped for her wedding dress with her mother and two sisters at boutiques in Atlanta.

“Shopping for my dress was just the best girl time. Britt Wood Designs had a classic dress and veil that I loved, and the flowers matched some of the lace in my dress. It was a custom dress made just for me, and no one else had one like it – simple and Southern, with pockets, and little buttons all the way down the back,” she said.

The bridal bouquet was designed to include flowers that matched the lace in Lamberth’s gown.

The sisters began a few traditions when Lamberth’s sister, Jenny, was married. The girls all wear their mother’s wedding dress to some wedding related event or shower. The sisters exchanged gifts that signify the three of them. Jenny gave bands with three little diamonds. Katie gave necklaces with three diamonds. And the music from Jenny’s ceremony was selected for Lamberth’s.

The magical wedding weekend began on Thursday night before the wedding when family friends, Kenneth and Mary Lyman Boone and

Katie and John McGoogan made their getaway in the family's 1930s Chris Craft

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Johnny and Pat Blythe, hosted a welcome party for everyone in the wedding and some outof-town guests at the Boones’ garden house.

Partygoers enjoyed shrimp and grits with a twist – both the pepper sauce and the salad were created with fresh vegetables and herbs from the Boones’ garden.

The groom, a scratch golfer, treated his groomsmen and men in the family to a round of golf followed by lunch at Willow Point Country Club on Friday, while the bride was honored at a luncheon at the home of Margot Fox with Patty Hamrick and Ginga Gonzales co-hosting. The luncheon was designed with the bride’s favorite color and a favorite food in mind – yellow flowers everywhere and heart-shaped pimento cheese sandwiches.

“I wrote a poem about everyone there that I read to connect them all, and I also wanted to have a Southern tradition called a cake pull.

Before the cake was cut, each bridesmaid got to choose a ribbon to pull out a charm hidden under the cake. My sister hand-painted an envelope for each of the bridesmaids explaining the meaning of the charms they pulled. They were funny and sweet, a great, old tradition,” she said.

A New Orleans tradition, the cake pull was an addition to the luncheon that all the girls enjoyed.

Most of the charms represented the future – for instance, a horseshoe meant luck, a boot meant traveling soon, a ring went to the one who would get married next.

The bride’s sister put together a box of favorite recipes as a gift from all the ladies. After the luncheon, the girls took a boat ride to The Landing at Parker Creek for more fun before the rehearsal dinner.

The rehearsal dinner was held indoors and outdoors at SpringHouse, where guests were invited to try signature cocktails named for the bride and groom. Jonathan Bloom serenaded the group with live music. Lamberth wore pearls that her father had given to her mother when Lamberth, now the bride, was born.

“We decided to serve the groom’s cake at the rehearsal dinner. John’s niece, Adair, had designed the cake as a golf course, and it included Buddie, our golden retriever, relaxing on the course. My dad handmade a carving knife as a wedding gift presented that night. We used it to cut the groom’s cake on Friday night and the wedding cake on Saturday night,” Lamberth said.

After the rehearsal dinner, the couple traveled to Willow Point for a post-toast and snacks on the patio to welcome out-of-town guests who were not part of the rehearsal dinner.

Getting ready for the wedding is one of Lamberth’s favorite memories. With a party atmosphere surrounding the group, family friends 40 LAKE

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The ceremony took place beside the lighthouse at Children's Harbor

Her sisters, Rosie and Jenny, acted as Lamberth's (center) maid and matron of honor, respectively

The Lamberths' golden retrievers welcomed John into the family

Tables were arranged on the lawn for the reception

The dad-and-daughter dance reflected the fun they had during the bride's childhood

Guests awaited the arrival of the bride and groom from the lakeside lawn

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Each bridesmaid pulled a charm from the king cake

May flowers were featured at the bridesmaids' luncheon

Jenny Lamberth Boone collected recipes for her sister's kitchen

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The bride's sister, Jenny, painted cards to coordinate with the king cake charms

tended a Bloody Mary bar and served food to the bridal party attendants, who wore matching pajamas. Buddie, the couple’s golden retriever, was the only male allowed to visit while the ladies got ready, and he was allowed to witness the first look between the bride and groom later in the day.

The cermony at Children’s Harbor was held overlooking Lake Martin. For more intimacy at the ceremony, the couple decided to limit the guestlist to 50 family members and friends from the bride’s side and 50 from the groom’s.

The couple welcomed 250 guests at the reception.

“The service was super-important to us to share with family and friends who are like family. We wanted it to be very personalized.

Everything we did had a reason. We are both big family people, and it was really special to have our siblings as part of the wedding. Taking communion together was a very important part of our wedding. The whole ceremony was personal and intimate,” she said.

The bride wore her mother-in-law’s original engagement ring, a sapphire and two diamonds, as her something blue, along with yellow pearls. McGoogan surprised his bride with a wedding band alternating white diamonds with canary yellow diamonds.

After a rose petal toss on the Children’s Harbor pier, the newlyweds left the ceremony on the family’s 1930s wooden Chris Craft, captained by family friend Doug Hamrick. The couple enjoyed a champagne toast while they cruised to the reception.

“We really enjoyed having those first married moments on the boat. We were cruising along, and other boats were waving and cheering and honking horns. It was so much fun,” she said.

Guests were chauffeured by trolley and bus from a nearby parking lot to the home of the bride’s parents for the reception. AG Lighting and Events utilized different sections of the

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The groom's cake honors John's love of the game of golf

The rehearsal dinner took place at SpringHouse

The bride's dad gifted the couple with a custom knife at the rehearsal dinner

hillside lawn, designating special areas for guests to enjoy the lakeside, the gazebo, the tent and the patio.

The Celebrity All-Star Band played jazz as the guests arrived to enjoy the cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres of petite crab cakes, Conecuh sausage pigsin-a-blanket and Ahi tuna tartar wonton tacos. Down by the lake, oysters were chargrilled while guests awaited the boat carrying the new McGoogans.

When the couple arrived, they walked through the cheering crowd to the dance floor for their first dance to “Lovely Day.” The bride and her father danced to “Gettin Jiggy Wit It,” a favorite from her childhood memories of singing and dancing to the song with her father.

“John and I took dancing lessons in Atlanta for our first dance. My Dad and I took lessons from friends locally, Mabry and Marty Allen. It was really hysterical. My dad threw his coat to the audience. The dance is such a fun and special memory,” she said.

Kathy G. and Company catered the reception with three food stations. The bride’s choice was shrimp sautéed with Conecuh sausage served over white cheddar cheese grits in cosmo glasses. The groom chose a Thai noodle bar with sautéed vegetables, rice noodles and ginger chicken served in mini-take out boxes with chopsticks. In addition, guests were offered herb-grilled beef tenderloin, assorted rolls,

smashed new potatoes and asparagus. The family canoe was filled with ice to hold the beer, and three bars were set up in different areas for the event.

The wedding cake, from Barb’s Cakes, was simple with a big satin bow. The couple cut the cake and toasted with champagne glasses that were a gift when he proposed. Lamberth’s sisters gifted Sterling goblets for the newlyweds to use while dancing.

As a nod to the groom’s college days at Southern Methodist University in Texas, all the partygoers had cowboy hats. At the end of the evening, everyone danced to “Love Train,” leading the bride and groom through a tunnel of sparklers to a golf cart decorated for their escape to a lake house next door.

“I had dreamed of a wedding like this, and it could not have been any better. No one prepares you for the love and joy you feel when all the people you love are there to support this new chapter and the start of your lives together,” she said.

After everyone left the reception, Mr. and Mrs. McGoogan went back to her family home for a cocktail and a private family dance party on the now empty dance floor – enjoying the night, smiling with joy and sharing what would become another precious wedding memory.

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Friends Life for

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STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY NICK FRONTERIO PHOTOGRAPHY

Haley Fuller and Wesley Lamborne grew up in Alexander City as friends who cannot remember not knowing each other. In fact, Wesley was a friend of Haley’s brother, Steve, and spent hours in their home and on family vacations. Not until they were out of college and had moved back to Alexander City to begin their adult lives did the two begin dating. After an OK from Haley’s brother, Wesley asked Haley out in March 2019, and they tied the knot April 10, 2021.

“We really thought we would be out of the COVID19 problems by then, but we did have to make some adjustments. We had always planned for our reception

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to be at my parents’ home on the lake, but we had to move our church ceremony to the house, too,” Haley Lamborne said.

Lamborne found her dress – an off-the-shoulder fit and flare with tiny buttons down the back – at McClendon Bridals in Sylacauga. She wore two different veils the day of the wedding. For pictures, she chose a cathedral veil borrowed from her matron of honor.

Since the ceremony and the reception were outside, and she would be crossing grass and concrete, she chose a short veil for the ceremony and reception.

“My mom, my grandmother and Wesley’s mom went

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Haley Fuller and Wesley Lamborne's wedding was moved to the Fuller home when the pandemic flared up

with me to find the dress. The one I got was actually one of the first ones I tried on. I wanted something timeless and classic, and this one was instant. It was perfect,” she said.

All friends of the bride from childhood and college, the ladies wore platinum blue, high-necked, sleeveless long gowns. The flower girls, daughters of family friends, wore white dresses with bows and heart cutouts in the back.

Groomsmen were friends from the groom’s childhood and college days, plus the groom’s father and brother. The three ring bearers were nephews from both sides of the family. All the men were dressed in black

tuxedoes, including the little ones, which were rented from Mitchell’s in Alexander City. Rather than traditional pillows, the ring bearers carried in signs stating, “Uncle Wes, here comes your bride,” and “Have you seen the rings?” and “I’m just here for the cake.”

The Fullers hired Prattville photographer Nick Frontiero to document their special day. From Alexander City, Jeffrey Long Designs planned and designed the wedding décor, and Grace’s Flowers created the bouquets and boutonnieres. Connie Forehand was the coordinator for the wedding day. Also a designer, the bride’s uncle, Fred Williams, lent his expertise to the occasion.

Two days before the ceremony, due to a prediction of rain, the decision was made to rent a tent, 30 feet by 90 feet, to accommodate the seated guests for the ceremony and later shelter the dance floor.

“The morning of the wedding, we woke up to rain and thunder, but after 12 p.m., the sun was out. Even the grass was dry in time for the wedding,” said Sharon Fuller, mother of the bride.

Perhaps the most important part of the weekend was the first look. With family at a distance, Haley and Wesley took time before the ceremony to stand by the lake and read the private vows they had written to each other. With their devotion to one another clear in those moments, they were ready for the more public wedding ceremony.

Under the tent, the Rev. Barry Dunn officiated, while Bobby Boone played the piano for the ceremony.

Wesley’s uncle, Robert Lamborne, sang “The Lord’s Prayer.” Kristen Powell, a childhood friend, sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” And Sammy Teel shared memories from the past and a prayer for their future.

Haley and her father, Steve, arrived at the ceremony in a yellow 1958 Pontiac Chieftain. Since the couple couldn’t have their childhood chapel for their ceremony, Haley wanted to have a grand entrance with instrumentals of Hallelujah playing while they walked down the aisle.

After the ceremony, guests were guided to drinks from a tiered champagne tower and served hors d’oerves on the deck overlooking the lake. Meanwhile, Long transformed the tented area to a dance floor with tables and chairs surrounding the space, making it ready for dining and relaxing.

Dinner was catered by Iz Catering and Events in Birmingham. Three food stations were set up under the covered deck. An Asian take-out station served food in mini take-out boxes and offered fortune cookies that the couple had customized with fortunes they wrote.

Another station grilled beef tenderloin and oysters to serve with macaroni and cheese. The New Orleans station included shrimp and grits and crawfish pies. Iz also provided the groom’s dessert table full of Wesley’s favorite bites.

When the couple arrived at the reception, the fivetiered cake was cut immediately. Created by Sweet

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Fortunately, the weather cleared for the festivities

Lakeside fireworks were the perfect end to the perfect celebration

The bride took a few moments with her parents before the ceremony

Gaga’s Bakery in Alexander City, the white cake featured a lemon curd filling and an adornment of fresh flowers.

Area 51 Entertainment from Alexander City provided the music for the first dances and throughout the night. The newlyweds danced to “The Greatest Love Story” by Lanco. Haley and her father danced to Tim McGraw’s “My Little Girl.” Wesley and his mother danced to “Mother” by Sugarland.

Two of the special events of the night happened after those first dances. First, friends of the groom had stationed themselves on a neighbor’s island to set off fireworks in celebration of the couple. Second, all of the guests were invited to illuminate biodegradable Chinese sky lanterns to soar over the lake.

The dance floor was covered with guests enjoying the music and dancing when yet another surprise was brought to them – Krystal cheeseburgers served on silver trays.

“Krystal cheeseburgers are our favorite late-night 46 LAKE

snack, and everybody got so excited to see them after a night of dancing. I heard people say we had the best wedding food ever, and I think it might have been the Krystals for a few of them,” Lamborne said.

The morning after the wedding, the bride’s aunts cooked their Famous Fuller Breakfast, served on fine china, for around 40 close friends and family, giving the couple time to linger longer with their loved ones. The celebratory send-off breakfast included eggs, various sausages, grits, homemade biscuits with sausage gravy and mimosas.

“They are amazing cooks, and it was a special ending to a perfect wedding,” Sharon Fuller said.

The wedding weekend proved to be everything the newly married couple could have hoped for. The weather cooperated, COVID did not interrupt the final plans, and everyone had fun. The Lambornes’ celebration sent them on their way to a lifetime of happiness.

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FEBRUARY 2022

LAKE 47

Emily and William Gray met in Sunday school class when they were 2 years old

The dream came true STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY REBECCA LONG

FEBRUARY 2022

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Emily Edwards and William Gray were married at Church in the Pines on Lake Martin June 12, 2021.

The two were introduced in their 2-year-olds Sunday school class at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, and their parents were friends throughout Emily and William’s lives. They started dating in their sophomore year of high school.

“Our parents were already friends when we met as babies, and it’s really great to have that history together. He went to Alabama, and I went to Auburn, but I think the distance matured our relationship in many ways. We were waiting on God’s timing and taking our lives one step at a time. I knew I would only tell the man I planned to marry that I loved him.

William had told me he loved me before and I was waiting until I knew for sure he would be my husband. The moment came, and I knew I loved him. We slow danced to Bennie and the Jets that night,” Emily Edwards Gray said.

The couple became engaged at SpringHouse during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Her family’s many visits to their lake house in Dadeville during quarantine became a blessing. On one of their afternoon boat rides, her father, Mark, recommended Church in the Pines for the wedding, and they knew it would be perfect.

“We were so excited to have everyone else see the beauty of the lake and truly have a Lake Martin experience. I knew it would be a dream come true,” she said.

Gray’s sister, Catherine Barber, is a professional wedding planner, so plans were under way quickly.

“It was such a blessing planning my wedding with my wonderful mother, Julie, and my big sister. We had so much fun planning every little detail together.” said Gray.

Eric Reebals, an associate pastor at Briarwood, provided pre-marital counseling and officiated the service.

Gray shopped with her mother and two sisters, Lauren and Catherine, to find the perfect wedding dress. Her sister set up appointments in Birmingham over a two-day period, but when Heidi Elnora’s Build-a-Bride came to the Edwards’ house for an inhome wedding dress shopping experience, the search ended.

“I felt like a princess in every dress in every store, but I knew I was waiting on the one. They bring all the pieces that can be put together to customize a dress, but ironically, I found one on the rack that was perfect, and that’s the one I ordered. I decided buying a wedding dress was about putting all the pieces together – I found out I liked a sweetheart neckline, a fit-and-flare style, no lace. It was just beautiful and even had a little flare at the bottom, so I could twirl,” Gray said.

The wedding party consisted of 16 bridesmaids and two flower girls, Gray’s nieces, Annie and Emma. The bridesmaids wore off-one-shoulder dresses with a slight fit-and-flare and a slit in a rose gold

He proposed at SpringHouse

They were excited to share Lake Martin with their family and friends

FEBRUARY 2022

The ceremony was set for June at Church in the Pines

LAKE 49

The couple enjoyed a few moments alone between the ceremony and the reception

Montgomery artist Kevin King painted a keepsake picture of the ceremony

The bride felt like royalty at the Marsgate reception

color. The 14 groomsmen wore black tuxedos.

With a nod to the proposal location, the Carriage House, an intimate setting at Russell Crossroads served as the location of the rehearsal dinner. Brad and Nancy Gray planned a beautiful night with delicious food catered by SpringHouse and a wonderful time of words and fellowship.

The ceremony was at Church in the Pines with 400 guests. Bonnie Furuto coordinated a string quartet and a harpist for the music in the outdoor setting. Gray’s sister, Lauren, along with two other singers, graced the attendees with How Deep the Father’s Love.

Birmingham designer, Julie Howard, created the bouquets, boutonnieres and ceremony décor – such as light pink roses and greenery – that complemented the natural beauty surrounding the outdoor chapel. The flowers were dedicated to the loved ones who could not be there that day. Gray’s grandmother, Ann, represented for both William and Emily’s loving grandparents.

“Our service was so special because it was a Godhonoring service. At one point in the service, all the members of our immediate families came up to lay their 50 LAKE

hands on us and pray for us. Everyone was quiet, and we could hear the water lapping on the shore. It was definitely the most special part of the day, a heavenly moment,” Gray said.

The reception was just a few miles away at Marsgate, a colonial mansion in Eclectic. The Edwards worked with Rita Falk, who coordinated the reception and provided the flowers. The Edwards reserved the entire venue for the weekend, so they were able to host the bridesmaids’ luncheon there, and the family stayed in rooms available on site. DeAngelo Ziegler and WOW Catering in Eclectic catered the reception.

“A bus took the whole wedding party, including William and me, to Marsgate. That beautiful place and Rita are just incredible. She did everything to make my dreams come true,” she said.

The newly married couple enjoyed a private dinner and a few moments alone when they arrived at Marsgate, while guests enjoyed the cocktail hour. Hors d’oeuvres included bacon wrapped sweet chicken and fried ravioli.

Four stations were set up for dinner – chicken and waffles with maple syrup and butter; an international fruit

FEBRUARY 2022

and cheese station; a shrimp station with grits and low-country shrimp, shrimp scampi, tri-shrimp and green beans; and the fourth station featuring honey mustard barbequed pork tenderloin and slider rolls. A dessert table of white chocolate pecan clusters, strawberry mousse shortcake and sweet chocolate tarts was presented in addition to the groom’s cake and the bride’s wedding cake.

Sweet Gaga’s Bakery in Alexander City created both the bride’s and groom’s cakes – a key lime cake with key lime pie shooters. The bride’s cake was a four-tier cake with a crumb coat decorated with white and pink roses.

Gray’s father stood on a staircase to thank everyone for coming and to pray over the food; then, he announced the couple as they appeared at the top of the stairs.

“We felt like royalty. We had a great, big dip kiss at the top and headed down the stairs to the dance floor for our first dance to My Girl.

To have everyone there who loves and cares for us was so special. To know that they were a witness to our marriage and will keep us in their prayers made me so happy,” she said.

As a keepsake from the beautiful wedding, Montgomery artist, Kevin King, took a photograph at the ceremony and painted it on canvas during the reception.

Everyone danced under twinkle lights on the outdoor dance floor until time to cheer and wave sparklers. As the guests lined up, Mr. and Mrs. Gray had one last dance alone to Bennie and the Jets. The newlyweds were whisked away in a shiny, red convertible.

“I am so close to my family. My parents are my heroes, and I want to be just like them. They made me feel so special, and I am so grateful for every effort that went into making this day so joyful. It was not about worldly things, but about honoring God and our marriage.

Everything was in God’s plan, and I wouldn’t change a thing,” Gray said.

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

FEBRUARY 2022

LAKE 51

After a chance meeting and long distance conversations, Mary Grace Staples invited Ross McDonald to visit her at her parents' Lake Martin home

Wedding

by Design STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY AUDREY NICOLE PHOTO

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FEBRUARY 2022

Gowns hang on the transoms at the Staples' lake home

They exchanged vows at the lake last Map

L

A backyard wedding had always been the bride's dream

Lake Martin’s Mary Grace Staples McDonald met her husband, Ross, on the last day of her freshman year at the University of South Alabama. They spent the next few months getting to know each other over long distance, and by late summer, McDonald worked up the courage to invite him up for a weekend at her parents’ lake house in Dadeville.

“Since the first time we met was very brief, it felt kind of weird meeting him again for the first time with my parents, so I had him meet just me at Oskar’s, and we had our very first date over cheeseballs,” McDonald said. “We had a great weekend boating around the lake and hiking Smith Mountain.

Ross even jumped off Chimney Rock with some of my friends. I think he was trying to show off for me.”

Over their next four years at USA, the couple became best friends. McDonald and Ross began to talk of spending their lives together.

“He was waiting to get into dental school, and I didn’t want to complicate all of that by putting myself in the picture, so we dated for seven years before the timing was perfect,” she explained. “Ross started dental school in Bradenton, Florida, in 2020.”

With many weddings being postponed in 2020, McDonald’s mother, Lydia Staples, suggested it

might be prudent to go ahead and reserve a venue.

So the couple booked the waterfront chapel at New Water Farms for the only weekend Ross could take time away from school in 2021 – May 22.

“My family and I often boated to New Water Farms and watched it build from the ground up after a tornado in 2011. So once my church started holding summer services in their waterfront chapel, I knew it would be the perfect place for our ceremony. I always knew I wanted to have my reception in my parents’ backyard, so I loved how both venues were so close to each other.”

While McDonald was visiting her parents with friends one weekend, Ross orchestrated a big surprise engagement and party. He made the 10-hour drive to Lake Martin and proposed on the dock with family and friends present. He even managed to make it a complete surprise for her.

And the planning began by breeding Ginger, the family’s then-3-year-old goldendoodle. McDonald’s father, Mark Staples, occasionally bred hunting dogs while she was growing up, so they were familiar with the process. Ginger birthed 13 puppies, and they were sold to help with all the wedding extras that the bride had always dreamed of having on her big day.

FEBRUARY 2022

LAKE 53

Lake Martin delivered a beautiful spring day for the special occasion

Because the family had hosted previous weddings, the bride already knew the table arrangements she wanted

“About that time, I began to work from home, so I became all things puppies. During down time when I wasn’t playing with them or cleaning up after them, I created a website to help sell them. I took photos once a week as they grew and each puppy had its own profile page with photos. Needless to say I became a full puppy mom,” McDonald said.

As a graphic design graduate, the bride designed her own invitations, stationery, ceremony program and anything else that was printed for the special day. She also hand calligraphed all of her invitation envelopes and painted a picture of the venue chapel to line the inside of her envelopes. For the children’s table, she designed an activity book that included wedding themed fill-in-the-blank and word-search puzzles, as well as coloring pages of the venues.

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Since 2004, the Staples’ lake home has hosted several weddings for family and close friends, and through those events, McDonald knew how she wanted to arrange everything for her big day. At the same time, she recognized that much of the wedding revolved around her life, so she wanted to include Ross’s history as well.

“Growing up in Mobile, Mardi Gras has always been a huge part of Ross’s life. His dad is in a society, and we have been going to parades and balls for the past six years,” the bride explained. “He decided to have a king cake for his groom’s cake, and we threw beads from the stage instead of doing a traditional garter toss.

“I also thought it’d be fun to play with our new last name, McDonald, so I painted a custom corn-

FEBRUARY 2022

The ceremony was held under the chapel roof at nearby New Water Farms, where the Staples family attends summer services at the lake

The bridesmaids got the first reveal

FEBRUARY 2022

A king cake was chosen to honor the groom and his family history

LAKE 55

Utter joy

Ginger, the family's goldendoodle, played a special part in the wedding planning

Wreaths of white flowers graced the doors at the Staples home

The bride and groom added a few strokes to Lila Grave's live painting at the reception

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A graphic designer, the bride loved preparing the invitations, cards, booklets and other printed materials for her special day

The McDonalds plan to return to Alabama in 2024

hole game with the McDonald’s logo for the reception. And we served McDonald’s cheeseburgers later in the evening, which was a huge hit among guests.”

While most of McDonald’s backyard wedding arrangements went according to the plan she devised while growing up there, her mother insisted that the best location for the stage was in a spot that was slightly inclined. So McDonald and her father decided to build the stage themselves to ensure a perfect fit.

“We borrowed the wood from a friend’s hardware store, and we spent two Saturdays assembling it. After we finished building the stage, I saw a pile of scrap wood, so I sanded and stained smaller pieces and put glass, hand-painted reservation signs in each of them.

I was also able to use the leftover wood for a backdrop for the band, as well as the cake stand for Ross’s groom’s cake,” she said.

“Every detail of their wedding had her artistic touch on it, from the blue accent vases for the tables to the magical backyard setting, which McDonald meticulously designed and worked on for weeks,” the mother of the bride explained.

McDonald works remotely as a part time designer for a semi-custom stationery company in Birmingham. She also works as an artist and freelance graphic designer from the couple’s home in Florida, where they will live until Ross finishes school in 2024 at which time they plan to return to Alabama.

FEBRUARY 2022

LAKE 57

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Something Blue

t’s an old Southern tradition. A bride and groom who, exactly one month before the nuptials, bury a bottle of whiskey upside down near the site where they will exchange vows will be assured of good weather on the big day. The tradition could have come across the Atlantic with our Scotch-Irish ancestors, or it might have evolved in our native bourbon and whiskey producing states of Kentucky, Tennessee or Virginia. Another rumor cites the origin as a 21st century marketing campaign. However it began, it’s a Southern tradition now.

Seeing as how Southerners hold fast to their traditions,

the most important guideline in the execution of this one is that the couple bury the good stuff. After all, the bottle will be dug up after the ceremony and should be passed around the dance floor during the reception.

A wise choice could be Blue Note Juke Joint, crafted in Memphis, Tennessee, with notes of sweet corn, allspice and oak. Taste vanilla, apricot and pear as well and let the allspice fade into lingering notes as the veil settles on the day.

Pair the whiskey with a celebratory premium handmade cigar carrying velvety smooth notes of cocoa, caramel and cinnamon. The Cohiba Blue is a medium fill from Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua, continuing a tradition of excellence with perfectly balanced body in outstanding construction and taste.

CHEERS!

BY MARK GILLILAND

Mark Gilliland is the owner of Grain & Leaf located at 6068 state Route 63, Suite 1, in Alexander City.

FEBRUARY 2022

LAKE 58

FEBRUARY 2022

LAKE 59

LMRA since 1972 L

Boating traffic was extremely light comake Martin was much different pared to today’s activity. No hazardous-area 50 years ago. There was no lake or no-wake buoys had been installed yet, level rule curve; no pre-determined and water levels fluctuated wildly. Levels drawdown of the water level with starting had been known to drop as much as 25 feet and completion dates. There were no fall with no prior notification. extension full pool dates if specified criteria With sparse development and mostly were met. Even though quality water stanweekenders enjoying the quiet solitude and dards have always been extremely good, clean, clear water that was Lake Martin, there were no Treasured Lake standards yet home break-ins were frequent, and trash established by the Alabama Department of and garbage disposal was not available.

Environmental Management.

Regardless of the many challenges of There were few permanent homes. lake living, Lake Martin was becoming a Instead, the lake was dotted with weekLMRA huge attraction for those seeking the soliend cabins that had dirt road access.

BY JOHN THOMPSON tude of a getaway place to relax and enjoy Development of communities had begun in nature in a beautiful convenient location.

Windermere, Willow Point, StillWaters and Ben Russell, being both a visionary and hava few others. Alabama Power had only recently begun ing the responsibility for the development of Russell selling lots, instead of leasing them for development.

Lands property on Lake Martin, organized a small There was no restriction on beaded Styrofoam, and group that included businessmen, attorneys and others many early residents hauled in automobile, truck and tractor tires for their boats to rest upon, as unpredictable from the Alexander City and Dadeville areas to go to Washington. The group met with the Federal Energy water levels dropped with no notice.

Regulatory Commission to discuss issues related to Lake There was a popular belief, at that time, that tires Martin. made good fish habitat.

LMRA promotes safety on the lake through the buoy placement program

Ben Russell organized a group of local stakeholders to petition FERC for lake level standards in 1970

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FEBRUARY 2022

The reward program now offers $5,000 to reduce breakins at lake homes

The headline in the Thursday, Dec. 10, 1970, edition of the Alexander City Outlook read “Lake association puts case before Congressmen.” The name of the organization was later changed to Lake Martin Resource Association.

With the enthusiastic efforts of the group supported by the Alabama Congressional delegation, agreements were reached and good things began to happen here. Those were things that would have a positive effect on the recreation value of Lake Martin.

As a consequence of that early activism, LMRA now is included as part of today’s FERC license for Martin Dam and must be notified if any changes are made to the license.

The rule curve that is part of the new license issued in 2015 includes many positive changes, and LMRA has continued to play an important role in working for the betterment of Lake Martin by protecting both water quality and quantity for future generations to enjoy.

John Thompson is president of Lake Martin Resource Association.

Visit lmra@lmra.info for more information.

FEBRUARY 2022

LAKE 61

62 LAKE

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FABULOUS FINDS

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(334) 377-1055 info@inSightDOCK.com FEBRUARY 2022

LAKE 63

Grilled Venison

with Parsnip Puree and Farro Verde

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Farro Verde Ingredients

Parsnip Puree Ingredients

Parsnips peeled and cut into small pieces 3-4 cups heavy cream 1 bay leaf 1-2 sprigs of thyme Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups farro verde 4 cups chicken stock or water 1 bay leaf

Farro Verde Directions

Combine ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil; then, reduce heat to a medium simmer.

Cook until emmer has a chewy texture. Strain off any excess water.

Parnsip Puree Directions

Combine all ingredients together and bring to a boil; then, reduce heat to a low simmer and cook until parsnips are very tender. Strain the heavy cream off and reserve for the puree. Place parsnips in a blender and add enough cream to just cover the vegetables. Blend until smooth. If too thick, add more cream. Season with salt and pepper to your tasting.

Assembly

Grill any piece of meat to your liking. We used venison for the game taste that pairs well with the farro verde and the parsnips.

CHEF'S TABLE

BY PETE MCKENNY

Pete McKenny, chef at SpringHouse Restaurant, trained at four-star restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio,Washington, Arizona and Vermont before returning to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golf & Country Club 12 years ago.

FEBRUARY 2022

LAKE 65

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and viruses, even with vaccines in place. healthy immune system is essential to The following healthy habits will strengthgood health. The human immune sysen the immune system. tem is made up of cells, tissues and n Staying hydrated. The human body is 60 organs that work together to fight infection percent water. Hydration is so important to and diseases. If bacteria or a virus invades well-being because water is essential to makthe body, it attacks and multiplies, causing an ing sure the body’s systems function properinfection. This infection would cause disease ly. Illness is not caused by mild dehydration; and can make you sick. Your immune system however, dehydration can cause headaches, protects you from disease by fighting off the dizziness or digestive issues, affecting mood, bacteria or virus. memory and information processing. The top The immune system includes the skin, fluid recommendation is water because it is which can prevent germs from entering the HEALTHY LIVING calorie-free and sugar-free. body; mucus membranes, the moist inner

BY JULIE HUDSON Seltzer, sparkling water and other calorielinings of some organs and body cavities free seltzers or waters are good choices, too. can trap and fight germs; white blood cells, Low fat or nonfat milk or 100-percent fruit juice count which fight germs; and organs and tissues of the lymph toward hydration. Limiting the intake of 100-percent fruit system, such as the thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, lymph vessels and bone marrow. The lymph system stores juice to 1/2 to 1 cup daily is recommended due to the calorie content. Drinking low fat or nonfat milk will help and carries white blood cells.

The immune system defends the body against any sub- minimize calories and saturated fat. Coffee and tea count as hydration if sugar or high fat creamer is not added. Soft stance that may be harmful or foreign (not recognized). drinks and lemonade, as well as sports drinks, also count These substances, called antigens, may be in the form of for hydration but should be limited due to their high sugar bacteria, virus, chemical or toxin. Antigens could also and calorie content. Consuming lots of fruit and vegbe cells that have been damaged by things like cancer or etables is important because these have high water content sunburn. If the body recognizes an antigen, it will attack. and thus count as hydrating.

This is called an immune response. During this response, n Sleep is very important. Lack of sleep has been linked the body makes antibodies, which are proteins that work to poor dietary choices, impaired psychological wellbeto attack, weaken and destroy antigens. During this time, ing and increased risk for chronic disease, such as heart the body also makes other cells to fight the antigen. disease and diabetes. Scientific evidence has demonstrated Afterwards, the body will remember the antigen. If the that the body’s immune system will be impaired without antigen is detected again, the body will send the right significant amounts of sleep. Lack of sleep can increase antibodies, in most cases, to prevent illness. This type of the risk for getting sick and impair illness recovery. Adults protection is called immunity. need at least seven hours of sleep per night, and teens Research has shown that a person’s unhealthy eating need eight to 10 hours. Children and infants need up to 14 and lifestyle habits could lead to a weakened immune system, which could impair the body’s reaction to bacteria hours, including naps.

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n Regular exercise will help build and strengthen the immune system. Moderate physical activity can help reduce inflammation and promote cell regeneration. Choose fast walking, jogging, tennis, pickleball, biking, swimming, heavy cleaning or mowing the lawn. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week and always speak to a physician before beginning a new exercise program. n Alcohol can weaken the immune system.

Alcohol can trigger inflammation in the gut and have a negative effect on the good bacteria that contributes to a healthy immune system. If you choose to drink alcohol, the recommendation is no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. n Eating healthy is an integral part of building a healthy immune system. No single food will work by itself; therefore, eat a variety of immuneboosting foods containing the nutrients Beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc and protein.

Healthful eating, combined with healthy lifestyle habits, can help boost immune health. The goal is to decrease incidence of illness and prepare your body to fight off infection when you do get sick.

Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.

Did you know?

Yogurt provides active live cultures that serve as probiotics, which help boost immune health.

Lentils are a source of zinc and Vitamin B6, both of which play roles in immune health.

Red bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which plays a role in immune function.

Almonds contain large amounts of Vitamin E, which boosts immune health.

Oranges contain huge amounts of Vitamin C in the flesh and zest, which helps the immune system work properly.

Ginger contains powerful antioxidants that control inflammation.

Grapes contain antioxidants and polyphenols that protect cells and help with inflammation and healthy immune function. Grapes are loaded with more than a thousand plant compounds that prevent and fight disease, regulate immunity and fight inflammation.

Spinach provides numerous antioxidants and iron, which are all involved in maintaining immunity. When you consume iron from a plant source, pair it with a source of Vitamin C to aide in the absorption of iron.

Walnuts are overloaded with Omega-2ALA,Vitamin B6 and polyphenols that all aid in immune health.

Oats provide zinc, selenium, beta-glucan, arginine and natural plant compounds that boost immune health.

FEBRUARY 2022

LAKE 67

Build for future fishing L

ake Martin was the largest manmade reservoir in the world when the dam was completed in 1926, according to my Alabama history teacher, Glenn Vinson (who I call Dad), at Benjamin Russell High School many years ago. It is also one of the oldest in the country. Many more reservoirs were added to our state in the following years with most being completed by the late 1960s. That means that most all reservoirs in Alabama are at least 50 years old with Lake Martin pushing 100.

Whether it’s a simple farm pond or a massive manmade hydropower reservoir, the natural flooded cover that once provided habitat to the fishery will eventually decompose. Lake Martin and many other manmade reservoirs are so old that there is very little prime cover available for the fish. Yes, a few stumps remain, a tree falls occasionally, and there are plenty of rocks, but good dense cover that provides shade, food and protection for smaller fry and forage spe68 LAKE

cies would be lacking if not for the manmade habitat that’s been added over the years.

Most Lake Martin anglers know the value of brush piles to this fishery. Many fish species seem to live their whole lives in the vicinity of these dense forests scattered on an otherwise cover-deprived lake bottom. Experienced anglers get a feel for a prime location for habitat. A point, a hump, a staging area, a spawning area, etc., and a well-placed habitat combined can be ground zero for a multitude of species.

There are literally tons of man-made brush piles and habitat that’s been placed in the depths of Lake Martin by individuals, State conservation crews and Alabama Power to help preserve Lake Martin as a fishery. I’ve certainly done my fair share over the years, first building a brush pile in front of our dock with my Dad when I was a kid. Later, I moved offshore beyond drawdown depths to sink both natural and artificial fish attractors. I’ve since caught plenty

FEBRUARY 2022

expected. Neither have metal items like of fish from these locations. It’s rewardfreezers, washers and especially not bating to see that the fish like their habitat teries or old tires. I consider these trash location and composition. because they only junk up the lake botSince Lake Martin is down 10 feet tom, providing no benefit whatsoever. this year, now is an excellent time to put Since getting to know the folks with some habitat out. Placing habitat at or Mossback Fish Habitat, I’ve learned just beyond the current waterline now a little more about how good habitat means it will be sitting in 10 feet of works. Productive artificial habitat water when the lake is at full pool again. attracts fish without having to be replenThat’s a great depth for bass, bream and ished year in and year out due to decomcrappie most of the year when the lake is position. I also like the option of changfull. I’ve caught plenty of fish from these BIG CATCHES ing the location and configuration from type of brush piles, even during some one year to the next to see what the fish of the busiest times of the year on the

BY GREG VINSON prefer. lake. It’s not too farfetched to imagine Good artificial habitat structures, like catching a few fish around the habitat in those of Mossback Fish Habitat, offer features that between swimming, boating and doing what we lake make habitat productive. They collect fine sediment goers do. These types of habitats placed near docks and even facilitate algae growth. Algae is a good can be fished any time of day and even at night, thing for attracting forage creatures. Aggregated surespecially if there’s a light source nearby, like an faces of the artificial limbs, along with a V-shaped underwater light or a common area light. trough, help this process.

One of the easiest ways to build a productive fish Naturally colored limbs seem to matter. attractor is by using the limbs, bushes, etc. that are Traditional white PVC pipe is very slick, and I think collected during the year. Most homeowners do the the white color is possibly a turnoff to the fish. bulk of clearing limbs during the fall and winter, Having a variety of structures could help, as well, exactly when the lake is at drawdown, which prowith some being more low profile, like root wads vides a perfect opportunity to make a fish attractor and spawning beds, while others are much larger and that’s within reach of a cast from the dock or shorehave denser limb profiles. Some stand up; some lay line. Lake Martin is full of nice sized rocks that can down; and some can be suspended beneath a deep serve as weights to hold the limbs down and add some attraction to the spot in the form of a mini rock dock to fit just about any purpose one could imagine to draw in the fish. These also provide options to pile. match the location in which the habitat will be situIdeally, the base of the limbs should be pointed ated. Larger, taller structures might be more producin the opposite the direction you expect to be casttive in deep water while shorter, more dense strucing. This means when you pull a Texas rigged worm tures could be better in shallow water. PVC material through the brush, it will move along with the limbs is dense and will sink by itself, but to ensure it ends instead of against them, which could cause more up where you want it and stays there, one concrete snagging. The larger bases could be concentrated/ block is usually all it takes. piled in one small area, while the bushier ends or In the spring, the crappie come into the shaltops of the limbs extend out and provide bulk. Piling lows to take advantage of the warmer, rising water. rocks on the bases would ensure they don’t float up During the process, they flood into manmade habitat. and become dislodged as the lake level comes back They’re lots of fun when they do, and in my opinup in the spring. It could help to use large cable ties ion, there’s no better tasting fish on the planet than a to secure limbs of different trees together.

Lake Martin crappie.

One thing to note, it seems that one good conAs a kid growing up on Lake Martin, I caught so centrated, bulky pile of brush or habitat could be many fish and a variety of species because of the more productive, at least for fishing, than just scathabitat we had placed near our dock. Through many tering individual pieces around. Old Christmas trees thousands of fish catches that I have been fortuhave been a favorite for many around the lake, even nate to experience in the years following, those fish being the habitat of choice for Alabama Power habiaround the dock remain some of the most memotat projects over the years. These trees have dense limbs, decompose more slowly and are plentiful after rable. Consider placing some habitat, whether natural the holiday season. They can be a nuisance when try- or artificial, to create lasting memories with the kids/ grandkids, too. And hopefully, Lake Martin will coning to get a bait through when fishing, but leave no tinue to be a thriving fishery for the next 100 years. doubt about it, Lake Martin fish love a good pile of Christmas trees.

Greg Vinson is a fulltime professional angler on I’ve seen some good attempts at artificial habitat the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in over the years using white PVC pipes and buckets Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin. of concrete, but they just didn’t produce as well as I FEBRUARY 2022

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Lessons learned in golf M

y name is Ean Dunton. I am a Level 3 PGA golf Arkansas in the same position as everyone else at the time, uncertain of what was to come. Little did I know, my jourmanagement intern at Willow Point Golf and ney was about to take a significant turn that would later Country Club. During my time here, it has been become one of the greatest experiences in my life thus far. a tremendous joy getting to know the membership and I was unable to go to Chicago due to the circumstances experiencing different activities within the community. I that were occurring in the world with COVID. was born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Growing up, I remembered interviewing with Matt Sheppard, director I always enjoyed competition, which led me to focus on of golf at Willow Point Golf and Country Club, at school basketball and golf throughout high school. It did not take long for me to realize that through playing these sports that and loving everything that he was about. He is viewed as a mentor by several of my friends from school, I loved I was able to make lasting relationand I had heard tremendous things about ships with people that I would otherwise never Willow Point. It was an extremely easy decihave the chance to meet. My senior year rolled sion for me to pick up the phone and explain around, and it was time to make the decision to him my newfound situation and ask if he of where I wanted to attend college and what had any room for me on his team. Before would be the focus of my studies.

I really knew what was happening, I found I was a student at the same small school myself here in Alabama once again, but hindin Jonesboro for 14 years. I felt that it was sight is 20/20 and just like my decision to time to step out of my comfort zone to try attend MSU, I soon realized that I was where something different. Still clinging to my love I needed to be. I completed a six-month sumfor sports, this decision was difficult for me. I soon recognized the opportunity to compete at PAR for the COURSE mer/fall internship at Willow Point, and I learned more in that time than I ever could a higher level would leave me going to another EAN DUNTON have dreamed of. The club’s membership, small school where I would not be challenged along with the Russell Lands family, provided in new areas. It was then that I learned about a tremendous atmosphere for my second the professional golf management program at Mississippi State University. There I would be able to con- internship. I thoroughly enjoyed my time learning from “Shep,” as I too now call him a mentor. tinue my passion for a sport that had positively impacted I returned to school with a new perspective and wanted me all while earning a degree from an SEC school that to impact my peers in a positive manner, like the one that would present me a plethora of new opportunities. I was I was fortunate enough to experience here at The Point. sold.

I served as the president of our PGA Professional Golf I arrived in Starkville in the fall of 2018. I was both Management program and embraced being in leadership excited and nervous, not knowing anyone around me, or knowing what to expect. It did not take long for me to cre- positions. I used what I had learned about teamwork and positivity and was enjoying being able to replicate that in ate friendships with fellow students in the program, one school. I still try to build upon the values that I learned being Willow Point’s assistant golf professional, Paxton here and apply them to everyday life. I was named as the Tidwell. Receiving the welcome from older students from 2021 MSU PGA Golf Management Student of the Year across the nation and learning how some of the world and am currently completing my final internship, which operated outside of Northeast Arkansas convinced me I is split between Willow Point Golf and Country Club and had made the right decision.

Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Eager to experience new things and new people, I My story is an example of how the game of golf can accepted my first internship position at Wynlakes Golf and and does hold such a vast impact on so many people. I will Country Club in Montgomery. Through my first year’s always cherish the lessons it has taught me, the relationexperience with some of my dearest friends, I created ships it has created for me, and the places it has taken me memories that will last a lifetime. I became extremely and continues to do so. I feel extremely blessed to be able involved in our program at school upon returning for my sophomore year and wanted to be the best representative of to pave my plan around the game that I love. No matter one’s age, it serves as a common denominator for fellowmyself and our school that I could be. The time came for me to decide my second internship destination, and I want- ship and fun.

I encourage everyone to experience the game of golf ed to geographically differentiate my resume. I accepted an and what it has to offer. Willow Point is an incredible desinternship at Olympia Fields Country Club in a suburb of tination to do just that. I am excited for what is to come in Chicago, Illinois.

2022. I look forward to hearing the many great things that Everything seemed to be going better than I could will be accomplished through golf at Willow Point and our have imagined, when suddenly the world was faced with surrounding areas. the dilemma of the COVID-19 pandemic. I returned to FEBRUARY 2022

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Legend

63 280

To Sylacauga

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9

Churches

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Alexander City

Public Boat Ramps

Camp ASCCA

11 Flint Hill Church

Camps & Parks 280

Power lines U.S. Highways

3

22

County Roads Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

Pleasant Grove Church

11

COOSA COUNTY

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

10

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

18 20

New Hope Church

Liberty Church

12 Willow Point

24

7

13

Equality

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

Camp Alamisco

14

Kowaliga Boat Landing

22 The Ridge

55

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Seman

Camp Kiwanis

1 15

Church in The Pines

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2

The Amp Ko w

ali

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Central

ga

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Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

20 Kent

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Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

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FEBRUARY 2022

Timbergut Landing

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Lake Martin Alabama Marinas

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

49

Jacksons Gap 280

Bethel Church

21

Dadeville

57

280

25 Camp Hill

Smith Landing

28

16

6

4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 20 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

42. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700 19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

4. Russell Building Supply 21 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

52. Real Island Marina 256-397-1200 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 22 256-794-1333 288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010

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

234. Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

2. Parker Creek Marina 7 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 83. Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600 397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853 www.harborpointe.net

Restaurants & Venues

Walnut Hill

27 26

50

on

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

12 Smith Marina - Shipwreck Sam's Froyo 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

9

17 50

19 4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

2. Alex City Marine 11 256-215-FISH(3474) 2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Stillwaters

8

22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

10 2. Lakeside Marina at Bay Pines 256-825-0999 3455 Bay Pine Rd., Jackson's Gap, AL 36861

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

18 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010

2. Lakeside Marina 9 256-825-9286 7361 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Pleasant Ridge Church

6. SpringHouse 13 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 146. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 15 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

Business & Shopping

11. Kowaliga Marina 256-397-1210 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

24. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 25 . Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 21322 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853 26 . Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage 334-391-0717 8421 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 27 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853 28 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820 8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders 29 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25.

Contact our Marketing Department at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

16 Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337 5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853 17 The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887 8605 AL HWY 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Reeltown

FEBRUARY 2022

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Lake Magazine Distribution 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

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Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture 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 and 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 on Lake Martin Nails Kowaliga Marina Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office

Russell Lands Real Estate Sales Center Springhouse Restaurant 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

FEBRUARY 2022

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 magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $50 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory KOWALIGA WHOLE HEALTH PET CARE

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Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing............................................................. 67

Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage............... 75

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Insight Dock Company.............................................. 63

Reinhardt Lexus.......................................................... 12

Alex City Marine......................................................... 74

Kowaliga Whole Health............................................. 75

Renaissance Electronics............................................... 5

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Lake Martin Dock....................................................... 15

Russell Lands............................................................3, 80

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation....................................... 14

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Russell Medical.............................................................. 2

Build-A-Bride Auburn.......................................................... 21

Lake Martin Pecan Company..................................... 8

Satterfield........................................................................ 5

Childersburg Primary Care...................................... 61

Lake Martin Realty...................................................... 47

Security Pest Control.................................................. 8

Coach Kraft Upholstery............................................ 75

Lake Martin Signature Construction...................... 70

Singleton Marine......................................................... 26

Comfort Home Services........................................... 67

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Sunrise Dock................................................................ 11

Custom Docks............................................................. 76

Lamberth & Lamberth............................................... 14

Temple Medical Center............................................... 8

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Mark King's Furniture................................................ 62

The Barn on Milam Road.......................................... 17

Diamond Golf Cars.................................................... 20

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Moore Wealth Management..................................... 79

The Southerly Warehouse........................................ 59

Electronic Technology Group................................... 75

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Tippy Canoe................................................................. 26

George Hardy D.M.D................................................... 8

Odd Jobs......................................................................... 6

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Off the Beaton Path..................................................... 8

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Holiday Cove............................................................... 12

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Homeology................................................................... 61

Precise Pressure Washing......................................... 75

WOW Catering.......................................................... 20

1 Chronicles 16:34

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New Homes With Luxurious Amenities: Resort, Golf, Tennis, Fishing, Spa, and Wooded Trails

Everyday Grandeur D I S COV E R A LU X U R I O U S G O L F L I F E STY L E L I V I N G A LO N G G R A N D N AT I O N A L G O L F CO U R S E Tucked away on the outskirts of Auburn University at the world-class Grand National Golf Course, the award winning National Village offers everything you’ll ever need for the way you want to live. The thoughtfully crafted master planned community features georgeous homes designed by national award winner Larry Garnett and built by Ab and Don Conner at Conner Bros. Construction Co., Inc., a local company with more than 100 years of experience. With the Marriott at Grand National on site, residents enjoy championship golf, miles of picturesque nature trails and lakes for fishing, spa and pool. National Village is truly an unbelievable place to live – inside or out.

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Parting Shot

~ Jodi Picoult

"If you've lived through it, you already know there are no words that will ever come close to describing it, and if you didn't – you will never understand."

Photo by Audrey Nicole Photo

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