Do something bold this year, something different from what you always do; some fun – almost even adventurous. Go someplace you’ve never been; do something edgy and surprising; go out on a limb for your community. In this issue of Lake Martin Living magazine, we’re excited to feature some local folks who have done just that, starting with a 15-year-old high school student who has set his sights on the big blue sky.
Brayden Brown has been enthralled with airplanes since he took a flight to Disney at 4 years old. At 14, he got in the cockpit, and now, he never misses an opportunity to get airborne. Breanna Manley and Kenneth Boone visited this pilot prodigy at Alexander City’s Thomas C. Russell Field and bring you Brayden’s story on page 12.
Find more inspiration in the courage of Sonny Chea and Angelina Sun, who left their home country of Cambodia to make a community life in the U.S. They bought a donut shop in Alexander City and expanded it to offer international cuisine to the community that has welcomed them and made them feel at home. Erin Chesnutt shares their story in this month’s Go Local column on page 10.
If your heart is calling you to serve in your community, you eventually have to answer it. That’s what Michael Knox did when he retired from the Air Force and settled down in his wife’s hometown of Tallassee. The Veterans of Foreign Wars struck a deep chord for him, and today, he serves as quartermaster of the Tallassee operation, where he helps veterans find the services and community they need. Meet Mike on page 26.
Janet Gogan and members of the Artists Association of Central Alabama felt that tug at their hearts as well in supporting the new Coosa County Animal Shelter in Sylacauga. When artists donated their works to a silent auction during the shelter’s grand opening, all the proceeds went to purchase supplies as the new facility now accepts animals. Be inspired on page 28.
They’re even reaching for a new level of fun and entertainment at Main Street Alexander City, which this month will host an interactive Murder Mystery Company production, Midnight at the Masquerade. Check out the story on page 34 and get your tickets now because seating for this inaugural event is limited.
What you do doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Just follow your heart to new adventures; and then, call and let us know, so we can share your story, too.
Chairman
Kenneth Boone
General Manager
Tippy Hunter
Editor-in-Chief
Betsy Iler
Creative Services
Audra Spears
Business & Digital Development Director
Angela Mullins
Contributors
Kenneth Boone
Breanna Manley
Lacey Howell
Shane Harris
Lee Williams
Gina Abernathy
Audra Spears
Cliff Williams
Abigail Murphy
Henry Zimmer
William Marlow
Karen Treadwell
Erin Chesnutt
Lizi Arbogast Gwin
Audience Development Director
Erin Burton
Marketing/Advertising Sales
Renee Trice
Emily Gregg
Marilyn Hawkins
Sheryl Jennings
Hidey Arrington
Lake Martin Living
P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011
256-234-4281
www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving
Betsy Iler, Editor-in-ChiefLake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.
Flight
Brayden Brown has had a passion for planes since childhood. He started lessons at age 14 and advanced quickly. With more than a year before he is eligible to take the license exam, Brown has already qualified for the test and is working on his instrument rating.
12. THE BIG DREAM
Brayden Brown went from flying planes of paper to the real thing at 15 years old to show that childhood dreams really do come true.
26. MICHAEL KNOX
Tallassee's VFW quartermaster has a heart for local veterans.
28. A PARTNERSHIP FOR PETS
Local artists team up with animal lovers to raise funds for Coosa County's new shelter.
34. WHO KILLED THE BILLIONAIRE?
Main Street Alexander City launches a murder mystery fundraiser with costumes, characters and a lot of fun.
9. AROUND THE AREA
10. GO LOCAL
18. GARDEN TALK
22. GOOD EATS
30. MEDICAL NEWS
32. MONEY MATTERS
35. OH SNAP!
40. LAKE REGION EVENTS
50. CULTURE SHOCK
As luck would have it, Lacey Howell is plannng another Fun February this year.
The 60-day sign-up period ends on March 16 for FEMA assistance for anyone affected by the Jan. 12 long-track tornado that destroyed or damaged homes across the area.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency last month recognized Tallapoosa County as a major disaster area following the storm that swept through the county toppling trees and utility lines and damaging property.
FEMA representatives visited the county Jan. 27 to provide aid to area residents affected by the storm, said Tallapoosa County EMA Manager Jason Moran.
“They’re going door to door to the people that are home, and where we know where the damage was and see if they can assist them,” Moran said.
Moran said current assessments have determined at least 30 homes countywide were impacted based on damage criteria from FEMA. According to Moran, the Jan. 12 storm destroyed 10 homes and severely damaged another 20 properties across
Anyone affected by the Jan. 12 tornado has one more month to sign up for FEMA aid.
Tallapoosa County and surrounding areas.
According to Moran, authentic FEMA representatives will present ID name badges and credentials when approaching county residents.
The federal agency also plans to establish a disaster recovery center where people can go to inquire about available assistance.
In addition to FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration designated Tallapoosa County as a storm disaster area, which qualifies affected business owners or residents for the federal agency’s disaster assistance loans. Individuals must start the process with FEMA before being referred to SBA.
Those seeking FEMA disaster assistance can fill out an application online or on the agency’s app or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
~ William Marlow
The Tallapoosa County Honor Band returned to the state for the first time since the pandemic. Made up of students from Alexander City Schools, Horseshoe Bend School, Reeltown and Dadeville, the 140-member band showcased the talents of local sixth through 12th grade students. The band members practiced for nine hours over two days of rehearsals and learned four pieces of music prior to their December performance.
“Music education has so much to offer kids other than just playing their instrument, ” said BRHS band director Dale Bloodworth. “But what we really hope is that they enjoy playing the music; they enjoyed the fellowship; and they had a memorable experience.”
Honor band members were nominated by their school’s band directors. For high school and middle school students, there also was an audition and chair placement portion.
“It’s really to give more of our kids a high-level music
experience than what they otherwise would have in their own classrooms,” Bloodworth said.
December.
Directors from other school systems came in as clinicians. Jerell Horton, director of the bands at Vestavia Hills High School, oversaw the high school honor band. Jen Walsh, band director at North Jefferson Middle School, oversaw the middle school honor band. Erin Lyon, associate director of bands at Simmons Middle School, oversaw the beginning band.
~ Abigail Murphy
STORY BY ERIN CHESNUTT PHOTOS BY BREANNA MANLEY
There is something special about a family business, especially when the owners are passionate about their community, as well as their food. That’s how the owners of Alexander City’s Daylight Donuts and Sun Asian Restaurant feel.
Sareth “Sonny” Chea and his wife Angelina Sun immigrated to the United States from Cambodia in 2003. They lived in Boston, Massachusetts, and began American life opening nail salons in the Boston area. They were doing well but felt that something was missing. They wanted to be part of a community where they could raise their family.
Sun visited a friend in Alexander City who owned a donut shop. Eventually, the couple moved to the area and took over the Daylight Donuts shop on Airport Road. That’s when they knew they had found the home they had been looking for.
“I speak from my heart when I say I love this town,” Chea said. “My family felt so welcomed. We fell in love with so many people.”
Business was good, and they grew. Daylight Donuts moved to a shop on Cherokee Road, and the couple expanded to include Sun Asian Restaurant. They served donuts in the morning and Asian food for lunch and dinner.
After one and a half years at that location, Chea and Sun were given one months’ notice that their lease would expire.
“We thought we were going to have to move back to Boston,” explained Chea.
That’s when local businessmen Fred Dobbs and Steve Presley
came to the rescue.
“We thought they were a nice couple and good for the community. They are probably the two hardest workers I’ve ever met in the restaurant business,” said Dobbs.
The businessmen found a location for the shop at 174 Broad St. Then last December, Daylight Donuts and Sun Asian Restaurant moved into a beautiful new building on Aliant Parkway with construction help from Dobbs and Presley. Daylight Donuts continues to serve customers from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Broad Street location and is open seven days a week.
Angela and Quinn Smith befriended the couple when they moved to town in 2018. They now help their good friends out in both restaurants. Angela works in the donut shop most days. Chea refers to Quinn as his godbrother, and it’s apparent the two couples have become like family.
In addition to the Smiths, the couple’s two children Rachana, age 15, and Raymond, age 11, help out on weekends at the restaurant, cleaning or running the cash register for their parents. Chea and Sun also moved their mothers from Cambodia, and they stay busy in the kitchen helping the couple create authentic Asian cuisine.
Chea and Sun have faced some challenges along their road of success. Angelina was diagnosed with melanoma in 2019 and must return to Boston every three months for cancer treatment. Now, she is cancer free, but it has been a hardship for the family.
“It’s been very difficult to find help,” explained Chea. “We hope we can bring more family from Cambodia to help with the restaurants.”
Sun Asian Restaurant is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. They offer a variety of menu items. Special fried rice and homemade egg rolls have become especially popular. In addition, they have a full-service bar available. Even though they already are working seven days a week in Alexander City, they have more plans for expansion; they hope to open a restaurant in Sylacauga in the future.
STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY
PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
On most weekends Brayden Brown, 15, can be found in one of the hangers at Thomas C. Russell Airport preparing for a flight lesson. Though the youngest flight student in the program, Brown has shown promise and an unyielding determination in groundwork, studying and in the cockpit.
His interest in airplanes and flying started early in life, and with his family’s support and encouragement, it never wavered.
“When I was 4, I went flying to Disney World, and I was like, ‘I think that’s what I want to do.’ My grandfather, Mike McDaniel, brought me over here, and we did a Discovery flight. That really got me hooked, so I just started flying here. He’s really supportive, along with my grandmother, Mary McDaniel. I think the acceleration’s what got me. You know, it just pushes you back in your seat.
“I used to make paper airplanes when I was little. I used to get fascinated because my grandparents live not far from the airport, and I could always hear the planes landing and taking off,” Brown explained.
Though flying is a unique hobby for now, it scores him some cool points with his friends, and he’s hoping to continue learning and training. He’d like to make a career out of it one day.
“My friends really think it’s cool. Every time I see them, they’ll be like, ‘When are you going to take me up?’ and I always tell them they have to wait a year and a half,” Brown said.
With instructors like Stephen Barlow and Alex Merril, in conjunction with help from Brown Aero Technologies owner, Regina Brown, Brown’s skills have skyrocketed and could lead him to his ideal career.
“I’m hoping to be either a captain for an airline or a captain for a corporate company one day,” Brown said.
Brown started his lessons last January. With a year under his belt now, he’s eager to fly solo for the first time when he turns 16.
Regina believes Brown was always meant to pilot a plane one day.
“He’s slightly a prodigy at this. It takes a lot of discipline and a lot of study. He has been so dedicated, and it makes a difference. We’re not allowed to solo a student until age 16, and they’re not allowed to earn their license until they’re 17. He’s ready to solo today, we just can’t let him. What we’re hoping is that we can continue with his training and finish up with all of his private pilot requirements. Then, he could move into the instrument rating requirements, so on his 17th birthday, he could test both,” Regina explained.
Merril is Brown’s designated flight instructor, but Brown has received instruction from both
Previous Pages: Brayden Brown only lacks a couple of birthdays before he can take his pilot license exam; Below: He practices on a Redbird flight simulator to enhance his knowledge of other areas; Facing Page: Brown started flight lessons at 14 and regularly flies a variety of planes with his instructors.
Regina and Barlow, too. His instructor team has concluded that Brown is ahead of his time and belongs in the air.
“He’s definitely got an aptitude for it. He’s very passionate about it. What I love is that he’s good at studying. He comes in with questions and takes notes. He’s always wanting to come out, even if we aren’t able to go flying. He’ll do groundwork. He’s getting more and more comfortable in the airplane. All of his skills are getting better. Flying, oddly enough, is the easy part. It’s the ground knowledge that has to go with it,” Merril said.
With school in session now, it’s harder for Brown to get the flight time he wants. He makes it a priority to take advantage of the weekends for his flight lessons.
“My flight lessons are usually every weekend. Well, right now the weekend, but as soon as the time changes, I can come here after school. I really just come here whenever I get the chance,” Brown explained.
Preparing for a flight is a tedious task, but Brown usually goes through the motions and checklists with ease.
“We do something we call a preflight. Before every lesson, we go out and check the plane, make sure it’s good for flying. Sometimes we’ll do just groundwork and not even go up, but pretty much that’s what we do,” Brown said.
Before Brown could fly solo or obtain his private pilot’s license, he’s required to have a certain number of hours in different categories, including groundwork and flying hours. There also are the exams and learning radio
communications. When it comes to flying hours, Brown has to include some cross-country travel time as well.
“We’ll stay around town sometimes and do something called a cross-country where we travel around at least 50 miles,” Brown said.
The purpose of cross-country flying is to familiarize a flight student with other areas, including other airports.
“Sometimes, he goes to Pine Mountain. Later on, he’ll go to places like Huntsville or Birmingham. Sometimes, training calls for longer flights for him to get experience. For example, flying into unfamiliar airports,” Barlow explained.
Despite starting just a little over a year ago, Brown says getting in the plane and flying is now second nature to him.
“I was nervous the first time we took off but not anymore. My mom is scared a little bit. She’s like, ‘I’m not going to come and watch you solo,’” Brown said.
With supportive instructors, family and friends cheering him on – sometimes even from the hanger itself – Brown is going after his big dream and making strides towards achieving it and proving that, with hard work and determination, achieving dreams is possible, even for someone younger than most. Keep an eye on the sky for Brown; he’ll have his wings in no time.
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. Plus, thanks to the high speed fiber optic network of Opelika (Alabama’s first Gig City), our homeowners enjoy some of the Nation’s fastest internet for any work- or learn-from-home requirements.
Though it may appear that lichen is damaging garden trees and shrubs, nothing could be further from the truth, as this plant partnership merely takes advantage of the host plant's misfortune.
Being the horticulture Extension agent for the county, I frequently help clients with calls and concerns about their plants, lawns and gardens. I typically Play many roles – plant doctor, detective and psychic – to solve problems. One call that I occasionally receive in the winter concerns a “fungus” growing on certain plants.
Folks usually declare, “This stuff is killing my plants!”
Once people begin to describe what they are seeing – some gray, paperlike stuff – I immediately recognize what they are describing. I calmly respond by saying, “It’s not a disease, and no, it is not hurting or killing your plants. It’s just lichen.”
Lichens are often blamed for the decline and death of numerous shrubs and trees in Alabama landscapes and gardens. That’s not surprising because these unusual plantlike organisms are commonly seen on the exposed limbs and trunks of declining or deceased plants. They can be found on mature azaleas, dogwoods, pecans and neglected and old fruit trees. But then again, you will see lichen commonly growing on the sides of mature tree trunks, exposed rocks, old wooden fence posts or aged birdhouses.
Actually, lichens rarely have anything to do with poor growth or death of ornamental plants or fruit trees. One theory is that their appearance
often indicates environmental stress or poor management.
Lichens colonize a wide range of exposed surfaces of limbs, stumps, soil, rocks, stone, metal, glass, plastic, cloth and other living and nonliving objects. They are most numerous on limbs and trunks of large mature trees and shrubs in full sun, particularly those plants with badly thinned canopies. Lichens only require undisturbed surfaces, time and clean air. They are considered opportunists and can grow anywhere it is sunny. Exposed limbs on damaged plants simply give lichens access to the sun they need for growth with little competition. Lichens firmly attach to these hard surfaces; however, research has shown that lichens do not damage plants or rob the bark of moisture.
These often inconspicuous, hardy and adaptive plants are composed of a fungus and a green or blue-green alga. This union or symbiosis produces a long-lived organism that does not look like either the fungal or algal partners. Both partners contribute to the growth of the lichen. The alga uses photosynthesis, like other plants, to produce food while the fungus supplies
water and essential minerals and produces a structure that protects the alga from extreme environmental conditions. Together, they thrive in some of the harshest environments on Earth, in places where few other plants and neither partner could survive alone.
In 2016, scientists at Purdue University uncovered a third partner – yeast. It is believed that yeast enables the lichen to produce acid that helps defend it against invasion from other microbes.
There are three types of lichens: crustose forms, which are flattened against the limb; folicose forms, which produce leaflike folds above the limb; and fruiticose lichens, which produce highly branched structures with hair or fingerlike projections. Most lichens seen on trees and shrubs are gray green; however, the color of other species varies from yellow and orange to dark brown. When wet, most lichens are firm, but some black or brown forms are gelatinous.
Reproduction of most lichens occurs when small pieces break off or the entire thallus (body) fragments. Lichen fragments are spread by wind, splashing water and other means to suitable substrates. The fungal partner of many lichens produces spores. A lichen may appear if a spore of the fungal component germinates near compatible algae. Some spores capture algal cells as
they are ejected from the fungal fruiting body. Most lichens will not thrive on heavily shaded twigs and branches of healthy woody plants. Few lichens are found in areas with high levels of ozone, sulfur dioxide, acid rain and other common air pollutants. In fact, lichens are believed to be good indicators of air quality.
Three of a Kind
Clockwise from Left: Fruiticose lichens produce hairlike or fingerlike projections; Crustose lichen forms are flattened against the host's surface; Folicose forms look similar to folded leaves on the host stem or branch.
Heavy infestations of lichens are most common on shrubs and trees in declining or poor health. Drought, old age, diseases, insects and poor nutrition can all put stress on plants. When they are unhealthy, plants often drop leaves, resulting in thin canopies with exposed surface areas. Lichens can move in and grow on them. Over time as the plants continue to decline in health, portions of the plants die. Lichen in turn continues growing on the sick or dead portion and helps in decomposition of the plant. Thus, lichens are often already present when plants die and are frequently assumed to be the cause of the death of plants. Note dead and fallen twigs are usually covered in
lichen.
The remedy of preventing and limiting the number of lichens growing on your plants is to correct what is causing your plants to be under stress. Following recommended establishment, watering and fertility practices would promote the development of a thick leaf canopy that could inhibit lichen growth on twigs and limbs. Better growing conditions and soil fertility could stimulate new plant growth and ultimately suppress the lichens.
Light pruning of affected limbs will remove some lichens and stimulate new shoot growth in the plant, which could help shade out the remaining lichens. Fruit trees, in particular, need annual pruning, including the removal of dead wood with lichen. Landscape trees and shrubs in extremely poor condition often do not respond to better care and should be replaced.
Lastly, in some specific situations, a pesticide might be considered for control of unwanted lichen growth. According to a recent Mississippi State University Extension publication, chemical control products containing potassium salts of fatty acids may be applied according to label directions. Examples of labeled products registered for use include Scotts 3-in-1 Moss Control, Bonide MossMax Ready to Spray, and Bayer Advanced 2-in-1 Moss and Algae Killer Ready to Spray. These products control lichens on bark, as well as hard surfaces in the landscape, like sidewalks or structures.
Lichens are just another interesting, yet misunderstood, creature is this amazing natural world.
For help on other home and garden questions, contact your local county Extension office or visit us online at aces.edu.
Wintertime in the South is mild compared to other parts of the country, but we still tend to be less active and spend more time indoors.
Show your heart some love this winter by getting it checked out 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
Our expanded clinical team is ready to serve you. Schedule a visit today by calling 256-234-2644.
PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
If you’re looking for the best chocolate cake recipe, look no further: This is it. Incredibly chocolaty with the best peanut butter frosting and ganache. Peanut butter frosting is one of my family’s favorite and easiest buttercream frosting recipes. It’s the perfect frosting for this cake and works well with the chocolate flavor.
You could undoubtedly frost your cake and keep it simple, but trust me, adding the ganache is the finishing touch this cake needs, and that takes it to a new level. This is undoubtedly a show-stopping cake and would be fantastic for any special occasion, especially a birthday celebration, anniversary or holiday dessert. Therefore, I have sometimes doubled the cake and frosting recipes to make a four-layer cake.
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee
Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter
3-1/2 cups powdered sugar
pinch of salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
Decorate the top as desired. This cake’s toppings are endless and left to your imagination. Mini peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, sprinkles and shaved chocolate could work nicely.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk all wet ingredients except the coffee.
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring after each addition. Once incorporated, add the hot coffee and mix well.
Divide the batter between the two cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes; until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 30 minutes before turning them onto racks to cool completely.
n Use whole-fat buttermilk.
n Make sure your cake has completely cooled before adding the frosting.
n To make it easier to frost, add a crumb coating. First, frost the top and sides of the cake with a thin layer of frosting, smoothing as you go. Don’t worry about crumbs. Then, pop the cake into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This locks all the crumbs into place. Then, remove the cake from the refrigerator and finish frosting.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and peanut butter on medium speed until creamy. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated.
Add heavy cream, salt and vanilla. Mix well. Turn the mixer to medium speed and beat for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add chocolate chips to a heat-safe bowl. Set aside. In a small pan, bring heavy cream to a simmer on
the stovetop. As soon as it simmers, remove it from the heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Do not stir. Cover the bowl with foil and allow it sit for 5 minutes. Remove the foil and whisk until smooth.
Allow the ganache to cool for 10 minutes.
With a spoon, slowly add the ganache to the center of the cooled cake. Then, gently spread it to the edges and slowly push it over the sides. Continue this process around the cake.
This is my favorite chocolate cake dessert. It’s flavorful and moist and has just the right sweetness and chocolate flavor. The best made-from-scratch chocolate cake recipe I keep on hand for all occasions. Always a winner and requested often.
STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY
PHOTO BY CLIFF WILIAMS
Michael Knox gave his heart to Tallassee’s VFW 10 years ago, after taking a boat ride on the Tallapoosa River with Lisa, his wife of 16 years. Lisa grew up in Tallassee, and when Knox’s adventurous military career came to a close, his wife and he decided to settle down in Tallassee.
“My wife grew up here. When she was a little girl, she remembered going to the VFW with her dad who is an Air Force veteran. We now live right next to her parents on the river in a house we built. One day back in 2009, we were out on a boat, and I noticed the VFW building. My wife told me what it was. Long story short, I stuck my nose in one day and have been with them ever since,” Knox explained.
Knox had an extensive career with the Air Force and was part of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. He served in the Gulf War with the EOD team before retiring out of MacDill Air Force Base. “I disarmed explosive devices in the Gulf War. I’ve worked on real nuclear weapons. I grew up in Central Europe, and I’ve gotten to do some really neat stuff
over the years,” Knox said.
While serving his country proudly, Knox married Lisa, and they had two daughters, Michaela and Meagan. Michaela lives on the river with her family near her parents’ house and teaches school at Dadeville Elementary. Meagan lives near Tampa and is attending nursing school.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Knox took a position with SCS, an environmental engineering firm.
“I get to work out of a home office most of the time. I travel all up and down the East Coast, and my official title is a regional quality advisor. I get to help solve problems and help make sure our people have what they need. If they have issues, I help them solve them. If they need training, I help with that. I’ve been doing that for over 16 years now,” Knox explained.
Along with his day-today job, Knox holds the Quartermaster position for the Tallassee VFW. He first came into the position a year ago, following his predecessor, Bill Lewis, who held the position for nine years.
“I was being groomed for the position and probably would’ve been doing it in another year or two, but Bill Lewis passed away unexpectedly last year around Christmas. I took over out of necessity after his loss with nobody to show me how to do it. I’m learning as I go,” Knox said.
As Quartermaster, Knox handles the financial side of the nonprofit. Reporting earnings and taxes is crucial to the upkeep of the organization.
comfortable. Our secondary mission is to support our local community. It tends to get lost in the mix. We do a lot of things for our community, and I think we do them well, especially for such a small town,” Knox said.
The VFW assists veterans with financial, legal and medical services, among a slew of additional types of aid. Knox hopes to show others the organization isn’t just a bar.
“There’s a constant battle that I think all of the VFWs nationwide face, which is to not have a negative perception. Our goal is to support veterans, and the atmosphere of a bar is where most of our guys feel comfortable,” Knox explained.
The connection between Tallassee and the VFW grows stronger as the organization adds more community involvement to its repertoire. Currently, the Tallassee VFW raises funds for scholarships for Tallassee and Reeltown students. Knox hopes next year to include Wetumpka and Eclectic in the mix.
The branch also supports local churches, along with The Learning Tree, through monetary and food donations. Food drives are coordinated by the VFW for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Knox joined the local Veterans of Foreign Wars club, where he helps to support veterans and build community.
“I’m responsible for all accounts payable. I handle all of our licenses and permits while also taking care of the financial reporting for our branch. I basically pay all the bills, take in the money and look after the bank account,” he explained.
Prioritizing the budget is important to Knox and the rest of the VFW’s members. Along with taking care of and welcoming in veterans, Knox also believes it’s important to support and connect with their local community.
“Our primary mission is to support veterans, and the VFW is an environment where a lot of the veterans feel
“The list goes on and on. We participate and support Bikers Against Child Abuse, Tuskegee Veteran’s Home and Operation Combat Bikesaver, to name a few. We also do a charity drawing. It’s called the Queen of Hearts, and it happens every Thursday night. It’s when a lot of the people show up,” Knox said.
Though Knox has only held the position briefly, he’s making sure the VFW’s missions are upheld. He hopes to continue being part of the organization as he lives out his life in the small town that captured his heart.
“We’re going to live here for the rest of our lives. We’ve bought property on the river and built a house out here. My youngest daughter and grandchildren live here. We’ve got extended family that live down there in that area with us. Both sides of our family are down there with us. It’s just a little paradise. We love it,” Knox said.
VFW QuartermasterThe Coosa County Animal Shelter partnered with the Artists Association of Central Alabama to host an art auction for the shelter’s grand opening late last month. Along with the opportunity to give back to the shelter through bids on the 30-plus art pieces, attendees toured the facility, donated supplies and met staff and volunteers.
The partnership came to be when Janet Gogan joined the staff as the foster coordinator. Gogan, who serves as the AACA vice president, came up with the idea to bring the two organizations together for mutual support. All the
artists who contributed pieces for the auction are local, Gogan said.
“Probably 90 percent of the artists are from the AACA club; and then, we had another artist who is actually my cousin. She used to teach art at the elementary school in Alexander City. She was happy to donate some pieces. A couple of friends have also donated some works. Most came from the association. There’s probably about five or six that are professional artists. One guy, he does it for a living. He’s a graphic artist, and he’s been with us for about two years now,” Gogan explained.
The association has more than 20 members and meets in Alexander City on the fourth Wednesday of every month. When it comes to partnerships between the organization and other entities, Gogan said, they are conscious of what it could mean for everyone involved.
“Whenever we see something is a good fit for us, we like to create those partnerships,” she said.
The art pieces up for bid ranged in style and material, and all the pieces were created and prepared by the artists. The pieces lined tables and were propped against the wall in the kitchen. Cakes were also available for bid. Some of
the bidding started as low as $5. The winners were announced nearing the end of the opening, and all the money raised through the art auction was donated directly to the shelter.
The day of the ribbon cutting proved to be a special occasion throughout Coosa County. Several members of the community came out to support the shelter and enjoy chili as the renovations and construction came to a close.
A handful of the artists, volunteers and community residents came out for the event. Many residents and volunteers helped with painting and other renovation projects at the building, which had sat abandoned for many years. Though a majority of the donations made to the shelter included bags of pet food and cat litter, kennels and crates also were provided by residents who remained anonymous.
The shelter received donations and support from the surrounding communities, as well as area businesses. Tractor Supply, Piggly Wiggly and other businesses donated materials to ensure the success of the shelter.
As the grand opening of the shelter started outside, one of the directors, Dennis Hill, offered his thanks to those who helped get the shelter up and running. According to Hill, along with the employees and volunteers, the shelter has arranged for animal control officers to be of service. With one call, the officers can pick up strays and bring them to the shelter for care.
Also on the board of directors for the shelter is Dr. Chad Baxley, who is a veterinarian based in Sylacauga. Baxley will provide care for the animals regularly.
With a lack of a shelter within Coosa County, it was a vital addition to the area. Following the grand opening on Jan. 28, the shelter opened its doors and welcomed in furry friends two days later.
To learn more about volunteering and/or foster opportunities, please visit the Coosa County Animal Shelter Facebook page.
As February finds us up on our feet, marching toward spring, we are reminded to pay special attention to healthcare needs, so we can continue to appreciate special times with family and friends. It often is easy to dismiss a wound that does not heal, but chronic wounds carry unrealized risks that could threaten those important times with loved ones. These include arterial, diabetic and pressure ulcers, as well as traumatic wounds, spider bits, dog bites, surgical wounds and burns.
Timely detection and treatment of any wound could help prevent severe complications, said Dr. Regina Phillips, medical director at Russell Medical’s
Healogics wound care center. Phillips sees patients from across the Southeast. Her admonition, and that of her team, is that timely detection and treatment of any wound can’t wait.
Not all wounds heal on their own, and one treatment plan does not fit all patients or all wound types. Patients suffering from non-healing wounds are often living with three or four additional chronic conditions that negatively impact their ability to heal on their own. Age, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer are all factors that contribute to the inability to heal wounds. Patients who seek treatment with a primary care provider, urgent care facility or emergency room, could routinely be sent to the wound care center because of the advanced treatment options the center is equipped to manage.
Healing a wound can be a complicated process. Intravenous antibiotics are routinely administered because they reach the tissue faster and at higher concentrations than oral antibiotics. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be prescribed, as it helps the body’s oxygen-dependent wound-healing mechanisms function more efficiently, preventing amputations and saving lives. Collaboration is the key component in treatment. Patients are paired with a registered nurse case manager, as the clinical team addresses the nine essential
steps of healing: restoring adequate blood flow and oxygenation; removing non-viable tissue; controlling infection; reducing swelling; optimizing the wound bed to maximize its healing potential; enhancing tissue growth; making recommendations to patients to not walk or bear weight on the affected extremities; controlling pain; and optimizing the patients’ general conditions. The clinical and decision-making pathways are defined by the type of wound the patient presents with at the first visit.
To aid in the healing process, patients and their families are educated on the goals and expectations. Following plans specific to wound types and patients’ healthcare needs helps patients get back to enjoying their lives. Patients do not need referrals, but their healing progress can be shared with primary doctors, especially since wound care involves in-depth medical intervention.
Education is another important aspect of the center’s role. Dr. Phillips serves as a preceptor for the Edward Via College of Osteopathic MedicineAuburn campus, and along with Bekah Kirtaneck, a fourth-year VCOM student, she shared a woundcare presentation on the fragility of the skin and wound care treatment options with the UAB Russell
Clockwise from Above Left: Chronic wounds carry unrealized risks; The Wound Care Center staff at Russell Medical includes Taylor Strickland, Stacey Fuller, Melissa Dean, Karen Treadwell, Dr. Regina Phillips, Olyvia Clayton, Brandi Dunham and Benita Stowes; Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps the body's healing mechanisms function more efficiently.
Medical Cancer Center team. She also presented an in-service on the identification and treatment of wounds to increase wound care awareness among Russell Medical nurses. Auburn University registered nurses, who also rotate through the clinic, are educated on identification, treatment and dressings for wounds. This sharing of knowledge is essential to ensuring the advancement of wound care to benefit more patients.
Last year, Phillips and her team were honored with their sixth Center of Distinction Award, and Phillips was one of five Healogics physicians from more than 600 wound care centers across the country to be presented with Healogics’ President’s Circle award, which is based on exceptional clinical outcomes. Because of their success, the team was recently selected by Healogics to participate in a six-month Diabetic Wagner grade 3 and 4 quality improvement project.
Using tools developed to measure weekly healing in diabetic wounds, the team collaborates with other centers across the country. The goal is to prevent stalled wound healing with visit frequency and through maintaining care that is direct and proportionate to the wound’s condition, as well as each patient’s care and choices.
The mission is to move patients closer to healing at every visit, so they can enjoy all the spring and summer activities they choose.
~ Karen Treadwell is program director at Russell Medical Wound Care Center.
Recently, I read a book by Charles D. Ellis called Figuring It Out. This book is mainly a compilation of his best essays to investors over the last 60 years. He has been around for along time in the asset management business, advising many organizations from Yale to Vanguard. In my mind, he is the asset management business equivalent of Warren Buffett. He not only is well respected, but also, he can explain the history of the business going back many decades. After all, he lived through it.
Active management is when a manager doesn’t look anything like his or her benchmark (index/market) and is trying to outperform the benchmark. Some active managers would even say they are trying to achieve a market-like or better than marketlike return with less risk. Typically, this type of management style comes with an elevated cost. Passive management is essentially the index/market.
This style of management tends to be much less expensive than active management, due to the funds weighting themselves according to whatever index they are trying to track.
mine wrote a letter regarding indexing a couple years ago, saying, “Given the flows of money into indices, and out of everything else, shares in indices have enjoyed years of rising demand, helping to raise their prices while shares not in them have been ignored or sold to fund the switch. What will happen to demand for these popular shares when indexing reaches a steady state?”
I believe that, like all things in life, moderation is important. I believe indexing has its place, and I’m a fan of it. There is a lot to like; however, I also like certain things you can get in active management that you can’t get in passive management.
In my opinion, there is value in deep research and fishing in parts of the pond that others may not be fishing (so long as there are fish). Customization can add immense value to certain clients, which is difficult to achieve with indexing. Is there a higher cost? Yes, but there is a lot more work that must be done.
Lee WilliamsCharlie is passionate about indexing. He believes the market today is highly efficient due to the number of qualified professionals who transact in it. These people are very skilled and well educated. They have access to troves of data at the click of a mouse. Many years ago, it was easier to find inefficiencies in the market, as there were less data and fewer people educated the way they are today.
It is hard to argue with him on any of this. About a decade ago, Eugene Fama did a study of all domestic mutual funds with at least 10 years of results. He concluded that, after costs, the top 3 percent of managers produce a return that indicates they have sufficient skill to just cover their costs, which means that going forward, and despite extraordinary past returns, even the top performers are expected to be only about as good as a low-cost passive index fund. The other 97 percent can be expected to do worse.
There are many studies on indexing and the benefits of indexing. Does it work?
Yes, in my opinion it does work, but like anything, it has its shortcomings, too. It’s hard to customize a portfolio by just owning an index or multiple index funds. Tax loss harvesting becomes difficult for those in high income brackets. A famous investor friend of
Ultimately, I believe every situation is unique, and it’s hard to give blanket recommendations. Due to these reasons, I tend to skew towards a blend of active and passive management. Wealth can be created in many ways. Whether engaging in active or passive management, the key is to find something you believe in, and stick with it.
~ Lee Williams offers products and services using the following business names: Lee Williams – insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member FINRA/SIPC – securities and investments | The Ascent Group, LLC – investment advisory services. AIC is not affiliated with Lee Williams or The Ascent Group, LLC. Information gathered from sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Actual prices may vary. Securities are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal. This material if for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. While we believe the information provided is reliable, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Please consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
There’s been a murder at the Billionaires’ Club Annual Masquerade Ball, and it’s up to the dinner guests to solve the crime at this Main Street Alexander City inaugural event on Feb. 25. This unique fundraiser for the downtown merchants organization promises heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by The Wharf Casual Seafood, cocktails (one drink ticket and a cash bar), music and a fresh and fun entertainment theme by improv actors who will invite guests to take part.
Presented waterside at the Azalea Cove Clubhouse at Stonebridge, the setting will lend itself to the mysterious atmosphere of the event, said incoming Main Street Alexander City Executive Director Michelle West.
“Azalea Cove is off of state Route 63, in the Stonebridge development. It’s an isolated clubhouse for a unique event. The mysterious drive into it will set the tone. I haven’t heard of this kind of event in our area before,” West said.
Guests will dress in cocktail attire and throughout the evening will attempt to unmask the killer. It could be a party guest, a server or one of the Murder Mystery Company’s highly trained improv actors who will keep the action moving and the clues coming until the crime is solved.
Sponsors for the event include The Local at 41 Main, Waterside Azalea Cove, The Wharf Casual Seafood, Lake Martin Wedding & Event Rental, Oliver & Ross, and Murder Mystery Co. A limited number of tickets are available at $75 each for this glamorous evening, which will begin at 6 p.m. Purchase tickets online at bit. ly/3vVKbzV.
Midnight at the Masquerade is the first major event that West will oversee in her new position at Main Street Alexander City. The owner of Studio West said she tried to think of someone to fill outgoing director Stacey Jeffcoat’s shoes and realized that person could be her.
“I wanted to see somebody in a position that has a lot of energy and cares and likes to do events and wants to see revitalization continue in our area,” West said. “It turned out that I couldn’t think of anybody that cared about it as much as I do.”
West has been in the area for the past 15 years. Some of those years have been spent as a business owner, but also as an event coordinator at SpringHouse, working for United Way and, more recently, as a realtor at Love Lake Martin.
West said all these roles have played a part in preparing her. United Way gave her experience with working in the nonprofit sector and fundraising. SpringHouse gave her an event planning background, and being a realtor helped her develop an understanding of what prospective investors are looking for in the area.
“Then having my own business downtown, it really helps me stay in touch with what’s going on in the area and gives me a personal investment of wanting to see this area do well,” West said.
One of the major efforts West said she is focused on is getting more visitors and residents downtown. Funds raised through this event will help to draw residents and visitors to future downtown events.
Visit the Main Street Alexander City Facebook page for details on this and upcoming downtown events.
Friday, January 7, 2023
Dadeville Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Wind Creek State Park
Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Lake Martin Event Center, Dadeville
As Goldpine, Nashville’s Ben and Kassie Wilson will open the 2023 Thursday Music in the Air season on the Dadeville Square March 9 at 6:30 p.m. The free concert will happen inside the Listening Room at Zazu’s Verandah, with beverage sales available.
Together more than 15 years, the veteran Goldpine duo will perform music from their first album, One, a collection of songs that turn the heart.
Emotionally honest lyrics about loss, severed relationships and unearthing the pursuits of love and purpose, their music reaches out as a love-share to the world. It’s a message delivered through southern-soul harmonies and Kassie Wilson’s powerhouse vocals.
Touring since 2016, Goldpine has performed at festivals like the 30A Songwriting Festival and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. They won the 2022 Rocky Mountain Songwriter Contest and were finalists in the Kerrville Folk Fest 2021 New Fold Competition. In 2018, they took home
the Discovery Award.
Goldpine’s opener is the first in a long line of performances that will span more than 21 weeks of music on the courthouse square in Dadeville. Suzanne Scholz, David Jones and Greg LaFollette will follow as spring unfolds into summer, with the height of the season coming July 27 with the 3rd Annual Lake Martin Songwriter's Festival. The format remains the same for each performance, with music from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event will move outside in May, when patrons will bring children and pets as they pepper the downtown sidewalks with lawn chairs.
All the concerts are free, but patrons are encouraged to generously tip the musicians. Zazu’s will sell wine, beer and some non-alcoholic beverages during the events, which provide an occasion to mingle, make new friends and rekindle friendships that may have lagged over the winter months. Visit the Zazu’s Verandah Facebook page for details.
Feb. 15
Artists Association of Central Alabama will host a panel of successful artists in different mediums, as well as a gallery business owner, to talk about their paths to success and answer questions from the audience. The event will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Alexander City Senior Center at the Sportplex. Lunch will be served after the panel presentation. Cost to non-members is $10, which can be applied toward AACA membership. For more information, email junedeansart@gmail.com or call her at 334-313-7533.
Feb. 20
The Mitchell House is the perfect setting for this annual event for Lake Martin brides. Meet with caterers, florists, event center representatives and more to plan your dream wedding at the lake in one day. Admission is $10 and helps to support Lake Martin Area United Way agencies.
Feb. 25
Russell Forest Run
Register now for this year’s run through Russell Forest to benefit the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. Join the 10K or the 5K race at Russell Crossroads or run the race virtually. Entry fee is $40 for all options. This is an out-and-back race over a certified course that includes sand, clay and gravel roads designed for runners, bicycles and electric cars. The race will finish near The Stables for the post-race party, including a World Famous Grits Bar, live music and more. This annual race has raised more than $100,000 for local schools. Visit russellforestrun.com for information and registration link.
Feb. 25
Lake Watch Annual Meeting
Lake Watch will hold an annual general membership meeting at First Baptist Church in Dadeville, 178 S. Tallassee St. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. with business conducted from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please use the Cass Street entrance. New members welcome. Visit lakewatch.org for information.
March 4
Love is in the Air
Mistletoe Bough B&B and Forever Amen Wedding Planning Services will host this wedding market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live music, food, drinks and more than 50 wedding vendors. There will be a $5,000 bridal drawing at the end of the event. For tickets, email lauren.fussell777@icloud.com.
March 4
Master Gardeners Tree Giveaway
Tallapoosa County Master Gardeners will give away 2-foot trees in 1-gallon pots from 9 a.m. to early afternoon, as supplies last, in celebration of Arbor Day. Some 700 trees, including a variety of species, will be offered at no cost at the River Bank & Trust parking lot on U.S. Route 280. Call the Tallapoosa Extension office at 256-825-1050 for more information.
March 9
Author Presentation
Monroeville author John Williams of the stage production of To Kill a Mockingbird will make an appearance at Dadeville Performing Arts Center, sponsored by the Dadeville Public Library. No tickets required. Information available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.
March 16
St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Music
The Lake Martin Dulcimer Club will perform at 5:30 p.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for tickets and information.
March 21
Celtic Angel Ireland
Alex City Arts will present a program of traditional Irish music and precision dancing with this program that has won rave reviews across the country. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. Tickets are $20 at the door.
March 24
Comic. Speaker. Soldier
Jody Fuller will speak at 7 p.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Tickets and information available
Certified IRS volunteers will provide free tax assistance and electronically file federal and state income tax forms through Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama for senior citizens age 60-plus with no income limit and for taxpayers under 60 with incomes less than $60,000. Recipients of this service must make an appointment by calling 256-234-0347 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. Please wear a mask to the appointment. Bring last year’s tax return, a photo ID, social security cards for taxpayers and dependents and forms W-2, 1099 and 1095-A, if health insurance is through the government marketplace.
AACA artists meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex grounds with a general meeting followed by open studio. Club dues are $20 for the year.
Housed in a restored vintage auto dealership in downtown Alexander City, the Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free. To arrange discounted group tours or private tours, email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@ gmail.com or call 256-329-8474.
Rehearsals will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at Dadeville Performing Arts Center for a performance in late May. Email kim.walls@ dadevilleperformingartscenters.com.
Volunteers in Alexander City and Dadeville are encouraged to participate in community partnership cleanups every month. In Alexander City, the
cleanups are held on the third Saturday of the month. Meet at Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289. In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the second Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.
This group meets every Monday at 1 p.m. in the downstairs community room at the StillWaters Residential Building. Anyone interested in arts and crafts is encouraged to join. Bring something to work on or come see what others are doing. A monthly fee of $5 is charged to help pay for the use of the space. For more information, contact Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.
Bring your knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber art projects to The Yarn Shop Around the Corner in Dadeville from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays to meet fellow fiber artisans, share tips and techniques and talk with others who share your interests. Call 334-444-1038 for more information.
Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children.
The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month at 7300 Central Plank Rd., state Route 9 in Wetumpka.
Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds are used to help fund
the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. For more information, call 334-857-2008.
This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. and sew until 2 p.m. Bring your lunch or a snack, sewing projects, machines and questions.
The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.
The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City, with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Contact Michael Courtney at 256-825-7766 for more information, or Mike Smith at 256-750-5710.
Naturalist Marianne 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. Visit RussellLands.com/blog/events for scheduled subject matter, dates and times.
The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and more on the fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on state Route 9 in Equality. Visit the Equality Performing Arts Center
Facebook page for upcoming artists. Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake
Every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts trivia night at 7 p.m. Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards. First place gets $40; second place gets $25; and third place gets $15. Grab a group of friends and come out for a night of games. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays.
at Niffer’s Place Lake Martin Niffer’s, 7500 state Route 49 in Dadeville, hosts charity bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Cards are $1 each, and funds go to participating charities.
The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant, across from the football stadium in Tallassee, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism. For more information, call Marilyn Speake at 334-283-6864 or email her at marilyn.speake@tcschools.com.
Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit
The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin exhibit is on display all year long at the Alexander City Board of Education building, at 375 Lee St. and is open during regular office hours.
On the first Saturday of each month, the Equality Volunteer Fire Department hosts a bake sale, starting at 8 a.m., and lunch is served starting at 10:30 a.m. at the old Masonic Lodge in downtown Equality. Email Richard Penton at drichardpenton@gmail.com for more information.
To include your upcoming event in Lake Martin Living and Lake magazine calendars, please email date, time and details to editor@lakemagazine.life by the 15th of the month preceeding the event.
Marinas
Kowaliga Marina
334-857-2111
255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
The Ridge Marina
256-397-1300
450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
3. River North Marina
256-397-1500
250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
3. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors
256-397-1700
19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Real Island Marina
334-857-2741
2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026
Blue Creek Marina
256-825-8888
7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
Parker Creek Marina
256-329-8550
486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026
Harbor Pointe Marina
256-825-0600
397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853
Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's Froyo
256-444-8793
smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com
Restaurants & Venues
8 SpringHouse
256-215-7080
12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Catherine’s Market
256-215-7070
17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Kowaliga Restaurant
256-215-7035
295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Acapulco Mexican Grill
334-283-2725
2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078
Business & Shopping
Russell Do It Center (Alex City)
256-234-2567
1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010
Russell Do It Center (Eclectic)
334-541-2132
1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Russell Building Supply
256-825-4256
350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853
The Stables at Russell Crossroads
256-794-1333
288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010
Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort
334-857-1816
8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Dark Insurance
256-234-5026
www.darkinsuranceagency.com
410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010
Aronov Realty Lake Martin
256-825-4133
6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853
Off the Beaton Path
205-994-0847
21300 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853
Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage
334-391-0717
8421 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853
Hotels & Lodges
Creekside Lodge
256-307-1440
6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
Churches
Red Ridge United Methodist Church
256-825-9820
8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853
Lake Pointe Baptist Church 8352 AL-50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293
Dock Builders
Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc
Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443
180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Docks Unlimited LLC
256-203-8400
6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010
Recreation & Entertainment
Dixie Sailing Club
767 New Hope Church Road
Alexander City, Al 35010
If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-414-3174. Space is limited.
Robinson Iron
A & M Plumbing
Carlos
The Body Shop
Walgreens
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
Jake's
Moore Wealth Management
Carlisle's
Emporium Wine
Cloud Nine
Downtown Girl
Shay Aesthetics
JR'S
Hillabee Towers
Senior Nutrition Center
Noel Boone
George Hardy
First Realty
Dark Insurance
Warren Appliance
MainStreet Family Care
Grace's Flowers
Koon's Korner
Larry's General Merchandise
Daylight Donuts
Alfa
Valley Bank - 280
Pricare
Temple Medical
AllState
BB&T Bank
Hometown Pharmacy
Lake Martin Home Health
Allen's Food Mart (Exxon)
Karen Channell - State Farm
Insurance
North Lake Condo
River Bend Store
River North Marina
Lake Martin Building Supply
Petro
Sho'Nuff BBQ
Hair Design
Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture
Longleaf Antique Mall
Playhouse Cinemas
Chamber of Commerce
Winn Dixie
Re/Max Around the Lake
City Hall
A&E Metal
Regions Bank
Marathon - 280
Renfroe's Market
Russell Medical Center
Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors
Koon's II
Tallapoosa Ford
Dylan Johnson - Country Financial
Holley's Home Furniture
Jackson's Drugs
Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark
The Sure Shot
Shell - 280
Big B Bar-B-Que
Russell Do It Center
Russell Home Decor
Holman Floor
Satterfield Inc.
Grain & Leaf, Bottles & Cigars
Tippy Canoe
Love Lake Martin Real Estate Office
Wind Creek Gate
Wind Creek Store
Willow Point Office
Willow Point Country Club
Smith Marina
Nails
Kowaliga Marina
Children's Harbor
Catherine's Market
Russell Lands Corporate Office
Russell Lands Real Estate
Sales Center
SpringHouse
Ridge Club
Ridge Marina
HACKNEYVILLE
Hackneyville Water Authority
NEW SITE
Piggly Wiggly - New Site Foodland
DADEVILLE
Chamber of Commerce
Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery
Root 49 Salon
Ellaby Boutique, LLC
Alabama Power
Siggers
Siggers Barbershop
Fusion Cafe
Dadeville Library
At the Beauty Shop
Dadeville Courthouse
Payne's Furniture
PNC Bank
Valley Bank
McKelvey Chevrolet
Renfroe's Market
Foshee's Boat Doc
Lakeshore Pharmacy
Russell Building Supply
Lakay's
Tallapoosa Nutrition
Sweet Pickins
Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Jim's Pharmacy
Poplar Dawgs
Still Waters Country Club
Still Waters Home Association
Russell Lands Realty
Fuller Realty
Harbor Pointe
Oskar's
Aronov Realty Lake Martin
Creekside Lodge
Blue Creek Marina
Lakeside Marina
Niffers
Hwy 50 Eagle
Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery
Lakeside Mercantile
Walnut Hill
Chuck's Marina
Deep Water Docks
Lake Martin Pizza
CAMP HILL
Link Gas Station
EQUALITY
Five Star Plantation
Equality Food Mart
Southern Star
Parker Creek Marina
Charles Borden
ECLECTIC
Lake Breeze Realty
Offshore Marina
Lake Martin Mini Mall
Corner Stone Coffee Co.
Lake Martin Dock Company
Cotton's Alabama Barbecue
Russell Do It Center
Johnson Furniture
WOW Catering LLC
Eclectic Library
Real Island Marina
Anchor Bay Marina
Wetumpka
Wetumpka Herald Office
Tallassee
Marathon
Tallassee Eagle
Tallassee Chamber
Parris Mullins Jr. O.D.
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Welcome to February, dear readers! If you recall last year, I told you all about how I started Fun February; the point being to pack as many fun things into the month of February as possible, so it passes quickly to arrive at spring and good weather. I was working to develop an article with little road trips for you, so I googled “Weird things to do in Alabama.”
I landed on 10 Weird Things in Alabama at onlyinyourstate.com by Jennifer Young. I had heard of a few of these, but some were new. Here they are, and I do think they are worth exploring:
a very old superstition that can be traced back to all regions of the world in different cultures. All the variations of the tale involved specific things about the donor rabbit himself: where he was killed; what item was used to kill him; or if he was killed by a person possessing a certain attribute. Sort of like the board game, Clue
Some said it had to be the left hind foot or the rabbit had to be killed in a cemetery. Some said the deed must be committed during a full moon, while others said the new moon. Fridays, rainy Fridays and Friday the 13th were all options. Maybe it should be killed with a silver bullet or the foot cut off while the rabbit was still alive. The common thread is that it’s a good omen.
The last one, Boll Weevil Monument gave me pause and
n Museum of Wonder – Seale, AL
n Barber Marina Dinosaurs – Elberta, AL
n Pickens County Courthouse – Carrollton, AL
n Rock Zoo – Hollywood, AL
n Whiskey Bottle Tombstone – Clayton, AL
n Joe Minter’s African Village in America –Birmingham, AL
n Grave of Miss Baker – Huntsville, AL
n Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel – Mentone, AL
n Coon Dog Cemetery – Cherokee, AL
n Boll Weevil Monument – Enterprise, AL
a laugh. I could write a whole article on a trip to see the Boll Weevil Monument that involved Matt Hare, my grandfather and whiskey. My grandfather was the type of man who would attack that list with glee and happily drive through the night just to see an oddity. He was quite curious.
I didn’t set out to write about rabbits, but that’s really where this essay is heading. I’ve always believed in magic. Do I believe in luck? Sure. I also believe you make your own luck.
When I was child, we took a field trip to Desoto Caverns (add that to your list if you have never been), and I bought a rabbit’s foot key chain in the gift shop. It was dyed bright blue. It was fuzzy, and I thought it was cute. I do remember rubbing it a lot, and I did clip it onto backpacks.
I have not thought about my rabbit’s foot in a long time.
I googled it, and apparently, there’s a lot of folklore and history surrounding rabbits and luck. To paraphrase from my research (ala Wikipedia and history.com), the rabbit’s foot is
President Franklin D. Roosevelt reportedly carried one and said the word ‘rabbit’ on the first of the month. There’s no real one story on why rabbits are lucky, but one take on it was that they are fertile creatures (there are plenty of sayings about that!) and thus heavily associated with spring and renewal. That makes sense as to why we have the Easter Bunny (an ancient symbol of fertility and new life) and why rabbits are so often featured in nursery rhymes and children’s tales.
Now that I think about it, I say “I hate rabbits” to make campfire smoke blow in a different direction away from me. I don’t recall where I first heard that, but I do say it. It does work.
And is it a coincidence that I made early mention of my Grandaddy and Matt Hare (Hare/ Rabbit ... see?) who I also saw in Walmart yesterday? Therefore, I do not think it is by accident that I wrote this on Jan. 31. So, tomorrow on Feb. 1. The first words I say will be, ‘rabbit rabbit.’
~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Instagram@ LaceyHowell and on her Facebook page.
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TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!
Indicate Heart Month Screening when calling. Payment options are available during scheduling. Appointments must be scheduled during February.
A copy of your test results will be sent to one of Russell Medical's Cardiologists and your primary care physician.
Ahealthy lifestyle has always been top priority for Lake Martin couple, Jan and Matt Hare, so it was no surprise that the two of them chose to participate in Russell Medical's annual Heart Month screenings last February. The results of Matt's heart scan, however, did come as a surprise seeing that he had not experienced any symptoms that would indicate coronary artery disease. Matt's calcium score was fatally high which quickly led to triple bypass heart surgery at UAB followed by weeks of cardiac rehabilitation at Russell Medical. "Chances are, he would not be here today if not for the Heart Screening," says Jan. Thanks to a quick and simple test, Matt is here today to share his story and celebrate another Valentine's day with his sweetheart of 51 years. The Hares hope to encourage others to prioritize heart health and take advantage of Russell Medical's annual Heart Month screenings. It could be a life-saving decision!
