LAKE April 2017

LAKE LAKE MARTIN ALABAMA EDITION

2 Fish - 1 Cast Architectural Trends at the Lake Dry skin? It might be the wine APRIL 2017

WWW.LAKEMARTINMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2017

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Letter from the Editor

h, springtime at Lake Martin!

Every day includes just a little more sunshine than the day before it; temperatures are steadily creeping upward, as is the lake level.

We’re on the cusp of those wonderful months at full pool, and if you close your eyes, you can almost hear the children’s laughter and feel the motion of the boat.

Next month, we will publish our annual summer calendar, a collection of all things fun on Lake Martin from May 1 through Labor Day. We don’t want anyone to miss a single event, so please send information about your favorite happenings to us at editor@ lakemartinmagazine.com. We’ll add it to our expansion of What’s Happening on Lake Martin, so lake lovers can plan ahead.

And this month, we’re helping you to get ready for the best-ever summer at Lake Martin.

In our Geography of the Lake feature on page 20, we’ve highlighted Farrow’s Island, where you’ll find a few cozy sloughs for that relaxing dip just off the Big Water.

You’ll want to meet the newest TowBoatUS captain on Lake Martin, Robin Berkowitz, on page 64. This local girl recently returned home with her family after adventuring in Alaska, and you’ll want to get to know her in case you find yourself stranded on the lake and need to call for assistance.

Spring is a great time for fishing at the lake, and in this issue, you’ll find two stories to whet your appetite for Lake Martin angling. On page 32, we preview the return of the Alabama Bass Trail, where you’re just about guaranteed to pick up some fishing lore if you hang out at Wind Creek State Park at tournament time. And Sandy Creek’s Don Ayers shares a great fish tale on page 23.

Then, in this, our annual Builders and Buyers issue, you’ll find lots of helpful information about finding or creating the perfect lakeside escape, from architectural and decorating trends on pages 40 and 44, respectively, to starting a Neighborhood Watch to safeguard your little corner of Lake Martin heaven on page 37. And if you have been thinking about renting out the cabin when you can’t be at the lake this summer, be sure to check out John Coley’s column on page 60, where he’s offered a guide to what renters want.

We’re looking forward to a great summer with you on Lake Martin!

Betsy Iler Managing Editor

Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Managing Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Assistant Magazine Editor AMY PASSARETTI

amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

EMILY GREGG

emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com

TABBY EDWARDS

tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com

SCOTT HARDY

scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com

DONNA JONES

donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com

Circulation Manager DAVID KENDRICK

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

DARLENE JOHNSON

darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com

HALLIE HOLLOWAY

hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE JOHN COLEY HENRY FOY JOHN THOMPSON JULIE HUDSON CLIFF WILLIAMS

LEE WILLIAMS MITCH SNEED GREG VINSON ROB MCDANIEL SAWYER DAVIS

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of:

256-234-4281 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011

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On the Cover Cover: Welcome Home! Lake Martin is all about spending time with friends and family, from the covered lakeside porches to relaxing front row seats right on the beach. In this issue, we showcase that cabin lifestyle at one of the lake's newest neighborhoods, Cedar Point. Come on in and pull up a view.

You're at Lake Martin!

Photo by Kenneth Boone

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Because Family Matters...

Choose someone who will take care of yours • Burial & Cremation Options Available • Professional Pre-planning Service

Choose compassion, understanding and care in your time of need...

Choose

Radney Funeral Home PO Box 99 1326 Dadeville Road Alexander City, Alabama 35011 256-234-2511 www.radneyfuneralhome.com

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Langley Funeral Home PO Box 130 21837 U.S. Highway 280 Dadeville, AL 36853 256-896-2571 www.langleyfuneralhome.com

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Contents 23. A PLEASANT SURPRISE Sandy Creek's Don Ayres caught two fish on one great cast at Lake Martin 24. LIVING AND GROWING AT SMITH MTN Alabama Naturalist class members are nearly finished with their research for the signage project 32. ALABAMA BASS TRAIL RETURNS For the second consecutive year, anglers will descend upon the lake for an Alabama Bass Trail Tournament

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37. LOOK OUT FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS Since last year, 11 Lake Martin neighborhoods have started looking out for each other 40. ARCHITECTURAL TRENDS Bunkrooms, covered porches and horizontal designs help homeowners make the most of time at the lake 44. DECORATNG TRENDS Durable materials, family photos and added contrast in colors turn lake time into fun time 48. DREAM HOME The McClendons always wanted to live at Cedar Point, so they jumped at the opportunity when a new neighborhood was announced last year

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

e

- edition

9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE

60. LAKE PROPERTY

TO THE LAKE

64. LAKE Q&A

10. LAKE SCENES

67. BEHIND THE BOAT

12. WHERE IS LAKE?

70. HEALTHY LIVING

14. LAKE EVENTS

73. LMRA

18. LAKE MARTIN NEWS

74. BIG CATCHES

20. GEO 101

78. CHEF'S TABLE

28. NATURE OF THE LAKE

80. FROM THE CELLAR

58. FAB FINDS

83. PRO TIPS

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.issuu.com.

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256.215.FISH (3474) 2190 Cherokee Road , Alex City, AL

www.alexcitymarine.com

4 t h An n ual IN -WATER boat s how FRIDAY, APRIL 28 ★ 10am - 6 pm SATURDAY, APRIL 29 ★ 10am - 6 pm SUNDAY, APRIL 30 ★ 11am - 5 pm Hwy. 280 East at the foot of the River Bridge

New 2017 Landau and Manitou Boats

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

February 2017 February 2014 February 2011

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

Inventory/ sales ratio

21 7 10

$415,445 $319,786 $578,160

$372,500 $315,000 $445,000

128 339 231

287 304 398

10.7 14.14 24.62

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 Lake Martin Realty, LLC. (A Russell Lands, Inc. affiliated company.)

Spring Cleaning

Full Pool Expected Early

It’s time for spring cleaning at the lake, and the Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission have teamed up to place dumpsters at five locations in communities around Lake Martin for free use by residents. Large household items can be deposited in dumpsters on Throw Away Days, April 10 and 11. Contact Sabrina Wood at sabrinawood@live.com for dumpster locations and restrictions.

A mid-summer Throw Away Day is scheduled July 10 and 11, and a fall Throw Away Day will be held in October, as homeowners prepare to close cabins and lakehouses for the winter.

Lake Martin will reach full summer pool by April 28, according to Alabama Power Company.

According to the adjusted rule curve, Lake Martin will be raised to 489 feet by the first of this month and will be ahead of schedule in reaching summer levels due to warmer temperatures and the lingering impact of last fall’s drought.

Higher-than-normal temperatures have led to plants blooming early, reducing the amount of rain flowing into streams and lakes. And weather experts haven’t forecast the aboveaverage rainfall needed for river basins to fully recover from the ongoing drought.

Alabama Power relies on winter and spring rains to refill its storage reservoirs to summer levels. Because of the challenging conditions, the power company has worked closely with government agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to raise lake levels earlier than normal.

According to Alabama Power, these temporary changes are designed to improve the odds that Alabama Power reservoirs on the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers can reach normal summer levels. These changes may affect the ability of some homeowners to complete shoreline projects, so lake property owners should plan accordingly.

Visit www.apcshorelines.com for lake level information.

Lake Levels During the Last month

Lake Martin's Weather Outlook for April

Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 488.37 Lowest: 485.16 Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and water-related equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

For up-to-date lake levels, log on to https://lakes.alabamapower.com.

April 2017 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid to upper 70s with average lows in the high 40s and 4 inches of precipitation in the month of April. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be above average and rainfall will be normal this month.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 12.44 inches Avg. high temp.: 63.6 Avg. low temp.: 43.2 Average temp.: 53.4

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Our Normal April Precipitation: 4.37 inches Avg. high temp.: 86 Information from Avg. low temp.: 34 the National Average temp.: 62.1 Weather Service.

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LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) Joe McClinton fishes with granddaughter Claire Collins on Memorial Day. (2) Rhett Farrior discovered this redtailed hawk in his backyard on Lake Martin. (3) Mili Dee found fair winds in February on Lake Martin. (4) Lake Martin reflects the breathtaking colors of a summer sunset in this photo by Mary Frances Bloodworth. (5) Francesca Indovina soaks up the sun. (6) Virginia McClendon and Reggie share love at the lake.

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LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) The Gainers’ azaleas started blooming on Powell Drive below Smith Mountain during the last week of February — it must be spring at Lake Martin! (2) Nels Coker makes a daring jump while waksurfing. (3) The Fuller kids feed their favorite Goat Island resident, who they named "Brownie."

(4) This pair of bluebirds started building a nest in a box close to Maria Luttrell’s StillWaters balcony in February.

(5) A full moon on Feb. 10 cast a shimmering light across Lake Martin at Curry Point. (6) Willow Point glows in the day's last light in this photo by Lynn Vick.

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LAKE? Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) Jackson sisters Cathy McCollough, Marijean Hadley and Tracy Thomas had a great girls’ vacation with Lake magazine in Riviera Maya Cozumel. (2) Roger and Jeanette Schinderling and Rick and Lucy Strub took the bridal issue of Lake magazine to the Chicago Cubs Spring Training Camp in Mesa, Arizona. (3) Turner Beard, Sam McAlister and Scout, Madeline, Mark Anthony and Karen Treadwell took Lake magazine to New Orleans for Karen's birthday party. (4) Cay and Harry Weaver took Lake to the inauguration of President Trump in Washington, D.C. (5) Cannon Hyche, Hadley Negaard, Melinda and Carel Ligeon and Andrew Hyche took Lake magazine to the Temple Mount in Old Jerusalem.

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A Well Built Body is the Foundation for Good Health!

STATE OF THE ART GYM INDOOR HEATED POOL AQUATICS & YOGA CLASSES

FITNESS & PERSONAL TRAINING

OASIS MASSAGE & SPA PHYSICAL THERAPY SMOOTHIE & JUICE BAR TANNING & LASER HAIR REMOVAL

We Also Have Weight Loss Shots at Lake Martin Family Medicine!

Tuesday/Wednesday Only • 8AM-4:30PM

301 Mariarden Road, SUITE F

309 Mariarden Road Dadeville, AL 36853 Fitness: 256-825-2304 Physical Therapy: 256-825-2303 www.ivycreekhealth.com

HOURS: Mon - Fri: 5:00 am - 8:00 pm Sat: 7:00 am - 12:00 pm

LAKE MARTIN FAMILY MEDICINE APRIL 2017

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April 1 Boating Basics Course

April 6 Downtown After Dark

Need your boating operator’s license or just want to Shop until 7 p.m. in downtown Alexander City on this refresh your boating skills? This free boating educafirst Thursday. Stores will be open late with special distion class offered by Russell Marine will be conducted counts, bingo, karaoke and live music. at The Ridge Marina by Officer Frank Cartwright of the Alabama Marine Police. The course is open to anyone April 6 age 12 years and up. The class will start at 8 a.m. and Strand Session run about eight hours with a one-hour lunch break. The The first of Lake Martin Young Professionals’ Strand boating operation license test will be administered after Sessions this year will feature lunch. The course is also open Dallas Dorsey from 6 p.m. to as a refresher to a licensed CALENDAR OF EVENTS 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blanboat operator. To register kets, a picnic, kids and friends for the course, email Officer and spend a summer evening WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN Cartwright at Alexander City's at frank.cartdowntown park.

Crowds gather at Standard wright@alea.

Deluxe in Waverly for the gov. Space is annual Old 280 Boogie limited.

April 6

ACT II Open House

April 1 Second Annual United Way Quail Fry

The Stables at Russell Crossroads will host this year’s Quail Fry to benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way, featuring a low country boil, gumbo, drinks, music and the cake auction. For information or tickets, call 256-3293600 or email uw211@unitedwaylakemartin.org.

Stop by the home of Alexander City Theatre II across from Strand Park during the Strand Session concert and Downtown After Dark event to see how community theatre works. There will be refreshments and booths for costuming, set construction, acting roles and more.

Check out the initial concept drawings for the proposed theatre renovations and sign up to be part of the action in this summer’s production.

April 1 New Water Volunteer Day

April 7 Master Pro-Am

It’s time to get busy in the garden at New Water, and volunteers are needed to plant, mulch and build trellises for the new blackberries. There is something fun for everyone, so dress for outside work and come out to the farm at 460 Civitan Rd., Dadeville, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Caroline Harmon will prepare lunch for everyone.

April 5 Close Encounters of the Storytelling Kind

Dolores Hydock will return to the lake area as the guest of The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library for a program in which she will share her close encounters with other storytellers, including a cooking lesson from Kathryn Tucker Windham and a hair appointment with Dr. Ruth. This program will be presented at noon at Red Ridge Methodist Church near the intersection of highways 49 and 34. Call 256-825-7820 for information.

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In this tournament at Stillwaters, members will choose a Masters Pro with whom to combine their net scores to determine the local winner. For details, contact Rob Witherington at 256-825-1353.

April 7 Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale

Tallapoosa County Master Gardeners’ annual plant sale will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the old Dadeville Chamber of Commerce building across from the First Baptist Church. They will have for sale: native azaleas, bedding plants, ferns, day lilies, antique roses, herbs, snowball bushes, hydrangeas and more. The proceeds fund many projects sponsored by the group throughout Tallapoosa County, including its big extravaganza in the fall.

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April 8 Spring Book and Art Sales

The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library and the Artist Association of Central Alabama will team up to sponsor a book sale in the basement of the library and an art sale on the lawn. Purchases will benefit both organizations. Fill a bag of books for $5 and browse the artworks, including watercolors, acrylics and oils. For questions about the book sale, call 256-825-7820, and for questions about the art sale, call 256-825-2506.

April 8 Children’s Harbor Auction

Support Lake Martin’s local camp for seriously ill children and their families and Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital at this Willow Point Golf & Country Club event and pick up some great bargains on meals, vacations and amenities. Tickets are $100 per person; dress is resort casual. For information and tickets, email Morgan Stephenson at morganstephenson@childrensharbor.com or call 205-638-6606.

April 8 Women on Lake Martin Boating Class

Russell Marine’s River North Marina, along with the Alabama Marine Police and instructors from Lake Martin Resource Association, will host a free class for all women who want to become more familiar with boating laws and best practices of boating. Space is limited.

Contact Doug Hamrick at 256-397-1500 or dhamrick@ russelllands.com for information.

April 8 Easter Egg Hunt

Wind Creek State Park will host an egg hunt for kids up to 12 years of age at 10 a.m. Every golden egg found wins a prize. This event is free for park campers; daily admission charges apply for non-campers. For information, call 256-329-0845.

April 8 Easter Egg Hunt

Hodge’s Vineyard and Winery at 230 County Rd. 71 in Camp Hill will host an egg hunt and magic show for kids and wine tasting for adults from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. For information, call 256-896-4036.

April 10-11 Throw Away Day

Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission have teamed up to place dumpsters at five locations for free use by residents.

Large household items can be deposited in the dumpsters at the Courthouse Annex at 395 Lee St. in Alexander City, Doubles Bridges on State Route 63, 17198 Goldville Rd. in New Site, Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave., and the Reeltown Volunteer Fire Dept. at 4084 Alabama Highway 120. The following items are not allowed for dumpster use: liquids (including paint, paint

thinner, pesticides and other chemicals; appliances with compressors, including air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers; tires; batteries; light bulbs; televisions; computers; propane tanks; and hazardous or medical waste). For details, contact Sabrina Wood at sabrinawood@live.com.

April 13 The Marvelous Wonderettes

Alexander City Arts Council will present The Marvelous Wonderettes from Virginia Samford Theater at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium, 225 Heard Blvd., Alexander City. Showtime is 7 p.m. This smash off-Broadway show takes place at the 1958 Springfield High School prom where Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy dream as big as their crinoline skirts. As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ’50s hits including Lollipop, Dream Lover, Stupid Cupid and Lipstick on Your Collar. In Act Two, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their 10-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find out that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Featuring more than 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this musical trip down memory lane. For information, call Karen Jennings at 256-4962424.

April 20 Artists Association of Central Alabama

This general meeting will include an open studio. The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City.

April 22-30 The Miracle Worker

The Sylacauga Community Playhouse will present The Miracle Worker at the B.B. Comer High School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on April 21-22 and April 28-29 and at 2 p.m. on April 22-23 and April 29-30. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For information, call 356-369-3003.

April 22 17th Annual Waverly Old 280 Boogie

Mark your calendars for the spring concert on the grounds at Standard Deluxe in Waverly. This year’s lineup includes Drivin N Cryin, Southern Culture on the Skids, Adam Hood, Revel in Dimes, Pine Hill Haints and Blackberry Possum. Tickets are $25 online; ticket price increases to $30 April 19 or at the door. Kids 14 and under free. Gates open at 11 a.m. Show starts at noon.

April 22 Make It Simple

Sponsored by the Alabama Art Colony Scholarship Fundraiser, join Alisa Koch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a Palette Knife-Minimalist Landscape Workshop at Emporium Wine, 128 Calhoun St. Alexander City. The

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cost is $95 and includes art supplies and lunch. For more information, contact Barbara Grimes at Barb2shop@ yahoo.com or 334-546-223.

April 28 King & Queen Golf

Couples will play an afternoon nine-hole scramble at Stillwaters Golf Club, followed by dinner in the Magnolia Room at Copper’s Grill. For details, contact Golf Pro Rob Witherington at 256-825-1353.

April 28-30 Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show

The Southeast’s largest in-land, in-water boat show at The Ridge Marina on Lake Martin features more than 100 boats on display. Check out the new 2017 boat models and the new gear; demo a stand-up paddleboard; includes live music and prizes. The fun starts at 10 a.m.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and the show closes at 5 p.m. each day. For information, visit the Russell Marine Facebook page or Instagram, www.RussellMarine.net or call 256-794-1397.

May 6 Derby Day at The Stables

Ladies, bring out your best hats, and guys, dig out the seersucker for Derby Day at the Stables. Cheer on your favorite horses during the “Run for the Roses” at this fundraiser for Children’s Harbor with some great music, refreshments and friends. For more details, visit www.

RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com/events, find Russell Lands on Facebook or call 256-397-1019.

May 6 AWW Bass Anglers Classic Tournament

Alabama Water Watch will host its first fishing tournament at Wind Creek State Park to raise funds for water education outreach and the water monitoring kits that volunteers use to test the lake water, which helps to keep our Treasured Lake so clean you can see your toes.

For rules, registration and details, visit www.alabamawaterwatch.org/specialevents.

May 13 Tallapoosa River Bass Bash

Participants will float and fish for black bass from Horseshoe Bend to Jaybird Creek. All fish will be caught, photographed and released, and prizes will be awarded for the total length of an agler’s three best fish.

Entrants must be 9 years of age or older, and all entrants must use the shuttle from Horseshoe Bend. Sign up for the additional Fly Rod Challenge to make the event more interesting. Entry fee is $30, and entrants must register by May 11. Goodie bag, T-shirt and door prize eligibility included in entry fee. For information, visit www.projecthealingwaters.org.

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May 13 Stars From Heaven

The staff from the Space and Science Center at Columbus State University will return to Heaven Hill with giant telescopes for an evening of star gazing. Russell Lands chef will fire up the grill and serve ribeye sandwiches and soft drinks available, or you can bring your own beverages. The evening will feature acoustic music and a brief presentation about the night sky. Space is limited to 40 people, and tickets are $25. To reserve a spot or for more information, call Robert Gunn at 256-397-1019.

Season Long Events Ladies’ Book Club

Ladies 18 years old and older are invited to participate in the club at Adelia M. Russell Library on the last Thursday of every month. Meet in the conference room at 4 p.m. Call the library at 256-234-4644 for each month’s book title.

Friday on the Green

Wind down the busy week on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads this summer with live music, lawn games and time with family and friends. Bring coolers, blanket and chairs, kids and pets, and start the weekend at the lake right from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Friday from May 19 to Sept. 15 except June 10 and July 29.

Yoga on the Green

The Town Green at Russell Crossroads is the perfect place to discover your inner being on Saturdays at the lake this summer. May 27 through September, meet at 7 a.m. with mat and water bottle.

Wine Tastings at Catherine's

It’s just $5 to sample a variety of wines from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Catherine's Market on Fridays from May 19 to Sept. 15. Apply that $5 to the purchase of a bottle of your favorite wine from the night’s sampling.

Electronics Recycling

The City of Alexander City Public Works Department hosts an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Items accepted include computers, computer mouse, keyboards, modems or routers, CD and DVD players, power supplies, PC mix systems, home or cell phones, printers or copiers, mainframe servers, audio/video adapters, laptop chargers, cable boxes, nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries and flat screen monitors and televisions. CRT monitors and televisions are no longer accepted. For more information, call 256-409-2020.

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

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

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Strand Sessions

The Lake Martin Young Professionals will host live music at Strand Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. Kicking off the series on April 6 is Opelika-based guitarist and singer/songwriter Dallas Dorsey.

Gamers’ Club

Adelia M. Russell Library hosts kids ages 12 to 17 in the conference room on Fridays after school until 4:30 p.m. Bring handheld games or games from home (no games rated M allowed). Participants should be picked up by 4:30 p.m. For information, call 256-329-6796.

Santuck Flea Market

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month. The Santuck Flea Market is located at 7300 Central Plank Rd., Highway 9 in Wetumpka.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

Meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Jr. Sportplex campus.

Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by showand-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

Next month, Lake magazine will publish our annual summer calendar, including events from May 1 through Labor Day 2017. To list your event, email the time, date and a description of the activities to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

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Lake Martin News Moon Taxi Headliner at Sun Festival

Crowds move to the music at last year's concert

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce has announced that Moon Taxi, an American indie-progressive rock band, will headline the Fifth Annual Sun Festival concert on Saturday, July 22, at Strand Park in downtown Alexander City.

“We are thrilled to have Moon Taxi as our headliner.

Having a popular act like Moon Taxi, who has local roots in Birmingham, combined with moving the event to Strand Park is going to create an electric atmosphere and draw thousands of visitors to our downtown,” said chamber President & CEO Ed Collari.

“Our goal is to expose visitors to our community along with drawing a younger, more vibrant audience downtown. A band on the rise like Moon Taxi should draw from Auburn, Birmingham and will put on an excellent show.”

The members of Moon Taxi are no strangers to the stage.

Hailing from Nashville, the five-piece formed in 2006 and set out to conquer the Southeast with their unforgettable live set. Nine years later, they’ve amassed more than 1,000 shows and released two albums. With a rabid fan base under their belts, they’ve upped the ante this year to become a festival favorite with recent performances at Bonnaroo, Governor’s Ball, Wakarusa, Houston Free Press and upcoming appearances at Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets available online at www.alexandercitychamber. com or at the Chamber of Commerce office. More information and the complete schedule of Sun Festival events, visit www.alexandercitychamber.com. ~Staff Report Moon Taxi will headline this year's Sun Festival concert

PATH on track for Blue Zone Initiative PATH Lake Martin is working toward donation goals in support of its Blue Zone initiative.

An $8,000 grant awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Caring Foundation will go to PATH to support a visit and assessment by Blue Zones and Healthways.

Tim King, Manager of The Caring Foundation said more than 35 local stakeholders have made personal donations to show community “buy-in” for this project.

“We are still short of our goal, and PATH is requesting personal and corporate support from community leaders and interested individuals in an effort to reach our $25,000 goal,” said Ella MacFiggen, president of PATH. A meeting was held Nov. 30 where 60 Alexander City area community leaders heard Blue Zones Project cofounder Tony Buettner describe the advantages of this initiative, which makes permanent changes to environment, policy and social networks, transforming healthier communities where people live longer and better.

“A healthier and longer-living population would provide a more productive workforce, which would attract more business and industry to our area and, thereby, make our community more prosperous.”

The Blue Zones Project concept dovetails into the PATH mission: “The Lake Martin area will be the healthiest and most prosperous in the state…this decade,” said MacFiggen.

For more information on Blue Zones Project®, visit www.bluezones.com. ~Staff Report

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Alabama Population Growth The Alabama population is expected to grow by nearly 500,000 people by 2040, according to the latest projections from the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) in The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce.

The state population is expected to grow at 3-4 percent per decade, similar to the rate seen in 1980s. This is slower than the 10.1 percent or 7.5 percent growth during the 1990s and 2000s, respectively.

“Declining births and net migration, as well as aging baby boomers, are causing population to grow slower,” said Viktoria Riiman, socioeconomic analyst for CBER. While the trend is to see an increase, the same study predicts that Tallapoosa County will see a 7.6 percent decrease in population over the same period. The study predicts that Elmore County will see an 18.4 percent spike by 2040.

Although most Alabama counties in metro areas are expected to gain more residents, most non-metro area counties will see a decline in population. Riiman noted that areas with fasterrecovering economies, solid employment forecasts and the highest or most improved quality of life are the ones that are expected to see an increase in population.

CBER forecasts that the population in metro area counties will grow by 16.2 percent from 2010 to 2040. Meanwhile, nonmetro area counties will see an overall population decline of 3 percent during this time period. This decline follows a nationwide trend of population losses in counties that are outside large metropolitan areas. ~Staff Report

APRIL 2017

LAKE 19

Farrow's Island The perfect place if you want to be lazy at the lake

A

bout 300 feet off the westernmost point at D.A.R.E. Park, Farrow’s Island slows the traffic coming and going from Lake Martin’s Manoy Creek. This lazy island, which is owned by Alabama Power Company and classified as natural and undeveloped project land, is covered in pine and hardwood forest and offers only limited shoreline access.

“There are some open shoreline areas, but it’s not a hang-out beach,” said Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ed Collari, who, on behalf of the chamber staff, 20 LAKE

adopted the 44-acre island through the Adopt a Treasured Mile/Island cleanup program on the Lake Martin Resource Association website.

The chamber staff will regularly visit the island to collect trash and litter, keeping the area clean and available for use by visiting lake goers.

“A lot of the shoreline is rocky or muddy and steep,” Collari said. “There are three or four areas to beach a pontoon.”

Rather, the island, which guards the entrance to Manoy Creek, limits the boat traffic from Lake Martin’s Big Water near Woods and Youngs islands. At more than 44 acres, the island is twice

APRIL 2017

63

Timbergut Landing

22

280

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Alexander City

Camp ASCCA

9 Flint Hill Church 280

49 22

Jacksons Gap Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

280 Pleasant Grove Church

11

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

Farrow's Island

Dadeville

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

57

280 New Hope Church

20

Liberty Church

Camp Hill

Smith Landing Willow Point

Pleasant Ridge Church

24

34

63 Camp Alamisco

Equality

Kowaliga Boat Landing

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

55

Seman

Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis

Trillium

Stillwaters

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor The Amp Ko

wa

lig

a Ba

y

Walnut Hill 50

80

9

Central

90

50

Union

Union Church

Red Hill 63

49 229

Eclectic

GEOGRAPHY 101 Tallassee

Kent

Reeltown

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

as long as it is wide and leaves deep but narrow passageways between its mass and that of the adjacent shorelines.

Farrow’s 11,193-foot irregular shoreline harbors a number of small coves that are just the right size for anchoring the boat and taking a cool dip on a hot summer day; or cruising the island’s steady but quick drop-off for bass.

The long west side of the island is perfectly situated for catching one of the lake’s spectacular summer sunsets or watching a storm roll in from the southwest.

Bay Pine is the closest marina to Farrow’s Island, which is nestled at the south end of Madwin Creek, north and east of the mouth of Sandy Creek.

GPS coordinates for Farrow’s Island are 32.82393, -85.85635.

When visiting, please pack up trash, so the chamber staff will have to spend less time cleaning up there and will have more time to plan great summer events for visitors at the lake.

APRIL 2017

LAKE 21

22 LAKE

APRIL 2017

A Pleasant Surprise Sandy Creek fisherman snags two fish on a single cast STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTO COURTESY OF DON AYRES

I

t’s not enough to catch one fish on a single cast. Lake Martin’s Don Ayres upped the ante recently by landing two at the same time, with one lure and one cast.

The retired Vietnam veteran was angling from a seawall near his Sandy Creek lake home early one foggy morning in February. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees, and the water was clear at 6 a.m.

From the seawall, which helps protect the property from erosion, the water was about 5 or 6 feet deep, making it easier for Ayres to net the fish he caught when they were too heavy to reel in.

“When I hooked, I did not know at first that I had two fish,” said Ayres. “I thought I could lift the fish onto the dock, but it was much too heavy. I had to walk onto a pier to net it, and that’s when I discovered there were two.”

Needless to say, Ayres was immensely surprised and immediately set out to the house of his neighbor, Ed Long, to take a picture. This had never happened to Ayres before, but Long, an avid fisherman, told Ayres that although it’s a rare occurrence, it does happen from time to time. The most common explanation is that one fish takes the lure, and another tries to take it away.

Using a shadrack lure, Ayres hooked a 10-pound striped bass and a 2.5-pound spotted bass, which he happily broiled in butter for supper that night.

Ayres credits the Green Monster light on his property, installed by Ronnie Dennis of Green Monster Fishing Lights in Dadeville, as assistance to his feat. The fish are attracted to the underwater green light being emitted from the shoreline. Ayres said he’s seen more Green Monster lights pop up around the lake recently.

Raised in Sarasota, Florida, Ayres learned fishing from his father back in 1948. They would angle on the canals around Miami and Sarasota, and Ayres used to troll the deep, rough salt waters off Pensacola. Although very different forms of fishing, lake fishing came easily to him.

Ayres and his wife, Pat, are both graduates of Sarasota High School and have lived on the lake since 2008. Their first exposure to Lake Martin was in the ’70s when Ayres was a U.S. Air Force colonel, and they used to visit a fellow officer who had a home on Lake Martin.

Ayres said he always wanted to live on a lake, so he bought a vacation townhome first in Jackson’s Gap, and they vacationed there for two years before moving permanently to the Sandy Creek house in which they now live.

Don Ayres happily shows off the 10-pound striped bass and 2.5-pound spotted bass he caught with one cast

APRIL 2017

LAKE 23

Living and Growing at Smith Mountain Research for signs nearly complete STORY BY BETSY ILER

M

embers of the Alabama Naturalist class met with the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) board of directors last month to present their research for the Smith Mountain signage project. Each class member is responsible for conducting research for two panels. The work of Auburn’s Trish Lehr includes a panel highlighting Smith Mountain mammals and another with information about invasive and keystone flora.

Longleaf Pine Originally from Ohio, Lehr signed up for the class at the encouragement of a friend who knew of Lehr’s passion for nature.

“I’ve always had an appreciation for nature all my life but had never gotten into doing anything with it except going out hiking and checking things out wherever I happened to be living,” Lehr said.

“This is the fist time I’ve had any formal education about it, and I’ve learned a lot.”

Lehr said paring down the information for the assigned panels was a challenge, as she wanted to include a variety of species and represent the ecosystem well.

“I included the bobcat because people see their tracks but hardly ever see the animal,” she explained.

Lehr also included the highly intelligent North American River Otter and the American Beaver, as visitors may see them on the CRATA trails along the lake.

Fox, fox squirrel, flying squirrels and raccoons also will be given attention on the panels, along with the TriColored Bat, one of Alabama’s 13 species of bats. One of the smallest bats in North America, the Tri-Colored weighs only a quarter of an ounce. To keep the panels interesting, Lehr also hopes to use some panel space to debunk common misinformation about bats, such as the supposition that they are blind.

“All bats can see and use sight to navigate in the daylight; they use echolocation to navigate and find food in the dark,” she noted.

She will highlight the Longleaf Pine on her second panel and will explain its importance to a variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds, including the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

“A keystone species is one on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, and if it were removed, the ecosystem would change drastically,” Lehr explained.

The Longleaf Pine once covered more than 90 million acres across the Southeast, and when the forests were cut for timber some 100 years ago, and the faster-growing Loblolly Pine was planted, the wildlife and landscape of the entire region changed markedly.

Fox Squirrel

24 LAKE

Raccoon

APRIL 2017

Our thanks to recent donors Teacher Helper

Trail Blazers

Kim Shelton

J. Scott Somerset Karen C. Somerset Mollie and Bill Barrett Dick and Mary Ann Bronson Education in Action Susan Ann Hudson Edward Rutledge Jeannine Carleton Phil Evers Laura and Sam Breyfogle Sharon Gaither

Summit Toppers

Alex and Natalie Dudchock Marcia and Adams Hudson

Vista Viewers

Kyle and Kathryn Braund

Visionaries

J. Harold and Amy Banks

Help tell our county's story CRATA is raising $50,000 to make Smith Mountain Park an educational center on the nature and history of Tallapoosa County

Contribution Form Name_____________________________________ Date_______ Address_______________________________________________ City_______________________ State_______ ZIP____________ Phone________________________________________________ Email_________________________________________________

Giving Levels

Tax deductible gifts to “CRATA-Smith Mountain Tower Restoration� are greatly appreciated! Please return this form and your gift to: Jimmy K. Lanier, CRATA, P.O. Box 240503, Eclectic, AL 36024 All donors will be recognized in print. All donors of $100 or more will be recognized on a permanent cast plaque. Anonymous gifts at all levels will be respected for confidentiality. Honorariums, memorials and appreciations will be acknowledged per donor direction.

Teachers' Helper Trail Blazers Vista Viewers Summit Toppers Visionaries Legacy Sponsors

Up to $99 $100-$249 $250-499 $500-$999 $1,000 or more $5,000 or more

Amount enclosed $_____________________

APRIL 2017

LAKE 25

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APRIL 2017

LAKE 27

Turkey A North American bird that’s hard to love

T

urkey vultures are hard to love.

They dress almost exclusively in black except for their featherless heads, which are bright red with white and black splotches.

They only eat carrion, very often pungent, bloated road-kill.

Their only form of defense is vomiting partially digested rotten meat, which doesn’t smell anything like rose petals and, reportedly, stings if you get hit in the eye.

They routinely defecate on their feet, staining them white, in an effort to cool themselves.

And their poop has been known to kill a tree.

But other than that, turkey vultures are a very helpful species that play an important role in reducing diseases that could harm humans while cleaning up our roadways and countryside.

Turkey vultures are one of the largest birds you’ll see in the Lake Martin area. They fall between red-tailed hawks and bald eagles in size, weighing roughly 4 1/2 pounds with a wingspan that stretches almost 6 feet. Males and females look alike.

The turkey vulture range extends from Canada to South America, though in both extremes they are migratory visitors. Some turkey vultures migrate thousands of miles each year, while others, like many in Alabama, are year-round residents. They can be found almost everywhere in the Americas, from mountains to deserts, more likely to be seen in open areas than in heavy forests.

28 LAKE

You will likely observe them in three different modes, circling high above the ground, tucking into a roadside meal during the heat of the day or gathered in groups roosting on trees, buildings or microwave towers at night and early morning.

You may also see them sunning in the mornings, their wings spread while standing in the sunshine to dry them and cook bacteria off their feathers before a day of scavenging.

From below, this bird has a large black silhouette with V-shaped wings (remember “V” for vulture). Its soaring flight is often unsteady, sometimes described as teetering or wobbly. It scouts for fast food with its eyes and with its nose, which is much more developed than most birds’ noses.

On the ground, turkey vultures are the only large black bird with a bald red head and a hooked beak that eats carrion. Actually, their feathers are dark brownish-black – usually appearing black in most light conditions – and in flight the underside of their flight feathers can appear silver-gray. Turkey vultures are ungainly on the ground; they hop to get around. The only other carrion-eating vulture in our area, the black vulture, has a gray head.

The turkey vulture has a tremendous sense of smell. It prefers freshly dead animals and has the ability to smell them from well above the ground, though scientists think the higher they fly the more these birds rely on their eyesight to find food, while in lower altitude flight they primarily

APRIL 2017

Vultures

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

APRIL 2017

LAKE 29

use their noses. In any case, if you see circling turkey this bird is a “golden purifier,” a valuable cleaner. vultures, there’s a very good chance that there is a When it comes time to mate – from March to June carcass of some type on the ground. in the Lake Martin area – turkey vultures exhibit Turkey vultures lack the distinctive voice of many hopping courtship dances on the ground and “follow other North American birds. They communicate with flight” aerobatics in the air with the trailing bird mima series of grunts and, when icking the leader’s dives and under attack, a nasty hissing turns. These vultures don’t Turkey vultures have featherless sound. spend much time in nest red heads and red legs that are Scientists believe the making. Females lay one to stained white reason that vultures have three cream-colored eggs from defacation bald heads is that it allows that are spotted brown, gray, the birds to poke their heads blue, green or light purple inside a carcass without and are on the large end. dirtying or damaging their Common nesting sites are feathers. Vultures begin with caves, hollow logs or trees the softest part of a carcass or abandoned heron or hawk first, while allowing time for nests in secluded areas. Both the tougher parts to decay parents take turns incubatand soften up before chowing the eggs, which hatch ing down. While they will in a month to 40 days. Both eat from almost any carcass, parents feed the chicks they seem to prefer mamby regurgitating meat for mals and do actually show them, for about three to four some discretion. According months, when they fledge. to Cornell University’s All Turkey vulture populaAbout Birds website, turkey tions were once harmed by vultures will eat a skunk the pesticide DDT, but like carcass but will leave the eagles and other large North skunk’s scent glands in the American birds, vulture bone and fur pile. numbers have rebounded You might think that type today. They are still harmed of behavior would not be conducive to a long, healthy by man, usually through consuming lead shot in carlife; however, turkey vultures have been know to live casses and gut piles left by hunters. It is illegal to kill longer than 16 years in the wild. These birds have turkey vultures in the U.S., a crime punishable by up robust and enviable immune systems and are able to to six months in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. consume disease-killed carcasses with active colonies While turkey vultures may not be the most pleasant of botulism, cholera, salmonella or anthrax, which of Lake Martin’s wild creatures, they perform a vital cleans the environment and helps prevent diseases role in cleaning up our wild ecosystem and making it from spreading to other animals. a safer place for all of the lake’s residents.

Turkey vultures are known by a number of common names, such as buzzard, turkey buzzard, carSome information for this article came from rion crow and John Crow. To scientists, these birds Cornell University’s All About Birds website, the are Cathartes aura. Cathartes is derived from the Audubon Society and National Geographic.

Greek word for “to purify or cleanse” while “aura” is derived from the Latin word for gold. In other words,

Turkey vultures are often found in groups

30 LAKE

APRIL 2017

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LAKE 31

Alabama Bass Trail returns to the lake

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

Teams of two head out in the early morning to catch five big fish

L

ake Martin will see an influx of anglers and tourists the week of April 8, as the next and third stop on the Alabama Bass Trail (ABT) tournament, a series of single-day qualifying events, returns to the area.

The ABT series began Feb. 18, and the trail contains two divisions: North and South. Each division consists of five Teams gather for a mandatory tournaments on five check-in meeting the night different lakes, and before the tournament teams pay $1,250 to register.

This is the second year Lake Martin has been on the trail in the South Division, out of the four total years of the ABT, and will see entries at full capacity with 225 boats set to participate, teams of two anglers per boat, totaling 450 fisher32 LAKE

men. There were 162 boats participating last year, and Kay Donaldson, Director of the ABT, credits the rise in participation to a restructure of lakes and an increase of the total payout.

“We pay about 113-116 percent back to the anglers.

Each event includes a payout of nearly $47,000, with $10,000 awarded to the winning team,” explained Donaldson.

The structure is such that each team has the opportunity to weigh in a total of five fish by the end of the day, and the combined weight of those fish is used to determine points, placement in the tournament and winners. Boats are assigned random numbers and, beginning at 2:30

APRIL 2017

p.m., about 15 boats will come to weigh in. The weighing in process continues every 15 minutes until all boats have checked in.

“We’re very excited to be back at Lake Martin. The chamber’s been extremely helpful getting arrangements made, and Wind Creek is great to work with,” said Donaldson.

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event for the second year and has paid a $5,000 host fee on behalf of the city to hold the tournament here. The hope is that the economic benefit and increase in visitors using local resources will be well worth the pay off. Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ed Collari said he anticipates hotels and restaurants filling up for about two weeks surrounding the event.

“Oftentimes, anglers will come a week in advance to scout out the area or stay a week after, which puts tourism money into the economy. Some come months in advance to find the best fishing spots,” said Collari.

There is a registration and mandatory check-in meeting at 5 p.m. Friday, April 7, the night before the event, which the chamber coordinates and hosts at Central Alabama Community College (CACC).

Each fisherman will receive a gift bag of coupons, giveaways and merchandise from local businesses as incentive for participants to support local store owners.

Donaldson said the ABT estimates economic impact for towns hosting an event mostly based on hotel room rates and values the possible return for Alexander City to be close to $500,000.

Another reason the event has more participation this year is that FOX Sports Southeast will be returning for the second year to film each event and televise it later in the year. Each show features a different location and includes footage taken on the water, launches, weigh-ins and interviews with winners. The show will also highlight local restaurants and attractions from each area, which increases exposure for participating communities.

Caiden Sinclair and Ethan Flack hold up last year's great catch

Anglers wait for the tournament to start

APRIL 2017

LAKE 33

Erick Sommers and Tommy Pegues won the 2017 ABT South Division season-opener event on Lake Jordan in February

According to Donaldson, the Lake Martin episode will first run July 23 at 7 a.m. CST. Boats will begin launching at 6:30 a.m. from Wind Creek State Park. According to Collari, Wind Creek is responsible for setting up bleachers for spectators, boat launches and Wi-Fi capability and has hosted many tournaments in the past, so they have the system down to a science.

The area between Wind Creek and the main river run has the potential for excess debris during this time of the year, though, and participants should be on alert, warned John Thompson, president of Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA). This year went from a steady drought to periods of heavy rain, so the water levels came up very quickly, and there also is potential for floating steps or docks on the lake to come loose and create hazardous situations. According to the Alabama Power Company, Lake Martin’s pool will be set at 489

by April 1, and full pool is 491.

“I want all participants to be aware of this, especially if you’re new and unfamiliar with the lake. We’ve already had a few reports of docks or boats that got loose this spring, which can happen if you’re not careful,” said Thompson.

The LMRA is responsible for maintenance of Lake Martin’s 440 hazard buoys, which indicate fixed underwater hazards to avoid. Thompson said every spring about 20 of them need to be replaced, and as of press34 LAKE

Temperatures for this year’s tournament will be warmer than the bitter cold that met anglers last year

APRIL 2017

time, he was aware of 10 that are missing. The buoy team, led by Rendell Clark, will be checking and replacing buoys over the next few weeks and hope to have the project complete before the tournament.

Although professional fishermen are not allowed to register for this tournament, there are many teams that have participated all four years of the ABT and some that have qualified for the Bassmaster Classic, which Donaldson deems “The Super Bowl of Bass Fishing,” including Chris Rutland and Coby Carden. Right now, this pair is sitting in fourth place with points, and Donaldson said they are a strong team that always winds up in the top eight.

Last year’s championship winners were two college kids from the University of Alabama, who are unable to participate this year due to their class schedules.

Collari said the Alexander City Chamber is working on securing the Bassmaster’s Elite Tournament, which qualifies participants for the Bassmaster Classic, at Lake Martin for next year, which would be a substantial economic event for the area.

“It’s great exposure for the community and a huge economic driver. The more tournaments we can get here, the better,” said Collari.

The ABT championship tournament will be held Oct. 6-7 on Logan Martin Lake, and qualified teams include the top 75 teams with the highest points; the top 10 divisional teams; the top 15 high school student teams; the top five college teams; and the top five couple teams.

For more information regarding rules, prizes, participants and details, visit www.alabamabasstrail.org.

April in Talladega Friday & Saturday April 7-8, 2017

Tour 6 Historic and Unique Homes

Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm $20 Adults • $10 Students Luncheon at First United Methodist Church Friday 12:00 noon ~ $15 Ghosts of Talladega - Oak Hill Cemetery Tour Friday at 5:00 pm ~ $5 at the entrance Wine & Cheese Reception, Heritage Hall Museum Friday 5:30 - 7:30 pm ~ $5 at the door

April on the Square Block Party Saturday Night 5 - 9 pm

Local food, artists, vendors, inflatable moon walks and live music!

Fun-filled event for the entire family!

Tickets available at the Chamber of Commerce (256) 362-9075 and Heritage Hall Museum (256) 761-1364 www.aprilintalladega.org • www.talladegalincolnchamber.com

For days before the tournament, teams practiced on Lake Martin

APRIL 2017

LAKE 35

36 LAKE

APRIL 2017

Look out for your neighbors S

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI

ince its start just one and a half years ago, 11 Neighborhood Watch organizations have sprung up around Lake Martin with the help of Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners Association (HOBO) volunteers and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department.

“It’s all about looking out for your own people. The program is not something to take up a lot of people’s time.

But it makes them aware of ways to help themselves and help their neighbors,” said Jesse Cunningham, co-President of HOBOs, an organization for lakefront properties established about 10 years ago.

The planning for a Neighborhood Watch program, initiated in fall 2015, began after a string of break-ins two or three years ago, mostly on properties occupied part time. About two-thirds of Lake Martin residents are part time, which often leaves houses vulnerable.

“Theft here has been going on since I was here in the ’70s, and it will go on forever, unfortunately.

The challenge for us, the one-third that live here full-time, is to help look out for the part-time properties or take note of things that are happening,” said Cunningham. “And the real concern is the safety of the people here all the time.”

As of now, there are 11 active Neighborhood Watch groups at the lake, and each consists of about 40-60 homes. A local block captain is designated to each neighborhood to spread local information and advertise meetings, often held in volunteer fire department buildings, where sheriff’s deputies explain the purpose, intentions and necessity of creating these organizations.

“The sheriff has been absolutely great. We’ve been getting more attendance at meetings, especially if they know the sheriff will be there because it gives credibility to our effort,” said Cunningham.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said they have put together a manual for homeowners on safety awareness for home and traveling; provide surveillance techniques and security alarm tutorials; and explain the importance of documenting inventory of property in case of theft or fire. Abbett requests that residents inform the department when out of

town, so they can provide extra patrols to that area.

Most importantly, Abbett explained, “If you see something, say something.”

His department is vigilant in teaching residents to be aware of their surroundings, how to spot suspicious activity and recognize the best ways to report it.

“We don’t want people to actually be law enforcement, but to be observant. It’s a great resource to have these programs, and it’s only going to be as successful as they want it to be. We give them the training to actively participate, but it’s their watch program,” said Abbett.

Communication flows both ways, and the sheriff’s department can instantly send messages to residents in local neighborhoods about specific vehicles or individuals for which they can be on the lookout and provide a contact number for residents to call with any relevant information.

“The more eyes we have out there, the better it is for our community,” said Abbett.

The program is not only a matter of theft but also is advantageous in emergency situations. As part of the program, an email tree has been established to inform residents of weather conditions and road closings that may affect neighborhoods.

“About five years ago, a tornado came through the lake area, and there was a huge need for a program like this. Emergency response teams didn’t know who was or wasn’t here at the lake. A house would be destroyed, and no one knew if someone was in there or not,” explained Cunningham.

Getting to know the people in your neighborhood and creating a reciprocal relationship is another way to ensure safety and look out for one another. Cunningham explained it’s created a social factor, as well, and gives people the opportunity to know more people on their streets.

“It’s worth its weight in gold because people get to know each other,” said Cunningham.

To support a Neighborhood Watch in your area or for more information about starting a group in your neighborhood, contact Jesse Cunningham at 256-825-0919.

APRIL 2017

LAKE 37

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LAKE 39

Architectural Trends STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

More homeowners are requesting covered porches and swing beds

A

s lake houses become more multi-generational, new homes on Lake Martin include architectural and design adjustments to accommodate the needs of both older and younger families.

“People request bunkrooms more frequently these days,” said home designer Bill Farshee. “It’s not uncommon to put even four sets of bunk beds in a room. It’s like going to camp.

“There are other bedrooms and guest bedrooms, but bunkrooms cover a lot of needs, from young kids to college kids who come to the lake and bring their friends.”

Homeowners also are squeezing bunks into places that might previously have been unused, such as hallways or niches, said architect Mitch Ginn.

“It’s more economy of space. For just a night or weekend, it’s a place to 40 LAKE

Stand alone tubs are a more popular option than garden tubs in today’s lake homes

sleep a couple of extra people,” Ginn said.

And for the adult generations, homeowners want to maximize the sight line, Ginn added.

“That includes outside, as well.

Even as they’re pulling up, people like to see the lake, so they want as much glass as possible,” he explained.

“They’re paying a premium for the lake view, so they want to see a lot of water.”

Lake homeowners are taking more advantage of the lot to make the most of that lake view as well, Ginn said.

“They want all the main rooms to have a lake view, so the house is as wide as possible. That ratio stretches out the floor plan, so every room that can have a lake view does,” he explained.

He also said his clients want to stay out of the sun more than they once APRIL 2017

Exposed rafters and architectural elements lend cottage style to this lake home

did.

“Not many people request decks now. They are limiting sun exposure, so there are more covered porches,” he said.

Farshee said his clients more frequently ask for screened-in porches or other outdoor living space in which they want to include fireplaces or grilling areas.

“What used to be a request for an open porch more often is becoming a screened porch of generous size,” he said.

Earth colors and tones with stone accents, metal roofs and exposed rafter tails remain the dominant exterior architectural elements at Lake Martin, as they complement the natural and undeveloped shoreline, but Ginn said he encourages clients to think more playfully when building a lakehouse.

“You can do things you would

never do with a house in town. You can have a lot of porches, a loft over the family room or an observation tower,” he said. “These features are not always practical for a regular house, but all that kind of folly makes it feel like a lake house for everyone.”

Game rooms are another nod to the multi-generational use of a home on the lake, Farshee said.

“People also call it a play room or a kids’ den, especially if the home is multi-level. They want a place on the main level for the adults, and the kids move off to another area for games and movies, preferably on another level,” Farshee explained.

Double masters also are popular among multi-family or multi-generational homes at the lake, Ginn said.

“Sometimes, it’s two families that are building a house,” he explained.

“So they want two masters – perhaps identical or a primary and a minimaster.

“And people don’t feel like they have to have a garden tub anymore.

Especially in shared homes, they’re trying to keep the square footage down, and if they have a free standing tub or no tub at all, they can have a big shower that is as open as possible, maybe with a high transom window that brings light in to the shower.”

Another addition that serves the needs of several generations is a staging or utility/laundry room on the lake level. This space makes a convenient place to drop wet towels and lake gear without bringing the sand and dirt into the living areas of the home. It’s also a great place to put an icemaker, so coolers can be more easily filled on the way to the boat.

Open floor plans and big islands with lots of seating also are mainstays in the lake home design, as they keep families together for meals and social activities and allow everyone to see more of the lake more of the time.

As families grow and share more time at Lake Martin, architectural and design features adapt to accommodate the needs of the different ages and interests without having to compromise on what each generation wants at the lake.

A large island accommodates family and friends at the lake

Homeowners are asking for more and bigger windows to open the lake views in more rooms

Tucking bunks into hallway niches can accommodate additional overnight guests

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• Generalized weakness • IV medication therapy • Recovery following an accident • Rehabilitation following surgery, stroke, or heart attack • Rehabilitation following acute care inpatient hospital stay

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For more information call: (334) 283-3848 or E-mail: bnelson@chal.org

Community Skilled Care and Rehab A division of

Community Hospital 42 LAKE

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Fun pillows and a contrasting linen headboard add pop to a neutral bedroom; Left: Unconventional lighting works at the lake

Decorating Trends STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Industrial globes become an art piece over a kitchen island

Playful family photos make great lakehouse décor

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Colorful pillows and throws complement the touch of contrast between walls and trim

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ake Martin home décor can take on an element of play that characterizes how families spend their time here, but don’t forget that durability is an important part of decorating a lakehouse, said Nan Jackson of Interiors Etc. By Nan. “We have mud, water and sand at the lake, and you need to use good common sense about what fabrics and wall finishes you use,” Jackson said. “Make sure the fabric is very practical. There are some outdoor fabrics and treatments that can be used on the interior and have striking colors and patterns. You can achieve a great look with practical fabrics.”

The overall look of the Lake Martin house, Jackson said, remains contemporary rustic, with durable materials that can stand up to the rough treatment a lake house receives when multi-generational families and friends gather for boating, swimming, fire watching and beach games.

“That horizontal wood on the walls just lasts so much longer than drywall. It takes more punishment and looks better longer,” she explained.

“We’re still using lighter colors on the inside walls but less stark white and more soft,” Jackson said. “And instead of using the same color on the trim, using a coordinating white, adding just a little bit of contrast but not too much. It’s still a creamy white. For example, if we use Crushed Ice on the walls, we might use Snowbound for the trim.”

Neutral colors always provide a great decorating palette, as accent pillows and art pieces can add color and be changed as needed from one season to another, but Jackson suggested playing with geometrics and patterns, too, as decorating a lake house can be more playful than choosing décor for a full-time home in town.

“You can really have fun with the lakehouse because fun is what the lake is really all about,” she said.

Lighting is one area in which homeowners can break from

the traditional fixture collection and add personality to the décor, she said.

“Have fun with globe lighting and accent lighting. You can use portrait lights to highlight a bookcase or vanity in a bathroom. You can put fixtures in places where you wouldn’t expect them to be in a town house, and you can mix styles, like using a burlap shade with a wrought iron lamp. A variety of lighting sets it off. You don’t have to use a collection of lighting but using custom pieces showcases the lighting.”

Such lighting choices might include different styles of chandeliers in bedrooms and lanterns in stairwells.

Another place where individuality and fun can be added to a lake home is in the bedrooms, Jackson said.

“Find out the personality of the person who will use the room and build around that,” she said.

But avoid a strong theme, she said.

“You can only have so many ducks or fish and still have it look good. A few can be great, but add some eclectic pieces of art. I love blown glass, and I love to use local talent.”

Using local art is another way to customize the fun in a lakehouse, Jackson said.

“There are so many art shows and now galleries popping up in the area, and the lake has some really wonderful artists and craftsmen. Go to the art shows and find great local art that are really conversation pieces and very personal,” she suggested.

“And incorporate the memories you make at the lake into the décor. One of my clients has a map on the wall, and they’ve marked all the places they’ve been and put up photos around the map, so they have pictures of them in those places.

It’s totally love.

“That’s what the décor in a lakehouse should be, a reflection of the love of family because spending that precious time together is what a lakehouse is for.”

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Join us for The Ridge Beach Bingo Open House Event.

Pick up your map and bingo card at The Ridge Club. Tour at least 10 homes to be entered into a grand prize drawing for dinner in the WellHouse at SpringHouse!

Join us at The Ridge Beach Park from 4:00 - 6:00 pm for beach games, prize drawings, and refreshments provided by Kowaliga Restaurant.

See more details at LakeMartinRealty.com.

Becky Haynie • 334.312.0928

5A Ledges • 226 Ledges Trail $605,000

72 Stoney Ridge • $1,399,000

200 Laurel Ridge • $1,225,000

40 Ridge Point • $929,000

Becky Haynie • 334.312.0928

Becky Haynie • 334.312.0928

Mimi Rush • 334.399.7874

6D Ledges • $550,000

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Becky Haynie • 334.312.0928

APRIL 2017

1085 North Ridge • $995,000 Becky Haynie • 334.312.0928

The Ridge Club

The Ridge Beach Park

5B Ledges • 224 Ledges Trail $669,000

4B Ledges • 250 Ledges Trail $559,000

82 Misty Ridge • $1,289,900

Rhonda Jaye• 256.749.8681

Rhonda Jaye• 256.749.8681

102 Misty Ridge • $1,449,000

883 North Ridge • $1,050,000

112 Stone Ridge • $918,000

India Davis • 256.749.7592

India Davis • 256.749.7592

India Davis • 256.749.7592

Rhonda Jaye • 256.749.8681

LakeMartinRealty.com Dadeville 256.825.9092 I Ourtown 256.212.1498 I Willow Point 256.212.1498

45 Ridge Crest • $1,575,000 Randall Rogers • 334.707.5804

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The McClendons chose a horizontal floor plan to maximize the lake views in more rooms

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andy McClendon’s long-time dream to have property near the Land Between the Lakes has finally come true. After reading about the new Cedar Point development in the July 2015 issue of Lake, McClendon knew this desirable location was exactly what he and his family were looking for.

McClendon and his wife, Beverly, both attended Auburn University in the 1970s, where they first discovered the joy of Lake Martin. After falling in love with the lake during visits to friends’ homes, they purchased their first lake cabin in 1986 in Little Kowaliga Creek.

This vacation home, which eventually grew into four small bedrooms, became a gathering spot for family memories and teaching children and their friends how to ski and kneeboard. The cabin was their weekend getaway through the summer months and into the fall for Auburn football games, where the McClendons have been season ticket holders for 40 years.

“Wonderful memories were made that we will always cherish,” said McClendon.

About eight years ago, the family bulldozed the cabin and built a new lake house on the same property; however, it was love at first sight when Randy discovered the sound of waves crashing on the 150 feet of waterfront covered in natural sand at Cedar Point.

“When I picked up the copy of the Lake magazine and found the information about Cedar Point, I got my dog, and we jumped in the pontoon boat to see the sunrise and look out over the 48 LAKE

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development. We fell in love with our lot and the potential it had,” said McClendon, who took his family back out there and called Realtor Damon Story to secure the spot all on the same day.

The house, which was the first custom home built in the development of 24 lots, was built by Scott Lett and decorated by Mark Kennemer.

The horizontal hardy plank siding is a consistent theme throughout the neighborhood, and the home contains two wings since the McClendons share it with their son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Anna McClendon.

All the McClendons live year-round in Vestavia but try to get down to the lake as often as they can.

“We love it here, love the lake. But we’re not ready to move here full-time. We like Birmingham, and we’re close to the grandbabies,” said McClendon.

Many of the construction and style design choices at the Birmingham couple’s craftsmanstyle cottage were made with their four grandchildren in mind, including childproofing furniture and preventing injury with a stone wall on the driveway for bike riding and metal wiring between rails on the otherwise open deck.

It’s evident upon entering the Cedar Point home that the McClendons’ way to spend leisure time is with the family. A “wall of fun” is covered with pictures of smiling children, and family photos are found throughout the house.

The east-facing home showcases the lake view, as even before entering, the lake can be seen

The mantle was handcrafted from poplar beams

Dream Home STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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A large screened-in porch creates a spacious outdoor living area for the whole family

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A copper chandelier hovers over the copper-topped farm table in the great room

through the house from the large windows on the dark stained front door to the wall of eight 8-foot tall windows leading out to the porch. Two sections of these windows are double sliding doors, with hidden screens that allow fresh air and the sounds of lapping water to circulate throughout the home.

The family did not want the pine-ceiling porch screened in to maintain an open-air effect, and they opted for 30-inch railings so as to not impede the view while enjoying coffee and watching the sunrise – McClendon’s daily routine, at which he often is joined by grandchildren, William, 8, and Virginia, 6.

The flagstone path off the porch leads to the natural beachfront where six Adirondack chairs are arranged in the sand and the McClendons can watch the grandchildren play on the beach. In the summer months, the family travels everywhere by boat, which is quicker access than car, to the nearest stores and restaurants. Days spent cruising on their pontoon boat are a favorite way to spend time at the lake, and McClendon has been teaching William how to drive, so he will be well trained when it’s time to get his boating license in a few years.

“The water is so clear and clean here. I can see the kids’ toes when they’re swimming,” said Beverly.

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The great room open layout design of the kitchen/living area is underneath a high, vaulted ceiling built of reclaimed poplar wood from Evolutia in Birmingham. This rustic feature carries to the hickory floors throughout the entire house. The white painted walls and neutral coloring give the home a cozy, relaxing tone.

This theme carries into the living room with welcoming couches, McClendon’s leather recliner and a distinctive oversized leather coffee table, which was chosen as a softer safety feature for little kids running around. The room is complete with a stone gas fireplace, indicative of many lake homes. The room’s distinguishing feature, a poplar mantle crafted from reclaimed wood beams, came from Avondale Mills in Sylacauga. Above the fireplace, the wall-mounted TV is hidden behind painted shutters.

White Shaker cabinets in the kitchen match the white painted, bell hood trimmed with molding.

The white tile backsplash ties in the clean look of the room, featuring a large farmhouse sink, which Beverly said is great for bathing babies.

The kitchen island boasts ancient sinker cypress counters that were found underwater in the swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana. The tree was estimated to be 500-600 years old when it was cut down more than 100 years ago. This was designed, built and installed

Clockwise from top left: Builder Scott Lett handcrafted the bunks in the grandchildren's room; Beverly's Wall of Fun features smiling grandchildren; both wings of the house include custom swing beds on screened-in porches; a fence was erected to preserve a gravesite the builders discovered during construction; playful pillows add a pop of fun to the grandchildren's bunkroom; a small nursery was added to the floor plan to accommodate the arrival of twins; the quarter-sawn oak bar is decorated with unique conversation pieces the family has collected over the years.

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Beverly likes to mix traditional antiques with modern pieces

The kitchen island counter is made from 600-year-old sinker cypress

On the right: Custommade sign featuring the family’s names and favorite activities reminds them that the lake is all about fun with loved ones.

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by Daniel Slocum, also known as Papa D. Another historical piece of furniture revered by the family is the vintage copper top dining table with its heart pine base. The copper comes from Cather Printing, a business started by Anna Cather McClendon’s family, who acquired it back in 1920, when the company closed its doors in 2016. The McClendons added protective irons on each corner, to avoid injury and had Papa D combine the copper with a reclaimed heart pine base made out of wood from a house built in Selma in 1908. A complementary copper chandelier hangs overhead, with a vase of sunflowers in the middle of the table to add color and warmth to the vintage feel of the dining area.

“Our style is mixing antiques with modern,” said Beverly.

Nestled in nicely with the new design and sleek style of the cottage are many pieces of furniture and art that hold deep meaning to the family.

The half bath features a map of Lake Martin hanging on the reclaimed, stained poplar wood walls. The sink counter was designed by Lett out of old wood from Bessemer and matches the mirror hanging above it. Each bathroom in the house contains a distinctive counter, built by Lett and his team based on the family’s requests.

“The builder was really great. He would build anything we wanted. We had a great experience APRIL 2017

with him, and he’s become a good friend,” said Beverly, who went on to rave about all the special touches in which the builders had a hand, including two sets of blue painted wooden bunk beds in the children’s room, each equipped with its own wall-mounted light. Large beanbag chairs sit on a brightly colored Aztec-style rug in the room, where corners filled with toys rounded out a little kid’s dream room. Right now, William and Virginia share this room, but will soon be joined by their 9-month-old twin sisters, Willa Grace and Margaret. The initial house plans were changed a little to add a separate small nursery where the twins now sleep.

The hall leading to the children’s bathroom is lined with brightly colored crayon drawings. The oversized trough-style sink on reclaimed stained wood is big enough to accommodate more than one child wanting to share the space. A round nautical mirror hangs by rope over the counter for a lake-themed but fun bathroom.

Both wings of the house have screened-in porches off the bedrooms, featuring custom swing beds constructed on site by CC Bed Swings out of Birmingham. Ryan and Anna’s suite is bigger than the master, as is their porch on which two oversized wicker chairs offer the young parents some respite with a view.

“I love to listen to the waves. It sounds just like

the ocean. Whatever time of the year it is, I always have to sleep with the door open to hear that sound,” said Beverly.

The master suite contains a reclaimed wood headboard and matching dresser – the only headboard in the five-bedroom house that was not custom-made by a shop in Birmingham. The master bath mimics the rest of the five bathrooms in the house with subway tiling in the shower. A painting done by Beverly’s sister adorns the blue painted walls.

“I really like local art. Well, I like ‘people I know’ art,” said Beverly.

The room with the most character, though, is the carriage house above the garage, otherwise known as the man cave. With pine flooring beginning with the staircase, the masculine tones of color and decor are evident. At the top is an intimate area with two rockers, a view of the lake and a wooden checkerboard in the same Auburn colors that have tended to sneak their way into the decor throughout the house.

McClendon said they wanted a rustic cabin feel, which is exactly what they got. Two mounted fish, one caught by McClendon’s father years ago, hang above the built-in bar made of quartersawn oak by Lett. A Hank Williams tribute corner, a Rodeo Club sign and other neat eBay finds cover the bar area.

The comfy couch, where McClendon likes to nap, faces a TV mounted on an antique wooden workbench. With a spare bedroom attached, complete with a custom made leather tufted headboard and wooden nightstands with metal closures, this space seconds as a guesthouse.

Under the man cave, the garage area was built specifically with a safe room, in case of emergency weather conditions.

A large storage area for lake and boating accessories is hidden behind a wooden pallet door and leads to the water via a flagstone path.

McClendon said, “I honestly think that the lot is exactly what I have been looking for: a level lot to accommodate a one-level home, beautiful sandy beach, facing east to see the sunrise and a big open water view.

“We have many friends on the lake, and one of our favorite things is sitting in beach chairs with them, sharing a cool refreshment and watching the water change colors as the sun sets behind us.”

This iconic image captures exactly what a Lake Martin home should be.

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That starts with a comprehensive cardiac checkup.

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FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

FABULOUS FINDS

240 Ivy Shores Lane, Alexander City • $239,000 PERFECT GETAWAY! 2BD/2.5BA townhouse with amazing views of Lake Martin. Well-maintained, built-in bunkbeds, open kit./DR/LR w/extended deck. SS appliances. Master BD has private deck w/awesome views. Deep water boat slip, covered lakeside pavilion, spacious storage room in basement for all your water toys, very affordable HOA dues. Won't last long so call today to see!

RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Amanda Scroggins 256-749-6634 www.amandascroggins.com

53 Scenic Shores Way, Jacksons Gap • $625,000 Welcome to Lake Martin in the exquisite 5Br/5.5Ba home that has spared no expense on beauty & upgrades. Main level living w/ master br, kit w/ stainless steel appl & granite, liv rm w/ gorgeous stone fp, laundry rm &oversized covered porch for relaxing or entertaining. Upstairs has 2Br/2Ba w/ sitting area. Downstairs has 2Br/2ba, kit, den/ playroom area, lots of storage & covered patio. A must see!

RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com

32 Caldwell Place, Jacksons Gap • $334,000 A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E super affordable, super convenient lakehome close to upscale Shady Bay & fun Bay Pines Marina! Excellent lakeviews+lakedepths. New dock+boardwalk. Split BR plan has private master suite. Upgraded ceramic showers in both baths.

LARGE master bath+walkin closet. Granite island in big, open kitchen. Central GR has fireplace+cathedral ceiling. Easy clean woodlaminate floors. Covered+open decks on main level and open lower deck. 2 huge storage buildings to remain with property.

Selling Lake Martin Amy Clark 256.749.3333 www.SellingLakeMartin.com

138 Canoe Point, Equality • $839,000 Move in your new home this summer. Currently under construction, this 4 bedroom, 4 bath home is designed for lake living at its best. Upgrades include quartz counter tops, stone fireplace, tank-less water heaters, flagstone fire pit, additional stone accents, and more. Price includes the lot, home, dock and a seawall if needed. Also includes a floating dock and boat lift. Just move in and enjoy Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

Lot 12 Cedar Point, Equality • $855,000 Proposed new construction of the Mayfly plan designed

by CMH Architects. Beautiful 4 bedroom 4 Bath with open living area. Open view.

Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

30 Elysian Way, Equality • $1,100,000 Beautiful 4 bedroom 3.5 bath lake home on professionally landscaped flat lot with approximately 380 feet of waterfront. Reclaimed wood floors in living area. Drive-through garage with boat landing.Two docks, one with pontoon and PWCs lifts and a personal gas pump,the other with gazebo at beach area.Excellent fishing with lighted cleaning station on dock. Lots of room for entertaining Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

525 Nicholson Road, Alexander City • $1,150,000 Enjoy Lake Martin like it was meant to be enjoyed. Create memories in this ''Cabin'' style home. Located in the cabin community of Nichols Cove with wooded surroundings and nostalgic dirt roads.Convenient to everything. Very private with open views of Kowaliga Bay! If you are looking for a move-in ready home, great location and views, you have found it here! A must see.

Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

Willow Glynn, The Abby $1,250,000 Just completed by RLH Construction. The Abby is a 3,219 sq. ft. plan designed by Chuck Frusterio. Owner’s suite and guest suites on main level with spacious living-diningkitchen and large covered porch. Lake level offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, generous lake-prep room, family room, wet bar, second laundry, and spacious covered patio for outdoor entertaining.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

Willow Glynn, Cove Cottage $1,197,000 Bring the family to see this Henderson & Coker furnished model home in Willow Glynn. This Mitch Ginn design is beautiful and move-in ready. It includes owner’s suite, guest bedroom, bunkroom, and bonus loft room on main level. Expansive open kitchen-dining-living area with access to large covered porch. Lake level offers 2 guest suites, large family room, covered patio and bar for plenty of lake fun.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

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FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

FABULOUS FINDS

South Ridge Harbor, Fairwinds $1,375,000 Newcastle Construction completed this gorgeous lake home designed by David Smelcer just in time for family lake time.

Owner’s suite, guest suite, expansive open kitchen-diningliving area and spacious covered porch all with fabulous lake views. Lake level offers two additional guest suites, rec room, kitchenette and lake prep room. Upper level provides another guest suite and bonus room. With 4,043 sq. ft. on three levels, there are views from most every room.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin Call Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

1085 North Ridge, Alexander City • $995,000 Phenomenal lakefront living, offering a tremendous value at $995,000, in the exclusive community of The Ridge! Features include a sensational kitchen, vaulted great room, home theater and two gourmet kitchens. Sprawling terrace level with game room, second kitchen and bunk room. Multiple decks showcase incredible water views. 230+/-ft of waterfront offers a dock, boat ramp and concrete seawall.

Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

72 Stoney Ridge, Alexander City • $1,399,000 Lake Martin showstopper located in The Ridge. Private 5 bed, 5.5 bath home offers magnificent lake views, sandy beach, pier and large covered patio with outdoor kitchen. Quality and fine construction by Legacy Homes. Warm wood detailing, wood burning fireplace, gourmet kitchen and stunning first floor master suite. This ideal home is located in a great neighborhood with room for the entire family!

Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

200 Laurel Ridge, Alexander City • $1,225,000 Quality craftsmanship and fine details are the hallmarks of this 5 bed/4.5 bath home in The Ridge on Lake Martin. An open floor plan, dramatic 2-story great room and finished lower level make entertaining easy. Unwind in the main level master suite with private access to the deck. Enjoy peaceful views of the lake from the stone deck, patio or large dock system.

Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

40 Ridge Point, Alexander City • $929,000 Gorgeous 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath custom-built home designed by renowned architects Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, and crafted with the finest of details for the discerning buyer including the Old World charm of a cedar roof, a huge outdoor fire pit, screened & open air porches, 2 masters on the fully handicapaccessible main level, and a flat lakeside yard a few steps from the water.

Lake Martin Realty Mimi Rush 334.399.7874 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

82 Misty Ridge, Alexander City • $1,289,900 A winning combination, Mitch Ginn's, Riverside plan built

by Keel and Till, Inc. Spectacular views across the Blue Creek channel! Tucked behind Cypress Island for a great place to swim and enjoy the lake. Beautiful wood finishes, vaulted wood ceilings, stone, upscale kitchen and so much more.

Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

102 Misty Ridge, Alexander City • $1,449,000 883 North Ridge, Alexander City • $1,050,000 112 Stone Ridge, Alexander City • $918,000 You have waited for a true lake home with a gor- Brand new and ready for you!! This lake home Perfect condition! You should run to see this house... geous view and at the right price. Here it is ....and is market priced and has all the extra you it's a model home in every way! Painted wood walls, you can buy it furnished if you like! 2 bedroom dream about---views from most rooms..huge hardwood floors, unique wooden vaulted ceilings suites up and 2 bedrooms suites down. 2 Wonder- open great room; master on main with great in great room and master suite. Super great room ful great rooms with a huge screened porch and room and bedrooms on lower level for a quick on the terrace level including a mini kitchen so grab open decking. Bonus Bonus!! Outdoor porch with dash to the lake. Deep water lot and landyour cooler, fill it with ice and load up the family for cooking grill, fireplace and tv. The perfect football scaped with gorgeous stones...Call for your a Lake Martin boat ride. Elegant Rustic! And WOW setting. This is a must see!! Call us today!! personal appointment!

WOW!! Furnishings are negotiable.

Lake Martin Realty Lake Martin Realty Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 India Davis 256.749.7592 India Davis 256.749.7592 www.LakeMartinRealty.com www.LakeMartinRealty.com www.LakeMartinRealty.com

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45 Ridge Crest, Alexander City • $1,575,000 Amazing construction-2016. SOLD newly furnished-6 bedroom, 7 bath Farshee designed home is a must see. Features huge lake views from 3 levels multiple living areas, 6 decks. approx. 4800 sf heated. Post and beam deck, approx. 30 foot tall vaulted great room, approx. 6500 sf. under roof. Refined rustic design with some old world charm. Pressure treated cedar shake roof. Built by Legendary Homes.

Lake Martin Realty Randall Rogers 334.707.5804 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

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A

Here’s what vacationers want if you are thinking about renting your lake home

s springtime temperatures warm the Lake Martin area, it’s only natural that we start making plans for the summer. I hear a lot from families that would like to rent a place on the lake for a vacation. Lake Martin has a small but steadily growing rental market, and I thought this would be a good time to discuss it.

I don’t handle rentals, so I interviewed Michelle Brooks and Tiffany Sanders, both with Lake Martin Realty’s Dadeville office, about what it’s like for homeowners and renters.

I thought their insights were interesting. Here’s what they had to say:

When homeowners When is the busy seacall you about renting son for renting? their home out, what Memorial Day through are they most surprised Labor Day, with July, by about? far, being the busiest.

I would say people are most surprised at Does football season how much work goes have a lot of rentals? into managing a rental Yes, the better Auburn property, so they are plays the better our rentLAKE PROPERTY always happy to know als do. Homeowners will

BY JOHN COLEY that a good rental comalso need to offer dispany offers full service counts on rental rates for property management. We handle football season vs. peak lake season. the online booking, collect the rent and county lodging taxes, schedule Are renters looking for homes or cleanings and property maintenance. condos?

The owner just sits back and collects We find that they are equally their profits after each booking. desirable.

Do you find that most must make some repairs?

Before taking on a rental, we might suggest some minor improvements or staging to meet our guests’ expectations.

Do most want to rent their homes short term or long term?

We find that the majority of our property owners prefer to rent out on a short-term basis, so they still have access to their property when they want to enjoy the lake. Our booking system allows us to block the dates that our homeowners know they want to secure for themselves.

Do most owners do their own cleaning and maintenance?

No, we prefer to use our cleaning crew so that each property is held to the same standard. Some owners prefer to do their own maintenance, but we are always able to offer services in that regard.

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How many bedrooms do most renters want?

Our three-bedroom rentals seem to book out faster than the smaller ones; however, the number of bathrooms also has a great impact on the success of the rental. It is much more difficult to secure bookings for a one-bathroom rental.

Do renters bring their own boats?

Many times they do; however, we also direct our guests to a nearby marina for watercraft rentals.

What are most renters surprised about?

If they are new to Lake Martin, they are always pleasantly surprised by the number of marinas and eateries that Lake Martin has to offer.

Thanks, Michelle and Tiffany!

John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin Voice Realty. He is also the author of the blog Lake Martin Voice at LakeMartinVoice.com.

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APRIL 2017

LAKE 61

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62 LAKE

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Captain Robin Berkowitz recently joined the team at TowBoatUS: a service that provides Lake Martin boaters with assistance services 24 hours a day/365 days a year.

of course, Goat Island were always my favorite spots. Lake Martin lives up to its claim as a treasured lake with so many beautiful geographical features and history.

How long have you worked with TowBoatUS? This will be my first summer with TowBoatUS, but I’ve been pushing a boat throttle for about 25 years. I’ve operated a range of boats for seasonal jobs since 2005. I completed my boater safety course in Alabama when I was 14 years old. I trained in 2005 as a class III/IV whitewater rafting guide in Colorado and am certified in Swift Water Rescue.

In 2009, I worked in Alaska as a river guide, learned to operate an inflatable RIB-Hull Zodiac in inside passages of Southeast Alaska and spent sea time on a 90-ton high-speed catamaran running tourism operations to and from a glacier.

I also operated jet boats in 2012 on the Susitna River for Fish and Game.

Is this why you decided to move back?

In October 2016, my husband’s and my two-year work/ study visas in Canada were expiring, and we thought about moving to Colorado, Minnesota or back to Alaska. I never believed I would be back in Alabama on Lake Martin in my adult years. But our daughter Ruby is 3 years old, and I want her to experience the same childhood I cherished growing up, with family in a place that fosters a child’s desire to explore.

What inspired you to do this line of work?

As a child, my parents were in competitive bass fishing tournaments. They would magically transport us from bed before sunrise, and I remember waking up with the sun in the boat. Fishing and being on the water was a staple of our upbringing. I have an interest in the science of hydrology, reading rivers and navigating the open water.

What are some of the challenges you face being a woman in this position?

I am expecting to meet some resistance, and people may question my abilities as a woman towboat captain since it’s unusual around here. I will share a laugh with folks when they ask, “Are you really our captain?” I am laughably and literally 5-foot 1-inch tall. I’ve seen that awkward disbelief in other jobs, but I handle my responsibilities with high regard and professionalism. I try to meet those first impressions with kindness and humility. It’s not so unusual in Alaska to have a woman as a captain of a vessel, so I get a good giggle at people’s skepticism when I do similar work in Alabama.

What advice do you have for other women who may face similar situations?

Stay humble in the face of adversity. Face your fears, accept failures with grace and understanding, but most importantly build each other up with encouragement!

Are you from Lake Martin?

I grew up in a little mill house in Lanett, Alabama, but our family has had a little “camp” at Pleasure Point Park since the late 1980s, and we were weekend warriors to the lake. Honestly, I think a lot of my raising happened on the banks of Lake Martin.

What was your childhood like on Lake Martin?

My childhood was truly magical. The neighborhood kids and I explored Pleasure Point before it was developed, with its caves, big sandy beaches, huge sweet smelling mimosa trees where we would build forts, secret trails and one special place we claimed as “The Gypsy Camp.” My memories are similar to a scene out of the children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are. My dad would also take our family sightseeing around the lake; the secretive gold mines and, 64 LAKE

How long have you been married and how did you meet?

I’ve been married to Jake nearly five years. We met in Knik, Alaska, while I was on a training run mushing sled dogs. One day, I pulled the dog team into the Bikini Coffee Stand (not kidding, it’s a real thing!) and at the same moment, a handsome bearded guy pulled up in a big truck and walked over. Now, Alaska is slap-full of men.

One would think that a gal has fresh pick of all those men; but as Alaskans say, “The odds are good, but the goods are odd.” I was lucky, as I realized I had found the “goods.”

Jake was a born-and-raised Jewish city boy transplanted into the wild frontier of Alaska to pursue his dreams, and I was the first Southern woman he had met. I won him over by falling in love with his sled dogs. Two years later, we built a successful sled dog kennel and got married.

You seem to lead a very adventurous life. Was this instilled from your parents?

Certainly! My parents afforded my sister and me the freedom to explore, navigate, get lost and find our way again. We were free-range kids before there was such a label. Being in nature has always been an intrinsic part of my life. The men in my family instilled a passion for fishing, love of hunting arrowheads and knowledge of the area’s history. My mom, aunt and Maw Maw are masters of identifying local flora, another passion of mine. I treasure these innate and learned talents from my family.

Will you pass on these traits to your own children?

Yes, there is an overall calm for Ruby when she is hiking, rafting, camping or playing in our backyard. She’s curious about how things grow, smell and feel and meets adversity in nature that pushes her to solve problems and conquer fears. She even develops emotional attachments to the tiniest living creatures, which she calls her “little friends.”

I believe children need a connection with nature to be stewards for respecting and protecting natural resources.

I’ve learned having Ruby on wild excursions helps her to be extremely adaptable, which makes life just a little easier.

What’s your favorite thing about Lake Martin?

My favorite thing is the unique topography and indigenous Native American history that enriches this area. I am always in awe of the beautiful bluffs and creeks, and it’s fascinating to find arrowheads in secret areas. I also love to explore new areas of the lake. My current favorites are the incredibly beautiful Cherokee Ridge Alpine

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Lake Q&A:

Robin Berkowitz

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LAKE 65

Trail Association trails and a little side channel off the Tallapoosa River that breaks off just before Jaybird Creek.

This side channel pool drops through beautifully smoothedover rocks that make little class II rapids with a little punch of excitement.

It sounds like you’re always out and about. How do you relax at the lake?

So far, I enjoy spending time outdoors exploring the area as we build up a good circle of friends. Once I’m on the water for 12-hour days running the tow service, I plan to keep my Yeti fully stocked with cold drinks and my mom’s homemade chicken salad sandwiches. If you see me in the towboat, feel free to stop by for a snack and a chat! I enjoy getting to know folks and swapping stories.

What charity organizations are important to you and why?

For years, I invested time in Trout Unlimited, which helps repair and sustain fish reproduction habitat in rivers.

I volunteered for animal adoption services, and I was a coleader for a Girl Scout troop in Colorado. Currently, my focus is on Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing in Auburn.

It’s dedicated to physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active veterans through fly-fishing. My sister and I joined with East Alabama Fly Fishing to organize the Bass Bash fishing tournament on the Tallapoosa on May 13. 4-H RiverKids will be there to promote paddling to our youth.

We are hoping for a big turnout, so find us on Facebook.

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If you could have dinner with any three people, who would it be and why?

John Muir: He was a naturalist, glaciologist and environmental philosopher who explored the raw lands of Alaska, including my favorite spot, The Davidson Glacier.

My Paw Paw “Bluebird” Simms: He was full of hilarious idioms and stories and was hands-down the funniest guy in the room. A man of simple means and with eight grandkids running wild, he would often sip his black Folgers coffee on the porch and say, “I wonder what the po’ folks are doing.”

Temple Grandin: She is one of the top women scientists who vastly understands humane animal husbandry. I sat next to her on a plane once and was exploding in my head with questions about working dogs and complex behavior in pack animals. But I chose instead to thank her for her lifetime of amazing achievements. So yes, dinner would be awesome.

What area do you live in and why did you choose it?

We recently purchased a beautiful little log home that sits on a large wooded lot with a winding creek in StillWaters.

As soon we pulled up, it felt like home because it resembled our house in Alaska. Growing up, StillWaters was always a special treat for us to visit by boat. Things have certainly changed; there are numerous recreational activities surrounding us, and this area has great dining and entertainment options, as well as the same old beauty and charm that made StillWaters so unique for years. It was an easy choice to make.

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A Simple Start to the Season

L

You’ll be glad you didn’t skip the cardio workout

ast month, we discussed preseason training If you happen to have one and want to really and looked at a few sports-specific exercises make it difficult, throw on a weight vest for a couthat I’ve been using to accomplish more balple sprints doing a 5- to 10-minute cool-down walk ance and strength. I briefly mentioned the use of or light jog. You can always change the medium cardio exercise and how high-intensity interval of your cardio from a treadmill to something like a training (HIIT) was incorporated into bike or even elliptical and do 20 secmy regimen. There are several ways onds of intense and 40 seconds rest. to build a strong cardio program for This is a great high-heart-rate cardio riders behind the boat. session.

I think it is the one thing we Admittedly, I like the low intenall want to skip, but in his book, sity, long duration cardio better. I Evolution: The Cutting Edge Guide read in Manganiello’s book about a to Breaking Down Mental Walls and method he uses: walking at a high Building the Body You’ve Always incline and low speed. Obviously, BEHIND THE BOAT Wanted, Joe Manganiello in no the speed and incline can be catered

BY SAWYER DAVIS uncertain terms states that cardio is to your beginning point and level. extremely important in the chain we He suggested a 3.5 speed and 10 to build. Manganiello is an actor who is best known 12 percent incline. for his roles in True Blood and Magic Mike, in The workout is a little vague, so here’s what I which his incredible physique catapulted him to have found very effective. A 5- to 10-minute warmthe top of the list of Hollywood’s leading males. up at 3.5 speed. After 10 minutes, grow the incline Named among Men’s Health’s 100 fittest men of by 1 percent every minute until you’re at an incline all time, Manganiello recommends using both long, of 10 percent. Given your level, you could go highslow and high-intensity cardio. er. Also, growing the speed every few minutes by HIIT training can be done in any number of 1/10 adds to the workout. ways, but to keep it simple, let’s just start with When I started this workout for 30 minutes at 3.5 sprints. Keep in mind that any program can be speed and 10 percent incline, it was pretty brutal, modified for the beginner and evolve to advanced. but it got easier, and the times for the workout got Sprint times can be shorter and rests longer, and longer. Manganiello was exactly right in describing speeds can be adjusted higher or lower. You also the workout in the book and about hitting walls at can change your incline when using a treadmill. certain times over the course of an hour, but someAs we all know, it’s nice to run outside, but the times, it feels like you could walk forever. treadmill has definitely found a place in my rouModifying these two types of workouts in your tine, as it offers a scientific manner for controlling preseason cardio training could help you develop incline and speed. I know exactly how fast and how longer riding sessions for the days when you are steep each workout will be, unlike running the open really trying to learn a new trick and go after it road. repeatedly. You may find that you are not feeling Sprints are a great HIIT cardio. I suggest starting exhausted and gasping for air but instead can get with a 5- to 10-minute warm-up – maybe walking back up and charge it again. or a slow jog – and do sprints of 20 seconds folTrain hard; hope to see you on the water soon. lowed by 40 seconds of rest.

I prefer to start my first sprint at a 5 percent Sawyer Davis is a wakesurfer for Victoria skimincline and 10 on the speed. I like to grow them boards and grew up on Lake Martin. both over the course of a 10- or 15-minute sprint session. I will also grow the time of the sprint and reduce the time of the rest.

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Eggs

E

Back in Good Graces

3-enriched eggs lowered blood triglycerides ggs have developed an undeserved reputa(another important risk factor) and significantly tion. For the past decade, recommendations increased blood levels of the antioxidants lutein cautioned avoidance of eggs and their high and Zeaxanthin. Multiple studies compared the cholesterol. We recently learned that this was effects of eggs to the risk of cardiovascular disnot necessary. The effects of dietary cholesterol ease, and no correlation was found. For 70-75 on blood cholesterol are complicated; however, percent of people, there was no increase in total we now know that total blood cholesterol is not or LDL cholesterol. In the other 30 percent, there as serious a risk factor for heart disease as once was an insignificant increase in LDL levels. thought. Eggs are actually a super protein, packed One point of interest, the only group that demwith essential nutrients and very low in calories. onstrated an increased risk for cardiovascular disSince the 1960s, we’ve preached that foods high ease was in diabetics. Whether the eggs are causin cholesterol significantly impacted cholesterol HEALTHY LIVING ing an increased risk in diabetics is not known at blood levels and increased risk for heart disease.

BY JULIE HUDSON this point, but it could be a question of their total After 25 years of research, science has demonstratdiet or lifestyle. More research needs to be done ed that dietary cholesterol is a nutrient and that we on the diabetic population. don’t have to be concerned with its overconsumption.

Eggs can now be enjoyed without reservation or hesitation!

This is a huge milestone, as the new Dietary Guidelines have Eggs are loaded with many nutrients other than cholesterol. now taken away the cholesterol restriction.

One large egg has 13 essential vitamins and minerals, 6 grams Studies have shown time and time again that cholesterol of protein and all nine essential amino acids – all for less than from food is not as detrimental to cardiovascular health as was 80 calories. once thought. Research shows that for 70-75 percent of the The yolk, in particular, is a very good source of choline. population, dietary cholesterol has very little impact on blood Choline is an important nutrient for cell membranes and fetal cholesterol levels. The other 25-30 percent (called hypersenand infant brain development. The phytochemicals lutein and sitive) of the population may experience a slight increase in zeaxanthin are abundant in eggs. These phytochemicals play blood cholesterol levels; however, these would not be signifia major role in eye health, reducing the risk for cataracts and cant enough to cause concern. macular degeneration. Egg yolks also contain Vitamin D, which Cholesterol is a word that carries a negative connotation, is essential for bone health. Vitamin D is called the sunshine making us think about medication or heart disease. The vitamin because that is the natural way the body acquires it. truth is that we could not live without cholesterol, Eggs are rated as a super protein, providing a perfect amino as it is essential to the body, cell membranes and acid profile and the highest protein quality. In fact, eggs have a the production of hormones, such as testosterrating of 100 on the biological value scale. All other foods are one, estrogen and cortisol. compared to the egg in regard to protein quality. Proteins are Most people do not realize that there is a important because they are the building blocks of the body, prodifference in dietary cholesterol in food and moting muscle mass and bone health. cholesterol in the blood. The liver produces Last but not least, eggs provide satiety, which contributes to cholesterol in large amounts every day. If we appetite and blood sugar control, both of which are important eat a lot of cholesterol-containing foods, the for weight maintenance and diabetes prevention. liver will produce less; if we don’t eat a lot Eggs are a dietary mainstay, not only good for breakfast of cholesterol, the body produces more. but also any time of day. They also can round out a meal for The latest research has proven that picky kids. Add eggs to brown rice; serve them on top of salad eating eggs can actually improve the greens; or top them with an assortment of vegetables. If you cholesterol profile. Looking at the entire typically don’t eat eggs for breakfast, the challenge for you is cholesterol profile and the ratio between to throw out the sugary cereals, granola bars or high fat biscuits levels, family history and lifestyle is more and try an egg in the morning. Serve it plain or with a piece of important than total cholesterol levels. whole grain toast; then, see if you feel more focused, producIn a study in which people ate tive and satisfied. three eggs a day, insulin resistance Always remember that total diet is most important, and avoid was reduced; HDL levels (“good” fried foods, heavy cream sauces, full fat dairy, trans fats from cholesterol) increased; and if LDL processed foods and foods with added sugar. levels (“bad” cholesterol) changed, it did so from small particle LDL to Julie Hudson is a dietitian at the Lake Martin Wellness large particle LDL, which is not a Center in Dadeville. risk factor for heart disease.

Studies showed that eating Omega 70 LAKE

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8/12/16 3:14 PM

Destination: Lake Martin M

Fond memories at the lake are better than anywhere else in the world

y grandson, Wesley, lives in Fairhope. He will graduate Bayside Academy in May and, as most of his friends, will be entering college in the fall. As a graduation gift, knowing this will probably be the last summer he will be able to fully enjoy an extended break, he was offered an opportunity to choose a destination trip of his dreams. Any place in the world that he wanted to visit.

His choice was Lake Martin. He wanted to spend a couple of weeks enjoying the peaceful tranquility and natural beauty that he has enjoyed since his arrival on Earth 18 years ago.

Wesley is not a fisherman; he doesn’t surf or wakeboard, and he rarely goes faster than 20 miles per hour on a SeaDoo. He loves the peaceful atmosphere of the lake, the relaxing time, the time spent with family and friends, the beauty of the sunsets and the sounds of the surrounding forests.

In an effort to make this a truly memorable time, I have started making plans for his visit; one day, we will plan a long cruise on the pontoon boat, maybe all the way past Hillabee Creek up to Jaybird Creek, which is the headwaters of Lake Martin. This trip will include a picnic lunch and frequent stops for quick dips to cool off. We will also plan on another day to take an island hopping cruise that will include stops at Goat Island, Dixie Island, Peanut Point and possibly Chuck’s Marina for a delicious pizza.

We’ll spend one day visiting Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, which he hasn’t seen since he was a little guy.

We’ll walk the trail, taking frequent stops to discuss the battle and imagine what it must have been like to be on either side of the barricade built by the Creek Indians.

Since Smith Mountain is in the same general area, we will plan a walk up the mountain and climb the restored fire tower

that offers such a magnificent view of most of the lake that he has enjoyed during his many summer visits.

We will need at least two days for kayaking; the first trip will start at Horseshoe Bend Park and float past Fox Creek as we search the sky for eagles and the shoreline for blue herons and various ducks. We’ll enjoy the rapids at Irwin Shoals, which are always an excitAn 8-year-old Wesley hangs ing conclusion out on the dock with his at the river’s exit grandfather, John Thompson; into the calm now graduating high school, waters of Lake 18-year-old Wesley chose Martin at Jaybird Lake Martin as Creek. his destination trip Hopefully, we will receive a rain shower during his visit.

This will add to the fastflowing water of Hatchett Creek, and we can enjoy a day of paddling through an area that offers a true wilderness experience.

Our evenings will include sunset cruises that will take us past locations that we have seen many times but where we always find something new to talk about. We’ll spend an evening cooking outside while reminiscing and laughing about all the fun times of the past 18 years as we listen to Wesley play his guitar or his keyboard – oh, I failed to mention that Wesley is a talented musician and will be pursuing a career in music composition.

We are truly proud of Wesley and even more proud that he shares our values and our feelings for this wonderful community.

Lake Martin is a treasure chest full of memories for young and old alike. It is our responsibility to do everything in our power to protect and preserve it for future generations.

John Thompson is president of Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA), a volunteer nonprofit organization. Visit www.lmra.info or contact John at john.thompson@hcsinc.net or 334-323-7880.

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LAKE 73

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BIG CATCHES

BY GREG VINSON

The Legend

of the Dogwood Greg Vinson’s favorite flower tells him when the fish are biting APRIL 2017

LAKE 75

Dogwoods bloom when spring weather stabilizes

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pril in central Alabama is, by far, one of my favorite months of the year. First and foremost, my birthday is in April, so as long as I can remember, it has always been a month to celebrate. The weather is warmer. Birds are chirping.

Baseball is in full swing (sorry, couldn’t help that one). The smell of freshly cut grass, leather, dust flying, the ping of an aluminum bat and the pop of the mitt all bring back great memories.

Early flowers are also blooming. The saying goes “April showers bring May Flowers,” but there is one flower that I get most excited about, as it blooms in March and April around here: the dogwood. OK, so I’m getting a little soft talking about flowers, I guess, but please hear me out, fishing friends.

As long as I can remember birthdays, I remember fishing. I was lucky that my Dad took me when I was younger. He taught me a lot, but most importantly, I remember how fun it was. I’ve especially remembered one of the things he told me because it seems to be true.

He once said, “When the dogwoods are blooming, the fish are biting.”

I recently learned that my grandfather taught him that on one of their few fishing trips. My mom once shared with me the legend of the dogwood tree, and its connection with Easter. It gives me an even greater affinity for the tree.

The dogwood is pretty common in our area. It stands out this time of year because when most trees are just beginning to put on new leaves, the dogwood is covered in bright white blooms. Many people have them in their yards. They once were very common scattered along the banks of the undeveloped lands around Lake Martin. It seemed that everywhere I ran the boat around the lake, the dogwoods reminded me that the fish were biting.

Now that I’ve learned a little more about bass 76 LAKE

activity, I can appreciate the relationship between the dogwood and the fish better. Fish instinctively respond to triggers in their environment, and even though I know much less about plants, I’m pretty certain that’s the case with them as well. Flowers bloom to reproduce, and it makes good sense that their best chance for success is when conditions are close to perfect.

Weather plays a critical role in guiding the spawn phase of the fish. They need favorable conditions to ensure success.

Photoperiod (day length) and moon phase also play very important roles for the fish; perhaps they are equally important in triggering the various plants to bloom. In April in the Southeast, water temperatures rarely fall below 60 degrees, which is ideal for bass and crappie, and air temperatures rarely fall below freezing, which would threaten the blooms.

I now believe more than ever that the fish are biting when the dogwoods bloom. I watched the trees of my neighbor’s yard over the past two weeks. We had a nice warm spell, and the trees were right on the brink. Then a hard cold front blew in, and everything stopped. The weather just recently stabilized again, and they picked up where they left off.

Now, there are bright white trees scattered across the landscape. I went fishing, of course, and had a fun day on Lake Martin. I caught spots, largemouth and even a striper in just a few hours.

Fish bite best in spring when the weather stabilizes as well. The fish are moving shallow to spawn, and they are more aggressive close to the spawn, too.

In other words, it’s time to go fishing – they’re biting!

Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series and PAA tours. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

APRIL 2017

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APRIL 2017

LAKE 77

Pan-Seared Red Fish Baby Beets, Yukon Gold Potatoes and Chimichurri

78 LAKE

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Chimichurri

Juice and zest from 4 limes 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes 1/2 cup olive oil Mix everything just before serving

Roasted Baby Beets

1 bunch baby beets (about 8-10) washed very well 4 tablespoons olive oil 2 bay leaves 2 dried red chilies 1/8 cup water Salt and Pepper to taste In a small roasting pan place beets, 2 tablespoons olive oil, water, bay leaves, chili, salt and pepper to taste. Roast in a 350-degree oven for 20-30 minutes, depending on size of beets. While they are still warm, rub with a kitchen towel to remove the skins.

Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes

CHEF’S TABLE

BY ROB MCDANIEL Rob McDaniel, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute.

1/2 pound marble-size Yukon Gold potatoes 1/2 bunch of thyme 3 whole chili de arbol 1 head of garlic, halved 2 bay leaves 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup water Pinch of salt Pinch of pepper Place every thing into a roasting pan and toss. Cover roasting pan tightly with parchment paper and foil; then, roast in a 450-degree oven for 30 minutes. Potatoes should be tender but not mushy.

Heat the olive oil in a medium cast iron skillet pan over mediumhigh heat; season Red Fish with salt and pepper on both sides.

Once the oil starts to slightly smoke, place fish skin side down in the skillet, turn heat down to medium and leave it alone. Allow to cook until the edges start to turn white and you can shake the skillet and the fish moves (this should take about 3-4 minutes); flip the fish and allow to finish cooking for another 4-5 minutes. If the fish is a thick cut, you may need to place in the oven for 3-4 minutes. Remove the fish from the skillet and allow to rest while you assemble potatoes and beets on the plate.

Arrange beets and potatoes on serving plate, place fish on top; then, drizzle with chimichurri. Enjoy!

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LAKE 79

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A

s we slowly begin to gear up for summer, which means a shift from bold red wines to whites and lighter reds, I want to back up and make sure that we have adequately covered some important points. Questions and clarifications are essential to learning; we’ll call it “no newbies left behind.” So let’s get started.

We talk a lot about tannins. Tannins are the phenolic compounds that impart flavor, structure and texture in the extraordinary wines we have been exploring for the last couple of months. The astringency that most people associate with dry reds is a result of the tannins that have leached into the wine from the seeds, stems and skins, as well as the oak barrels used for aging and storage.

The presence of tannins allows certain wines to mature slowly and gracefully. Tannins are important on many levels, and barrel aging is a major element that imparts desirable characteristics to both wine and spirits. For example, to be called “straight whiskey” in the U.S., whiskey must be stored for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels.

Both the Jordan and Silver Oaks Cabernets (2007) that we tried and discussed in earlier issues of Lake magazine had very little sediment. Sediment is the natural precipitation of tannins, color pigments and tartaric acids as the wine ages in the bottle. Anticipating sediment in those 10-year-old wines, I suggested that they be decanted to avoid allowing those deposits find their way into serving glasses.

Tannins, sediment and decanting are not generally associated with white wine. All said, tannins in wine are good, but there is a down side.

The word tannin comes from the Old High German word for fir tree. Think O, Tannenbaum, the 17th century Christmas song.

The term actually refers to the use of polyphenolic compounds found in many species of trees and other plants, which also are used in making leather from animal hides.

The connection between preserving wine and preserving animal skins is significant. Wine barrels are most often made from either French or American Oak, and tannins are also found in nuts, berries, chocolate and many herbs and spices.

I recently posed this question to a dermatologist at a Birmingham wine tasting: Is there a relationship between dry skin and drinking red wine?

In all honestly I thought I was being clever and was shocked when she answered, “Absolutely.”

After an awkward moment and a sip of wine, she began asking questions of her own.

“Do you have dry skin?”

Well, it is wintertime, I thought. Doesn’t everybody over 50?

“Yeah, a little,” I replied.

“Do you drink a lot of red wine?” she asked.

Busted. I hate when doctors question my alcohol consumption, especially with an adult beverage in their hand.

“Yes,” I said, cautious that she might be pulling my leg but intrigued that she might have a sense of humor, which I had been told she did not, as I reached up to scratch my shoulder.

Then, like the new rendition of Sherlock Holmes, she began describing my symptoms thoroughly and accurately.

“You have xeroderma bovis,” she said scribbling on a pad. “It is caused by the tannins in red wine. Get this and

soak in it for one hour a day for a week,” she said, handing me the script.

“What is it?” I asked, still unsure until she started with the rapid-fire lecture.

“Neatsfoot oil,” she replied.

“Dry skin is characterized by a lack of water in the epidermis.

Wine is not a replacement for water. You need to drink more water. Itching is common, and scratching is obviously hard to resist. Cold weather is a facFROM THE CELLAR tor but so is your age. And stay

BY HENRY FOY away from the swamp; you’re about two weeks away from being an alligator. It could be dangerous.”

“Neatsfoot oil? Isn’t that what they use to condition baseball gloves?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said scratching her elbow. “It is a softening and preservative agent for leather and can be good for dry skin.

“By the way,” she added, “I read your column in Lake magazine. If you write about this, don’t use my name but do remind your readers that ultraviolet radiation (UV) is almost as damaging to the skin as red wine. They must use sun block and avoid tanning beds. People who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent.”

I think that encounter was legit. My host and our wives said it was, but frankly, I was stunned and further mystified by my ignorance. Newbies take note; the love of wine is a long journey.

From the mailbag, someone recently asked what is more important, the winemaker or the terrior. The terrior, italicized because it is a funny-sounding French word to which we want to draw attention, is the microclimate of a particular vineyard. Rainfall, hours of sunshine, daytime high temperatures and nighttime lows, soil and many other unique characteristics of the property affect the development of the vines and the grapes. Vineyard management is enormously important to the final product.

But there is more to winemaking than a good crop of berries on a trellis. The human touch, whether it is the winemaker or the vineyardist who cultivates the vines to become the most productive long before the harvest and fermentation process begins.

Following terrior are viticultural procedures that keep yields at an appropriate level, canopy management, use of pesticides and harvesting techniques that don’t just happen in the wild. Of course, having the right grapes in the ground is also critical; the art of wine is the work of many hands.

Another reader asked, “Why are you so serious?”

I’m not; next question.

Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine and Spirits with the area’s only walk-in humidor, Café 128 and Gallery 128 in downtown Alexander City at 128 Calhoun St. He can be reached at 256.212.WINE, on Instagram, Facebook and at emporium128@bellsouth.net.

APRIL 2017

LAKE 81

82 LAKE

APRIL 2017

Small Deposits of Time

Pro Tips From Lee Williams In Sunday school, we are studying a series

by Andy Stanley. In this series, one of the lessons Andy discusses involves doing a better job making small deposits of time to an area of your life that really matters, whether that is your health, family, or your relationship with God. The main idea of the lesson is getting you to see that small deposits of time, over and over, add up. He tries steering you away from doing random things all the time, as they don’t add up to much other than looking back and thinking, “Where did all my time go?”

The game of golf is not much different than this lesson. As a professional golfer, I see this exact lesson when I look back on the way I grew my game. I made small deposits of time every single day. Sometimes, I would go rogue and do something random, and I would look back and think, "what a waste of time!"

If you are serious about becoming good at anything, especially golf, you must have a plan to make small deposits of time to certain areas of your game and resist the temptation to be random. I can assure you there is nothing random about the way the top golfers in the world practice. They know before they get to the course the order of what they will be working on and for how long. Their ability to do this over and over and not veer off course is what makes them able to improve each year. As a casual golfer, or if you are looking to take your game to the next level, this is exactly the way you need to think to reach new heights and become more consistent.

Good Luck!!

Lee Williams, a professional golfer on the PGA Tour, grew up playing at Willow Point Country Club. As an amateur, Williams was a member of the 2003 and 2005 Walker Cup teams, as well as the 2004 World Amateur Team. He is sponsored by Russell Lands, King Honda, Nowlin and Associates, P.F. Chang's, Tempus Jet, Hyatt Adams Golf, Russell Athletic, Titleist, Ameritas Financial Corp. and Southwest Airlines.

APRIL 2017

LAKE 83

Legend

63

24

22

280

To Sylacauga

23

Public Boat Ramps

19

9 Churches

Alexander City

8

Camps & Parks

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

16

Power lines U.S. Highways

3

280

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

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

13 20

7

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church New Hope Church

Liberty Church 17

Willow Point

24

6

9

Equality

63

10

Kowaliga Boat Landing

55

4

Seman

Trillium

22 The Ridge

2

The Amp Ko

wa

18

lig

aB

ay

80

9

Central

90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

20 12

84 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

25

34

Camp Alamisco

1 11

Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis

Paces Point Boat Ramp

Kent

APRIL 2017

Timbergut Landing

Lake Martin Alabama

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Marinas 11. Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

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

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

42. Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Jacksons Gap

53. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

280

62. Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 Bethel Church

21

Dadeville

57

280

Camp Hill

Smith Landing Pleasant Ridge Church

82. Alex City Marine Sales and Service 256-215-3474

2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Restaurants 96. SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 6. Catherine’s Market 10 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

14 15

11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

73. Smith Marina 256-444-8793

12 Bezlo's Cafe 334-639-0003

65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

Stillwaters

16 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, AL 35010 17 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt @ Smith's Marina 256-444-8793 18 5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 334.857.3900

7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 19 4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 20 4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Building Supply 21 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 224. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010 234. Dark Insurance 256-234-5026

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 24. McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010 25. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Road, Eclectic, AL 36024

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

Contact us at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

5

Business & Shopping 13 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010

Walnut Hill 50 50

14 Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 15 EastLake Coffee @ Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

49

Reeltown

APRIL 2017

LAKE 85

Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Q Campus of CACC Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s

JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store Longleaf Antiques Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc

The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

DADEVILLE American Motorsports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foshee's Boat Doc Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina

Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Renfroes Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

ECLECTIC Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Peoples Bank

EQUALITY Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

RED HILL Citgo

TALLASSEE Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are available at these locations. To start your subscription, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281.

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Do you want to see your photos in the next issue of Lake? WE DO! Send in your Lake Scene and Where’s Lake photos. Please include the names of everyone pictured, a brief description and your location.

LAKE

MAGAZINE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com 86 LAKE

APRIL 2017

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

COACH KRAFT

UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery!

■

■ Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers

Patrick Mason 334-283-6759 676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com

WANT LAKE MARTIN???

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OLMAN

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www.SellingLakeMartin.com

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Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin.

Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

APRIL 2017

LAKE 87

Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A1 Four Seasons................................................... 38

George Hardy D.M.D........................................... 57

Russell Do it Center............................................ 36

A&M Plumbing....................................................... 60

Harbor Pointe Marina.......................................... 71

Russell Lands.......................................................... 89

Advanced Heating & Air...................................... 57

Henderson and Coker......................................... 62

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

Alabama Power...................................................... 77

Hilltop Landscaping............................................... 31

Satterfield................................................................ 19

Alex City Guide Service...................................... 22

Hinson Galleries.................................................... 82

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

Alex City Marine..................................................... 8

Holley’s Home Furnishings................................. 92

Singleton Marine.................................................... 27

Amanda Scroggins, RE/MAX Around the Lake.........62

Holman Floor......................................................... 87

Sparkle Window Cleaning................................... 68

Amy Clark, Selling Lake Martin ............................ 22, 87

Home Place Mortgage......................................... 22

SportzBlitz.............................................................. 82

Artic Heating & Air.........................................................43

Jackson Thornton.................................................. 52

St. John the Apostle Catholic Church................ 6

Blue Creek Iron Works....................................... 87

Kowaliga Whole Health....................................... 87

State Farm Insurance/ Harold Cochran..........86

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation....................... 57

Lake Martin Community Hospital..................... 13

State Farm Insurance/ Karen Channell..........87

C&T Eclectric........................................................ 22

Lake Martin Dock................................................. 19

Tallassee Community Hospital........................... 42

CertaPro Painters................................................. 87

Lake Martin Mini Mall.......................................... 88

Talladega Pilgrimage.............................................. 35

Coach Kraft Upholstery...................................... 87

Lake Martin Realty..........................................46-47

Temple Medical Center....................................... 17

Crew Lending......................................................... 87

Lakeside Marina..................................................... 42

TMP Construction................................................ 63

Custom Docks....................................................... 31

Mark King's Furniture................................... 56, 69

TowBoatU.S.............................................................. 5

Damon Story, Cedar Point................................. 91

National Village...................................................... 26

Troy Cable................................................................. 6

DAVCO Development......................................... 86

Noel Boone............................................................ 87

UAB Heart & Vascular......................................... 55

Designs by Trish....................................................... 5

Odd Jobs................................................................. 17

Walmart.................................................................. 86

Docks Unlimited..................................................... 5

Paige Patterson, Lake Martin Voice Realty......87

Wedowee Marine................................................. 61

Elite Docks............................................................. 35

Prime Management............................................... 72

Williams Plumbing Heating & Air........................ 8

First Baptist Church Alexander City.................. 8

Radney Funeral Home........................................... 6

WSC Distinctive Builders, LLC......................... 57

Four Seasons Sunrooms........................................ 3

Renaissance Electronics....................................... 57

The BEST in Home, Garden and Lake Essentials

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APRIL 2017

Life is Better at The

Ridge.

The Ridge is where lake and life truly meet.

Whether you’re looking for a new getaway in the most pristine homes and homesites available in South Ridge Harbor, a rustic-modern design in Russell Cabins, or a classic farmhouse-style home in Ridge Run, The Ridge offers all this and more.

The Ridge residents have access to an array of amenities, including The Ridge Marina, Beach Park, and The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex with tennis, cente swimming, and children’s play park. fitness center,

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Homes & Homesites Available RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COMAPRIL | LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA | 256.215.7011 2017 LAKE 89

Parting Shot Photo by Kenneth Boone

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: When it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” ~ Charles Dickens

90 LAKE

APRIL 2017

COTTAGE LIVING ON LAKE MARTIN

THE MALLARD COTTAGE

PHASE TWO NOW OPEN • Private peninsula with 12 new coveted lakefront lots • New construction craftsman-style cottages with amazing design & detail • Prices start in the mid600’s and include plan customization, cottage, land, seawall, pier & incredible views!

Contact Damon Story for more information.

205.789.9526 CEDARPOINTLAKEMARTIN.COM APRIL 2017

LAKE 91

L I M I T E D T I M E O N LY • M A R C H 2 8 – A P R I L 1 7

SAVE 10%

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ON YOUR STEARNS & FOSTER® MATTRESS SET*

*Offer valid in-store March 28 - April 17, 2017 at participating retailers. Save 10% on Stearns & Foster® mattress sets (mattress and standard flat foundation only). Excludes power bases. Cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon or discount. Does not apply to previous purchases. See store for details. Copyright 2017 Sealy, Inc. All rights reserved.

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92 LAKE

256.234.4141 Alexander City

APRIL 2017

334.279.3101 Montgomery