Lake Martin Living magazine April 2019

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

Tourism Director brings Bicentennial Exhibit to County

Major plans for Equality Horseshoe Bend's living witness to the battle Music festival season kicks off in spring

April 2019

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

S

andra Fuller recently filled an inaugural position in Tallapoosa County as director of tourism.

Her main role is to promote our local communities to attract visitors to the area.

One of her first projects is to roll out a new website that will feature all the landmarks, recreation, events, venues, businesses, organizations and activities in the district.

The first big event Sandra that is coordinating, along with the local bicentennial committee, is a visit from Making Alabama, an Alabama Bicentennial traveling exhibit, which will arrive in Dadeville at the end of this month. This exhibit will travel through all 67 county seats in Alabama.

Artistic panels depicting Alabama’s history, coupled with interactive computer tablets at kiosks, will allow attendees an in-depth look at the history of the state. Read more about Sandra’s goals for the county and activities that will surround this coming attraction on page 32.

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park’s Eric Frey recently went on a mission to uncover the mystery of an American beech tree that very probably was around at the time of the battle for which the park is named.

HBNMP is the site of the historical Battle of Horseshoe Bend, which took place 205 years ago and ultimately established most of the southeastern United States. The park offers community members a self-guided tour through key landmarks of the battle, as well as re-enactments of life during that time, and park rangers are available for guidance. Read about the process Eric went through to estimate the age of the witness tree on page 41.

A couple that recently purchased the Equality Performing Arts Center has big plans for the small town. With an umbrella plan to open four individual businesses and expand offerings, the first renovation recently was completed. Rodger Williamson and Jennifer Childers are retaining Fourth Friday music events but increasing other amenities to bring in more traffic to Equality. Read about Rodger’s Shrubbery and the future of the EPAC on page 22.

Lacey Howell digs into the music scene in Tallapoosa County and gives us some save-the-dates on family-friendly activities to enjoy under the sun. Check out her take on live music on page 62.

If you look at our Oh Snap! photos, starting on page 46, you will see the many smiling faces enjoying events around town. While there is certainly room to grow, the community is supportive of established organizations, fundraisers and businesses.

For a look into what’s ahead, check out the Calendar of Upcoming Events on page 52. It’s filled with music, art, car and boat shows, holiday celebrations, support for local nonprofits and much more. There is something for everybody to enjoy. Pick an event you’ve never been to before and take in a new experience. You never know what you might uncover.

Amy Passaretti, Editor 4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Editor Amy Passaretti Contributors Kenneth Boone Dave Jennings Shane Harris Cliff Williams Lee Williams Jimmy Wigfield Lacey Howell Gabrielle Jansen Eric Frey Micah Bennett Magazine Distribution Manager Erin Burton Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Shelley McNeal Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Katie Wesson Marilyn Hawkins Julie Harbin Jolie Waters Shannon Filyaw Digital Services Kat Raiford Elle Fuller Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

Lake Martin Living is published monthly

by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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Lake Martin Living 5

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Sandra Fuller was named the Tallapoosa County tourism director in December. Her office is located in Dadeville, and she has big plans to promote recreation in the area to attract visitors. A new website will launch to include an extensive list of activities throughout the county.

Photo by Audra Spears

Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry

6 Lake Martin Living

FEATURES 20. HSB ANGLERS JOIN THE RANKS New Site school forms fishing team 22. NEW OWNERS AMPLIFY AMENITIES Rodger's Shrubbery opens in Equality 32. TRAVELING EXHIBIT CELEBRATES BICENTENNIAL County tourism website to promote area activities 36. OUR TOWN COUPLE HYBRIDIZES DAYLILIES Garden opening in late spring off state Route 63 41. HORSESHOE BEND TREE WITNESSED BATTLE Exact age and stories remain a mystery

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS 12. GARDEN TALK 18. FROM THE TEE 27. MEDICAL NEWS 28. MONEY MATTERS 44. FAB FINDS 46. OH SNAP! 52. LAKE REGION EVENTS 62. CULTURE SHOCK

41 A beech tree that sits near the river at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park likely witnessed the battle. Photo by Eric Frey

Lake Martin Living 7

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8 Lake Martin Living

AROUND THE AREA

Solar panel project could affect local energy The Alabama Municipal Electric Authority dedicated its solar panel research facility on Dadeville Road last month and indicated that solar energy could be a significant part of its future portfolio. The Alexander City grid receives its power from AMEA, which invested $85,000 in 160 Canadianmade solar panels generating 50 kilowatts daily from its Resource Education location.

Dr. Jeremy Carr shows his children the ~ Jimmy installed solar panels.

Wigfield

CACC nursing program ranks third in the state Central Alabama Community College’s practical nursing program ranked third out of 20 PN schools in Alabama by PracticalNursing.org. With a score of 98.31, CACC has 35 students graduating from this program in May and August.

Fourteen of them have already taken and passed the National Council Highly Qualified Licensure CACC received Examination on a 98.31 score for its nursing program. the first attempt.

“I think that speaks highly of what our program is and what it contributes to the community,” said Jennifer Steele, CACC health science program administrator.

“It’s becoming more competitive ...which also means we are putting out there the best nurses,” said Steele. “I think that is a huge asset to the community.”

There is a PN shortage in Alabama, so CACC is helping to fill that need with its graduating students. ~ Gabrielle Jansen

United Way celebrates 2019 campaign The Lake Martin Area United Way celebrated last year’s achievements and looked forward to its 2020 campaign, themed City of Alexander City, last month at The Mill Two Eighty with more than 200 community members.

The organization received $569,023 last year in corporate giving, employee giving, individual giving, non-corporate giving and fundraising events.

United Way Marketing and Initiatives Director Courtney Layfield said 1,005 children attended United Way’s summer reading program last June; volunteers cleaned, painted, landscaped and cleared trash at Benjamin Russell, Dadeville

Elementary and around Main Street in Alexander City for its Day of Action; the 211 initiative received 660 calls from Tallapoosa and Coosa counties last year; United Way continued to partner with PATH to encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors; and it helped repair three local veterans’ homes.

United Way also created the Lifetime Achievement award this year, which was given to former Tallapoosa County Red Cross executive Awards and Honor director Sandra Sharon Fuller (left) Harris. recognizes Nancy ~ Gabrielle Hodges as Volunteer Jansen of the Year.

Lake Martin Living 9

Route 63 Stop

Alexander City mother-son team serve up varied menu STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI

A

ndrew Campbell’s dream was always to open a restaurant, and in October 2018, he and his mother, Sherry Campbell, joined forces to transform that goal into a reality.

Route 63 Stop, located where Sonic closed down in 2016 along state Route 63, is a family affair. The mother-son owners complement each other’s skill sets, and the rest of the staff are relatives or close friends.

“I just love it, having the family around,” said Sherry, who has never worked in a restaurant before this one and had recently come out of the insurance business.

Both native to Alexander City, Campbell and Sherry are familiar with the area and already knew a lot of people 10 Lake Martin Living

when they began getting the word out about their business.

They still enjoy seeing new faces, though, and meeting new people.

Currently, the building is set up for outside ordering – either drive-thru or walk-up window. The car slots that Sonic was known for are still in place for customers to use, along with some al fresco tables.

“We just kind of fell into this place by accident,” said Campbell.

The plan was to add onto the building or incorporate a muscle car theme to match their neighbor, Wellborn Musclecar Museum. The interior renovations were so costly, though, that additional expansions had to be put on

BUSINESS MATTERS

Al Fresco Dining

Facing page: Customers can order through walk-up or drive-thru windows and enjoy their food on the patio; Above: Andy and Sherry Campbell opened Route 63 as a family affair.

hold temporarily.

In a mere three months, renovations were complete; electricity was re-wired; plumbing was updated; floor was grouted; the ceiling was torn out and replaced; the roof was fixed; and all the parts for the walk-in freezer

and cooler were replaced.

The only thing salvaged was the kitchen hood. Brand new equipment was installed and set up to only require two cooks comfortably, three during busier times.

By spring or early summer, Sherry said, they hope to add a deck outside.

“We want to try to bring the lake life to downtown; and eventually add some live music,” said Campbell.

The menu features a variety of items, including burgers, quesadillas, wings, chicken fingers and wraps; however, with homemade sauces, pimento cheese and chicken salad, the offerings are tweaked to set them apart from traditional similar fare.

The Burger of the South, offered in 4 ounces or 8 ounces,

features bacon, pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes. The bacon cheeseburger quesadilla stands out from the rest, along with the homemade chili.

Head cook Greg Hawkins and Campbell created the menu in one day; cooked all the food the same day and had the family come in to taste it.

“The food exceeded my expectations. The recipes we came up with were sort of on accident, but it worked,” said Campbell.

“Some things we just knew we wanted to offer, some we came up with and some just didn’t work.”

Customers also rave about the fried pickles, Campbell’s homemade batter and the marinated wings, he said.

Route 63 Stop offers lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a kids’ menu and also features desserts and hand-dipped milkshakes.

The name references Route 66 in Oklahoma, which Sherry and her husband explored last summer and absolutely loved. The 63 obviously references the road the restaurant borders.

“We just want people to come in and enjoy it; enjoy the food and hang out,” Sherry said.

Route 63 Stop is located at 174 Broad St., Alexander City, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit the Facebook page or call 256-409-8088.

Lake Martin Living 11

Carpenter Bees

These seemingly harmless creatures could cause serious structural damage

12 Lake Martin Living

A

Garden Talk

s a kid, I spent much of my time outdoors playing and exploring.

Mainly it was my mom who influenced that decision. She would run my sister and me out of the house on a pretty spring or summer day, so she could get her housework done.

Plus, in the early ’80s, our family TV had fewer than 10 channels on a clear day, and I did not have video games or the latest-and-greatest tech gadgets for entertainment, so Shane Harris most of my childhood days consisted of being outdoors and learning about nature.

My fondest childhood memories were the beginnings of spring. I knew spring was here when all the pink creeping phlox growing along the hill going down to our basement were blooming. There, I would see carpenter bees and swallowtail butterflies going from flower to flower. I was easily entertained for hours – watching, chasing and catching them in nets and quart jars.

Now, as an adult, nothing has really changed. I still have a kid-like awe and fascination of insects. I still chase and catch bugs, except that now, I typically have a camera with me, too.

A sure sign that spring is officially here is when carpenter bees can be found buzzing around.

Carpenter bees, which are often mistaken for bumblebees, are best known for hanging around houses, porches, barns and other wooden structures during spring and summer.

Bumblebees have hairy abdomens with black and yellow stripes, whereas carpenter bees do not have yellow hair on their abdomens. Carpenter bees tunnel and nest in wood, thus their name; whereas, bumblebees nest in cavities in the ground.

After a long winter, adult carpenter bees come out to forage and mate. They can be seen buzzing around flowering plants to collect pollen. Carpenter bees are very good pollinators but could be a nuisance and cause damage if they decide to excavate holes in wood for their young.

One thing I learned as a kid is that carpenter bees are not aggressive and are basically harmless. Male carpenter bees, which have a pale yellow “nose” between their eyes, do not have the ability to sting (note: all male bees, wasp, ants, etc., cannot sting).

Males are commonly seen hanging around flowers and near wooden structures, chasing females. Male carpenter bees also are very territorial and typically hover in areas to look for females The Buzz and chase away other males. They Carpenter bees act aggressive but only to put on are first noticed as they pollinate a show. So, kids, catching and holding them is OK. azaleas in early spring.

Female carpenter bees, which Lake Martin Living 13

have solid black heads, can most definitely sting but rarely do – unless forced to or when handled. They bore into wood, excavating tunnels in which to lay their eggs. They are usually the ones doing the damage to wood and can be found going in and out of the holes they bored. They also spend a lot of their time feeding on and pollinating flowers.

The presence of sawdust typically indicates there has been carpenter bee activity. Inside the created tunnels, about five or six cells are constructed for housing individual eggs. Collected pollen from spring flowering plants is stored with a single egg in each cell for food for the developing larva. Later in the summer, new adult bees will emerge and forage on flowers. These bees will return to the wooden homes in the fall for hibernation until next spring.

Despite being beneficial insects, carpenter bees have a bad reputation due to the damage

14 Lake Martin Living

they cause to wood. A clear sign of carpenter bee infestation is the appearance of circular gallery holes (about the size of a penny) in exposed wood. Carpenter bees excavate galleries in many species of dried, seasoned wood, but they seem to prefer softwoods – such as pine, fir, redwood and cedar.

They may cause cosmetic damage to porch and shed rafters, railings, overhead trim and eaves, wooden porch furniture, dead trees, fence posts, wooden siding and even wooden park benches. They prefer unpainted or well-weathered wood to hardwood or painted timbers. Carpenter bee infestations may persist for several years, as each new generation emerges and the process naturally continues.

To prevent carpenter bees from causing damage, keep all wood products treated with paint or varnish. Treating the holes with an insecticide in the evenings when the bees are at rest also could help. Liquid, aerosol or dust insecticides, containing carbaryl, boric acid, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin or lambda cyhalothrin could be applied directly into tunnel openings. Allow the bees to come and go for a day or so; then, fill and seal all new and old holes with wood putty, a dowel or cork.

Another option is to swat pesky bees with a fly swatter or tennis racket as they try to make

new holes or enter holes. This can be fun, as well as an effective control method.

Trapping is another method. In the last few years, commercial and homemade traps have shown promise for temporarily reducing carpenter bee populations and damage. The theory is that carpenter bees often mistake penny-sized circular holes on these traps as the entry holes to nest galleries. Wooden boxes are constructed with a penny size hole that allows the bees to enter but not escape. Bees fall into a narrow-neck clear container that is connected to the bottom of the box, and it is hard, if not impossible, to get out since they tend to seek light rather than problem-solve their way back up and out. A little liquid dishwashing detergent placed in the container will kill the entrapped bees.

Unfortunately, there are not any known products or insecticides that can be applied to cedar siding or other types of wood on houses to deter carpenter bees. Protective contact insecticides applied directly to wood does very little good. No research data can be found to show that wood preservatives will work to control carpenter bees. In fact, it is likely less reliable than painting or using pressure-treated wood.

Woodpeckers also could magnify carpenter

bee damage The Business of Bees Clockwise from top left: to wooden The male carpenter bee structures. has a yellow nose and There are does not sting; Traps, like instances when this popular homemade woodpeckers design, can be very have pecked effective in catching sides of houses carpenter bees; Male to access and carpenter bees are very territorial and spend expose the much of their time carpenter chasing off competitors; bee holes and A female carpenter bee galleries to tunnels into wood to lay feed on the her eggs. larva inside.

Unfortunately, there are no controls or eradication options for woodpecker damage, as all woodpeckers are protected under Alabama law.

Get outdoors and enjoy the spring season, but beware of all that buzzing!

For additional help with home and garden information, contact the local county Extension office or visit aces.edu. ~ Shane Harris is the Tallapoosa County Extension Coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Lake Martin Living 15

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Lake Martin Living 17

Practice and prepare at out-of-town golf outings

T

From the Tee

here may not be a month more exciting for rather than losing a dozen or so. If a golfer hasn’t golf than April. The Masters Tournament played the course before but someone else in the kicks it off, and people around the world group has, it’s good to ask, “What does this hole tune in to take in the beauty of Augusta do?” Do not ask, “How do you play this hole?”

National. Even people who have never played the Most likely each person’s game is different. game before become golf fans for this event.

As a younger golfer playing a course that I During Masters weekend, golfers are enticed was unfamiliar with, the older players would to make plans to get together with friends for always suggest that I hit the tee shot over the golf trips to different courses. These golf course dogleg or in an area that would take my absolute choices may be on the other side of town, state, best drive. Of course, on many occasions when I country or abroad. One thing is for sure, plans allowed them to talk me into that shot, inevitably are being made. Like a child putting a lost tooth it would turn disastrous because I was uncertain under the pillow, the excitement fires up a golfer’s of the landing area, and I had doubts about the imagination on the great things to come. outcome.

When a player takes a golf trip and plays The advice here is to hit the golf ball into areas an unfamiliar course, there are a few things to that could be seen as safe. If the conservative consider. First, check with the course’s pro shop decision leaves a player with a 6-iron approach Dave Jennings to see if it has a yardage book. These books could shot rather than a 7 iron – so what? The ball is prove to be valuable as most good yardage books in play, and there is still an opportunity to score will not only show the layout of the course but well on that particular hole. also show the shape of the greens. Some even have written Before playing on a course for the first time, doing a few suggestions on how to best play each hole. pre-round things could improve a player’s game. I suggest As a college golf coach, I take my golf team to places arriving at the course early enough to ask the pro shop staff where at least half of the players have never played. Before a if there is prevalent grain in the greens, and if so, which tournament, we always play a practice round. During these direction does the grain predominantly run? practice rounds, I instruct my golf team members to play the In 1996, I was invited to play golf in Japan with a course conservatively, especially in the practice round and corporate group and to give golf clinics to a company’s staff. early in the tournament: drive the ball to landing areas that During this two-week trip, we traveled and played golf they can see, rather than cut corners of doglegs or over drop- on eight different courses that spanned the country. One offs in fairways. round of golf was at the base of Mount Fuji-san. For some Over the years, I have found it amazing that in most reason, all putts broke toward Mount Fuji. On a number practice rounds, the younger players will play these new golf of occasions, I had lag putts that after carefully reading the courses much better than in the first two tournament rounds putt, I swore that the putt would break 3 feet to the right. To when they may become a bit bolder than I had suggested. my astonishment, the ball broke 3 feet to the left – toward On golf trips, I believe players could have much better Mount Fuji. I have no idea why or how, it just happened. times if they play the complete round with only one golf ball Had I prepped better, I may have saved some strokes.

18 Lake Martin Living

Before the round, be certain to spend some time on the courses’ practice greens. Become accustomed to the speed of the greens. Notice how far a ball rolls out as it slows down.

If possible, hit a number of putts that have some severe break in them, since there likely will be a few of these on the courses.

When doing this, take a quick look and estimate the break and speed for this putt. Hit a solid putt, and watch the ball react. Some putting surfaces will break more or less than what a player is accustomed to at home.

If there is time, hit some bunker shots. The sand texture is often different among courses. The standard bunker shot may possibly come out more quickly or more softly than at a player’s home course. It’s good to keep this in mind during the round.

When playing golf on the road, the courses may have different elevations relating to sea level. This can prove to be a big game changer. If playing near coastlines, the courses will be obviously very close to sea level, and the golf balls may not fly quite as far as they do at home. On the other hand, on a trip to Colorado, there would be thinner air and heights above sea level, so the balls would likely travel much farther.

Hopefully, at each course the driving range offers good golf balls. Here, after warming up, players should bring out their rangefinders to determine the distance balls are flying from what may be usual at home. It could be a difference of 10 percent, more or less, in each shot. This 10 percent could be crucial when playing courses in Florida with a forced carry over water or in high altitude where golf balls may fly over the greens off the cliffs of mountains.

Keep these few things in mind whenever traveling to new courses. If a course offers caddies and players’ budgets allow for this luxury, take advantage of their local knowledge.

Most caddies are very sharp, and many are good golfers, as well. They know that their chances for a larger tip often rely on golfers’ positive experiences on the course.

Should a player choose to use a caddy, I advise talking with him before the round. Share your normal (not your Sunday’s best) club distances. Let them know your normal shot shape (fade, draw, high or low shots). In putting, let them know if you are usually a bold or die-in type putter.

This portion of shared information is critical when the caddie is assisting you on green-reading. A good caddie will tell you to play more break in your putts if you normally die a putt into the hole as opposed to the firmer putter. You should even share with the caddie the weaker parts of your game. If you have trouble hitting 40- to 50-yard wedge shots, your caddie should advise you to lay up to 100 yards rather than the 50 on the par 5s.

Golfers heeding a few of these tips for their next out-oftown golf outings could have more pleasant experiences on the courses. I can’t make any guarantees about your company – that is your choice.

Enjoy this special time of year. We’ve been waiting for the clouds to go away and the sun to shine. Get off the recliner, and go make the best of this year’s spring golf season.

See you on the first tee. ~ Dave Jennings is the men’s golf coach for Central Alabama Community College.

Lake Martin Living 19

HSB anglers join the ranks STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRAVIS SPRAGGINS

W

hen Travis Spraggins joined the staff at Horseshoe Bend School in December 2017, his first mission was to fill a much-needed void by researching the requirements for a fishing team. To his amazement, the student interest was overwhelming, which led to the school’s addition in the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association.

“This inspiration goes back to why I got into teaching in the first place. I love to incorporate the outdoors into learning,” said Spraggins, who teaches history and career prep classes and is the HSB fishing coach.

Growing up angling on Lake Martin, the Tallapoosa County native said he wished there had been a fishing team available when he was in high school, as it would have certainly helped advance his skill level.

The Generals will join other local schools – Dadeville Tigers, Reeltown Rebels and Benjamin Russell Wildcats – along with 36 others around the state in seasonal competitions.

“It has been a whirlwind New Team up to this point. I have high Below: The Horseshoe expectations for this team, Bend fishing team was formed this year; Facing especially in this first year,” page, Left; Coach said Spraggins. “One of the Travis Spraggins (right) interesting facts I learned with Graygon Walls was many schools started and Wes Young, who with one or two boats. We placed seventh in the tournament; Right: Jayce have seven to start out.”

Horseshoe Bend students Lovelady shows off his participated in catch.

20 Lake Martin Living

the Three-River Throwdown Tournament in the fall pre-season and kick-started the spring by entering the ASABFA tournament on Lake Martin last month.

“Being at Lake Martin really gave these guys a sense of where they need to be in terms of other students. It established expectations and gave them a jump start on their home lake,” said Spraggins.

Of the five boats that caught fish that day, Spraggins said, he was proud that none finished last, and the highest finisher placed 43 out of nearly 200 boats. This ranks the Generals 27th out of 37 high school fishing teams in Alabama.

With 15 names on the roster so far, Spraggins said the squads would be evaluated and ranked among one another from one to seven to find the right match for each tournament.

Right now the team is open to anglers from seventh through 12th grades, but with such tremendous feedback, Spraggins said, a junior division could have to be formed next year.

“It’s super exciting to have this great response out of these kids,” he said. “It provides another option for students who may not be involved in other sports or activities at the school.”

Spraggins said the majority of practice and education is currently being done in the classroom, and he plans to further students’ education with tips from Lake Martin’s semi-pro anglers. There is more to fishing than just fishing, said Spraggins, and these seasoned anglers could provide useful advice on tying knots, lure selection, water temperature and other strategies required for competitive bass fishing.

“Right now, the biggest thing is for boat captains to educate the students while they’re out there on the water,” he added.

During the month of March, the Generals competed in two additional tournaments, which could lead to qualifications for the state championship.

“It’s really been a blessing so far,” said Spraggins. “Anytime we can incorporate school into an activity, it really makes the learning more fun.”

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Lake Martin Living 21

New owners amplify amenities in Equality

T

STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI

he new owners of the Equality Performing Arts Center last month completed the first phase of a multi-step renovation project by re-opening the greenhouse on site as Rodger’s Shrubbery.

Rodger Williamson and Jennifer Childers began transitioning into the business last fall and have plans to convert the EPAC into four businesses under one umbrella company, which would include Rodger’s Shrubbery, Coosa Co. Café, Coosa Live and Coosa Co. Café Cycles.

Along with the stage area that is familiar to locals, there are two adjacent buildings on the grounds that the couple plans to renovate. The most obvious starting point, said Williamson, was to re-activate the greenhouse, which used to be a flourishing business.

“We realized we could not ignore the greenhouse that was already in place,” he said. “We mainly had to clean it up; we replaced the front plastic with proper new clear greenhouse plastic and added new frosted plastic to the sides.”

After stocking it with a variety of seasonal plants, Rodger’s Shrubbery had a soft opening March 1.

“Everyone in the community got excited about the possibility of it opening again,” said Childers.

The greenhouse name plays off a joke in the comedic movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Plus, with his name being Rodger, it seemed fitting, he said.

The temporary banner bears a crest, designed by Williamson, with three gold chevrons and the color green to pay homage to his military background.

The 30-foot by 70-foot greenhouse will be open year round and supplied with seasonal flora. Williamson said most plants would come from Southern Growers located on U.S. Highway 231. There, they can order online with 24hour notice for delivery or hand pick from select items on location. They may import a few from out of state, as long as the plants could survive in the local climate.

“Jennifer is a home gardener, so she knows more about this side of the business than I do, but I’m learning as I go.

The past owners said we would pick it up pretty quickly,” said Williamson.

Growing up learning how to grow food and tend a garden with her parents, Childers has always been interested and knowledgeable about horticulture.

Spring Shopping “I wanted to lean toward Top: The greenhouse organic but didn’t want anything opened last month over-priced either,” said Childers. with plenty of plant With two large fans at the back varieties; Below: of the greenhouse for cooling and Williamson created the a newly installed thermostat to inspired logo.

22 Lake Martin Living

gauge the gas heater, Williamson said, they will try to retain inside temperatures around 70 degrees to 80 degrees to keep the plants thriving.

The plan is to replace the top of the greenhouse with the proper greenhouse plastic at some point this year.

The couple also intends to create outdoor displays to grab drivers’ attentions and beautify the area.

“We will do some landscaping and focus on making sure the terrain allows for proper water drainage from rain,” said Childers.

Rodger’s Shrubbery will be open Tuesdays through

Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“Santuck Flea Market is the first Saturday of the month, along with other local events, so we anticipate some good traffic passing through on Saturdays,” said Williamson.

Located conveniently between Alexander City and Wetumpka, the greenhouse fills a void left when similar businesses closed in both Alexander City and Santuck.

“The Lake Martin community is nearby, along with local rural landowners. Our prices are competitive, if not a little cheaper than chain stores. Plus, we’re saving people from the Lake Martin Living 23

additional gas to go elsewhere,” said Williamson.

Inside the EPAC building is where customer transactions occur, and additional gardening items – such as rakes, seeds, fertilizers, hoses, gloves and more – could be found in stock.

“We really wanted to focus on the café idea first. That’s what sparked my interest, but the septic was not adequate, and we have some additions to make before we can get there,” said Childers.

The next phase will be to add a kitchen to the current building and convert it into Coosa Co. Café. The stage area would be converted from rows of folding chairs to tables and chairs.

“We’re aiming for a Cracker-Barrel version of a Subway, which also includes dessert and signature coffee drinks,” said Williamson.

There will be an additional door off the stage side that would lead to a gravel parking lot, which could help with safety and convenience for customers since the building is located directly on state Route 9.

Currently, the couple has retained the community’s Fourth Friday music events by local request.

“These nights bring the community together and bring people in from outside the community. Everyone gets together to share food and fellowship,” said Williamson.

The stage side of the building has remained untouched, aside from the addition of Williamson’s personal drum set and guitars to be used by visiting musicians. Once converted, the EPAC would come to be known as Coosa Live, to maintain the business name theme.

“We really want to bring in some more talent. I would love to host open mic nights, poetry readings, comedians,” said Childers.

The final step would be to renovate the third building, next to the greenhouse, into Williamson’s personal motorcycle shop. There, he plans to buy, rebuild and sell individual bikes.

This venture will be named Coosa Co. Café Cycles, with double meanings on top of the Coosa theme. Williamson’s great-grandfather’s initials were CCCC, plus four Cs also could be translated to C4, which is an explosive and again ties into his military experience.

While he moved around quite a bit due to his service with the National Guard, Williamson bought a house in Equality in 1999. After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Williamson became active duty and traveled for many years before returning to the area.

As an avid motorcyclist, he often volunteered at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum’s annual festival in Birmingham.

It was there in 2015 that he met Childers, also a volunteer and motorcycle enthusiast.

Rodger’s Shrubbery is located at 560 state Route 9 in Equality. For more information or to follow updates on the separate ventures, check out the respective Facebook pages for Rodger’s Shrubbery, Coosa Co. Café and Coosa Co. Café Cycles.

First Phase “We have some big Top: Rodger Williamson and plans for Equality and Jennifer Childers have big plans want this to be a go-to for the current EPAC building; location for locals, while Below: Seasonal plants retaining the small-town will be in stock for the year-round operation. feel,” said Childers.

24 Lake Martin Living

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ER doctor faces fewer emergencies STORY & PHOTO BY JIMMY WIGFIELD

W

hen Michael Peaden was lying on a football field with a we see don’t have any other options. Unfortunately, that’s an extremely fractured spine in his senior year of high school in Pensacola, expensive way to do things. The expense is two to four times more than Florida, he didn’t think he would one day be on the other it would have been at a regular doctor.” side of the gurney, trying to save someone else’s life.

Some rely on the internet to diagnose themselves, a mistake that “I got interested in the X-ray aspect when I saw the X-rays of my makes Peaden cringe. back,” Peaden said. “It sparked an interest. I wore a back brace for six “That’s what I call Dr. Google,” he said. “Everybody’s a coach, and months. My mother was an LPN, and she urged me to take medicine as everybody’s a doctor. Some people think because they have a headache a career, and I said, ‘No, I’d have to go to school they must have a brain tumor.” too long.’”

Peaden’s path to Russell Medical’s ER But Peaden went on to become a doctor and began when he graduated from University is now the interim medical director of Russell of Mississippi’s medical school in 1989. He Medical’s emergency room, where he sees death entered family practice residency in Tuscaloosa and sore throats in the same day. and chose rotations of sports medicine and “The ER is not for everybody,” said Peaden, orthopedics. who customarily works 12-hour shifts. “I don’t “I liked every rotation I did,” Peaden said. “I know many people who set it out as their goals like being a jack of all trades, so I ended up in starting in medical school. Usually, the ones family medicine.” who choose that may have experienced being He said he was allowed to moonlight in taken good care of by a physician.”

Tuscaloosa during the second and third years of Peaden and Tyler Till, Russell Medical ER his residency. Peaden eventually found his way certified registered nurse practitioner, said they to Tallassee after a physician friend, Dr. Keith are still jolted when they lose a patient, but most Bufford, started a family practice there. cases in the emergency room aren’t emergencies.

“I was going to do sports medicine at the “We have a full-fledged emergency maybe University of Alabama, but I didn’t have a lot three times out of 10,” Peaden said. “I am of extra hours,” Peaden said. “I had three kids surprised at what passes for an emergency these by then, and I thought my family was more days. Nobody knows what an emergency is important. Dr. Bufford had moved to Tallassee anymore. When I started in the ER, I had all my Various Ailments and was looking to add somebody to his family Dr. Michael Peaden (left) joined the books, and I was sweating, asking, ‘Do I know practice.

It was a good fit.”

ER department for increased patient enough?’ But I saw sore throats, achy joints and interaction.

While Peaden tried to build his own headaches.” practice, he also worked in the ER of Tallassee Emergency rooms can’t refuse anyone and Community Hospital for 20 years and served often treat patients with minor medical issues as Tallassee High School’s team physician. and those who think they can’t afford the time and money to see a Eventually, he felt he was being forced to serve an electronic master. traditional doctor.

“I decided my office practice and electronic medical records caused “You see almost everything in the ER,” Peaden said. “We’ve seen me to spend more time with computers than patients, so I decided to do lots of abdominal pain tonight. Last night, it was leg pain. The people ER work for a little while,” he said.

Lake Martin Living 27

The Value of an Advisor

W

MONEY MATTERS

arren Buffett has a famous quote: risk-adjusted return. This can be customized for “Price is what you pay, value is each client, depending on several factors, but is what you get.” another area of professional experience that an This seems to ring true with advisor can offer to help maximize withdrawals in almost everything people buy. It’s something to retirement. consider when deciding whether an advisor can The world of finance is not an easy field to be a benefit. navigate independently. An advisor could help A lot of this depends on what the advisor is read that journey. I like to compare life to a 40doing. At the end of the day, a person should want foot putt. For golfers, they understand that there a value at least equal to – and preferably above – are not many straight 40-foot putts. These putts whatever advice/services he may receive. can break a few different directions and could be There are some people who believe they can go uphill and downhill in the same putt. Doesn’t this it alone and don’t need the help of a professional. sound like life?

This can be a difficult role due to the depth and The best way to read a 40-foot putt is to read it extensiveness of the financial industry. in sections. You might read the first 10 or 15 feet; Are you capable of building out a financial then, the next, and so on. After you break down Lee Williams plan that manages insurance needs, emotions, the putt, it’s easier to see how to best account for fear, longevity risk and order of returns risk, to the twists and turns and maximize the likelihood name a few? My investing idol is Warren Buffett, and he is of making it. well quoted as saying most people would be best off sticking An advisor can help do the same thing with your financial their money in low-cost index funds and forgetting about it. life. For older folks who don’t have 40 feet left, it could be I agree to the extent that the long-term performances would that they have a shorter putt, but it also should be read in a most likely be well served; however, the physical investments similar manner. are only a small piece of the puzzle.

In closing, take a look at this emoji cycle. For a moment, The most difficult part of investing is managing emotions. focus on the top cycle. This is how most investors’ investment This is one of the most important roles that an advisor plays. lives look. You can see that when times are good, emotions As we all know, Mr. Market could vary in highs and lows; and run high; but when the cycle turns, so do the emotions. Sadly, when this happens, a lot of money is lost due to panic selling. a lot of investors ultimately end up making poor decisions An advisor’s job is to help manage these emotions and at the bottom and sell or reposition their assets in negative educate clients on the pitfalls of giving in to these emotions. ways.

Shelby Davis, a famous investor, said, “You make most of your money in a bear market; you just don’t realize it at the time.”

This is hard for most people to see. A well-educated advisor could help manage this inevitable situation.

How do you avoid longevity risk? Today the average life expectancy is approaching 85 years old, and this number grows as advances in the medical field continue to strengthen. An advisor should be able to help manage one of the most feared parts of retirement, which for some is outliving their assets.

There are many ways to position a portfolio to avoid this risk, whether it’s in the asset allocation, payout structure, annuities or some combination of each. If you are not well educated or have strong partnerships in place, how will you fare in managing this?

The last topic I want to touch on is order of returns risk.

The second emoji cycle shows the “meh” investor. This What is order of returns risk? investor is never too high or too low. Emotions have been This means that the order in which people receive returns managed through a strategy or plan that helps to manage versus when they begin taking withdrawals could result in expectations, longevity risk and order of returns, to name a the difference of their money lasting many years or running few. The role of advisors is to add this value and more into out early. This is worth a Google search. the services they provide.

This does not apply to some people, as they have accumulated more wealth than they could ever spend, ~ Lee Williams is a financial advisor with Nowlin and even with order of returns; however, most do not have this Associates Wealth Management. He can be reached by email at luxury. As people age, they must be more geared toward a lee@nowlinwm.com.

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Traveling exhibit celebrates bicentennial County tourism website to promote area activities STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS & TATUM DESIGN

D

adeville’s Senior Center will host the Alabama Bicentennial exhibit, Making Alabama, from Tuesday, April 23, to Thursday, May 2, said Tallapoosa County Tourism Director Sandra Fuller, who expects to roll out the county’s An Extensive List new tourism website Tallapoosa County Tourism Director Sandra Fuller adds at about the same time. The traveling events and activities to a exhibit is an Alabama new website to promote local recreation.

Bicentennial project, Lake Martin Living 33

which is now crisscrossing the state to information and photographs about highlight historical events that defined local landmarks and events for a tabloid Alabama’s statehood. The county’s local that will accompany the exhibit, which bicentennial committee has arranged is an Alabama Humanities Foundation for several celebratory activities during project in partnership with the Alabama the exhibit’s visit.

Department of Archives and History and “We’ll have a ribbon cutting for the the Alabama Bicentennial Commission. exhibit; and then, we have invited local “I want people to know what we have dignitaries and officials to a luncheon here and be proud of it,” Fuller said. with Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller as Since taking the county tourism the speaker,” Fuller explained. “We position four months ago, Fuller has been hope this will be the start of quarterly working toward that goal, primarily with meetings among this group, more the development of a website that will communication and cooperation on offer information about hundreds of local projects that promote the area.” events and activities year round, including Hope is an important part of the filming industry tourism. bicentennial exhibit, she added, as She spent time with state film tourism the last panel in the eight-part exhibit officials early this month to show off the focuses on hope for Alabama’s future. area’s landmarks, topography and features Celebrate Alabama and the County Each 8-foot by 8-foot kiosk in the that might provide excellent backdrops for Top: Fuller has been in her exhibit includes interactive displays; movies.

She also has explored the county position since last December; each one explores decisions and turning Below: The exhibit includes kiosks in search of businesses, organizations and points that shaped the state’s future. activities to include on the new website. and interactive computers.

On Saturday, April 27, a community “I have probably met a hundred people celebration will take place outside the I didn’t know before I started this job in center where the exhibit will be housed during its visit.

December,” Fuller said. “They are all passionate about what In addition to demonstrations of settlers’ and Native they do.”

American life – such as blacksmithing and quilting – there In addition, Fuller and other local tourism entities will be vendors and other displays, including an activity recently consulted with National Park Service officials for hosted by Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. strategies that could be used to tie events and activities in The displays will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 the local area into a cohesive tourism district. p.m. each day, and civic and school groups are encouraged “There is so much here, and we want to be able to to tour the displays, Fuller said. In conjunction with this promote the area within the area,” she explained. “By that event, local historian Harold Banks has compiled historical I mean that we could provide information at each venue

34 Lake Martin Living

about additional things to do at other places in the county.”

That’s also a part of her objective with the new website, which will include lesser-known activities, happenings and locations, as well as the most popular in the area.

“I was looking into geocaching, and I thought there might be a few sites around the lake. There are more than you think,” she said. “Jackson’s Gap has 106; 54 in Dadeville. Alexander City has 87. There are a lot of these things around! And people travel to find them.”

Geocaching is a treasure hunt in which players use GPS to find hidden objects. Once a cache is found, cachers sign the log inside it, replace it for the next treasure hunter and record their discovery online.

“We want to find as many activities as possible to put on the website – as many opportunities as we can find for people to come here; as many fun things to do when they get here as we can come up with,” she said.

Fuller got her first sneak peek at the new website at the end of March and is in the process of tweaking and improving the display of information. She hopes the website will be available in time to play a part in the promotion Come One, Call All of the Making Alabama Free to the public, the exhibit will exhibit. be open April 23 For more information through May 2 about Making Alabama, at the Senior visit makingalabama.org/ Center in Dadeville. the-exhibit/.

The Story of Statehood

The exhibit's kiosks signify events and activities that shaped Alabama's statehood.

Our Town couple hybridizes unique daylilies STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY MICAH BENNETT

Lake Martin Living 36

F

rom piecrust edges, different colored throats and variegated petals to the size, smell and shine of each flower, the Stewarts’ hybridized daylily garden is a rainbow field of beauty for visitors to enjoy.

Jimmy and Carol Stewart may be new to the horticultural world, but the broad variety of daylilies proves they must be doing something right.

The Lake Martin Canoochee Daylily Garden will open late this spring after a family friend sold her flowers to the Stewarts over the past two years.

“Mr. Darriel and Mrs. Joann Lane owned and created the Canoochee Daylily Garden, which is a very small community in east central Georgia outside Swainsboro. When Mr. Darriel passed, Mrs. Joann offered for us to buy some of the flowers to start our own garden, and we began making trips to pick them

up a little at a time,” said Jimmy Stewart.

Once the flowers were brought back from Georgia, they had to be planted in the ground immediately to prevent any damage. The Stewarts chose to plant the daylilies in raised beds, so they could move through the soil and spread more easily.

“Daylilies don’t need compacted soil, as sandy soil works best, which is what we have on part of this land,” said Stewart.

The Lanes began hybridizing daylilies by combining a male part of the plant and moving it to another, which produces a seed Growing Field of Color that will grow into a blend of both Some flowers, such as parents. the Joyce Lee Brown, “You get a new bloom that is all have piecrust edges different. The flowers Mr. Darriel and are created from combining attributes. hybridized were usually registered

Lake Martin Living 37

with, but not limited to, unique names beginning with ‘Can’ at the beginning, for Canoochee Daylily Garden,” explained Stewart.

Once seeds are crossed, they will be brand new unnamed plants, called seedlings, which can be registered with the American Hermocalis Daylily Society with the chosen nickname, the breeder and the year it was bred.

“We have the luxury and freedom to walk around this garden, choose two daylilies with characteristics we are looking for and put them together to just see what happens,” Creating New Species

Top: Jimmy Stewart plants daylilies in raised beds; Left: Unique color combinations are often formed, as with Midnight Magic; Right: Some flowers are diamond dusted, such as Skin Walker.

38 Lake Martin Living

said Stewart.

While many of the flowers came from the Lanes, the Stewarts enjoy the unknown of what they could continue to create based on the hybridizing possibilities of the species.

The Stewarts will begin to sell plants this spring or early summer, with prices varying based on details, such as size and variety.

Other defining factors of the various blooms include petal thickness and edging; weight of the veining; number of buds; whether the petals are diamond-dusted, diploid or tetraploid; and many more characteristics that individualize each plant.

The daylily gets its name from the fact that its buds are open only for one day. Some are nocturnal and open at night, lasting through the whole next day, while others open

in the morning and close up in the evening, said Stewart.

“Each plant scape can have single or multiple buds.

While some varieties bloom early in the season, there are others that will re-bloom later in the summer for continued enjoyment. They will return the next year usually, between May and June, depending on the weather,” Stewart added.

Care of the plants requires providing at least 1 inch of water per week, at least six hours of sun daily and consistent weeding. In the fall, the larger clumps of flowers will be split apart to allow for better growth and to increase production.

The one color no one has created yet through hybridized daylilies is a true blue, although there are some blooms with shades of blue in them. Jimmy and Carol Stewart are up to the challenge of combining efforts to be the first to do so.

The Stewarts are in the process of clearing more area on

their land to put up a sign Buds for One Day Top: Carol and Jimmy Stewart and to create more plots plant in Our Town; Right: for flowers. The future Daylilies, such as Seedling goal is to begin a plot list, Pink, are named based on as well as alphabetizing a characteristics; Left: This plant record of where each plant is named Exotic Gown. is located by plot and bed, said Stewart.

“It’s a tremendous learning process, and it will continue to grow; however, it’s been a fun and challenging adventure. We enjoy seeing what it all entails,” said Stewart.

The garden is located at 7150 state Route 63 South in Our Town. Contact Stewart at 256-794-8684 for more information.

Lake Martin Living 39

40 Lake Martin Living

Horseshoe Bend tree witnessed historical battle Exact age and stories remain a mystery Story by Eric Frey Photos Courtesy of National Park Service Lake Martin Living 41

A

lthough the Battle of Horseshoe Bend occurred 205 years ago, the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park may have recently discovered a living witness to the battle.

Due east of what is referred to as Gun Hill, where Andrew Jackson positioned his artillery unit, an American beech (Fagus grandifolia) tree is situated on a slope between the battlefield and the Tallapoosa River. The tree is tall but blends in with the surrounding high canopy. Its trunk is thick and shows scars of previous visitors who felt the need to leave their initials in its smooth bark. Its roots are sinewy, starting 5 or 6 feet above the ground; and then, spreading out over the surface like octopus tentacles, eventually burying themselves in the soil and anchoring the tree.

At first glance, it has all the characteristics of a typical old tree, but upon further reflection, the tree appears to have a story to share.

Compiling Evidence Much of the battlefield and the land surrounding it quickly became deforested agricultural fields after the forced removal of the Creek Indians in the 1830s. This would limit the areas that could possibly have a 200-year-old tree. An aerial photo of Horseshoe Bend dated 1929 was found in the park’s museum collection. If the aerial photo showed forested area where the beech tree stands, it would provide Research and Reflection at least some circumstantial Previous page: This evidence of the tree surviving this beech tree is located time period. on the outskirts of the Witness trees are most often battlefield; Top: An aerial identified by primary sources: photo of Horseshoe Bend from 1929; Left: Eric a photograph of the aftermath at Gettysburg; a diary or letter Frey measures the trunk that mentions the landscaping of the tree.

42 Lake Martin Living

around a home; or a bullet found lodged in a trunk.

Since photography was not around at the time of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, and with the tree’s location being on the very periphery of the battlefield, primary source materials would prove fruitless with this beech tree.

HBNMP Park Ranger Eric Frey reached out to a number of people that could possibly provide some alternative ideas to determining the date of a tree.

Paul Dolinsky, chief of the National Park Service’s Historic American Landscape Survey, began the Witness Tree Protection Program in 2006 to help identify, document and preserve historically and biologically significant trees within the Washington, D.C., park sites.

During a brief phone call, he emphasized the NPS principle of not using any invasive methods, such as boring; however, he did recommend doing some measurements of the tree and looking into research on beech tree growth rates.

This would possibly provide a very general idea of the tree’s age, Dolinsky said.

Frey took his advice and measured the trunk’s DBH, diameter at breast height, to be approximately 46 inches. One growth rate found in the research stated that in order to determine a beech tree’s age, multiply the DBH by 6, which would put this tree at around 276 years old. Given Alabama’s warmer climate and longer growing season, this was considered a high estimate but an estimate nonetheless.

Since all anecdotal evidence indicated that it could, in fact, be a witness tree, Frey contacted Dr. Matthew Therrell and the University of Alabama’s Dendrochronology Research Lab for any additional ideas. Along with the measurements, Frey also sent Dr. Therrell a photo of the tree. In that photo, he noticed a large secondary branch that had recently broken off.

“If you could send me a slice of that limb, we could at least establish a minimum age for the tree and also extrapolate somewhat from that,” said Brian Robinson, the park’s sawyer extraordinaire.

One hour later, Frey had a slice of the limb ready to send to the lab.

A few days later, he received an email from Dr. Therrell, who estimated the tree to be between 250 and 300 years old, in his

Historical Witness

This tree was estimated at 250-300 years old, indicating it could have been present for the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

professional opinion, based on number of rings, height and overall size.

Silent Sentinel As a Magic 8-Ball might predict, all signs pointed to the beech tree having been rooted on the slope as the Red Stick Creeks and Andrew Jackson’s allied forces fought above on the flat ground in 1814.

Secrets have been kept for centuries, and many will continue to be held by the mute sentinel; but now that the park staff is aware of its existence, it will continue to search for more answers.

The human history of Horseshoe Bend National Military Park has always been in the forefront of visitors’ minds and at the center of the park’s interpretive focus, but employees continue to discover that the natural and cultural stories are integrated and always have been.

Perhaps the Creek Indians who lived in the area used the leaves from this same beech tree for medicinal purposes, or passenger pigeons that were hunted to extinction may have once roosted in its crown.

Although a large limb lies at its base, the tree has survived disease, tornadoes and drought. Although it bears the scars of inconsiderate hands marking initials into its side, the hands of man have spared it from the saw blade. Its resilience is not unlike the Creek Indians that were defeated in battle – forced to leave this land, and yet continue to thrive in Oklahoma as a sovereign nation of 84,000 citizens. The beech tree shows its age but continues to be a silent sentinel, standing watch along the banks of the river.

During a visit to the park, consider walking the nature trail and seeing this living witness to so much history. Looking up, don’t expect it to openly share its exact age or all of its stories; sometimes silence can be a story of its own.

To receive more information about Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, sign up for its monthly newsletter or email friendsofhorseshoebend@gmail.com. Friends of Horseshoe Bend is an all-volunteer organization that promotes HBNMP and educates the public about Creek Indian culture and history.

Lake Martin Living 43

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The home has a main level and upper level above ground as well as a partially finished, heated and cooled, basement with a bedroom and bath, which is accessed from the outside. All StillWater amenities are included. Priced to Sell!

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468 Marina Point Road, B304, Dadeville, AL • $334,900 Incredible 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo at Harbor Pointe in StillWaters Resort right next to Harbor Point marina! Harbor Pointe condos feature over 1900' of water frontage with seawall and boardwalk, large sandy beach, swimming pool and hot tub! The gorgeous sunsets are amazing! The beautiful condo if perfect for full time living or that relaxing weekend getaway! Wet and dry boat storage available next door. Owner will provide wet slip @ marina next door for 1 year if available! Some furniture negotiable.

Contact Three Sixty Resort Living for more info, 256.827.LAKE

300 Ridge Watch, Alex City • $1,295,000 • Beds: 5 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie (334) 312-0928 LakeMartinRealty.com

47 Oaks Knoll, Jackson’s Gap • $1,499,000 • Beds: 7 • Baths: 6 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Cindy Scroggins (256) 794-3372 LakeMartinRealty.com

333 Squaw Lane, Dadeville • $218,000 • Beds: 3 • Baths: 2 • Water Access Lake Martin Realty Jerry Purcell (205) 382-3417 LakeMartinRealty.com

143 Old Still Road, Dadeville • $997,000 • Beds: 5 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jeff Cochran (256) 786-0099 LakeMartinRealty.com

1787 Windermere West, Alex City • $940,000 • Beds: 5 • Baths: 5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis (256) 749-7592 LakeMartinRealty.com

876 Old Tree Road, Dadeville • $695,000 • Beds: 5 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Michelle Brooks (256) 749-1031 LakeMartinRealty.com

199 Camp Circle, Dadeville • $295,000 • Beds: 3 • Baths: 2.5 • Water Access Lake Martin Realty Adam Yager (205) 914-0830 LakeMartinRealty.com

200 Cove Drive, Eclectic • $399,000 • Beds: 2 • Baths: 1 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Mimi Rush (334) 399-7874 LakeMartinRealty.com

44 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 45

OH SNAP! 1

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3

4

205th Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend March 23, 2019 Horseshoe Bend National Military Park 1. Elijah, Natasha and Davey Brewer 2. LeAnne and Whit Moran

5

3. Abigail and Lucy Fuller, Lucy Little and Janet Washburn-Thomas 4. Selyna, Ansley and Laney Glassburn and Maddie Droniski 5. Jase, Dakota, Gracie and Wyatt Lamb and Amy and Derrick Blythe 6. Kyle Coatney, Vicki Smith and Jack Crawford

46 Lake Martin Living

6

OH SNAP! 2

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Alexander City Rotary Club Foundation's Third Annual Benefit

4

March 26, 2019 T.C. Russell Airport, Alexander City 1. Cecil Bailey, Joyce Graham, Marie Vernon, Lucretia

5

and Don Chappell, Di Riccio, Lola Popov and Joyce Reeves 2. Ali and Jackson Lilly 3. Lynne Parker and Carol Jackson 4. Debra and Greg Pierce and Jim and Helen Harbor 5. Patti and Mike Smith and Randy Dawkins

Lake Martin Living 47

OH SNAP! 2

1

4 3

Frohsin's Clothier Soft Opening

5

March 3, 2019 Downtown Alexander City 1. Woody and Kim Baird 2. Deidra Horn and Jessica Sanford 3. Wanda Toland, Stacy Shaw, Teresa Grier, Lori Harrell and Julie Ballard 4. Lee Williams and Jacob Meacham 5. Kirk and Andi Mickaels and Kim and Al Jones

6 48 Lake Martin Living

6. Stuart Brasell and Taylor Dixon

OH SNAP! 1

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United Way Campaign Celebration

5

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March 12, 2019 The Mill Two Eighty 1. Teresa Harrell-Moten, Teri Trammell and Michael Johnson

2. Michael and Rhonda McKenzie 3. Kevin and Jacqueline Burgess 4. Brittney Duncan and Beverly Price 5. Shannon Bost 6. Brandy Galvan and Stephanie Weldon Lake Martin Living 49

OH SNAP! 1

2

3

BRHS v. Russell County

4

Area Baseball Game April 2, 2019 Charles E. Bailey Sportplex 1. Ashari Chapman, Tiara John and Alaina Young 2. Kaiden, Michele, Cody and Kasen Glenn 3. Madeline and Teegan Yates and Shana Turner 4. Chason Channell and Jayde, Marsha and Daniel Trapp 5. Camden Riddle and Cully Sharpe

50 Lake Martin Living

5

OH SNAP! 1

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Lake Martin Area United Way Annual Quail Fry April 6, 2019 The Stables at Russell Crossroads

6

1. Allan Cutts and Tanya and Mark Knight 2. Kim Baker, Leanne Calhoun, Laurie Sturdivant and Ronda Childs 3. Ryan Hutchinson, Lillian Parker, Lexi Garrett, Jayda

7

Williams, Madison Moncrief, Jaion Kelly and Bexley Knight 4. Linda Boone and Sandra Fuller 5. Willie and Dianne Lemmond and Slyvia Hampton 6. Kathy Lashley and Glenda Bland 7. Julie Smith, Sherry Johnston, Sharon Fuller, Megan McCants, Haley Fuller, Angie Richardson and Iris McGreer

Lake Martin Living 51

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

F

Main Street and military merge for downtown festival

or its second annual Junque Jubilee, Main Street Alexander City is joining forces with the Disabled American Veterans to host a festival and Military Appreciation Day on May 11 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Vendors will line Calhoun Street for an upscale yard sale.

One person’s junk may be another one’s treasure, so community members are encouraged to bring out those spring cleaning finds to sell.

Certain items are not permitted, such as used clothing and shoes. Items should range from antique or vintage to new and slightly used goods. Artisans with homemade wares and other pop-up shops are encouraged to attend as well (new clothing is permitted).

Live entertainment, a bouncy house for children and food vendors will be on site. Kona Ice and an ice cream cart will serve up treats.

In association with Military Appreciation Day, the City will hang Main Street’s American flags on downtown light posts a week earlier than usual for this celebration.

Main Street will be closed for The Dixie Division Military Club to stage some of its antique military vehicles.

The Masons will be on site offering fingerprinting for kids, and the National Guard will set up its rock-climbing wall for adventure-seekers.

Combat Bikesaver will bring its first donated motorcycle to create awareness of this new nonprofit. It opened its doors last month in Tallassee and is a workshop for veterans and active military to learn how to re-build motorcycles as an outlet to offset PTSD and depression. Baord members will answer questions and offer opportunities for volunteers.

It’s Mother’s Day weekend so come out to eat, shop around 52 Lake Martin Living

Upscale Yard Sale downtown and support local Last year, vendors sold merchants, as well. slightly used goods, Vendors for Junque Jubilee may and booth sales purchase spots for $35 each, which supported Main include a tent and table that will be Street's mission. setup and taken down by volunteers.

Set-up begins at 7 a.m., and booths must be ready for the public to come in before 8 a.m.

An application, along with photos of the style of items that will be present, is required for all entries.

For those interested in applying as vendors, visit mainstreetalexandercity.org and fill out applications online.

The application also could be downloaded and emailed to sjeffcoatmainstreetac@gmail.com or mailed to 21 Main St., Alexander City AL 35010.

April 17

Artists Association of Central Alabama

Everyone is welcome to attend the general meeting of the Artists Association of Central Alabama at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus in Alexander City. There will be a demonstration on the use of alcohol inks and a drawing for a raffle. All experience levels are welcome. For information, contact Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

April 18

Will Johnson at Standard Deluxe

Will Johnson will perform acoustically at Standard Deluxe in Waverly at 8 p.m. Only 45 tickets are available and can be purchased for $20 online at undertowshows.com.

April 20

Klassic Kruisers Car Show

This annual charity car show is hosted by Klassic Kruisers from New Site. Various activities throughout the day will highlight this event, including a pancake breakfast, 50s music, local entertainment, a swap meet, food vendors, games and door prizes. The car show will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds benefit the local VFD, ambulances, veterans acitivites and local charities. For more information, contact Aaron Perry at 256-234-6024, Ronnie Cotney at 256-395-4566 or Susan Gamble at 256-234-4975.

April 20 and 21

Chicks and Bunnies at Russell Crossroads

Chicks and bunnies return to Russell Crossroads, just in time for Easter photos. Bring a camera to The Naturalist Cabin on April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or to SpringHouse Restaurant from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to capture special moments with these unassuming animals.

April 26-28

In-Water Russell Marine Boat Show

Check out the hottest new 2019 boats and demo the new Sea-Doo models at Russell Marine’s annual in-water boat show. The Ridge Marina will have more than 50

boats in the water and dozens more on land for lake-goers to explore.

The pro shop will be stocked with everything needed for a fun day in the sun. Register to win great prizes.

Enjoy live music, food and more.

Visitrussellmarine.net/events for details.

April 27

The Ridge Open House

Tour a collection of beautiful Lake Martin homes at The Ridge between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Then attend the closing reception from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. to see if you win the grand prize drawing.

Visit LakeMartinRealty.com for event details.

April 28

Music on the Deck

Americana/alt-country singer and songwriter Ella Langley will make her way back to Kowaliga Restaurant for an intimate lakeside concert on the restaurant’s deck. Gather with friends for a great time with this Hope Hull native. Call 256-215-7035 for details.

May 4

Derby Day with The Naturalist

This year’s Derby Day will get the kids active with a very gentle live horse. Children will learn about safety around horses, brushes and supplies. Bring apples, carrots or sugary treats for the horse. This free activity will take place at the Naturalist Cabin from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call Naturalist Marianne Hudson at 256-496-2710 for details.

May 4

Derby Day at The Stables

Gather at The Stables at Russell Crossroads from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to watch the Run for the Roses and help support the work of Children’s Harbor at this annual celebration.

This free event includes snacks and drinks, a hat contest for the ladies and most-dapper contest for the gentlemen. For more information, call 256-397-1019.

May 5

Little House Concert

Live at The Pea Ridge Listening Room at Standard Deluxe in Waverly, Callaghan will perform

at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and Chef Rob McDaniel from SpringHouse Restaurant will cook supper in the FeedShak. This event is BYOB. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at StandardDeluxe.com.

May 11

New Water Century Cycling Event

New Water Farms will host this cycling ride around Lake Martin.

Three routes are available: 30, 60 and 100 miles. Entry is $50 per cyclist, which supports New Water Ministries and includes registration, ride bag, rest stops and Saturday lunch. Free lodging will be available at New Water based on availability.

New Water Farms is located at 460 Civitan Rd. in Dadeville. For more information, contact Robert Brandon at 205-948-7716 or email him at robert@newwater.com. To sign up, visit newwater.com.

May 11

Vulcan Orienteering Club

The spring orienteering event at Wind Creek State Park will include four courses throughout the park, with start times from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Register at Pavilion No. 3.

Courses will be set up for beginners (yellow), intermediate (orange), short advanced (green) and long advanced (red). Entry fee is $7 for the first individual on a team and $1 for each additional member. For information call Anne Matthews 205-305-4385.

May 25-26

Art on the Lake

More than 80 artists and vendors from across the Southeast will offer their handmade works. Crowds typically reach nearly 5,000. This art event is located on the grounds of Children’s Harbor’s Lake Martin campus. Art on the Lake is in its 14th year of welcoming people back to the lake for Memorial Day weekend.

A portion of all purchases benefit Children’s Harbor. Artists interested in more information should contact Rachael White at rachaelwhite@ childrensharbor.com.

May 24-25 RXR Fest

The Town Green at Russell Crossroads comes alive with great music on Memorial Day weekend.

Lake Martin Living 53

Check out the artists line-up at RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com.

May 26

Heroes Run

Wind Creek State Park will host a Memorial Day Heroes 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. The route will go through the campground and along the shoreline of Lake Martin. Registration is $25 online at active.com or on the morning of the run. Free T-shirts will be given to participants.

May 28

Russell Marine Slalom Clinic

Russell Marine will host a slalom clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kowaliga Marina, 255 Kowliga Marina Rd. For more information or to register, call 334-857-2111.

Season-Long Events Millerville Trade Day

Bibb Graves School on state Route 9 hosts this trade day on the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m with free outside setup for vendors, yard sale, flea market and swap meet items (no food vendors). BGHS Alumni and Friends Association would be appreciate donations from sales. There will be a designated area to bring vehicles for sale with $20 donation to BGHSAFA upon sale. For information, contact Bruce Lowery at 205-522-5794.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes

Every Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m, hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced Alabama Nature Center naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or identify plants and animals; splash through the creek; or catch insects in the meadow. General admission applies and is $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family. The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org for information.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Creature Feature

Every Thursday at 3:30 p.m, come learn about Alabama’s woods, 54 Lake Martin Living

water and wildlife. Get up close and personal with some of the creatures you may find in your own backyard and even some you may have never heard of. General admission applies and is $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family. The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org for information.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Children’s Library in Alexander City

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschoolaged and younger children. In addition, the children’s library hosts board games and puzzles every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For information, call Melissa Finley at 256-234-4644.

Ladies’ Book Club

Ladies 18 years of age and older may participate in the club at Adelia M. Russell Library at 4 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month. Call the library at 256-234-4644 for details.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

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

Charity Bingo

Play charity bingo at Jake’s Restaurant at 16 Broad St., Alexander City, at 6 p.m. every Thursday night.

Cards are $1, and proceeds benefit local charities.

Amateur Radio Club

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

The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the terminal building at the Thomas C. Russell Field Airport in Alexander City with dinner and fellowship following at a local restaurant.

For information, contact Michael Courtney at 256-825-7766 or Mike Smith at 256-750-5710.

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake

Santuck Flea Market

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

$20 on the 20th

The Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce encourages the community to spend $20 on the 20th of each month to help the local economy.

Every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards: $40 for first place; $25 for second place; $15 for third place. Grab a group of friends and come on out. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and

adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature and the outdoor classroom. Check Calendar.

RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com for scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday night of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 560 state Route 9 in Equality. Visit the EPAC Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming artists and events. For more information, call 334-669-7573.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

The third Saturday of each month, volunteers throughout the community are encouraged to meet at Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@ alexandercitychamber.com.

Strand Sessions

The Lake Martin Young Professionals will host its annual concert series in Strand Park, downtown Alexander City, on the first Thursday of each month through August. Come out to enjoy some live music on the lawn from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will be free to attend and a family-friendly event. Bring coolers, chairs, blankets and food or support local downtown merchants. For more information and artist lineup, visit lakemartinyp.com.

Friday on the Green

Every Friday, starting May 17, head to Russell Crossroads for live music from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring chairs, blankets, food and friends.

Visit russellcrossroads.com for more information.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Everyone is welcome.

Admission is $3 per adult; bring a

covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. Contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724 for information.

Main Street Farmers Market

The Farmers Market at Broad Street Plaza will open for the season on the first Saturday in June and will remain open through September.

Find fresh produce – including blueberries, tomatoes, peppers, beans and corn – along with honey, jams, jellies, handmade art and more. Vendors will be on site from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Contact Main Street Alexander City at 256-329-9227 for information.

To have an event included in Lake Martin Living's calendar, send details, date and time to editor@ lakemartinmagazine.com by the first of each month.

Coffee & Connections

Every third Tuesday of the month, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking event at 8 a.m. that is open to chamber members. Participants should meet at the TPI bullpen at the Lake Martin Innovation Center for coffee, a light breakfast and a chance to network with community members.

Open Studio

The Artists Association of Central Alabama meets at 11:30 a.m. every Thursday at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Senior Center and at 10 a.m. on Mondays at the Dadeville Senior Center on Columbus St. Beginners are welcome. For information, email vkfincher@aol.com.

Music on the Deck

Every Sunday of the season, there will be live music at Kowaliga Restaurant from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For the artist lineup, visit kowaligarestaurant.com.

O’Neal Electric Michael O’Neal

256-510-2146 Electrical • Controls DataCom • Security Serving Central Alabama for over a decade!

Lake Martin Living 55

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

280

17

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

13

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

Flint Hill Church

22

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Pleasant Grove Church

25

11

9

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

259

6

Seman

4 Camp Kiwanis

9

11 1 Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

2

18 5

Union Landing

21

Walnut Hill

y

19 24

Stillwaters

8 Ba

22 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

Church in The Pines

80

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

9 63 16 10

Equality

231

15

Smith Landing

Willow Point 24

Dadev

280

57

20

7

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

26

Liberty Church

20

Jacksons Gap

23

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

14

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck Kent

Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

56 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUNT

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

22

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

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

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 5 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

hoe Bend nal Park

6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 7 Smith Marina 256-444-8793

smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com 8 Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

CHAMBERS COUNTY

ville

10 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

50

Camp Hill

Restaurants 9 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Business & Shopping 280

Waverly 50

12

LEE COUNTY

256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

19 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 20 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt @ Smith Marina 256-444-8793

Hotels & Lodges 21 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 22 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 23 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-444-8793

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

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

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

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

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

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-414-3033.

Space is limited.

Rehabilitation Services

14

• Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy

Notasulga 85 81

18 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

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

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation

Loachapoka

ON TY

12 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850 13 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 14 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 15 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 16 The Stables at Russell Crossroads

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing Candi Tate, Clinical Liaison

2334 Washington Street, Alexander City | 256-329-9061 | www.crownehealthcare.com

Lake Martin Living 57

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Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy.

ALEXANDER CITY

Tony Edwards*, CLU®, ChFC® Principal tony@wealthmarkfinancial.com

Clay Edwards*, LUTCF® Associate clay@wealthmarkfinancial.com

Contact us to make a plan that lets you focus on being good at life.

WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC** 6756 Taylor Circle Montgomery, AL 36117 334-279-1987 wealthmarkfinancial.com

*Tony Edwards and Clay Edwards, Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency and wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance and an agent licensed to sell insurance through New York Life Insurance Company and may be licensed to sell insurance through various other independent unaffiliated companies. **WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. SMRU1710429 (Exp.07/30/2020) ©2018 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010

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Celebrating 25 Years!

at Blue Creek Stop by Today!

SUN - THU 10:30am - 9:00pm FRI - SAT 10:30am - 10:00pm

Southern-Style Cuisine Catering Available from 5-500

6684 Hwy 49 South 256-825-4827 58 Lake Martin Living

Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's 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 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 Touchless Boat Covers Valley Bank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

CHELSEA

The Ditsy Daisy Boutique Winn-Dixie

CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie

DADEVILLE

American Watersports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee Boat Dock 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 Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

ECLECTIC

Bless Your Heart 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 Original Grace Peoples Bank

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

INVERNESS

Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Area Tree Top Family Adventure Winn-Dixie

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA

Good Ole Boys BBQ Piggly Wiggly on 21

TALLASSEE

Chamber of Commerce Community Hospital Community Medical Arts Center Covington Healthcare Eagle Fuels Ivy Creek Game Day Clips Hornsby & Sons Body Shop Mitchell Veterinarian Hospital Paris Mullins Jr, OD Parker Tire & Service Center PrimeSouth Bank Tallassee Board of Education Tallassee City Hall Tallassee Community Library Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Family Dentistry Tallassee Internal Medicine Clinic The Tallassee Tribune Three Lake Dental

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald

Join one of the nation’s largest river cleanup initiatives.

Over the span of 20 years, Alabama Power’s Renew Our Rivers has grown into one of the nation’s largest river cleanup initiatives, removing over 15 million pounds of trash and debris from Alabama’s waterways. Alabama Power is committed to protecting our river ecosystems for generations to come and invites you to join us in carrying out that mission.

Learn more at AlabamaPower.com/RenewOurRivers. © 2019 Alabama Power Company

Lake Martin Living 59

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY SEE ME FOR INSURANCE 334-857-2443 lakemartindock.com

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60 Lake Martin Living

AD INDEX 360 Real Estate.................................................................................. 4 0

Lake Martin Realty........................................................................ 30-31

A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 6

Lake Winds Golf................................................................................ 2 5

Advanced Heating & Air.................................................................... 6 0

Mainstreet Alexander City................................................................19

Alabama Power................................................................................. 5 9

Mark King Furniture...........................................................................63

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

Millstone Nursery................................................................................. 6

Big B Bar-B-Que................................................................................. 2 5

Montgomery Regional Airport............................................................. 3

Bob Alexander Landscaping .............................................................. 2 9

Noel Boone........................................................................................60

Bolton Cove.......................................................................................17

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery................................................... 1 6

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation......................................................... 5 7 C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 2 7 Cahaba Glass....................................................................................... 8 Carlisle Heating & Air........................................................................ 2 9 DAVCO Development........................................................................ 6 0 Designs by Trish................................................................................... 6 Four Seasons..................................................................................... 6 0 George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 6 Gilbert Woodcrafts.............................................................................60

O'Neal Electric................................................................................... 5 5 Oskar's.............................................................................................. 5 8 Precious Memories Monogramming & Boutique.................................29 Prime Management........................................................................... 2 5 Professional Plumbing Service............................................................5 Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6 River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 6 0 Russell Marine................................................................................... 4 5

Harbor Pointe Marina........................................................................ 1 7

Russell Medical.................................................................................. 6 4

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 6 0

Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................. 2 1

Heritage South Credit Union.............................................................. 6 1

Southern Sash..................................................................................... 8

Jackson Thornton............................................................................. 1 6

Surgical Dermatology......................................................................... 1 6

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance................................................ 6 0

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Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 6 0

Swearingen Fence.............................................................................. 2 7

Lacey Howell/ReMax...........................................................................26

Wealthmark Financial Solutions...........................................................58

Lake Martin Dock.......................................................................... 3, 60

Wind Creek Casino.............................................................................. 2

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Lake Martin Living 61

Outdoor beats swarm the scene Culture Shock

T

he sun is shining, and festival season is upon us!

There is nothing better than gathering outside in great weather, soaking up the sun and listening to good music.

All music festivals have their own vibes, and I love the opportunity to hear up-and-coming bands that may be headliners down the road.

I will never forget hearing Zac Brown Band sing Chicken Fried while standing 6 feet from the Lake Martin Amphitheater stage.

By the time you read this, the annual Old 280 Boogie in Waverly Lacey Howell will have come and gone, but it is undoubtedly one of our best local music fests. I love the backyard feel of the Boogie (and anything happening in Waverly). There are always cool, interesting people to meet and great wares from local artists to buy.

In Alexander City, the Lake Martin Young Professionals’ Strand Sessions kicked off earlier this month for another great season. Musicians take the stage in Strand Park on the first Thursday of the month through August. Grab some friends and join the fun from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This is a free and familyfriendly event. Alexander City’s Arts & Entertainment District allows guests to bring outside food and beverages, but folks are encouraged to support the wonderful downtown merchants.

Order some take out, and find a good spot on the grass.

Russell Lands has Friday nights covered with Friday on the Green. Russell Crossroads hosts live music on the lawn by Catherine’s Market. This event has really compounded over the years and always supports local talent. Follow the Russell Lands on Lake Martin Facebook page for the schedule of performers.

The music scene in the South has grown in the past several years with additions of large festivals, including The Hangout in Gulf Shores and Bonnaroo, which takes place on a 650-acre farm in Tennessee. New Orleans’ Jazz and Heritage Festival is a classic and should be on everyone’s must-see list.

If you’re looking for some free, fun activities this season, grab your buddies and head to one of these local venues for some talented entertainment.

Music on the Lawn From Top: The ~ Lacey Howell is a recovering Talismen rocked English major from Auburn who now Strand Park last lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, year; The inaugural rides horses and loves good wine (but Heart of Waverly isn't scared of boxed wine). Follow her BBQ was a hit; on Facebook and Instagram Friday on the Green @LaceyHowell. kicks off in May. 62 Lake Martin Living

SAVE THE DATES STRAND SESSIONS: May 2, June 6, July 11 and Aug. 1 FRIDAY ON THE GREEN: Jonathan Bloom | May 17, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

LITTLE HOUSE SHOWS AT STANDARD DELUXE: (check Facebook for times and ticket links) Will Johnson – April 18 Brad Armstrong & Taylor Hollingsworth – May 1 Callaghan & Chef Rob McDaniel in FeedShak – May 5 HEART OF WAVERLY BBQ & SHOW: July 13 MUSIC ON THE DECK AT KOWALIGA: Every Sunday from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Ella Langley – April 28 | Sid Phelps – May 5

Lake Martin Living 63