Lake Martin Living Magazine April 2021

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

Raheem Ruffin's stage debut Art in the Park

CELEBRATING

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk April is known for beautiful spring weather when seasons are transitioning and days are finally becoming longer, or at least it appears so.

Businesses are opening back up, and COVID-19 restrictions are finally loosening a bit. There is still a safer distance order in place, but masks become a personal responsibility, and all I can think is, I get to see people smile again.

That is also the route I took when creating the content for Lake Martin Living this month.

I hoped to brighten someone’s day when they cracked open the pages of this magazine. It’s been a tough few months, like 13 of them, and with events back on the scene and lives seemingly getting back to what we hope is normal, I wanted to share what is going on out there.

So, on page 28, there is a feature about the Lake Martin Young Professionals and Strand Sessions, which is an event that the group has orchestrated for the last few years but may have substantial meaning to the community now that we are getting back to normal. Then, on page 10, we traveled over to Wetumpka to get schooled on making delicious cocktails with whiskey from John Emerald Distilling Company. They also offer a tour of the distillery in Opelika. So, if you are ever over in the area, like say, for a day trip, I recommend stopping in there and taking a tour. If my memory serves me well, the tour is free with the purchase of a drink.

Lacey Howell shares with us on page 46 that there is a new style back in town, and it’s called grandma’s wallpaper. I joke, but really, the latest trend amongst adults is called grandmillennial, and it’s like a mixture of grannychic meets modern esthetic. It’s quite fascinating. Fire ant mounds are also popping up and aren’t they pesky little buggers, those fire ants? I think so, but if you flip on over to page 22, our guest columnists Vicky Bertagnolli and Fudd Graham explain precisely how to treat fire ant mounds.

On page 35, meet David Wellborn. He will intrigue us from time to time with his knowledge of estate planning and exactly what can go awry if we don’t handle our business upfront. Dr. George Miranda is also a guest columnist this month. He is the new Director of the UAB Medicine Russell Medical Cancer Center. On page 32, he keeps us up-to-date and informed about the innovative technologies that the Russell Medical Cancer Center offers and what months are important for specific cancer screenings.

We have noticed how much our readers absolutely adore their pets. The ongoing, insanely cute photos posted all over Facebook and Instagram kind of give it away. So, in honor of our pet parents and all fur-ever friends, we reached out to our followers and asked for photo submissions of pets, and we had a great turnout. Those photos are featured on page 16.

There is just so much wholesome goodness packed into these 48 pages that I simply cannot fit it all into this editor’s note. So, I ask that you peruse the magazine, enjoy the photos and get excited about the upcoming events, like Art in the Park and Driving Miss Daisy because, let me tell you, Raheem Ruffin and the whole cast, well, they are insanely good. So, I hope to see you out there, and if I do, I will most certainly have a camera in tow, so make sure to bring that big, beautiful smile.

Brittany Smith, Editor 4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Editor Brittany Smith Contributors Kenneth Boone Dave Jennings Lacey Howell Vicky Bertagnolli Fudd Graham George Miranda David Wellborn Cliff Williams Siri Hedreen Jake Arthur Betsy Iler Audra Spears Magazine Distribution Manager Erin Burton Creative Services Audra Spears Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Rachel McCollough Marilyn Hawkins Julie Harbin Andy Carr Carson Wages Digital Services Elle Fuller Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

Lake Martin Living 5

ON THE COVER

Thor is a 4-year-old blue merle, Great Dane. He loves his humans and would do almost anything for them. He enjoys treats and loves to play with his best friend Bear, but don't ask him to roam far because he likes to keep his pet parents close. Thor is the ultimate protector and truly - man's (and woman's) best friend.

Photo by Audra Spears

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

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Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry

6 Lake Martin Living

FEATURES 10. COCKTAILS AT THE CLEAVER The Coosa Cleaver and John Emerald Distilling Company have joined forces to make events happen this season.

16. FUR-EVER FRIENDS Lake Martin Living requested photos from proud pet parents on social media and we love what we received.

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 14. FROM THE TEE 22. GARDEN TALK 32. MEDICAL NEWS 35. MONEY MATTERS 36. OH SNAP! 40. LAKE REGION EVENTS 43. GOOD EATS 50. CULTURE SHOCK

20. RAHEEM RUFFIN Local school teacher and coach has a newfound love for acting.

26. ART IN THE PARK The atmosphere will be electric this May 15 as artists of all mediums come together for a day of entertainment.

28. COMMUNITY MATTERS The Lake Martin Young Proffessionals kick off another season of Strand Sessions.

People nestled into The Square in downtown Alexander City excited for the first Strand Sessions of the year.

Photo by Jake Arthur.

28

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AROUND THE AREA

Excellence abounds at Russell Medical Wound Care Center The Russell Medical Wound Care Center is in the top 10 percent for healing wounds, winning the Healogics’ 2020 Robert Warriner III M.D. Clinical Excellence Award.

Dr. Regina Phillips said the award doesn’t just reflect on the staff ’s A Caring Staff Left to Right: Melissa Abrams, accomplishments Stacey Fuller, Karen Treadwell, through medical Dr. Regina Phillips, Bentia knowledge but Stowes, Olyvia Clayton, Brittany reflects Phillips’ Bolt, and Alex Klimoski. and the staffs’ commitment to caring for the whole patient.

“Making sure that their spirit and mental health is addressed as much as their physical health,” Phillips said.

“When you meet people and treat them as a whole, you can minister to their spirit and you can alleviate the mental anxiety and fear. I think that is what sets us apart and our patients get better. I think caring shows up in the award because patients want to come back.”

Phillips said the award meant she and staff were healing at least 92% of the wounds they treated within 28 days. ~Cliff Williams

Reeltown Hosts State Government Day Rep. Ed Oliver and public educators' union Alabama Education Association hosted the annual State Government Day event on April 2, 2021 at Reeltown High School.

Normally held in Montgomery, legislators came to Tallapoosa County

this time due to COVID-19 restrictions in the capitol.

Junior Leadership Lake Martin members from Benjamin Russell, Horseshoe Bend, Dadeville and Reeltown high schools were in attendance.

Legislature chief of staff Mark Tuggle and Rep. Joe Lovvorn joined Oliver in explaining what happens in the statehouse, from how a bill becomes a law to how political alliances are made.

The three also spoke of a few hot-button issues making their ways through the legislature, including gambling and medical marijuana.

Agriculture commissioner Rick Pate, Alabama Court of Appeals presiding judge Mary Windom, office of attorney general communications director Mike Lewis and Tallapoosa County commissioner and AEA representative T.C. Coley all also spoke at the event. State Making Alliances senator Tom Rep. Ed Oliver Whatley, origiintroduces Alabama Court nally scheduled to speak, did not of Appeals presiding judge attend.

Mary Windom. ~Siri Hedreen Lake Martin Living 9

Cocktail T Classes at the Cleaver STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH PHOTOS COURTSEY OF COOSA CLEAVER & JILL SANDERSON

10 Lake Martin Living

here is something special about small town businesses coming together to make magic happen, but when they cross county lines and truly put forward an effort to get life moving in an entire region, well, that is even more special.

The Coosa Cleaver in Wetumpka and John Emerald Distilling in Opelika have joined forces and are doing what they can to bring communities across central and eastern Alabama together.

John Emerald Distilling is Alabama’s first legal distiller of whiskey since prohibition started here in 1914. They make vodka, gin, three different kinds of whiskey, three different types of rum, an agave spirit and possibly the world’s only muscadine brandy, but certainly the tastiest.

Ryan Friday and his wife, Danyalle, opened The Coosa Cleaver in 2018 after a successful venture in Montgomery with the Cork and Cleaver. Since opening The Coosa Cleaver, the Fridays have looked for any avenue possible to bring vibrancy and crowds to their restaurant and the surrounding areas.

It wasn’t until a second trip to John Emerald Distilling that Danyalle sparked the idea of holding a cocktail-making class at the Cleaver.

“I’ve been to the distillery in Opelika twice,” said Danyalle. “The last time we were there, Jill and I came up with this idea to host a class, and we made it happen. This is just the first one that we’ve done, so we are working out the kinks, but tonight went pretty well. We had a great turnout.”

John Emerald Distilling partnered with The Coosa Cleaver to offer

cocktail classes from the privacy of its second-story bar and event space, located at 106 Company Street in downtown Wetumpka.

People from all over central and eastern Alabama turned up for this first-time-ever event on Feb. 10, which consisted of learning to make three different cocktails utilizing local spirits made at the distillery. The Coosa Cleaver also provided three appetizers, one before and two during the class, to keep participants happy and full while learning.

Jill Sanderson is the director of sales and marketing for John Emerald Distilling. She was also the host of the event and walked the participants through learning to make a barrel rusted gin cocktail called “The Zelda” and a classic dessert cocktail that goes by the name of “Muscadine Brandy Alexander.” That evening, the third cocktail was Bartender and Manager at Coosa Cleaver Emily Cox’s specialty cocktail, the “Blackberry Agave Smash.” All three beverages were crafted with John Emerald Distilled spirits.

The night started with a brief introduction of the cocktails that participants would learn to make. Sanderson then offered a run-through of bar terms, such as can or shaker, a jigger, which is an essential part of having consistent cocktails, and a muddler, a tool used to smash fruit into spirits.

With the technicalities out of the way, cocktail crafting began. The restaurant staff ensured that all participants had

every tool they needed to craft Drink Up Left to Right: their cocktails and food to The Wicked Float, keep bellies full. a John Emerlad All in all, the night was a specialty; The Coosa hit. Participants enjoyed the Cleaver hosts events event, the drinks and the food. regularly; John Emerald “We look forward to Distilling Company hosting another cocktail night is Alabama's first legal here,” said Sanderson. “This distiller of whiskey since prohibition in 1914. one was definitely a hit. We are thinking sometime in May. I will also be at Lake Martin. I have several contacts there that I would like to partner with as well.”

The venture between the restaurant and the distillery came at a time when both businesses were looking to expand their reach in the community. The distillery is working on expansion projects in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties, while the Coosa Cleaver is working with Main Street Wetumpka, local musicians and now John Emerald Distilling to expand operations through central and eastern Alabama.

To learn more about John Emerald Distilling or to book a class or a tour, visit johnemeralddistilling.com. For more information on the Coosa Cleaver, check out the Facebook page or look online at Coosacleaver.com.

Lake Martin Living 11

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Lake Martin Living 13

Get Fitted

I

t’s officially golf season across the United States this month of April, and Masters Tournament will be played at Augusta National Golf Club during the proper time of year. Last year’s Masters was like no other because it was played in the late fall of 2020 without the azaleas and dogwoods in bloom. The course itself, with young ryegrass, played much softer than usual, and scores reflected this difference. I am in hopes that we see Augusta National playing firm and fast this year. I can’t wait. Although I am not a fan of Nick Faldo’s commentary, I won’t miss a minute of the television coverage.

With this being a new year and golf club manufacturers ramping up to offer their freshest, longest and straightest irons and woods, golfers may soon begin shopping for new sets of clubs. A question that is asked of many good golfers by the weekend player is, “what is the best golf club to buy?” That question can never be answered truthfully.

All of the golf club manufacturers are making great golf equipment. The best golf club for an individual should fit and appeal to that golfer's eye and ear.

Golf clubs consist of a few components; head, shaft and grip. For each of these components, there are several choices to be made and many big names to choose from, such as Titleist, Taylormade, Mizuno, Cobra, Callaway, Ping, PXG, etc. Most people in the golf industry will tell you that one of the most important components of the club is the shaft. A smooth swinging senior does not need a shaft as stiff as a Tour player. Using a more rigid shaft will cause some players to lose yardage and control. The number of choices for shafts is staggering.

The third most important component is the grip. Here again, there is a huge assortment of selections from various manufacturers. Golf Pride grips sell more grips than their 14 Lake Martin Living

competitors, but many other companies make terrific products. The size, texture and weight of grips are essential considerations that should be discussed with a pro when ordering new sets of clubs.

I find it somewhat funny when golf club manufacturers promote that the geniuses from the research and development group have created the longest and straightest golf club ever made and will reduce a handicap by five strokes. Marketers use this tactic year after year, and my advice is: Do not buy into this sort of marketing.

Another bit of advice, do not solely be committed to purchasing the golf club brand that your favorite Tour professional is playing. That golfer uses that brand of equipment because he’s getting paid a king’s ransom to represent them. You would be shocked to find out how those tour players are custom-fitted, especially the elite players. The custom equipment that elite players use is not easily found at the corner golf store.

Before buying a new set of clubs, take a few swings with them to ensure that the feel, look and sound supply the desired outcome. The lie angle, length and weight all need to be configured to the golfers swing.

Speak with a golf professional before buying a new set. Get his/her opinions on the quality of the clubs that they usually buy and sell. Most good club pros can well fit their members for golf equipment. Some do it better than others, but either way, have the conversation.

Some of the discount stores are very good with custom fitting; some are horrible; some will upsell the customer into products that they really don’t need. Others will be patient and work diligently to ensure the customer is buying the club that fits best.

Find a golf professional who is good at fitting

From the Tee

equipment; and then, purchase from them. they were going to be the golden wand.

Their number one priority is to make the game When I first saw the putter that I am more enjoyable for their members. presently using, I wasn’t turned on one bit, Your pro knows that if he does a poor job but as I putted with it for 30 or 40 minutes, I in fitting you, you just might be in his ear for a noticed how the ball rolled down my intended long time, where the retail store may not care line more often than not, and I could control or be concerned with your game improvement. the speed much better than the other putters Some things have changed drastically from I had been using. This putter has now been when I was young as far as the outfitting of in my bag longer than any other putter I’ve golf equipment these days. I didn’t own a good ever owned. It’s not because it’s prettier, more sand wedge until I was 20 years old, and I expensive or that more tour players use it, but played fairly well in many junior tournaments it actually fits my stroke better than any other for years. putter I own. With the other putters I have When I was 17, I found an old Kroydon at the house, I could stake about an acre of sand wedge and used it until I could afford tomato plants with them. My suggestion is that to upgrade. Recruiting at junior tournaments you get properly fitted for your putter and don’t today, I see more money spent on a set of clubs waste time, money or strokes.

Dave Jennings for these kids than the price of my first two Driver and fairway woods are a fun buy. cars put together; however, I did become very When I am in the driver market, my first imaginative with that old Kroydon wedge. concern is how it fits my eye. Secondly, how Golf equipment specifications have changed drastically does it feel? Then, I want to see numbers from a launch over the years, but there seems to be a repeat of history, as monitor. I would suggest having the golf pro use a launch some of the clubs’ designs have brought back similar looks, monitor when trying these products, which gives the styles and features from years past. Below, I listed a few customer data on what happens to a ball at impact and can companies whose clubs resemble some older designs in my be used to improve a stroke or when fitting for new clubs. eye.

For me, with my swing speed matching most sloths IRONS stretching in the morning, I need a club that will produce more spin to keep it airborne longer. This additional 1960's & 1970's Today backspin also helps me keep the ball straighter; however, MacGregor Tommy Armour Titleist players with faster swing speeds may require less spin, and the club pro can figure out all the other equations.

First Flight & Palmer "Standard Mizuno Years ago, in the persimmon head days, there just Spalding Top Flite Professional TaylorMade weren’t as many factors to consider as today. From 1967 Hogan Apex Callaway through 1991, I played with two drivers; 1957 Tommy Wilson Staff Dyna-Power Cobra Armour Super Eye-O-Matic and 1984 Ram Tom Watson PING PXG persimmon drivers.

In 1991, I was pressured to move to the metal-headed driver. Honestly, I hit the metal driver 15 to 20 feet further.

The resemblance comes from some irons sporting I couldn’t afford not to make the switch. longer faces, thick or thin top lines, thicker or thinner Since 1991, I bet I’ve owned 25 various drivers, always soles or more rounded toes; however, when my golf team looking for extra yardage. Today, I have a Titleist 9.5 degree player’s hit their irons 25 yards further than I ever did, the 917D3 driver with a regular shaft. I love the new TSi by thought of similarities, sadly, quickly vanishes.

Titleist, but I doubt I will buy, as I have a lot of confidence When shopping for putters, the assortment of choices in the 917. I’m slowly learning that if something works, seems endless: Mallet, blade, long and short shafts, insert, don’t fix it. no insert, offset or straight, toe weighted or face balanced.

Folks, should the itch to replenish the golf bag with Once again, get with a golf professional to ask for advice. new weapons this year happen, I highly suggest speaking Although some putters may look good to the eye, that to a golf pro before making an online or discount store may not be the case; not many people stroke a putt the purchase. If the pro is honest and they don’t stock or same. Some players open and shut the putter face in their cannot order what fits best, they should direct the stroke, and some try to keep the face relatively square to customer to someone else who can fulfill their needs. the target throughout the stroke. The design of the putter Do some research, ask a lot of questions and touch and can help or hinder a particular stroke. look at a lot of clubs. Taking time to commit to a selection For years, I carried about four or five putters in my by making an educated decision will turn out better results car and had difficulty committing to only one putter. I’ve in the end and better results inevitably lead to happiness. owned hundreds of putters over the years, and I wish I Play well and have a ball. could have at least half of the money back that I spent on putters that did not fit my stroke, but boy, at the time I ~Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central bought them, I loved the way they looked and just knew Alabama Community College.

Lake Martin Living 15

FUR-EVER

FRIENDS

N

o matter how busy or chaotic a pet parent’s life may become, they love to photograph their fur babies. With every photograph of these cute, snuggly animals comes a memory, a bit of personality and a little harmony.

Pet parents also love sharing the photos they take of their pets, whether it be on social media, by adorning desks or walls with their cuddly mugs, or even by catching an unsuspecting friend or colleague with a camera roll of pet snapshots on the phone from the weekend, these parents are proud. And they should be.

Pets are photogenic and funny and often times the camera comes out because they are doing something incredibly interesting, quite humorous or they seem completely at peace. Revisiting photos like this in the future has even been proven to have positive outcomes on health, like combating stress and increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is the chemical that causes happiness.

So, in honor of National Pet month, Pet Parents Day and our readers, we asked people that follow Lake Martin Living on Facebook and Instagram to send in photos of their fur-ever friends and this was the outcome. Enjoy a little happiness, on us.

16 Lake Martin Living

Smile for the Camera

Clockwise Page Left: Yogi; Saban; Harley; Clara Belle; Oakley; Tiger; Kodak; Gunner; Tua Mac; Scout; Clockwise Page Right: Leo, Buckley and Trudy; Milo; Stella; Purdy Kellum.

Lake Martin Living 17

Say Bacon!

Clockwise: Maui; Ghost and Creature; Marina; Yeti; Winston; Tink; Sambone; Aspen.

18 Lake Martin Living

2 2 READERS’

CHOICE

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Lake Martin Living 19

Raheem Ruffin STORY & PHOTOS BY BRITTANY SMITH

“W

ell, hello Denzel,” is how Raheem Ruffin’s brother Marvin greets him now that he has been named the lead role of Hoke Coleburn in Driving Miss Daisy for Act II in Alexander City.

“My family is my biggest supporter, but it also means I have to do well because if I don’t, they will never let me live it down,” said Ruffin, who is not an actor by trade, but in fact, a high school teacher and coach.

“This is my first performance. I saw the advertisement, and I thought I would give it a shot. Lo and behold, I ended up getting the part,” Ruffin said.

Ruffin, an acclaimed quiet kid turned class clown, said his family has always pushed him to become a comedian; although, he is quite the funny man, he just didn’t believe that becoming a comedian would be conducive to his lifestyle.

“For the last 20 years, I’ve been dedicated to making sure that my family could do all of the things that they wanted to do, and this play was something where it’s just for me,” Ruffin said. “It gives me a chance to step outside of the box, but also, it gives me the opportunity to be an example for my kids to not be afraid to do something outside of the box.”

Ruffin is a huge proponent for living life, even if it means doing something scary. As a father of four, he strives to teach his children to be fearless in the pursuit of their dreams and desires.

“When my oldest daughter was four, she wanted to go down the big slide at the fair, the one with the potato sacks, and I don’t do heights or roller coasters, even that slide, that was a reach for me, but I did it. I didn’t want her to see me be afraid,” said Ruffin.

20 Lake Martin Living

“And then some years later, we took the kids to Disney, and they wanted to ride a roller coaster,” he said. “We waited three hours, and when we got to the gate, I thought they were going to back out, but they didn’t. They were ready. I rode that thing with my eyes closed, but they had the best time.”

Prior to children, Ruffin was not an adventurous person, but becoming a father has pushed him to make choices and choose experiences that otherwise would have been a hard no in the past.

“My son, he’s 11. He is a carbon copy of me. He sees all of the good in the world, but he’s a quiet kid. He hasn’t yet come out of his shell, and me participating in this show – it’s more for him than it is for me,” Ruffin said. “This is to help him come out of his shell and see that it is OK to take chances and not be afraid to live.”

Ruffin admits that while he is thoroughly enjoying his newfound role in Driving Miss Daisy, preparing to portray the role of Hoke has been an experience where he has had to leave his ego at the door.

“There are three of us that are actually in the play, and the other two actors have been in other plays, and man, they are good,” he said. “They are always encouraging, but I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and I can be pretty hard on myself, especially with me not having as much experience.”

Ruffin also owns a business where he trains kids in baseball and softball, and he said he could do that in his sleep, but acting, for him, is different.

“I told them, ‘you all know more than I do. Whatever I’m doing wrong or if there is anything I can do better, please let me know,’ and I say that because when I walk in that room, I leave my ego at the door, and at the end of

the day, when we hit the stage and its live, I want to do the very best that I can,” Ruffin said.

Although preparing for the role of Hoke has been a challenge as far as learning the ropes of the stage, actually relating to his character has been somewhat easy, Ruffin said.

“From the start of the play, Hoke is down on his luck and looking for work and ends up with the job of driving Miss Daisy, and she is not having any of it. She is rough around the edges and stuck in her ways, and Hoke is, in my mind, a southern gentleman and just an easygoing guy. Anybody else, Miss Daisy probably runs off,” Ruffin said. “But there again, it’s one of those things where Hoke is between a rock and a hard place. He needs the job, and at that time, his wife had died. He still had his daughter and grandkids that he wanted to support, and so he dealt with this rich Jewish lady.”

According to Ruffin, Hoke is a prideful guy. He said that as an elderly black man in those times, he believes Hoke had seen enough in his life that he can do his job, deal with Miss Daisy, played by Betsy Iler, and pass no judgment on her and just continue to move forward.

Ruffin also believes that Hoke sees this opportunity with Miss Daisy as a challenge because they are from different backgrounds.

“The challenge was in the lines of ‘I’m going to keep this job, and I’m going to show this lady, you know, a different side and that there is a different way to life than what she is probably used to.’ He was just the right man for the right job at the right time, and in that sense, I can relate to him because Hoke is a thoughtful person, and I believe I am an extremely thoughtful person, too,” Ruffin said.

“I believe, like myself, that Hoke understood what he

was getting himself into. He didn’t lump Miss Daisy into a group of people that she was used to associating with, but rather, he dealt with her on an individual basis and that’s how I do things, too,” he said.

“My parents raised us to do what we are supposed to do; be nice human beings, serve people, and even be extremely forgiving of people – even to Become the Character the point of where Left: Ruffin's facial expressions we are probably and body language make him a natural on stage. Above: Ruffin way too forgiving,” he said. “I think and castmate, David Upton, Hoke is the same who plays Boolie, rehearse without scripts in preparation for way with Miss opening night.

Daisy.”

Ruffin said that Hoke forgives Miss Daisy for a lot of her misdeeds, and he never lets it affect his job or his relationship with her, but inevitably he does have an effect on her.

“That is how I am, too. When coaching and teaching and in everyday life, I try not to let what’s going on around me in the world affect what I do. I try to have a positive effect on the people that I am around,” Ruffin said.

“And so when I saw the audition for this play advertised. I just went for it. It felt right and good,” he recalled. “And I always say that everything happens within its time and when it is supposed to happen. I just felt like this is what I’m supposed to be doing at this time.”

The cast will perform Driving Miss Daisy on April 30 and May 1 at the Town Green Stage at Russell Crossroads.

The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and general seating is free, or reserve a cirlce for $30 to get the best seats. Call 256-749-8073 for circle reservations.

$90

Lake Martin Living 21

Garden Talk

22 Lake Martin Living

Pesky Fire Ants How to kill the colony STORY BY VICKY BERTAGNOLLI & FUDD GRAHAM PHOTOS BY SHANE HARRIS

Lake Martin Living 23

I

mported fire ants are a year-round problem in the South. Their unsightly and sometimes damaging mounds are an ever-present sight in our landscapes. For an effective fire ant management program, now is an excellent time to look at how the timing of pesticide applications affects treatments.

There are two product categories for fire ant management: fast-acting residual contact insecticides and fire ant baits. Both can be applied as broadcast applications or as individual mound treatments.

Broadcast applications of contact insecticides can be made effectively any time of year, but success with individual mound treatments and broadcast bait applications requires awareness of the temperature, rain outlook and other weather conditions that affect fire ant behavior.

Contact Insecticide Applications: Applications of contact insecticides target only foragers and have limited contact with the queen and colony. Even so, contact insecticides usually provide rapid colony control due to the residual activity of the insecticide in the soil.

Contact insecticides may come in granular or liquid formulations.

Broadcast applications of contact insecticides can slow reinfestation for a month or longer depending on several factors. These factors include the active ingredient in the product, the rate the product is applied, soil type and the weather. For example, products containing bifenthrin will kill quickly and provide residual activity for up to three months, depending on the rate applied. Products containing fipronil may provide residual activity for up to six months, depending on soil type, but take several weeks for effects 24 Lake Martin Living

to be seen in the field. There are combination products on the market that contain fipronil and other faster-acting active ingredients that are effective and provide a quicker kill along with extended residual activity.

Granular formulations applied via broadcast may need to be watered in with irrigation, or the pesticide will not be fully active until a rain event. Broadcast applications require complete coverage of the treated area. They leave residues in sensitive areas, and most of the products are nonselective. If you are using one of these products for other insect problems, such as mole crickets, fire ant control is an added bonus.

Treating individual mounds with contact insecticides works well to get the product to the brood and the queen. They can Bait the Ants be fast-acting, easy to use, and Previous Page: Ants minimize insecticide residues forage and pick up if you have just a few mounds granulars of bait; in a small area. Liquid products Above: Broadcast require mixing approximately applications of fire ant bait two gallons of insecticide are the most solution to get the product deep effective method enough into the soil to reach the of managment. queen. While granular products usually use around a 1/2 cup of product sprinkled on and around the mound, most labels recommend watering in with one to two gallons of water. Mound treatments require mixing or hauling large amounts of water, especially if you have many mounds to treat.

Individual mound applications are not as effective in the summer heat as they are in the cooler months of the year. During the heat of the summer, particularly during periods of especially hot, dry weather, many mounds may remain underground and can be hard to find above the soil surface. Visible mounds can extend to over 6 feet deep in the ground and contain 200-300 feet of underground tunnels. The summer sun can heat the mound and ground to temperatures that can kill workers. Therefore, workers move the brood and the queen deep into the mound where temperatures are cooler, making it difficult to get an individual mound treatment in contact with most of the workers and the queen. A couple of gallons of water does not move deep into hot, dry soil. Since the product tends not to get to the queen fast enough to kill her, the workers escape with the queen through foraging tunnels and form a new satellite mound nearby.

Individual mound treatments are much more effective during cooler temperatures. In cooler weather, the mound acts as a solarium. Ants bring the queen and brood near the surface of the mound where temperatures are warmer.

Bait Applications: Broadcast applications of fire ant bait are the most effective method of fire ant management for areas over one to two acres. However, knowledge of how baits work is essential for proper bait application. Baits use the natural behavior of ants to distribute the toxicant to the colony; the ants perceive the bait as food and do the work for you. As the ants forage for food, they find the bait and carry it back to the mound. Once the bait is back at the mound, it is fed to the queen and immature ants first, leaving little to no residue. Once the queen is dead, the mound will die.

Timing the broadcast application to forage behavior can be inconvenient and sometimes difficult. A 1987 study in Florida found that soil temperature at 3/4 inch was the best individual predictor of foraging rates.

Maximum foraging occurred between 71 degrees, and 97 degrees Fahrenheit. Soil does not warm to this temperature range during the late fall and winter months; therefore, ants do not forage far from the mound. As a rule of thumb, broadcast fire ant bait applications are not recommended between October 15 and April 15 due to cool soil temperatures that may discourage foraging. These dates apply to central Alabama and may need to be adjusted depending on spring and fall temperatures.

During peak summer months, the soil gets too hot for ants to forage during the middle of the day. If you have ever walked barefooted on the beach mid-day in the summer, you can understand why ants don’t forage until later in the day when soil temperatures are cooler!

Fire ant baits use vegetable oil as a carrier for the active ingredient. The vegetable oil also serves as an attractant to the ant. Any bait applied during mid-day

during hot weather will sit on the ground in the sun since the soil is too hot for the ants to forage. As the bait sits on the hot soil, the oil dries out, making the bait less attractive to the ants. Once the soil has cooled a bit in the late afternoon, foraging ants come upon the dried-out bait. This dried-out bait tends to be less attractive to the ants and may not be picked up.

To avoid degradation of baits, broadcast applications should be made either very early morning when there is no heavy dew or after 3 p.m. on days when daytime temperatures are consistently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ants will quit foraging for baits applied in the early morning once soil temperatures rise thus reducing foraging time. Therefore, afternoon applications are preferable as afternoon applications allow fire ants to forage for the baits throughout the night when soil temperatures are cooler.

One other factor to consider when planning broadcast bait applications is moisture. Irrigation of any kind should be postponed for at least 12 hours postapplication. Additionally, applications should be timed at least 12 hours prior to predicted rain events.

Individual mound treatments with bait products work well for small areas or areas with few mounds. Individual mound treatments are effective year-round if applied at the correct time. Like broadcast applications, they should be applied according to label directions late afternoon during hot summer days. Individual mound treatments are also effective in the winter if applied on warm sunny days once the mound heats up and ants become active.

Although ants do not forage long distances once soil temperatures cool during the late fall and winter Escape from Heat months, they will forage Workers move the brood near the mound and pick and the queen deep up enough bait on warm, into the mound during the hot summer months. sunny winter days to kill the colony.

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Art in the Park STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH

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urt and Leigh Pfitzner purchased Pennington Park from the Pennington estate in 2018 with the intention of turning it into a park and event venue.

“Johnnie Fae Pennington, who used to teach at Dadeville High School, owned the property before we purchased it,” Pfitzner said. “After she passed away, we decided to buy the property, turn it in to a park, and name it Pennington Park in her memory. Today we use the park for events of all kinds.”

Since the creation of Pennington Park, the Pfitzners have partnered with Everything’s Art, a non-profit organization that was created to enliven and bring fine arts in the Dadeville community and surrounding areas through a variety of events.

Together, they will host the 2nd Annual Everything’s Art in the Park on May 15, 2021, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“Last year’s Art in the Park was planned for May as well, but due to COVID-19, it was rescheduled for August. We still had a good turn out and we are looking forward to having a bigger event this year,” Pfitzner said.

“We have lined up so many talented artists of all types, using numerous mediums for the event.”

“We will have artists there who paint with watercolors, oils and some who paint with acrylics.

We even have a local artist coming who creates his works using only colored pencils,” Leigh said. “There will be paper art, crushed glass and metal works.

Rounding out our vendors will be someone who creates forged knives and we will even have homemade soaps available."

One intriguing artist who will be showcased at the event carves wood and on a special occasion last year, he decided to donate

art to the park by carving faces into the trees at the back of Pennington Park.

“Two trees died behind the pavilion and Ken Rhodes, a local artist, came and carved faces into the sides of the trees," Pfitzner said. "The faces are remarkable. They are two to three feet long, in a tree that is about nine feet tall and it is just beautiful work.

We like to think of the characters as the Watchmen of the Park.

Its such a cool thing and an honor to have them watching over the park and protecting the land.”

The Pfitzners expect to have between 30 to 50 vendor booths, in addition to food trucks and free live music at the event.

“When performers are not on the stage, we will have music playing. We really want to create a festival-like atmosphere,” Pfitzner said.

Then at 3 p.m. the atmosphere will become a little more electric when David Jones, critically acclaimed jazz musician takes the stage. Jones is known for playing to the crowd and turning up the fun.

“I play everything from old jazz standards like Steely Dan, Frank Sinatra and Carol King to Chaka Khan,” Jones said. “I just want to see people having a great time and it’s always cool to hear people say, ‘Man, I haven’t heard that in years.’”

And speaking of not hearing that in years, Tina Marie’s Oldies Show begins at 5:30 p.m., just in time for the sun to set and the town to come together. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and relax for the evening while enjoying a one-ofa-kind show featuring Tina Marie Hosey as Patsy Cline, Forrest Forbis as Elvis Presley and Terrell White as Aretha Franklin.

“I have been singing my whole life,” Hosey said. “I don’t remember not singing and I thank God for the energy he gave me because I truly enjoy making people smile.”

Patsy Cline is Hosey’s favorite artist and what started as fun, quickly turned into a real gig. The same goes for White.

“When I was young, I would be at my grandma’s house and every Saturday was Blues Saturday on the radio all day long," White said. "So that’s all I heard and I grew up loving the blues.

Then one Saturday I heard Say a Little Prayer for You and I started singing and couldn’t stop. I’ve been singing Aretha ever since. I loved RESPECT and Rock Steady, too.”

“My story is a little different than Terrell’s or Tina’s,” Forbis said. “I’m kind of walking in my daddy’s footsteps. He did Elvis impersonations for birthdays and private gatherings my whole life. So, I just kind of stepped into his boots and continued the tradition.”

According to the group, which originated several years back, the night will be electrifying and jam-packed with stories about the original artists, too.

“During the performance, we will share stories about the artists lives. Things like how Patsy didn’t like some of the songs that she recorded, or that RESPECT was born from a very dark time in Aretha’s life. We thoroughly look forward to putting on a dynamic show for the community,” Hosey said.

Pfitzner said that the show will be over around 7:30 or 8 p.m., but that the Make Art Clockwise From Left: entertainers and community can stay as long The Watchmen of as they like. the park; David “We look at these events as a time to bring Jones internationally the community together. It’s a time to meet acclaimed jazz musician; new friends and connect with old ones, and Terrell White as Aretha it’s an incredible way to make memories,” Franklin and Forrest Pfitzner said.

Forbis as Elvis.

Lake Martin Living 27

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Community Matters STORY & PHOTOS BY BRITTANY SMITH

I

t is no secret that people born and raised in Alexander City, and those who transplant in, love this little town. There is a sense of camaraderie that exists here that seems to be missing from society’s general picture today.

People still wave when driving down the streets or when on the water in their boats. People here still pull onto the shoulder of the road for emergency vehicles to pass when the lights are on and even greet one another at the gas pump or grocery stores. The friendly nature of southern hospitality that is still prevalent in Alexander City today is the driving force of this thriving community.

Many facets enable a small community to prosper, such as retaining small-town values, sharing the town’s historic character, and building community partnerships. Alexander City excels in these situations.

A prime example of a thriving community partnership is that of the Lake Martin Young Professionals, a group that originated because there was a need to connect young professionals in the community. The group eventually evolved into an official program of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, where Jacob Meacham is the staff member responsible for the program.

Meacham first became involved with Lake Martin YP several years ago when he began participating in events offered in the community.

He saw a need for fresh opportunities where young professionals could start to do the things they want to see in their community.

“Lake Martin YP is pretty active. We arrange a mix of social activities that help to build leadership in the community, support local businesses and everyone who participates volunteers their time,” Meacham said.

Play A Tune The goal of the Daniel and McDaniel Lake Martin YP’s is to wowed crowds continue bringing in as Strand Sessions the next wave of active summer concert participants and leaders series kicked off on April 1. for Alexander City and

Lake Martin Living 29

the Lake Martin area.

“It might not have been the stated intention from the beginning but there was definitely the thought that a successful YP group could help advance our members into other leadership opportunities,” Meacham said. “Like becoming a part of the city council, the school board or even becoming successful business owners and great employees.”

Meacham said that when the group is planning and organizing events, it is a strategic process that is crafted to get young people involved and excited about living in the Lake Martin area.

Strand Sessions is the most recent event that the Lake Martin YP’s have on the calendar. It is a live music series at Strand Park that takes place the first Thursday of each month, April through August. The event is free to attend, and the group invites the community to bring lawn chairs and a blanket to picnic or grab a drink and dinner at one of the restaurants right there in the entertainment district.

“There is a community atmosphere and great crowds when the weather permits,” Meacham said. “People come out to enjoy great music and support their neighbors and friends. We encourage those who come to Strand Sessions to grab dinner before or after the concert.”

Strand Sessions is in its sixth year and kicked off on April 1 with a remarkable performance by Daniel and McDaniel.

The event was moved inside to The Square in downtown Alexander City due to inclement weather.

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Community Comes Together “We are fortunate to have Due to inclement partnerships within our weather, Strand community, and when we Sessions was moved found out how cold it was from Strand Park to The going to be the night of the Square in downtown event, we were able to make Alexander City. a few phone calls and quickly and easily get Strand Sessions moved inside to The Square,” he said. “My family and I own the building, so it was just a matter of convincing them that this would be great to host and allow the event to continue with very little interruption.”

But regardless of the weather, the show went on. Daniel and McDaniel delighted the crowd with their bluesy, rock n’ roll, country vibe while Alana’s Place in The Square filled bellies with a shareable plate option consisting of chicken salad, pimento cheese with pepper jelly and Conecuh sausage.

The night was full of ambiance, laughter and American folk music. Kids played with blocks and an assortment of other toys while adults enjoyed the evening. Strand Sessions is a family-friendly outing with an electric atmosphere and would make a great date night for people of all ages.

Lake Martin YP is doing big things in and around the city. They are an inclusive organization and work with anyone who sees a big, bright future for Alexander City. For more information, check out Lake Martin YP on Facebook or visit the website at lakemartinyp.com.

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Lake Martin Living 31

High-quality cancer care

A

pril is Cancer Awareness Month, and we fight the disease every day at the UAB MedicineRussell Medical Cancer Center, located on U.S. route 280 in Alexander City. Thanks to our innovative relationship with the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, we’re able to provide world class cancer care right here in our corner of the world.

Approximately 2,500 members of our community will be diagnosed with cancer in 2021. To put that number in perspective, in every group of 10 people, three will be diagnosed with this disease.

The most prevalent cancers in our community are skin, breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancer. The good news is that we have made so much progress in the last two decades in detecting and treating cancer that nearly twothirds of cancer patients survive more than five years.

Perhaps the most progress we’ve made recently is in lung cancer, where five-year survival rates have climbed from about 12 percent to 18 percent in recent years.

Thanks in part to lung cancer screening with computed tomography, approved in 2015, which has increased the number of lung cancer cases diagnosed at earlier stages. The five-year survival rate is now 56 percent. New molecular-based treatments for advanced lung cancer have also extended survival – sometimes by several years – for patients who have incurable cancer.

While we still have a way to go, we’ve made significant progress in turning cancer from a fatal disease to a chronic illness, like diabetes or heart disease.

The good news is that no one has to drive to Birmingham or Montgomery to get high-quality cancer care. Nationally recognized physicians, like breast surgeon 32 Lake Martin Living

Dr. Helen Krontiras and colorectal surgeon Dr. Gregory Kennedy, commute to Russell Medical every week to take care of our neighbors.

Radiation oncologists on the forefront of research – including proton therapy specialists Drs. Michael Soike and Adam Kole – staff our radiation therapy center every day. Dr. Hunter Boggs utilizes innovative treatment methods (SBRT, proton therapy) to reduce the amount of radiation that breast cancer patients are exposed to while still receiving curative doses. Dr. Rojymon Jacob, an expert in treating gastrointestinal cancers, sits on editorial boards deciding which research studies to publish.

Our medical oncologists, Dr. Mary Emily Sheffield and Dr. Alex Minter, could have worked at any cancer center in the country but chose to come to the Lake Martin community because they grew up in small towns and know how important, and yet how rare, it is for rural communities to have access to excellent cancer care.

We screen people for cancer to detect the disease early while it’s still curable. I inform patients about recommended cancer screenings for the five most prevalent cancers, beginning with skin cancer.

Next month, we celebrate “Melanoma Monday,” where we will be providing skin cancer screening at our rural health centers in Dadeville, New Site and at the Cancer Center in Alexander City. Follow our Russell Medical Facebook page or local newspapers for screening information.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

There is a difference of opinions among the professional societies regarding prostate screening, but the American Urological Association recommends screening beginning

Medical News

from age 55 until 70. The patient and doctor the minimum age and reducing the length should decide upon a schedule together. This of smoking history, which will nearly double recommendation is for men with an average the number of people who qualify for lung risk for prostate cancer. screening. Those who are eligible for low dose But we know that African American CT screening are between the ages of 50 and men are at a greater risk for the disease than 80 and have smoked at least 20 pack-years or Caucasian men, as are men with a family anyone who is a current smoker or has quit history of prostate cancer. In these cases, within the last 15 years. talk with a physician about when to start A pack-year is calculated as the number of screening, typically earlier than 55. packs of cigarettes you smoked per day, times Historically, physicians have screened the number of years you smoked. If someone for prostate cancer with a blood test called smoked a pack a day for 20 years, they have a 20 prostate-specific antigen and a digital rectal pack-year smoking history. Similarly, someone examination; however, the U.S. Preventive who smoked two packs a day for 10 years would Services Task Force no longer recommends a 20 pack-year smoking history, as well.

George Miranda have DRE due to lack of data proving a Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT benefit. On the other hand, there is no is available at Russell Medical. The doctor will data against DRE. prescribe the screening once a shared decisionOctober, as everyone knows, is Breast Cancer making consultation with the physician has taken place.

Awareness month, but women should not wait until In the consultation, the following would be discussed: then to have their screening mammogram. The baseline the risks and benefits of screening; the importance of mammogram should be performed at 40 for women at following through with screening every year; and (if you’re average risk for breast cancer and every year after that. still smoking) the importance of quitting.

Women who have a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed Cancer treatment, at Russell Medical, is managed by with breast cancer, or who have other risk factors, like a team of physicians that regularly consult on the best fibrocystic breast disease should perhaps begin screening treatment plans for their patients. This team typically at an earlier age and/or screening twice a year – once with consists of a surgeon, a radiation oncologist and a medical mammogram and once with magnetic resonance imaging oncologist. Because these doctors are up-to-date with the or an MRI. Talk to a doctor about risk factors to make an best medical evidence, they can offer the best cancer care informed decision about breast cancer screening. available. In addition, we have a cancer rehab program The Women’s Center at Russell Medical is equipped that is available from start to finish, including a postwith state-of-the-art 3-D mammography, which provides treatment exercise program designed to return the patient higher sensitivity than traditional mammography in to wholeness. detecting breast lesions. If a lesion is detected, we can Patients with nutritional concerns can meet with the perform an ultrasound-guided biopsy or a biopsy under dietician, who offers nutrition plans designed to help MRI, if appropriate. We are in the process of adding patients be their best selves while under treatment. And stereotactic biopsy equipment in our breast center, which our patient navigator assists with the financial challenges more accurately locates a breast lesion for biopsy. that often come with cancer treatment.

The gold standard for colorectal cancer prevention and Our relationship with the University of Alabama in detection is colonoscopy. Russell Medical has an excellent Birmingham O’Neal Cancer Center brings many of endoscopy lab manned by Dr. Derek Holcombe. In fact, the benefits of a world-class NCI-designated cancer I’m having my colonoscopy there this month. While hospital to the forefront. Consultations with highly preparing for the procedure is admittedly not the most specialized experts in cancer care are available via our new memorable evening you’ll ever spend, the procedure itself telemedicine program, as is access to a plethora of clinical is painless and quick. trials open at UAB. Patients at average risk should have their first Those who are candidates for proton therapy, a colonoscopy at 50 years of age. Once again, African relatively new and highly accurate form of radiation Americans are at higher risk for colon cancer, and treatment, could meet with one of two proton therapy therefore, should begin surveillance at 45 years of age; specialists who regularly see patients at our Alexander however, the insurance company might balk at covering City campus. the procedure at that age. Those who have family history Our goal is to provide the highest quality cancer of colon cancer or personal histories of colon polyps or care available right here at home and refer patients to benign intestinal diseases like Crohn’s or diverticulitis Birmingham for only the most specialized treatment are also at higher risk. Once again, in these cases, have unavailable here or at any other community hospital. a conversation with a physician about an appropriate screening protocol. The good news is that those at average ~George Miranda is the Director of the UAB Medicine – risk and who have had clean colonoscopies would not Russell Medical Cancer Center. have to repeat the procedure for another 10 years.

Just last month, the USPSTF expanded eligibility for lung cancer screening with low-dose CT, dropping Lake Martin Living 33

H A R B O R P O I N T E . N E T

(256) 825-0600 | 397 Marina Point Road on Stillwaters Golf Course in Dadeville

34 Lake Martin Living

Do you have an estate plan?

W

hether presenting to groups of individuals or during initial client consultations, I often state, “you need an estate plan; otherwise, the State has a plan for you, and you may not like what it says.” What I mean by the comment is if an individual dies without leaving a Last Will and Testament (dying intestate, then State law dictates (intestate succession) who will receive your probate assets (property not governed by payable on death beneficiary designations or survivorship rights) and in what fractional shares.

For example, assume an Alabama appointed as the personal representative to resident passes away intestate, administer a probate estate. The more well known leaving a spouse and two children surviving. of these formalities include obtaining a surety bond Next, assume the deceased person always believed insuring the non-realty assets of the probate estate, and intended, as many do, that his or her spouse filing an inventory of probate assets with the court would receive all of his or her property at death. and making a final settlement with Unfortunately, that is not the result with the court. In almost all circumstances, respect to the person’s probate assets. when preparing the will, a person will In this situation, Alabama intestate want to relieve these requirements of succession law divides the person’s the personal representative to minimize probate assets in approximately half. estate administrative expenses and the The surviving spouse would receive time required to satisfy the formalities. half of the assets. The other half of the Any estate plan should include the assets would be divided equally between preparation of an Advance Directive the two surviving children – a vast for Health Care with a Living Will and difference from the deceased person’s Durable Financial Power of Attorney. belief and intention. Therefore, having These documents allow a person to a will to govern the distribution of appoint someone who will make his or property at death (dying testate) instead her healthcare and financial decisions of intestate succession law governing the if the person is later unable to do so distribution is just one of many reasons his or her own. Failure to have such why every individual capable of creating David B. Welborn on documents could cause a costly and a will needs to do so. time-consuming court proceeding in For those individuals with a minor order for another person, who might not be the child or child who has been incapacitated since person the then-incapacitated person would have birth, Alabama law permits such individuals to named in his or her documents, to be permitted to nominate a guardian for the child in the event make said decisions. of death at a time when the child still requires If loved ones are to avoid the issues mentioned a guardian. Failure to have a will make the above, then create an estate plan for their benefit nomination, when applicable, leaves open the and peace of mind. possibility of the necessity of a time-consuming and perhaps costly guardianship court proceeding ~David B. Welborn is originally from Alexander at the death of the parental guardian, in addition to possible litigation among relatives or others desiring City and is a partner in the law firm of Browder & Welborn, LLC. guardianship of the child.

In addition, unless a will relieves them, probate law places numerous formalities on the person

MONEY MATTERS

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Sip and Paint Saturday, March 13, 2021 Alex City Nutrition

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1. April Harris and Haley Sparks 2. Caroline Powell and Suzanne Carter 3. Baylee Caldwell, Charity Spann and Lexie Spann 4. Anelia Bruce 5. Janice Killingsworth 6. Lynn Moncrief 7. Mike Ledford

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Burkes Outlet Grand Opening Thursday, April 1, 2021 Alexander City 1. Michelle Holtsclaw, Ronald Tomalia and Britney Barnett 2. Mary Boothe and Sabrina Staton 3. Jytarious Leverette 4. Teresa Jones 5. Haley and Daxton Burke and Carolyn Brown

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6. Annie Floyd 7. Jimmy Butler

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Mahogany Masterpiece Grand Opening Saturday, April 3, 2021 Dadeville 1. Raven Tolbert 2. Nicole and Havannah Black 3. Judy Slaughter 4. G.W. Warren, Mitzy and Rick Hidding 5. J'Lya, Steven, Gabe and Janita Ball 6. Zelenka Boyd, Marley, Auden, Ireland and Tasheba Jefferson 7. Trey Foshee and Joe Taunton

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Wine Tasting at Zazu's Verandah Wednesday, April 7, 2021 Downtown Dadeville 1. Bob and Katy Megahee 2. Duane and Sue Paggen 3. Joel Link and Clay Humphries 4. Rick Hidding, Danny Fink and Mitzy Hidding 5. Judy Shaw, Sunni Green, Celia Brien and Cyndy Kiel 6. Lewis and Cathy Goode, Cathy and Joel Link 7. Susie Thomas, Krista and Bradley Dennis, Brad and Pamela Copeland 8.Melody Ritchey, Anne Marie and Stokes Jones

Lake Martin Living 39

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Boogie Down Old 280 Boogie celebrates 20 years

Great music, food vendors, artisans and good vibes will be wafting through the air at Standard Deluxe, Inc. in Waverly the weekend of April 16 as Old 280 Boogie celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Boogie Pre-Night kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 16, with creative sounds and hospitable Southern

40 Lake Martin Living

ambiance. Then the main event takes place Saturday, April 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the weekend concluding at 2:00 p.m. Sunday.

This year’s line up includes Lillie Mae, Jimbo Mathus, Cedric Burnside and The Pine Hill Haints.

Bring a lawn chair, cash (there's no ATM) and a small cooler, but please, no glass. Visit standarddeluxe.com to purchase tickets or for more information.

LAKE REGION EVENTS April 16

Season Kick-off at The Landing at Parker Creek

Time to get your cornhole arm in shape for tossing bean bags. The Landing at Parker Creek will open for the summer with Chef Torrey “Flyin’Hawaiian” Hall, chalkboard menus, outdoor seating and the sandy beach where the kids can play.

Rekindle lake friendships and meet new friends under The Landing’s outdoor pavilion.

April 24-25

Harbor Pointe Marina Boat Show

Check out the new models in the water from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Harbor Pointe Marina Boat Show on Friday and Saturday. There will be music by the Dalton Bush Band on Saturday, and. Amsterdam Café will bring the food truck to serve tacos on Saturday as well.

April 30-May 1

Driving Miss Daisy

This free, outdoor Alexander City Theatre II performance of Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize winning script will open at dark at the Town Green Stage at Russell Crossroads. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for your socially distanced seating, as well as picnic suppers and beverages. In this production, Alexander City’s Raheem Ruffin plays the part of chauffeur Hoke Coleburn; Betsy Iler plays Miss Daisy Werthan, and Dave Upton plays her son, Boolie. General seating is free, or reserve a circle for $30 to get the best seats. Call 256749-8073 for circle reservations.

May 15

5th Annual Blues in the Park

Come out to Strand Park at 4 p.m. for some Southern Soul at the 5th Annual Blues in the Park event. This year’s free concert will feature Daddy B. Nice, Tasha Mac, WestLove, Jeter Jones, Stan Butler, Cadillac Man, Baddnewz and Jail. Tents and coolers are welcome. No grills.

Please social distance.

May 15

Everything’s Art in the Park

Dadeville’s second annual event is set for beautiful Pennington Park in downtown Dadeville. AITP will feature original oil, watercolor and acrylic art and crafts created by local and regional artists. The event will also feature local food vendors and music. Bring lawn chairs and spend the day. For a vendor application, contact Everything’s Art at everythingsartguild14@gmail.com.

Additional information may be found on the Everything’s Art Facebook page. Direct questions to Kurt Pfitzner at 334-233-9852.

Season-long Events Strand Sessions

Beginning the first Thursday of the month, April through August, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. enjoy great tunes under the lights in the beautiful setting of downtown Alexander City's Strand Park. Guests are allowed to bring beverages and encouraged to support the downtown merchants offering food and drink. Visit Lake Martin Young Professionals on FaceBook.com for more information.

First Saturday Markets

Standard Deluxe in Waverly hosts the First Saturday Market on the first Saturday of each month from now through August. Pick up lunch, local artwork, T-shirts, posters and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit standarddeluxe.com for details.

Every Third Thursday

Beginning Thursday April 15 through Thursday September 16, Every Third Thursday of the month we will have an Art Walk, Live Music, Shopping and Dining. Come downtown and grab a cocktail, shop in the many unique boutiques, enjoy art and live music and grab some dinner at one of the many diverse restaurants in Alexander City.

Bingo Under the Stars

On Wednesday April 28 at 6 p.m., in the alley by Castelluccio's Italian Restaurant Bingo Under the Stars kicks off. There will be prizes, cash jackpot and table service offered by Castelluccio's or order out from any of the downtown restaurants.

Alex City Farmers Market

A farm to table market located on Broad Street in beautiful downtown Alexander City will begin on Saturday, June 5 and continue every Saturday through the end of September.

Come out from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. and get fresh, locally grown produce, homemade breads, cakes and jams, farm raised meat and eggs as well as arts and crafts.

Pennington Park Farmers Martket

The Farmers Market is scheduled for Sundays, June 13 and 27, as well as July 11 and 25 from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in Dadeville’s Pennington Park, 121 N. Spring Street. The Marketplace is a producers-only market that provides high quality home-grown produce and homemade goods to the community, which given local producers the opportunity to offer their goods for sale. Live music, when available, is scheduled on the pavilion during each market afternoon. Vendors interested in participating should email kppfitzner@gmail.com or call 334233-9852 to request an application.

Booth spaces are free.

Soup to Go

Drive through the parking lot at St. James Episcopal Church at 347 S. Central Ave. in Alexander City between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. every Tuesday and pick up a free brown bag dinner with soup, sandwich and more. COVID-19 precautions are taken by volunteers who prepare, pack and distribute the meal, which is open to the whole community.

Lake Martin Living 41

LAKE REGION EVENTS Live Music on the Square

Live music on the Dadeville Square begins again on Thursday, May 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event is open to the public and will take place every Thursday evening through June 24. Look for weekly details on the Zazu’s Verandah Facebook page.

Charity Bingo & Trivia at Niffer's

Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Niffer’s at the Lake hosts eight rounds of Bingo to benefit local charities, and every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts trivia night at 7 p.m. Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards. First place gets $40; second place gets $25; and third place gets $15. Grab a group of friends and come out for a night of games. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m.

Thursdays.

Music at Copper’s Grill

Copper’s Grill hosts music outdoors on the lawn at 7:30 p.m. every Friday. Bring your own lawn chairs and please keep a proper social distance.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

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

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

42 Lake Martin Living

Alexander City. Contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289 for more information.

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

Library Storytimes

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

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for 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.

Charity Bingo at Jake’s

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.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats.

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.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

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. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. Check the calendar at RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com/ blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Coffee & Connections

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

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

GOOD EATS

Frozen Pup-sicles Ingredients: 1 large ripe, peeled banana 3 to 4 tablespoons of peanut butter 32 ounces of plain, nonfat yogurt 1 tablespoon of honey Your choice of dog treats as the Popsicle sticks, topper or blended into the batter.

and blend in to the mix.

Add a treat to the bottom of the Popsicle tray. Then, pour in the creamy mixture. Add a munchy “stick” to the middle for a totally edible treat or if making these with ice cube trays, use the dog treat as the Pup-sicle stick.

Let them freeze for about four hours.

Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

For extra added texture or crunch, add dog treats

*Note: Substitute the banana for pumpkin or sweet potato puree, or crumble bacon and add it as a topper before freezing.

Lake Martin Living 43

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

20

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

4

County Roads

15

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

27

11

9

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

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Smith Landing Willow Point

7

Seman

5 Camp Kiwanis

9

11 1 Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

80

2

21 6

Union Landing

23

Walnut Hill

y

22 26

Stillwaters

8 Ba

24 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

Church in The Pines

19

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

9 63 18 10

Equality

231

17

57

13 24

Dade

280

28

Liberty Church

20

Jacksons Gap

25

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

16

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck

12 Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

44 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUN

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

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

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

22

hoe Bend nal Park

eville

ON NTY

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

5 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 6 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

23 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

7 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

24 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

Camp Hill

Restaurants & Venues 98 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

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

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

50

11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 12 Acapulco Mexican Grill 334-283-2725 2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078 13 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

280

21 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

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

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 43. Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors 256-397-1700

19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

8 Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

CHAMBERS COUNTY

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

Hotels & Lodges

Churches

25 Lake Pointe Baptist Church

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

Dock Builders 26 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 27 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation & Entertainment 28 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

Waverly

Business & Shopping 50

14 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

14

15 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 16 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

17 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 18 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka

19 Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816

8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

14

Notasulga 85 81

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

Lake Martin Living 45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

n The Wetumpka Herald

n The Record

n The Tallassee Tribune

n Lake Magazine

n The Eclectic Observer

n Lake Martin Living

n Elmore County Living

46 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 47

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

Lake Martin Mortgage....................................................................... 4 2

A&O Tree Service............................................................................... 1 9

Liveoak Agency.................................................................................. 1 2

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

Mainstreet Alex City............................................................................ 5

Beyond Home Care............................................................................ 1 2

National Village................................................................................. 5 1

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

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery................................................... 1 2

C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 1 9

Precise Pressure Washing................................................................... 4 9

Coosa Valley MRI............................................................................... 4 9

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

DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 9

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

Electronic Technology Group.............................................................. 4 9

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

First Methodist Dadeville/New Water Farms....................................... 4 9

River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 9

Four Seasons..................................................................................... 4 9

Russell Medical.................................................................................. 5 2

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

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

Harbor Pointe Marina........................................................................ 3 4

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

Heritage South Credit Union.............................................................. 1 3

Southern Sash................................................................................... 3 1

Hinson Galleries................................................................................. 3 4

Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 4 8

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

Surgical Dermatology Group.............................................................. 3 1

Jim's Pharmacy.................................................................................. 1 9

Swearingen Fence.............................................................................. 1 9

Kowaliga Whole Health..................................................................... 4 9

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

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 16, 65

Tallassee Health & Rehab..................................................................... 5

Lake Martin Maid.............................................................................. 1 2

TowBoatUS........................................................................................ 2 1

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

48 Lake Martin Living

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COOSA VALLEY

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Schedule your appointment today!

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334-857-2443 lakemartindock.com

BOATHOUSES | STATIONARY DOCKS FLOATING DOCKS | SEAWALLS EZ PORTS PWC LIFTS | BOAT LIFTS RE-DECKS | BOAT LIFT REPAIRS

Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark.

You know what you are doing, but nobody else does.

CALL US! 548 Cherokee Road • Alexander City, AL 35010

256.234.4281

alexcityoutlook.com | lakemagazine.life

Lake Martin Living 49

Grandmother's wallpaper is back in style

L

et’s talk about 2021 design trends. Hint: Floral wallpaper is in, and perfection is out, which is a bit of a relief. I think I have been decorating that way my entire life.

I laugh, but it’s true.

I was recently introduced to a new term, Grandmillenial Style. Grandmillenial is the latest trend of granny-chic reimagined that has become very popular with millennials, those born in the early 1980s to mid-1990s.

A mix of grandmother and millennial, the word led me to a deep dive of articles and photos that felt very familiar and very southern.

Southerners, highly nostalgic by nature, are very likely to have inherited a family members bed or dining room table. The trick is to style old heirlooms with modern, newer furniture, including floral wallpaper, floral chintz, wicker/rattan/bamboo Lacey Howell materials, dark or white furniture, needlepoint, mismatched china and trimmings like fringe or ruffles. Think layers, textures and color.

Alexander City native Kristen Scroggins operates the online Instagram shop @shopcuratedbham, where she sells antiques.

Daily posts of her carefully curated findings pop up on her Instagram stories - where buyers have the opportunity to comment “mine” to secure their purchase. The items range from china to dressers to pillows.

Culture Shock

50 Lake Martin Living

I asked Kristen what items she currently covets for clients.

What is hot?

PS: I find myself sourcing things that remind me of my childhood, like brass décor, handpainted chinoiserie pieces and all things floral.

Top 10 things grandmillenials want: • Brass: Animals, candlesticks, pots, etc.

• Traditional brown furniture • Gold flatware • Botanical art • Bamboo, rattan, and wicker • Ginger jars • Floral printed fabrics •C hinoiserie lamps and pleated shades •M CM glass and barware •V intage holiday decorations – think wooden ornaments and pastel colors. ~Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine.

Follow her at Instagram @LaceyHowell and on her Facebook page.

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

TO LEARN MORE VISIT NATIONALVILLAGE.COM OR CALL 334.749.8165

Lake Martin Living 51