Lake Martin Living April 2023

Ihad an uncle who lived his whole life in New Jersey but never visited the Statue of Liberty. He always said he would go someday. It’s not uncommon, I’ve heard, for locals from anywhere to bypass the landmarks close to them in favor of visiting those that are far away. How many of you have never been to Horseshoe Bend National Military Park? Wind Creek State Park? Or even Lake Martin?

There’s another historical site of national importance within a short drive of Tallapoosa County that few have ever visited, but Breanna Manley tells us on page 16 that we are missing something wonderful if we don’t visit the Tuskegee Airmen Museum. She took a road trip to this monument to the Black pilot corps of World War II last month and said it’s not to be missed. Take a pre-tour through her article; and then, take your own road trip to a local landmark.

People do come here and not always just to hang out at the lake. This month, they’ll come from all around to attend the Old 280 Boogie at Standard Deluxe in Waverly. Some of the country’s best musicians play on the Standard Deluxe stage. One of my favorites is St. Paul & The Broken Bones. The band will headline the pre-boogie show on April 21, and I’ve already got my tickets. I’m looking forward to music under the stars (if the weather cooperates) in that unique and eclectic vibe on the lawn in Waverly. Check out the rest of the lineup on page 14 and make your plans to be there.

The Oh Snap pages in this issue of Lake Martin Living magazine feature folks having fun at local events. Turn to page 35 to see what a great time they are having; and then, turn to the calendar starting on page 40 for local events coming up that you could attend.

I don’t mean to imply that it’s a bad thing to visit distant places. Alexander City’s Julia Kilby Kison, at 11 years old, threw a basketball that took her across the state and then to Georgia in an Elks Club competition. It made a lasting impression. Julia Kilby was two free throws away from an adventure in Chicago when she competed at the Southeast regional level of the Elks National Hoop Shoot, but she intends to get to Chicago yet. Read about her awesome experience on page 26.

The weather is warm. The landscape is greening up. Get out and see this beautiful place where we live. Don’t wait for someday.

Lake Martin Living

Chairman

Kenneth Boone

General Manager

Tippy Hunter

Editor-in-Chief

Betsy Iler

Creative Services

Audra Spears

Business & Digital Development Director

Angela Mullins

Contributors

Kenneth Boone

Breanna Manley

Lacey Howell

Shane Harris

Lee Williams

Gina Abernathy

Audra Spears

Cliff Williams

Abigail Murphy

Henry Zimmer

William Marlow

George Miranda

Erin Chesnutt

Lizi Arbogast Gwin

Audience Development Director

Erin Burton

Marketing/Advertising Sales

Renee Trice

Emily Gregg

Sheryl Jennings

Hidey Arrington

Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281

www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

Betsy Iler, Editor-in-Chief

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.

Julia Kilby Kison sports the new Alabama Elks State Champions workout jacket she was awarded when she won the Alabama Elks National Hoop Shoot last month. The 11-yearold competed at the Elks Southeast region event in Valdosta, Georgia, and looks forward to competing again next year.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

FEATURES

14 OLD 280 BOOGIE

This year's line-up in Waverly is the best there's ever been.

16. ROAD TRIP TO TUSKEGEE

Tuskegee National Historic Site is a must-see local landmark.

26. SHOOT TO WIN Alexander City 11-year-old wins state at Elks National Hoop Shot.

IN EVERY ISSUE

9. AROUND THE AREA

10. GO LOCAL

20. GARDEN TALK

24. GOOD EATS

30. MONEY MATTERS

32. MEDICAL NEWS

35. OH SNAP!

40. LAKE REGION EVENTS

50. CULTURE SHOCK

Rooms at the Tuskegee museum are staged just as the pilots might have left them before a flight.

Best Nursing Home & Assisted Living

Assisted Living & SCALF

Short Term Rehab

Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

Long Term Skilled Nursing Care

New garden opens at cancer center

The Pearl Serenity Garden opens this month to provide a place of refreshment and peace for patients, families and staff at UAB Medicine – Russell Medical Cancer Center. The garden is meant to provide an outdoor space for cancer patients, families and staff, said Russell Medical Foundation Director Tammy Jackson.

“There was nowhere outside for the families of the patients to sit or for patients to get out and get fresh air, and our staff needed that as well,” Jackson said.

Originally, funding for the project was planned through Auburn University basketball coach Bruce Pearl’s foundation, but cancer survivor Walt Woltosz and his wife offered to fund the project, making the foundation funds available for patients’ more urgent needs.

“The real purpose of Bruce’s Foundation is to help families – not to fund research, which is needed, too, but the families when they have a problem, they need help now sometimes,” Woltosz said.

Woltosz said he also wanted to help Russell Medical with this project because the hospital has been there for his family as well.

“The people there are just fantastic,” Woltosz said. “They’re so caring. They’re so warm. They’re so accommodating that you just can’t help but love the facility.”

He said he could only imagine patients will find the same level of care from the cancer center staff, too. Woltosz said he hopes the garden can provide a place of serenity for the center’s staff and patients.

Multiple community members have participated in developing this project, such as Lake Martin Dock Company, which installed the pergola; signage from Sign Source;and the rock work completed by ProScapes Outdoors LLC.

Additionally, Rick Kaldrovics and Bruce Pearl have been working together on the landscaping portion.

~ Abigail Murphy

Month-long, area-wide cleanup under way

The adage “March winds bring April showers bring May flowers,” may be true sometimes, but not this year in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties. The month of March ended with strong winds, golf ball sized hail, tornado touchdowns and the most rainfall measured in the state of Alabama. More than 7 inches of rain fell over a three-day period. Houses were damaged, trees were downed, and tons of debris was blown onto roadways and into Lake Martin.

Heavy rainfall turns roadside ditches containing litter into streams flowing to the lake – just look around the bridges over U.S. Route 280, 49 or 63.

Every year, volunteers remove more roadside trash from

Elkahatchee Creek and the area below the 280 Bridge than any other places.

The statement, “You will never be able to control the lake shoreline litter if you don’t keep your surrounding roadsides that make up the Lake Martin watershed litter free” is common.

Never has that been more apparent than now, as the summer tourism season is about to take off in the area. As we approach another busy summer, restaurants, shops and intown events will attract visitors.

Lake Martin Resource Association, with the support of Alabama Power Co., Russell Marine, Lake Martin Dock, Wind Creek State Park and TowBoat Lake Martin are holding a month-long springtime cleanup to

remove trash, building materials, roadside litter etc., from roadways, shoreline and the lake.

Pick up bags and pickers at The Ridge Marina, River North Marina, Kowaliga Marina and Real Island Marina. Filled bags can be tied closed and returned to the marinas for disposal. Large items and bags can be staged for pick up at the sandy beach area next to the public boat ramp at Kowaliga.

This is not a job just for a few volunteers who always step forward. And it’s not a job just for those who live at or enjoy the lake. This is a job for an entire community that cares.

~ John Thompson

Growing Serenity at UAB Russell Medical Cancer Center Named in honor of Auburn University's Bruce Pearl, the Cancer Center Garden will provide respite for patients, families and staff.

Garden Shop Lake Martin

STORY BY ERIN CHESNUTT & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

As a banker for more than 35 years, Phil Blasingame knows a thing or two about retirement planning. When he learned that Lake Martin Garden Shop on State Route 63 was available, his thoughts turned to what his own retirement might look like. His good friend, Tim Price, owned the garden shop but had decided to concentrate solely on his landscaping business. That got Blasingame thinking.

“I’m not ready to retire from banking yet, but when this opportunity opened up, I thought this would be a great place to stay busy after my banking career ends,” explained Blasingame.

Blasingame turned to his family to help him make the decision. His daughter, Kynsley Rae, was excited about the idea. The soon-to-be law school graduate wanted to get involved in the endeavor, too. Kynsley Rae became co-owner of the shop with her dad and is bringing in new ideas on how to promote their

business through social media.

“Anytime I get to do something special with my daughter, I know it’s the right thing to do.” Blasingame said.

While the business partners are busy with banking and law school during the week, they can count on family to keep everything running Monday through Friday. Blasingame’s sister, Kay Davis, was a long-time employee at Russell Athletic. When the company left Alexander City years ago, she and her husband, Steve, relocated to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to work for Fruit of the Loom; however, they maintained their Alexander City home.

When they learned that the Kentucky plant would close, they decided to return to Alexander City. They have been back since 2021.

Blasingame and his daughter approached Davis with the idea of helping them run Lake Martin Garden Shop during the week. She accepted the offer and is now

busy assisting customers while her husband helps out with delivery services. Davis called upon her longtime friend and former Russell Athletic colleague, Renee Wall, to give her a hand during the week.

Wall accepted, and these two friends work together again to provide a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for their customers. They always loved plants but are now able to learn more about them and work with customers creating custom planters and offering gardening advice.

The shop officially opened under the new management in mid-March, and business has been brisk already.

“We’re selling a lot of planters and hanging baskets. The greenhouse is full of beautiful ferns and flowers,” Davis said.

Blasingame can be found working the weekend at the shop.

“It’s a great stress reliever. I get to be outside with

people,” he said.

When the opportunity presented itself, Blasingame knew it was the right thing to do.

“I prayed about it and asked my family to pray about it; then, everything just fell into place. It was God’s plan,” Blasingame said.

Grow Beauty

Clockwise from Left: Lake Martin Garden Shop on State Route 63 is under new ownership; The shop is well stocked with plants, shrubs, trees and more; A large supply of pots, enriched soil mixtures and ferns also are available.

His main goal is to provide a good product and consistently great service.

So far, his retirement plan is blooming.

Lake Martin Garden Shop is located at 6698 State Route 63 in Alexander City. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Everyday Grandeur

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Tucked away on the outskirts of Auburn University at the world-class Grand National Golf Course, the award winning National Village offers everything you’ll ever need for the way you want to live. The thoughtfully crafted master planned community features georgeous homes designed by national award winner Larry Garnett and built by Ab and Don Conner at Conner Bros. Construction Co., Inc., a local company with more than 100 years of experience. With the Marriott at Grand National on site, residents enjoy championship golf, miles of picturesque nature trails and lakes for fishing, spa and pool. National Village is truly an unbelievable place to live – inside or out. Plus, thanks to the high speed fiber optic network of Opelika (Alabama’s first Gig City), our homeowners enjoy some of the Nation’s fastest internet for any work- or learn-from-home requirements.

Old 280 Boogie

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

The 22nd annual Old 280 Boogie at Standard Deluxe in Waverly returns April 21 and 22 with an unbelievable lineup of great artists and local food vendors. All the performances will happen on the outdoor stage, and the lineup includes The Pine Hill Haints, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Resort Realism, Maggie Rose and more.

Standard Deluxe owner, Scott Peek, couldn’t be more thrilled about the artists participating in this year’s edition of the boogie and believes those attending will have a great time, thanks to the variety of music and the vendors.

“I always say this, but it’s definitely one of the best lineups,” Peek said.

Resort Realism, a duo based out of Birmingham, will kick off the fun-filled weekend on Friday evening with a combination of jazz and lo-fi hip hop elements woven throughout their performance. The duo, made up of Alabama natives Crawford King and Robert Watson, released their debut album, Resort Realism, in 2021 and have since grown their listeners across several social media platforms.

St. Paul & The Broken Bones will follow Resort Realism with a masterful performance filled with old school soul, funk and disco. Founded in 2011, St. Paul & The Broken Bones brings audiences incredible

vocals by Paul Janeway,

along with rich sound from a variety of instruments, including saxophone and trombone.

Their expansive set list helped the group secure spots on some of the biggest stages at big name festivals, like Lollapalooza and Coachella. St. Paul & The Broken Bones have also shared the stage with big name artists, such as Elton John and The Rolling Stones. They also have been featured in Garden&Gun Magazine.

The band slid into the mid-stage position at Lake Martin Amphitheater for the 24th Annual Jazz Fest in 2014 after touring the United Kingdom and performing at the Bonnaroo Music Festival. Front man Paul Janeway, an Alabama native raised on Gospel music with a capital ‘G,’ brings an extroverted performance style to the stage, one inspired by his upbringing. He holds nothing back in the energy he puts into a show, and Lake Martin area audiences will clamor to see the band perform again.

Starting Saturday off on the right note is Maggie Rose. This Nashville-based artist has released three albums filled with a beautiful collection of rock ‘n’ roll, soul, folk, funk and R&B. Rose has opened for Heart and Joan, Jett & the Blackhearts and others.

With experience as both a singer and songwriter for years, Rose has successfully honed her skills to bring audiences toe-tapping music.

Following Rose, Aaron Lee Tasjan will take to the stage to shower the audience with original pop songs with a twist. Tasjan’s lyrics, oftentimes reflecting on his own wanderings, strike audiences with perplexity and interest. Through his four solo albums, listeners can see a progression of Tasjan as an artist, and it noticeably reflects within each album.

The next duo taking the stage come all the way from Brighton, United Kingdom, bringing along a plethora of rock ‘n’ roll songs perfect for the occasion. The duo, comprised of Will Turner and Georgie Fuller, mix rock ‘n’ roll with blues and pop for rich melodies audiences love. With a well-established, musical footprint in both Europe and the United States, the duo is impressing audiences everywhere they go.

Billy Allen, a Muscle Shoals native, will be joined by The Pollies on stage in an electric, rock driven performance. Allen’s soulful voice, combined with the incredible instrumental stylings of The Pollies, could further elevate the evening for the audience. You won’t want to miss this unbeatable collaboration that’s set to perform in Waverly.

Let's Hear It For The Bands

Facing Page: St. Paul & The Broken Bones; Maggie Rose; Clockwise This Page: The Heavy Heavy; Billy Allen & The Pollies; Aaron Lee Tasjan.

To close out the list of performers, The Pine Hill Haints, a band introduced in 2006, is known throughout the area as a folksy, bluegrass group from Alabama. The Pine Hill Haints produce energetic music anchored with unique instruments, such as washtubs and washboards, among others.

The Pine Hill Haints have played at Old 280 Boogie and appeared at other lake area venues, including RXR Fest at Russell Crossroads, in recent years. A favorite at Lake Martin, they always draw a crowd.

In addition to the weekend entertainment, Peek is excited about the selection of vendors that have signed up for the event. Wild Flour Bakery and Café, Mama Mocha’s Coffee Roastery and Taqueria Durango are among the 17 vendors audiences will find at this year’s concert series.

The weekend-long event will happen rain or shine, and those going are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and empty water bottles. The venue has a filling station for water bottles, and according to Peek, snacks and drinks for the little ones are allowed on the premises. No dogs are allowed at the venue.

Advance tickets are available on the Standard Deluxe website. Tickets are $50 for each night. Go out and enjoy the festivities, because you won’t want to miss the music, vendors or the good times.

Road Trip to Tuskegee

Adjacent to the Moton Field Municipal Airport on Chappie James Avenue in Tuskegee is the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, home to many significant stories, memories and moments that have altered military history.

When visitors pull into the parking lot of the site, they’re met with plaques that introduce the Tuskegee Airmen and shed light on the historical significance of the lot just ahead and down a slight incline. Following the path, visitors can spot Hangers 1 and 2, which now serve as a museum and gift shop.

The importance of this location dates all the way back to 1939 when the world was on the brink of World War II. At the time, there was no dedicated pilot training program in the area. With World War II on the horizon, trained pilots had become a pressing matter, which led the Army Air Corps to award the Tuskegee Institute with a contract that would provide flight training to African Americans.

Though this was an advancement byf itself, those involved were struggling with the lack of training space needed for such an undertaking. With help from Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson, president of the Tuskegee Institute, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and the Rosenwald Fund, monies were appropriated for the construction of a new airfield.

With such a rich legacy to explore, history enthusiasts could be in awe of the structures still standing on the grounds and the artifacts and exhibits inside them. Although visitors usually flock to the hangars upon arrival at the site, the reconstructed framing of the other buildings also resonates.

Look Up

A suspended vintage airplane greets guests right inside Hangar 2.

Originally, the lot consisted of the two hangars, a cadet house, an army supply building, an auxiliary storage shed, a bath and locker house, a skyway club, a control tower, physical plant and a warehouse to accommodate all who regularly frequented the new airfield. Though some of the buildings are long gone due to an assortment of reasons, it’s easy to picture what the area could have looked like in the early

STORY & PHOTOS BY BREANNA MANLEY

1940s with the framed buildings now having replaced the original construction. Despite the altered look in architecture, guests leave the museum with a better sense of who the Tuskegee Airmen were and the struggles they faced during that time.

History Revealed Top: The innerworkings of the plane are visible in the nose of this vintage plane; Left: An assortment of uniforms worn by the Tuskegee Airmen are on display in Hangar 1.

To begin the self-guided tour, visitors are encouraged to first make their way to Hangar 1 for an orientation before proceeding through the building to different exhibits. Moving through the entrance of Hangar 1, guests are met with a huge room containing several artifacts, including uniforms the Tuskegee Airmen donned during World War II and two restored vintage airplanes.

Off to the sides of the great room are small rooms that contain audio clippings and replicas of offices that send museumgoers back in time to the 1940s to experience what a day in the life as a Tuskegee Airman might have been like.

Following the batch of exhibits, artifacts and memorabilia, guests can make their way out of the building and across the lot to Hangar 2, which is a continuation of the museum. A small portion of the building is also dedicated to a gift shop sporting sweatshirts, hats and knickknacks.

The original Hangar 2 building was destroyed by a fire in 1989, but with the important historical significance of the location, it was later rebuilt and converted into the second half of the museum and gift shop.

Included in this portion of the museum is a movie theater that showcases a 27-minute video clip filled with insights into the Tuskegee experience while delving into the struggles the Tuskegee Airmen faced both at home and abroad.

The Tuskegee Airmen dealt with racism and segregation, both at their home base in Tuskegee and oftentimes abroad at oversea bases, but powering through was important to them because of the progress already made thus far.

Until 1939, African Americans were closed off from practicing aviation. Growing tension related to the war was what finally changed that. The Civilian Pilot Training Act was passed by Congress, allowing an increase in pilots for military

aviation, which was a welcome move considering the tension was anything but subsiding. Tuskegee became one of the primary hubs for African American flight training in the South, thus becoming a historical site for future generations to appreciate.

Currently, the site remains a strong place of historical significance where people congregate in hopes of learning more about the brave men who stood up in the face of fear and determination to help protect their country.

With exhibits, reconstructions and original buildings to explore on the grounds, visitors could feel as if they were back in time right alongside the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are no entrance fees for the museum.

When you have a few free hours, make your way to the Tuskegee site and take a step back in time to learn more about the history these brave men made.

Self-Guided Tour Plaques around the grounds explain the uses of various buildings at the historical site.

Remember the days of your childhood when Mom or Dad told you to do something, but you really didn’t want to do it? “Go brush your teeth.” The immediate response was “Aw, Mom! Do I have to?” The answer was always “Yes.” Even as children, we all realized Mom and Dad knew best and stalling would not accomplish anything. The task had to be done.

Tough Decisions

Right: Thinning increases size and dessert quality of the fruit; Inset: Annual pruning can be done as late as during bloom and will help reduce heavy fruit load on tender branches.

This same scenario applies to adult gardeners and homeowners when advised to perform a tough chore in their gardens or yards. Gardening is fun and always a challenge, but there are instances when tough decisions have to be made. Some things must be done for the good of the long term. Some examples of tough tasks that come to mind are thinning fruit on fruit trees, thinning young and crowded vegetable plants in the garden and removing dying or dead trees in the yard. All are things that have to be done.

Thinning Fruit

One of the most important tasks for home fruit growers is thinning fruit in early spring. It is so exciting to see a peach or pear tree just loaded and hanging with fruit; however, we all know deep down inside that most fruit trees cannot support all that fruit and weight. Maybe it is human nature but knocking off excessive fruit and reducing the amount on the tree – likely by half – is just hard to do.

GARDEN TALK

Our greedy instinct responds by saying “Why?” Instead of 200 peaches, we can only keep about 70? Think ahead to the time of harvest. Would you rather have 70 large juicy sweet peaches? or 200 little bite-sized peaches?

Logically, thinning fruit early in the season, when the fruit are about 3/4 inch to 1 inch in size, pays dividends at harvest time. Most of all, thinning increases the size and dessert quality of fruit. For example, a 2-1/2-inchdiameter apple or peach is twice the size by volume of a 2-inch fruit. Thinning helps production by reducing limb breakage and maintaining tree vigor, promoting regular flower production and making insect and disease control on fruit more manageable. It also removes diseased and insect-injured fruit early to help prevent the spread of these problems, as well as reducing labor at harvest.

Begin thinning fruit after the natural drop in April and May. Thin apples, peaches and pears, so they are 6 to 8 inches apart and plums to 3 to 4 inches apart.

Thinning Veggies

Another tough task for gardeners is thinning young vegetable plants or seedlings. As a young child, I never

Shane Harris

Thin for Winthe

quite understood this practice. I remember watching my dad take a hoe and thin the corn or okra to keep them from becoming too crowded. My reaction was “Why would he just kill what he wanted to come up and grow?” I can remember feeling sorry for the pulled-up corn seedlings and taking the leftovers and replanting them in other portions of the garden to live. They became “my corn” since Dad didn’t want them in amongst his “good” corn.

View With A Discerning Eye

Above: These emerged okra seedlings will need to be thinned to about 12 inches apart; Right: Look up and inspect trees often for potential symptoms of decline, like dead or diseased branches.

After going through all the trouble of preparing the garden, planting the seeds and watching the seeds sprout into young plants, I couldn’t fathom that it was time to remove a portion of the hard work and accomplishments.

A common response from gardeners is, “What?” Removing the extra seedlings seems wasteful, especially to new gardeners. Seeds are usually inexpensive, so gardeners plant twice as much as they need, just to insure good germination and plant stand. With prices going up, the practice is even harder, but this chore also saves time and prevents having to replant later.

All plants need space, and vegetables are no exception. When the majority of seeds germinate and the seedlings survive, the plants become crowded. Leaving the plants spaced too close together reduces yields, makes the plants more susceptible to disease and generally starves the plants for water and nutrients.

After the seeds sprout and the seedlings are about 6 inches to 1 foot high, remove all unwanted plants to prevent crowding and develop proper spacing. As a general rule, try to keep the strongest seedlings. A garden hoe, rake or your fingers will do the job in most instances. A pair of scissors or pinching them off with your fingers at the ground works very well for crowded seedings and does not disturb the sensitive roots of the seedlings you wish to keep.

Removing Trees

Many times after a long winter, people fail to look up and notice that something is wrong with their trees. If and when they do take notice, they are surprised to find that a tree on their property is not doing well or has died. By mid-spring, every deciduous tree that is healthy has at least shown some type of

sign that it is alive by either blooming or putting on new leaves. Trees with no emerged leaves at a time when they should have some are either declining, dying or dead. Any tree that has yet to become green should raise a red flag and be labeled as a hazard.

A hazardous tree is defined as any tree that might fall and cause property damage and/or bodily harm should be removed immediately. This includes all trees that have dead branches; dieback in the top of the tree; extensive damaged or diseased areas; are hollowed out and/or completely lack foliage when they should have some. Extensive decay, bark falling off and/or cankers are major warning signs.

There are numerous reasons that trees decline or die. Any time the most sensitive area of the tree, the roots, are attacked directly or indirectly, the tree will be harmed. Building construction near trees, digging within the root zones, old age, drought and insects are the most common reasons. The traffic of heavy equipment during house construction causes soil compaction and limits the trees’ ability to take up nutrients and water. Digging, for whatever reason, ultimately severs tree roots and limits longevity.

Although the reason why a tree is unhealthy is important, your main concern should be removing that tree. Once trees begin showing symptoms like those above, they may live several more years, or they could come tumbling down at any moment. Either way, they will not recover and must be removed. Leaving them is very risky.

For help on other home and garden questions, contact your local county Extension office or visit us online at www.aces.edu.

Shane Harris is the County Extension Coordinator for Tallapoosa County.

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Kool-Aid Pie

Kool-Aid Pie is a unique, nostalgic, flavorful and simple dessert for spring and summer. An easy, inexpensive four-ingredient dessert, it comes together quickly and only requires three or four hours in the fridge to set up.

As soon as the weather begins to warm, I am all about no-bake desserts. This pie does not disappoint, and it’s ideal for the spring and summer months. There’s no cooking or baking. Just mix and let it set. It’s slightly tart with just a perfect touch of sweetness.

GOOD EATS

This pie will be the hit of your next gathering. You can make this pie in minutes, which couldn’t be better when entertaining or enjoying summer activities. The cool, creamy filling and the graham cracker crust are a delicious combination; your guests will be impressed. Give it a try; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Kool-Aid Pie is one of the easiest dessert recipes you could ever make. You can make this pie with any of your favorite Kool-Aid flavors. It’s so simple; your kids could even do it. This pie is foolproof and tasty. You can customize it with any flavor, and it’s bound to be delicious.

One bite of this pie will have you reminiscing about your childhood summertime days. You’ll have feelings of nostalgia that will take you back in time to hot Southern summer days, a glass of cold Kool-Aid and Big 60 cookies. A childhood favorite then and still a favorite today.

~ Gina Abernathy is the author and recipe creator behind the blog, Home at Cedar Springs Farm.

Gina Abernathy

Ingredients

1 ready-made graham cracker pie crust

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

1 Kool-Aid packet (any flavor)

1 8-ounce container of Cool Whip, thawed

Instructions

In a bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk and a Kool-Aid packet. Stir well. Gently fold in Cool Whip. Pour into a ready-made graham cracker crust. Cover and place in the refrigerator for three or four hours. This pie will easily keep (covered) for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Recipe Tips and Variations

There are so many Kool-Aid flavors to try, and I still haven’t tried them all. A few of my favorite flavors are lemonade, pink lemonade, grape, lemon-lime, blue raspberry lemonade and orange.

• Use your favorite flavors.

• Add more Cool Whip to the top of the pie.

• Chill for at least three or four hours before serving.

• Make grab-and-go servings with mini pie crusts.

• This make-ahead dessert is easy to transport.

A Rainbow of Flavors

Clockwise from Facing Page: Kool-Aid Pie is so easy, the kids can make it; The pie is fluffy and sweet with a bit of tartness; Use your favorite flavors; Dress up your servings with fruit on the side.

Shoot to win

Alexander City 11-year-old wins state and competes at regional level in Elks National Hoop Shoot

STORY BY BETSY ILER & HENRY ZIMMER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Julia Kilby Kison is determined to get to Chicago next year, the 11-year-old Alexander City native said after taking second place last month in the Southeast regional rounds of the Elks National Hoop Shoot Program. Chicago is where the competition’s final round takes to the basketball court, and Kison wants to advance to that level.

The hoop shoot competition challenges 8- to 13-year-olds to sink the highest number of basketball free throws in sets of 25 attempts. The spoils include trophies, medals, banquets, sweatsuits and – at the national competition – substantial scholarship monies, said Chris Brown, the Alexander City Elks Club’s past exalted ruler who escorted Kison through her local,

district and state wins.

Three boys and two local girls, including Kison, advanced to the district competition in Dothan after winning their age brackets in the local contest. They competed with six other lodges in Alabama’s southern Elks district, and Kison shot 18 out of 25 to move on. At the state contest in Bessemer, she shot 20 out of 25, which won her a March 18 trip to Valdosta State University in Georgia, home of the Blazers.

Kison’s parents, boys’ basketball coach at Horseshoe Bend, Chad Kison, and Willow Point Wellness and Recreation Director Karen Kison, said they weren’t expecting the program to be as big of a deal as it was, but after their daughter won the local

event, they started practicing with her.

“We shot free throws for a while. She enjoyed it, and I got to spend time shooting free throws with my daughter. I would shoot 25, and she would shoot 25,” Chad said.

The Elks also hosted a brunch and dinner in Kison’s honor, along with covering travel and hotel expenses in Valdosta for the family.

“This was one of the neatest things,” Chad said. “They treated her like a queen. It was just such a cool experience.”

When they arrived at their hotel, the Kisons found that the Elks had posted a huge banner on the lawn for each of the five states that make up the Southeast region.

“We ate at a really good Italian restaurant. It was phenomenal,” Kison said. “I saw the college. There were clay tiles on top of the roofs. The gymnasium was really big, and there were Blazers signs everywhere.

“Elks people were there from all of the states in the competition, and it was perfectly silent when I was shooting. The Elks people were all judging me. The Elks people are really nice. It was special for me to come and do that.”

Chad said he was extremely proud of how his daughter handled herself, but he knew she had plenty of experience with the spotlight shining on her.

“Everyone is staring at her, and she is just out there doing her thing,” he said. “Free throws win or lose ball games. But she also pitches in softball, so she is sort of used to that being on an island.”

Kison said her parents’ support and encouragement,

as well as their guidance during practices, were important in helping her advance in the program.

“They got my rebounds during practice and encouraged me, like saying ‘good shot’ when I made it, and when I missed they said, ‘Don’t worry about it. Think about the next shot,’” she said. “I thought about my grandfather who passed away. I did it for him. I felt like he was with me.

“I learned that if I put in the work, it’s going to show out that practice makes perfect. I know if I practice hard, it’s going to pay off some day.”

A highlight of the competition, Kison said, was making friends around the state, and the Southeast, who shared her love of sports; other players with whom she now keeps in contact and looks forward to playing with – or against – in the future.

“Brantley, she went on to nationals. She made two shots more than I did. I’ve been texting with her. She told me she wanted to shoot 10,000. Her mom did it. She has a family history of making it,” Kison said.

While she hasn’t decided between basketball or softball, Kison is driving toward a college sports career. Her goal is to play at a Division I school.

She started playing basketball in the Upward program with her mom as her coach and joined the City’s league in third grade.

“We didn’t win a single game the first year,” she said. “This year’s been great. We made it to the championship game. I liked playing against my friends.”

She tried out for softball at the behest of her friends and fell in love with the sport.

“The first year it was COVID, so we didn’t play much, but the next season I made it to the All Stars and travel teams.”

In the meantime, Kison said, she will be practicing for next year’s National Elks Hoop Shoot and for the

one after that.

“I will definitely do this again, as many times as I can do it before I’m too old. But I’ll have to put more work in to get to Chicago,” she said. “There’s scholarship money on the line.”

The fifth grader put in no small amount of work to do as well as she did in the program, and her ratio of success improved with the hour-long practices two or three days a week.

“I did that for four or five weeks before the regionals. I wanted to be ready,” she said. “It was a really great experience for me to have, and I want to do that again.”

The hoop shoot program falls in line with the Elks’ motto, “Elks care; Elks share,” Brown said. The Alexander City lodge is more than 50 years old and includes over 300 members who focus on children, veterans and community people in need. Local Elks play bingo at the veterans’ home every Tuesday; conduct drug awareness programs for children and Flag Day ceremonies with Boy Scouts. They donate $50,000 per year to Camp ASCCA and are active at the VA hospital.

Brown said he looks forward to watching Kison compete in the future.

“She still has two more years of competition she can do,” he said. “She represented her family, her community and our lodge very well.”

How Many Hoops?

Previous Pages: Alexander City's Julia Kilby Kison practiced her free throw shots for an hour or more two or three nights a week for more than a month to prepare for the competition; Facing Page: The 11-year-old counts herself very fortunate to have had the experience and hopes to do even better next year.

“Hey folks call or come see us today. We are located at 1965 Eastern Blvd. in Montgomery just across the street from Lowe’s. We have a huge inventory of carpet, vinyl, hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl plank, ceramic and porcelain tile. We also do custom area rugs, countertops, blinds, and a variety of window coverings. We offer a “Low Price Promise” and professionally install everything we sell. Don’t pay too much or miss out on the great service at Georgia Floors Direct. We’ve been Flooring the River Region for Over 50 Years.”

Jeff Mallinson, Owner

Investing in Uncertainty

Right now, you hear a lot about how uncertain things are with the world and markets in general. Currently, we have a Fed hiking interest rates to levels not seen since 2007; a potential banking crisis; a war in Ukraine; uncertainty between China/Taiwan; and a potential debt ceiling showdown here in the U.S. All of this is on the heels of COVID-19, along with all the uncertainty with it that wasn’t just from a market standpoint but also more importantly, the health of the world. All of these events could make investors fearful, discouraged and downright depressed. But is this normal?

MONEY MATTERS

advisor or through reading books and studying other publications is crucial. People typically factor their level of understanding into any decision. The more something is understood, the higher the chance a decision is made based on sound reasoning and not emotion.

Lee Williams

An 18-year study by Morningstar shows that emotions have a history of leading to poor decisions from a return standpoint by investors. Sometimes, emotions are from fear, and sometimes they happen because a certain manager or strategy hasn’t been working lately, so the investor gets impatient and wants to move on.

How do you safeguard against this and put yourself in the best position to succeed? I believe to an extent investors have to embrace uncertainty because it will never go away. Nothing in life is certain, especially investing.

I’m a firm believer that education by your

Lastly, I believe there must be some type of plan, and whether it’s a formal plan or a framework of a plan is irrelevant. The bottom line is there has to be some type of understandable/ adaptable framework built for specific needs, goals and objectives.

I have always found Buffett/Munger to be a good North Star. To me, they are very rational, non-emotional and can condense hard topics into simple applications that most people can understand. I encourage you to watch their annual meeting on May 6 by livestream. Also, Buffett’s writings can be found on the Berkshire Hathaway website under Warren Buffett’s Letters to Berkshire Shareholders on the homepage.

~ Blalock Williams, LLC (Blalock Williams) is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Blalock Williams and its representatives

are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor. The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur. All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability, or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such.

Pick Three

My editor (who doesn’t know me well enough) likes to let me come up with my own writing topics. “What do I write about?” I thought to myself; then, it struck me: In the cancer care world, where I live and breathe, there’s a different cancer assigned to every month. I figured y’all don’t want to hear about cancer every month, but I suspected that other diseases, syndromes and situations must have their own flavor of the month list.

MEDICAL NEWS

Then, there was the opportunity for humor. Next to each other on the list were “National Facial Protection Month” and “National Foot Health Month,” which generated all sorts of bad jokes in my brain about putting one’s foot in one’s mouth.

In the end, I decided just to pick three causes, with only one of them being a cancer awareness issue. The first is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness.

So, I looked for a comprehensive list of awareness topics for April. Turns out there are at least 29 different diseases and causes that we should be aware of this month. Had I simply listed them all, it would have completely filled my column, which would have made my assignment much easier. It would have been the last column I would be asked to write, as well.

So, how do I pick and choose? There are some very interesting, but very rare, diseases, like my personal favorite, “World Chagas Disease Day” (April 14) – a disease I’ll bet you’ve never heard of, but from which at least six of my paternal uncles died because they grew up in the interior of Brasil. (Yes, I know that’s spelled “wrong,” but we Brasilians spell it with an “S,” not a “Z”).

April is also “Distracted Driving Awareness Month,” I discovered that while reading the article on my cellphone while driving to work. I’m kidding. I was at my desk when I read the article.

Russell Medical hosted a Parkinson’s educational symposium April 5. You will have read about it in the Alex City Outlook. Hopefully, some of you attended it. PD is an as-yet incurable, progressive disease of the brain. Even though it is incurable, many therapies have been developed to manage the symptoms of PD. “Back to the Future” star Michael J. Fox brought much needed attention to the disease in 1998 when he publicly disclosed that he’d been diagnosed with early-onset PD seven years earlier. To find resources or get involved, contact the Parkinson Association of Alabama at 833-473-5465.

Minorities living in rural areas get a double whammy, which is why I chose to highlight April as National Minority Health Month. Numerous studies have shown that rural residents have higher cancer incidence rates than urban residents. Rural folks also die of cancer at higher rates than city folks. Rural folks also tend to be diagnosed with later stage cancer, as compared to urban folks.

To complicate matters, African Americans who

George Miranda

live in rural communities have the highest rates of colorectal, breast, prostate and cervical cancer – higher than African Americans in the city and higher than all other rural populations, according to a research article published in the Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2021. These disparities are not biological. They are the result of lack of access to prevention and screening opportunities, as well as lack of insurance, or good insurance.

And with more than a dozen rural hospitals at risk of closing in Alabama this year, according to the Alabama Hospital Association, access to medical care is only going to get worse, and consequently, so will health outcomes for all rural folks.

Finally, the cancer awareness topic: oral cancer. See your dentist twice a year to have your teeth cleaned. You know that uncomfortable experience when the dentist grabs your tongue with a piece of gauze and pulls it toward the four corners of the compass? He’s not trying to see how long your tongue is, or whether you can touch your nose or your navel with it. He’s looking at the “coffin corner” – the deep space at the base of your tongue, a common site for oral cancer.

Cancers of the head and neck traditionally have been adenocarcinomas and were associated with smoking and alcohol consumption; however, these days, squamous cell cancers are the predominant form of head and neck cancer and are typically caused by human papillomavirus infections. The good news is that squamous cell cancers are highly responsive to treatment, if caught early. But even more effective than early detection is prevention, which is why you should

have your children vaccinated with the HPV vaccine. Now I realize that there are three things you don’t talk about in public: sex, religion and vaccination. But HPV vaccines are so effective, and at the risk of understating, HPV-related cancers are not pleasant experiences, that to my simple mind it’s an absolute no-brainer. The HPV vaccine also protects against squamous cell cancers of the cervix, for which Tallapoosa County has the second highest incidence in the state of Alabama.

April is not Melanoma Awareness Month; however, Melanoma Monday is May 1, so I’m taking advantage of this opportunity to inform you that we will be screening for skin cancers again on that day, at our two rural health clinics: Health Partners of New Site at 12761 State Route 22, New Site, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and Medical Park at 1034 S. Tallassee St., Dadeville, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. We also will hold the screening at the Cancer Center, 3446 U.S. Route 280, Alexander City, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dr. Steven Mackey, our local dermatologist, has graciously agreed to perform the screening at the Cancer Center. No appointment needed at any of these locations. For additional information, please contact the Russell Medical Marketing Department at 256-329-7322.

~ George Miranda is the Director of the UAB Medicine – Russell Medical Cancer Center.

Friday, March 31, 2023

Lead Forward Women's Conference and Business Expo

Central Alabama Community College, Betty Carol Graham Technology Center

1. Linda Boone

2. Amy Lashley

3. Ivana Romanova

4. Renee Osborne and Chelsey Strong

5. Amber Cleveland and Alicia Clifton

6. Kristy Mosley, Jessica Lashley and Judy Messer

7. Leah Warren, Keri Phillips and Kristen Chapman

Red Hill Cleanup

Red

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Hill

1. Mike Wilson and Bill Barnett

2. Neal Butler and Tina Bodine

3. Jodie McGirt and Paula Castleberry

4. John Thompson and Karen Posey

5. Sharon Hillman, Peggy Taylor, Sandy Phillips, Mary Montoana, Myrtle Miller, Ruby Alexander and Don Donath

6. Chad Moore and Tommy Johnson

Lights, Camera, Action Community Kid Prom

Tuesday, March 25, 2023

Cooper Community Center

1. Areuna Owens

2. Jaylee Tuck and Chandler Powell

3. Messiah Black

4. Sequoia Stowes

5. Kaleb Shepherd and Armani Hunter

6. Kenyatta, Kalese, Janardus and Kenley-Elizabeth Simmons

7. Har’Mony Hester, Noah Culpepper, Brynleigh Tuck, Messiah Black, Zy’Neria Harvey, Chrix’Zavion Edwards and their moms.

Lake Martin Area United Way

Campaign Wrap-up

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Central Alabama Community College

1. Courtney Layfield

2. Staci Pemberton

3. Jeff Lynn

4. Phil Blasingame

5. Denise Walls and Lori Harrell

6. Tammi Montgomery and Stephanie Coley

7. Karlyn Edmonds and Marcie Gaylor

8. Amanda Thomas, Wayne Smith and Sandra Carlisle

9. Stacy Shaw, Teresa Greer and Carolyn Beeker

209th Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

1. Lily Adams and Andrew, Sarah and William Kerley

2. Isabella Barnett and Melinda Meadows

3. Lisa Chaney and Millicent McKelvey with Maverick

4. Colton, Kristie and Rod Siggers

5. Trevor Surfield and Charlie

6. Emily, Goldie, Adam and Tayvie Cheaney

7. Haley and Bobby Hendrix, Austin Hardman and William Bartlett

Calendar

FEATURED EVENT

Find your way

Vulcan Orienteering Club will hold its annual spring meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all ages at Wind Creek State Park. Pay the nominal day use fee at the park office and proceed straight ahead on the main park road, taking a left when you reach the beach area to enter the North Picnic Area. VOC will be set up at Pavilion No. 3.

Registration for this meet opens May 7 at 12 a.m., but participants also may register up to 6 p.m. on May 12. Preregistration is required.

Start your course any time between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., but everyone must be finished by 2 p.m., said Anne Matthews with VOC. There is a maximum three-hour limit for being on the course.

Take a leisurely stroll through the woods to find predetermined control sites or push through to make your best time. Visit vulcanorienteering.org for details and registration.

Orienteering is a land navigation sport popular with JROTC and NROTC high school students, ROTC college students, Boy Scouts working on requirements and orienteering

merit badges, Girl Scouts, adventure racers, map readers and those who like to walk in the woods or venture off the beaten path. Participants are given a map ($8 per group; $1 for additional maps in the group) and must find their way to a control marker indicated on a topographical map, using a compass. When they find the control marker, they use an electronic punch stick to verify finding the location; then, they set their sights on finding the next marker on the course. Compete for the best time through the course or take your time, noting the wildlife, flowers and landmarks along the way, as control markers are located well off marked trails.

Gain

a New Skill and Find Your Way

Come out to Wind Creek State Park May 13 to practice orienteering skills or learn to find your way with only a map and a compass.

VOC volunteers will host a post-event cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs for participants at this event, the club’s last orienteering meet for the season. All participants are invited to stay for the free cookout. Visit vulcanorienteering. org for registration and details or to learn more about orienteering as a sport.

LAKE REGION EVENTS

April 14-16

Inherit the Wind

Alexander City Theatre II will stage the classic courtroom drama, Inherit the Wind, at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. April 14 and 15 and at 2 p.m. April 16. The performance is free and open to the public. The play was inspired by the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 and examines the inherent right of a human being to think.

April 15

Gumbo Get Down

Main Street Alexander City will host the Gumbo Get Down from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Old Courthouse parking lot on the downtown traffic circle.

April 18

Assisted Living Musical

Young and old alike will love it when Alex City Arts brings this theatrical presentation to the Central Alabama Community College Betty Carol Graham Technology Center stage. Laughter will come naturally as this hilarious story unfolds when an elderly couple enter heaven suspecting their son pulled the plug on them to get his hands on his dad’s vintage Corvette. Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door.

April 20

Art Show Reception

Raining Dogs Studio and Gallery and Everything’s Art in Dadeville will host an art show opening night reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for featured artist Kathy Collie. The exhibit will be on display through May 28.

April 20

Greg LaFollette at Zazu’s Verandah

Dadeville native Greg LaFollette started his music career as a band director involved with choir, church and community theater, but his first love has always been the piano, having played since the second grade. Please tip musicians generously and thank Greg for playing. Hear him inside The Listening Room at Zazu’s Verandah from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 pm. Zazu’s will have beverages available for purchase. The concert will be free.

April 21

Bill King in Dadeville

Bro. Billy Bob Bohannon King will regale the audience with clean comedic stories about Alabama culture through humor with a message at 7 p.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. King is the author of several books. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door and are available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

April 21-22 Singleton Marine Spring Demo Days

Join the fun and check out the latest boat models at Singleton Marine’s onthe-water demo days in Jacksons Gap. Demo Cobalt, Barletta, Regal, Harris, Malibu and Axis boats and Starcraft pontoons from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

April 22

The 22nd Annual Old 280 Boogie

Join this celebration of music, art, food and Southern culture at Standard Deluxe in Waverly from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The lineup includes Maggie Rose, Aaron Lee Tasjan, The Heavy Heavy, Billy Allen and the Pollies, and The Pine Hill Haints. Tickets are $40 in advance until April 1; $50 online after April 1 and at the gate. Kids 12 and under admitted free.

April 22 Water Cycle

Alabama Power will host the second annual Water Cycle at Martin Dam with a 60-mile gravel race, 30- and 60-mile gravel rides and a 15-mile fun ride to raise funds that improve the lives of those in need in Guatemala and Bolivia. Join the fun after the ride for music and food at the Dam Jam. For details and registration, visit aub.ie/watercycle.

April 27

Richard Murray & Brett Foshee at Zazu’s Verandah

This duo plays country, rock, folk, easy listening and original music. While you can catch them playing around Auburn/ Opelika, Montgomery and Birmingham, why travel out of town when you can hear them at Zazu’s

Verandah on the beautiful Dadeville square from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.? Beverages will be available for sale. Admission is free, but please generously tip and thank the musicians.

April 28

Elvis by Forrestt Forbus

Dadeville Performing Arts Center will host The King in all his glory at 7 p.m. Wear styles from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door; and are available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

April 28-30

Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show

Visit the Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show at The Ridge Marina to see and demo models from Godfrey Pontoon, Nautique ski and wake boats, Sea Ray, Key West, Chris Craft, Bass Cat and Sea Ark, and check out the new gear from Hyperlite, Billabong, Life is Good, Costa Sunglasses, Yeti, Hook & Tackle, Huk and more.

May 4

Tina Marie at Zazu’s Verandah

The music moves outside on the beautiful Dadeville square this month, so bring lawn chairs. Performance starts at 6:30 p.m. Beverages will be available for sale. Admission is free, but please generously tip and thank the musicians.

May 5

Friday On The Green

Russell Lands will kick off the summer’s weekly concert series on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads with Sid Phelps from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, coolers and the pup on a leash when you meet family and friends to jump start the weekend at the lake.

May 11

Chasing

Shadows

at Zazu’s Verandah

Jayla and Brandon Prince have performed classic rock together for seven years. Come hear them from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the beautiful Dadeville square. Bring lawn chairs. Beverages will be available for sale. Admission is free, but please generously tip and thank the musicians.

LAKE REGION EVENTS

May 18

SoulCo at Zazu’s Verandah

Bruce Yandle with Soul Coalition of East Alabama performs a wide variety of covers and original music with instrumentation that includes drums, bass, guitars, keyboard and vocalists. Bring lawn chairs for this free concert from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Beverages will be available for sale. Please generously tip and thank the musicians.

Season-long Events

Lake Martin Civitan Club

The Lake Martin Civitan Club meets at noon in the private room at JR’s Grill, 145 Alabama St., Alexander City, on the second Thursday of each month. For more information, call Audrey Moore at 256-786-0465.

Wellborn Musclecar Museum

Housed in a restored vintage auto dealership in downtown Alexander City, the Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open for public viewing Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free. To arrange discounted group tours or private tours, email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail.com or call 256-329-8474.

Dadeville Community Chorus

Rehearsals will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at Dadeville Performing Arts Center for a performance in late May. Email kim.walls@ dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

Rhythm-Antics

Join this music exploration course from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Thursdays at Dadeville Performing Arts Center with Kim Walls. For all levels and ages, this class will teach students to read, write, play, sing and move to music rhythms. No need to know how to read music to start. The class will use a variety of classroom instruments, such as percussion, recorders and hand bells. No materials necessary. Email kim.walls@ dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

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 Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289. In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the second Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.

Fiber Fridays

Bring your knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber art projects to The Yarn Shop Around the Corner in Dadeville from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays to meet fellow fiber artisans, share tips and techniques and talk with others who share your interests. Call 334-444-1038 for more information.

Library Storytimes

Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children.

Santuck Flea Market

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

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

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

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

Naturalist Marianne fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. Visit RussellLands.com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on State Route 9 in Equality. Visit the Equality Performing Arts Center Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming artists.

Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake

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

Tallassee Lions Club

The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant, across from the football stadium in Tallassee, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism. For more information, call Marilyn Speake at 334-283-6864 or email her at marilyn.speake@tcschools.com.

Legend

Public Boat Ramps

Lake Martin

Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

River North Marina 256-397-1500

Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's 256-444-8793

SpringHouse 256-215-7080

Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

Acapulco Mexican Gril 334-283-2725

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

Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

Kowaliga Whole Health 334-857-1816

Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage 334-391-0717 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

Get on the Map! 256-234-4281

ALEXANDER CITY

Robinson Iron

A & M Plumbing

Carlos

The Body Shop

Walgreens

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Jake's

Moore Wealth Management

Carlisle's

Emporium Wine

Cloud Nine

Downtown Girl

Shay Aesthetics

JR'S

Hillabee Towers

Senior Nutrition Center

Noel Boone

George Hardy

First Realty

Dark Insurance

Warren Appliance

MainStreet Family Care

Grace's Flowers

Koon's Korner

Larry's General Merchandise

Daylight Donuts

Alfa

Valley Bank - 280

Pricare

Temple Medical

AllState

BB&T Bank

Hometown Pharmacy

Lake Martin Home Health

Allen's Food Mart (Exxon)

Karen Channell - State Farm

Insurance

North Lake Condo

River Bend Store

River North Marina

Lake Martin Building Supply

Petro

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE!

Sho'Nuff BBQ

Hair Design

Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture

Longleaf Antique Mall

Playhouse Cinemas

Chamber of Commerce

Winn Dixie

Re/Max Around the Lake

City Hall

A&E Metal Regions Bank

Marathon - 280

Renfroe's Market

Russell Medical Center

Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors

Koon's II

Tallapoosa Ford

Dylan Johnson - Country Financial

Holley's Home Furniture

Jackson's Drugs

Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark

The Sure Shot

Shell - 280

Big B Bar-B-Que

Russell Do It Center

Russell Home Decor

Holman Floor

Satterfield Inc.

Grain & Leaf, Bottles & Cigars

Tippy Canoe

Love Lake Martin Real Estate Office

Wind Creek Gate

Wind Creek Store

Willow Point Office

Willow Point Country Club

Smith Marina

Nails

Kowaliga Marina

Children's Harbor

Catherine's Market

Russell Lands Corporate Office

Russell Lands Real Estate

Sales Center

SpringHouse

Ridge Club

Ridge Marina

HACKNEYVILLE

Hackneyville Water Authority

NEW SITE

Piggly Wiggly - New Site Foodland

DADEVILLE

Chamber of Commerce

Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery

Root 49 Salon

Ellaby Boutique, LLC

Alabama Power

Siggers

Siggers Barbershop

Fusion Cafe

Dadeville Library

At the Beauty Shop

Dadeville Courthouse

Payne's Furniture

PNC Bank

Valley Bank

McKelvey Chevrolet

Renfroe's Market

Foshee's Boat Doc

Lakeshore Pharmacy

Russell Building Supply

Lakay's

Tallapoosa Nutrition

Sweet Pickins

Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Jim's Pharmacy

Poplar Dawgs

Still Waters Country Club

Still Waters Home Association

Russell Lands Realty

Fuller Realty

Harbor Pointe

Oskar's

Aronov Realty Lake Martin

Creekside Lodge

Blue Creek Marina

Lakeside Marina

Niffers

Hwy 50 Eagle

Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery

Lakeside Mercantile

Walnut Hill

Chuck's Marina

Deep Water Docks

Lake Martin Pizza

CAMP HILL

Link Gas Station

EQUALITY

Five Star Plantation

Equality Food Mart

Southern Star

Parker Creek Marina

Charles Borden

ECLECTIC

Lake Breeze Realty

Offshore Marina

Lake Martin Mini Mall

Corner Stone Coffee Co.

Lake Martin Dock Company

Cotton's Alabama Barbecue

Russell Do It Center

Johnson Furniture

WOW Catering LLC

Eclectic Library

Real Island Marina

Anchor Bay Marina

Wetumpka

Wetumpka Herald Office

Tallassee

Marathon

Tallassee Eagle

Tallassee Chamber

Parris Mullins Jr. O.D.

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

If you grew up on Lake Martin, the beach or any body of water, for that matter, you probably could define your summers by swimsuits.

Time to suit up

I remember my first real bikini. I was in the eighth grade, and it was black and floral. My grandmother bought it for me, and my mother thought it was “too adult.” I got to keep it.

I also remember an olive green one and an afternoon at the rope swings up on the river in high school. There was a black Calvin Klein one in college that Jessica Sanford and I practically shared, along with a few Nokia phones. A seersucker one from J.Crew that I had the summer I started dating John.

Culture Shock

When the time changes every spring, the lake water rises and the temperatures hit 70 degrees, I clean out my swimsuit drawer and laugh at the previous season’s suits. I tend to wear them out, and it is true: The more expensive ones usually last longer, and the cheaper ones always fit the young.

Living on the water for 10 years will result in lots of swimsuits, and the styles are always changing. Side ties or high waisted. Triangle tops or halter tops. One piece with cut-outs or no cut-outs. Neon colors vs. neutral tones.

In the early 1900s, Australian Annette Kellerman visited the United States as an underwater ballerina and introduced the masses to the one-piece tank suit that went on to inspire women’s swimwear in the 1912 Olympics, the year the women’s swimming event premiered.

In 1913, designer Carl Jantzen designed the first twopiece suit. “Taking in the sun” took on in the 1920s, and swimwear got smaller. In the ’30s, men started swimming bare chested, and it was the

norm by the ’40s.

Of course, the Europeans led the charge in fashion. Unsurprisingly, wartime rations during World War II resulted in swimsuit bottoms without skirts. The first true bikinis followed the war and were made memorable by sirens of the day like Bridgette Bardot.

Ladies, if you are new to Lake Martin, here are a few of the swimsuits you will need, in no particular order:

n A classic black one piece that is truly appropriate and you can wear anywhere (including work events).

n A sporty one with good support for volleyball; really bumpy boat rides; and water activities, like tubing, that might provoke a different swimsuit top to malfunction.

n A layout swimsuit, designed to accumulate the fewest tan lines and the one you do not want your neighbor to see you in.

n A pool or hot tub swimsuit that you do not care if the chlorine fades the fabric.

n An “I’m eating barbequed ribs today, and this will have to do” swimsuit.

n An “I ate salad all week and worked out, so I am feeling myself,” swimsuit.

n A stars and stripes patriotic one for Memorial Day and Fourth of July.

n n “I got too much sun yesterday” swimsuit that covers up more than the previous day’s swimsuit did.

n A just-for-the-boyfriend-or-husband suit (wink, wink)

n No suit at all – because if you have never skinny dipped at night in Lake Martin, put that on your summer 2023 bucket list. Just watch out for the minnows.

~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Instagram@LaceyHowell and on her Facebook page.

Lacey Howell

in observance of Melanoma Monday

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023

MEDICAL PARK FAMILY CARE

1034 S Tallassee St. • Dadeville, AL

Screenings Conducted by Kayla Tidwell, CRNP, & Tate Hinkle, M.D.

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

HEALTH PARTNERS OF NEW SITE

12761 Highway 22 East • New Site, AL

Screenings Conducted by Jamie Peavy, CRNP, & Justin Vines, M.D.

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

UAB MEDICINE - RUSSELL MEDICAL CANCER CENTER

3446 U.S. Highway 280 • Alexander City, AL

Screenings Conducted by Steven Mackey, M.D.

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

No Appointment Necessary